Jim Lott grew up on his family’s farm in Idaho. As an adult, he went in to construction and became a general contractor. When his father retired, Jim bought his father’s 3 acre orchard near Pasco, Washington, and got hooked on farming all over again. Every year he developed and planted 5 more acres with the whole family pitching in to help. Jim and Shirley Lott, their three sons, one daughter, two daughters in-law and three grandchildren love being part of a family owned and operated orchard.

The Lott family now farms 150 acres of apples organically. They grow six varieties: Ginger Gold, Gala, Braeburn, Fuji, Granny Smith, and Pink Lady^®. Since those six varieties mature at different times, the harvest extends from August through October. Every fall after the last apple is picked, the Lotts host a big barbecue for workers and friends to celebrate the harvest.

Jim Lott converted his orchard to organic for several reasons. He was concerned about his family’s health and he didn’t want to have to worry about his kids or grandkids eating just-sprayed fruit. In addition, spraying when no neighbors are outside or the wind is just right became more trouble than it was worth. Working with nature and understanding the cycles of insects has been an enjoyable education for the whole family. Mother nature does throw an occasional curve at the Lotts, but they take it as learning experience. The family is happy with their choice to go organic.