The Secret Of Their Success
Award-winning apple growers recognize the value of IFTA.

SEVERAL of American/Western Fruit Grower's Apple Grower of the Year winners have been involved with IFTA, including attending the annual conference or study tours. In celebrating IFTA's 50th anniversary, Brad Hollabaugh (the 2000 Apple Grower of the Year), George Lamont (1997), and Dan Boyer (2006) offer their thoughts on how IFTA has contributed to their own success, and what they have gained from their relationship with IFTA.

What are some of the biggest benefits you've taken from your experiences at IFTA's meetings and tours?

• Brad Hollabaugh, Hollabaugh Bros. Orchard, Biglerville, PA: I have participated in the local conferences, and have been privileged to be a sponsor of an IFTA tour in our region several years ago. The benefits of these experiences first and foremost go to the opportunity to interact and communicate with fellow growers from other regions. In addition, the research detailed in the Compact Fruit Tree publication regularly offers additional insight into some of the most prominent questions and/or problems encountered in the tree fruit business.
• George Lamont, Lamont Fruit Farm Albion, NY: Yes, I have attended several annual conferences starting in 1962. I have attended about one every five years. The China trip last year was my first international trip.
• Dan Boyer, Ridgetop Orchards, Fishertown, PA: I have attended quite a few IFTA meetings, not only in the U.S. but also abroad. My wife Lois and I were on the most recent Italy, China, and Mexico study tours. The growth regulator conference held this past spring was an invaluable educational meeting. One of the biggest benefits of attending IFTA gatherings is the friendship of fellow apple growers around the world. I have yet to go to a meeting/tour that I wasn't exposed to new and challenging ideas. IFTA has been our passport to the "world of fruit production."

How has IFTA influenced the way you do business in terms of production/horticulture, variety selection, or pest management?

• Hollabaugh: IFTA has provided a great many information resources for the modern tree fruit grower. Having access to this information is critical to remaining active and profitable in this industry. As we make decisions for variety selection, orchard systems design, pest management, and horticultural methods, this information provides a reference resource that helps us to be better horticulturalists - and marketers.
• Lamont: I consider the IFTA the world's premiere organization for fruit production technology, particularly apples. They spread the best ideas all over the world and we try to pick them up. We have been assisted in this by having New York people like Terence Robinson and Steve Hoying involved so we don't have to go to all the meetings to get the information.
• Boyer: After attending IFTA meetings throughout the years, our tree density per acre continues to increase. IFTA meetings have shown us that small, tall, slender fruit trees planted tight are the only way to stay competitive. IFTA also exposed us to Honeycrisp and has helped us grow the apple successfully.

In your view, how has IFTA served as a guiding force for the fruit industry?

• Hollabaugh: IFTA has always taken a leading, proactive role in focusing on the benefits of high-density orchard systems and associated horticultural methods. Any grower who expects to stay in business must be constantly learning about new techniques, technologies, and advances associated with the industry if they are to survive - and thrive - in the future.
• Lamont: I think they have been the technology source.
• Boyer: IFTA has helped growers grow more high-quality fruit per acre. Dwarfing rootstocks have paved the way for growers to get out of older poor-quality blocks or varieties and quickly get back into production with a higher quality product.

What memories from being involved in IFTA can you share?

• Hollabaugh: I was privileged to have been invited to participate in the "Welcome Night" at the most recent conference in Hershey, PA. The current executive director, Susan Pheasant, was professional and thoroughly pleasant to deal with while developing the details of my part in the program. I was warmly greeted by her at the convention as well. This behavior speaks well for the organization and made the experience very positive.
• Lamont: Friendships with growers all across the country and around the world have been enjoyable and in fact valuable.
• Boyer: While in China we traveled so far back in the remote lands to see an apple orchard that the Chinese people in that area had never seen Caucasians before. The entire village turned out to see us, as we looked at their orchards, with complete curiosity. They even brought Grandma in a wheelbarrow. I never felt so far away from home.