Our Family of Growers
You have all heard the saying that “good things come in small packages”. At Fruition Sales we take it a step further and say “good citrus comes from small growers”! argaiv1710
We understand that we are just a small fish in the big sea of corporate plantings and packing facilities. We are very comfortable with our size and try to concentrate on doing what we do best. Because of the diversity of varieties we offer, we can not grow them all ourselves. To help us provide all that we offer, we have embraced a collective group of small growers in our area who have the right terrain, growing techniques, and standards, along with the desire to produce some exciting varieties.
Some of these growers are second and third generation farmers, living and working on the ranches their grandparents established before them. Others are new to the citrus industry, even choosing to grow specialty varieties in their retirement. All are dedicated to producing quality citrus that fits into our philosophy. We have even referred to them before as “artisan growers” because we believe they show a special skill in their trade and a desire to deliver something they are proud of to the consumer.
We would like to introduce you to some of our growers and let them tell you their story……
The Millers – Three Generations and Counting
I was first introduced to the Miller family in the fall of 1980, when I was young and had just started my new job with a very large packing house. Don and Mildred Miller were substantial growers for my employer and I was the field man assigned to their groves. It was my job to oversee the harvesting and learn the many other aspects of the perishable produce world. The Millers were fairly large growers - with their own groves and with the groves they managed for several out of town growers. I committed many hours a week to them, either in the office or more importantly in the field. They literally took me under their wing and I was eager to learn, I could not have had better mentors.
Don and Mildred’s son, Kendall (second generation), was running day to day operations. The mentoring (knowledge) I received from the Millers, along with my hands on experiences in the field, developed habits and ideas that I still use in the industry today! Kendall’s son, Arlen, is now the third generation of Millers to “put their shadow on the land”, as Grandmother Mildred used to tell me.
Arlen and his wife Katy have been part of our family of growers for the past six years. Arlen’s attention to detail and even keel are his best attributes. His open-minded approach and willingness to look outside the box have served the operations well as the farm retools into new crops for the future. Katy does all the bookwork for the Miller farming operations and also works here in our office.
The Miller groves are located in some of the best growing areas in the Orange Cove district. First and foremost, the soil grows great tasting fruit. These locations are also very well protected from frost, where 1 or 2 degrees can be the difference between harvesting a crop or not. Additionally, the proximity of the groves to our packing facility is a benefit to the growers and our customers. The fruit doesn’t have to travel far, this keeps it fresher and reduces the carbon footprint.
Farming for three generations hasn’t always been easy, but with Arlen and Katy’s commitment to the business, and their unwavering faith, their children have a great opportunity to become to the fourth generation of Miller’s to “put their shadow on the land”.
The Millers
Three Generations and Counting
I was first introduced to the Miller family in the fall of 1980, when I was young and had just started my new job with a very large packing house. Don and Mildred Miller were substantial growers for my employer and I was the field man assigned to their groves.
It was my job to oversee the harvesting and learn the many other aspects of the perishable produce world. The Millers were fairly large growers - with their own groves and with the groves they managed for several out of town growers. I committed many hours a week to them, either in the office or more importantly in the field. They literally took me under their wing and I was eager to learn, I could not have had better mentors.Don and Mildred’s son, Kendall (second generation), was running day to day operations. The mentoring (knowledge) I received from the Millers, along with my hands on experiences in the field, developed habits and ideas that I still use in the industry today! Kendall’s son, Arlen, is now the third generation of Millers to “put their shadow on the land”, as Grandmother Mildred used to tell me.
Arlen and his wife Katy have been part of our family of growers for the past six years. Arlen’s attention to detail and even keel are his best attributes. His open-minded approach and willingness to look outside the box have served the operations well as the farm retools into new crops for the future. Katy does all the bookwork for the Miller farming operations and also works here in our office.
The Miller groves are located in some of the best growing areas in the Orange Cove district. First and foremost, the soil grows great tasting fruit. These locations are also very well protected from frost, where 1 or 2 degrees can be the difference between harvesting a crop or not. Additionally, the proximity of the groves to our packing facility is a benefit to the growers and our customers. The fruit doesn’t have to travel far, this keeps it fresher and reduces the carbon footprint.
Farming for three generations hasn’t always been easy, but with Arlen and Katy’s commitment to the business, and their unwavering faith, their children have a great opportunity to become the fourth generation of Miller’s to “put their shadow on the land”.
|
