Christ Orchard: Apples!

September is an extremely busy month. So much is going on as farmers are preparing for harvest, students are getting back in the swing of school, but even more, September is a month where many farmers need to be recognized for everything they do. September is 'National Apple Month' therefore I highly recommend spending an afternoon with the family at your local apple orchard!

My favorite apple orchard is located in Elmwood, Illinois, Christ Orchard, owned by Kurt and Connie Christ. In the early 1970's, the Midland Coal Company planted a few apple trees, which eventually turned into the Christ Orchard in the 1980's. Kurt got involved with the orchard as a freshman when his FFA chapter was asked to help with the operation. Currently, a family operation, Christ Orchard offers a variety of produce from August through November.

Along with their 5 children Beth (who was married last July), Lena, Molly, Karl, and Amy, the Christ family produce over 40 varieties of apples as well as cider, peaches, plums, pears, concord grapes, cherries, apricots, pumpkins, squash, sweet corn, mums, and decorative straw bales and corn stalks.

"We enjoy it. It's a lifestyle; you need to like what you're doing because you do it all the time. We are just trying to grow quality apples at an affordable price for the public. We enjoy meeting new people and trying to grow what people like," Connie said of their orchard operation.

                                            The Christ family in their orchard

To hear the full interview with Connie Christ, click here http://www.box.net/shared/ejqjonjj5f1fgglgpziv