Quality is the top priority at Tom and Becki Muhlbeier’s apple orchard in Pasco, Washington. They grow 12 acres of Fuji apples plus some Braeburn, Pink Lady^®, Cameo, and Crimson Gala.

Growing quality fruit is their passion. The Muhlbeiers refuse to pick fruit before it reaches optimum maturity. They decided that growing top quality apples over the long term is more important than cutting corners to take advantage of a one-year hot market.

Tom and Becki have 2 sons, Eric and Matt, who love to work on the farm. Eric likes to drive the tractor and Matt is one of the farm’s best apple pickers.

In addition to farming, Tom works for a farm consulting company. He takes aerial infrared photographs and analyzes them for signs of plant stress caused by soil variation, irrigation, fertility, or insect damage. Becki is also employed by an agricultural business.

Tom farmed conventionally for 7 years, and then converted the orchard to organic. The Muhlbeiers are very excited about the future of organic farming and have a lot of fun practicing organic growing methods. They know there will always be a market for quality fruit.