A hot, steamy day did not deter 200 attendees for the Ontario Apple Growers Summer Tour near Newcastle, east of the Greater Toronto Area.

At Archibald’s Orchard & Winery, Fred Archibald explained, “Our operation will never be the Molson’s of the winery world, but this size is manageable and fun for us.”  Other speakers included Erica DeBrouwer, OMAFRA tree fruit specialist, talking about trials with the pollen tube growth model and Kristy Grigg-McGuffin, OMAFRA horticultural IPM specialist, talking about the insect friends and foes to be found during bloom time.

At Algoma Orchards, farm manager Manus Boonzaire explained the two- and three-year-old plantings with Honeycrisp and new varieties such as Snowflake and Royal Red Honey. His talk took place overlooking 100 picturesque acres.  Rebecca Shortt, OMAFRA engineering specialist, talked about the ins and outs of orchard irrigation. The tour resumed at the headquarters of Algoma Orchards. The plant tour was conducted by Kirk Kemp, owner as well as Deon Boonzaire, plant manager, who explained the new controlled atmosphere storage units. The two Boonzaire brothers, with roots in South African orchards and packing operations, are a knowledgeable duo in the apple sector.

At Wilmot Orchards, Ian Parker explained young tree trials. Erika DeBrouwer talked about the three Ts of thinning: tree, tools and timing. Katie Goldenhar, OMAFRA pathologist for horticulture, talked about the viruses now impacting apple orchards.

The National Apple Working Group, under the auspices of the Fruit & Vegetable Growers of Canada, held meetings prior to the event, so that representatives across the country could also attend.