The names of the people who live in the Sparta, MI, area are largely the same names as those who settled the area in the 1840s.

"They are probably the same as they will be several generations down the road," added Don Armock, president and a partner in Riveridge Produce Marketing Inc. in Sparta, MI. It follows, then, that the area's farmers have always had a deep interest in agricultural practices that will sustain the land and lifestyle.

The 2010 Michigan apple crop was damaged by frost in its formative stages. The fresh crop volume has been further reduced in packout because of emerging frost damage, according to Don Armock president of Riveridge Produce Marketing Inc. in Sparta, MI.

"It's not a huge crop this year, but it’s an outstanding one as far as quality is concerned," said Lee Peters, vice president of sales and marketing for Fowler Bros. Inc. in Wolcott, NY. “We anticipate prices will strengthen as we head forward because of the tight crop, and there will be shortages as we head into spring and summer.”

Mr. Peters said that the volume of apples in the country is smaller this year than last year, and less that the five-year average.

Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers' popular "applesnaQ" campaign is seeing good reception at retail and is part of the overall strong movement of apples from the Wenatchee, WA-based operation.

Congdon Orchards Inc. is the latest Washington producer of apples, pears and cherries to join forces with grower cooperative FirstFruits of Washington, headquartered in Yakima, WA. FirstFruits Chief Executive Officer Keith Mathews said that the company is a welcome addition. "They really help round us out," he told The Produce News in mid-December. In all, Congdon will bring a half-million packages each for apples, pears and cherries to the table.

Roger Pepperl, director of marketing for Stemilt Growers Inc. in Wenatchee, WA, said that the 2010-11 apple season has been remarkable. "We have had fantastic movement," he told The Produce News Dec. 14. “There is record movement as a company and as an industry.”

The company is marketing a full manifest of conventional and organic apples. “We're moving a ton of Fujis,” he said. “Reds, Goldens, Grannies and Galas [sold] well for the holidays. We have a lot of beautiful Braeburns. Apples are looking good. Sales are fantastic.”