The purpose of this farm Program Strategy at 1011 Appleway Rd- Grandview Washington purchased in 1998; was to initiate and formalize a *Agricultural System (Concorde Grape), * Timeline for Production, * Framework of Operation,* Financial Profiles to enable the Farming Operation.
1) From 1998 until 2006 I initiated a farm operation under a Welchs Grape marketing program.
2) I produced Welchs concord grape juice timeline. Some of the most common products for our local production was Welchs Sparkling Juice which is proudly presented on every table on every Military DFAC throughout the world on holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving. My grapes were used in the process of this product bottled in Kennewick Washington plant from 1998 through 2006.
3) Frame work of operation; this farm had the distinction of being one of the highest producers of concord grape per acre with a average brik of nearly 16-18 at yielded harvest. My average harvest tonnage was 17-20 tons per acre when industry standard is 6-8 tons. The success of this grape operation was in part due to an aggressive fertilization program using natural vegetation, watering practices and plenty of love. The average berry was larger and more juicy than standard yielding more juice at harvest.
4) In 2006 having out grown grape production and busy with construction program management and facility management projects in the Middle East and East Asia; I took the grapes out and planted stone fruit (Chelan Cherry).
Again; I started with a Program Strategy as mentioned above. ( Agricultural System; Timeline for Production; Framework of Operation; and Financial Profile to enable the Farming Operation)
I follow the WSU Extension engineered farming program as implemented by my local farm co-op managers and suppliers. Typically a small Cherry block will begin to produce a harvestable crop within 5-10 years, however, I have had phenomenal success at 3 years with a marketable production. The weather plays a large part in this process, but also careful management, constant good farming technique and reliable advice from professional farm engineers and managers typically keep me on the cutting edge of production.
Please review the photos, resume, and statement of operation enclosed. You will see a chart listing the year by year progress of each crop to date.
If you have questions or would like to comment, please email me or comment on my on line form.
Regards
Craig - Farm Project Manager
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12/07/2011