Harvest 2020 is now in the books. Time to review and reflect. For myself I have had the opportunity of sharing in the ritual of harvest. I never grew up in the old West, but I imagine harvest was similar to being on a cattle drive. Sounds fantastic in the beginning but sandwiched between the start and the finish are tired bones and long unglamorous moments, but for the very few who have had the opportunity it was priceless. There is an expression that to really understand an event you have to walk in those shoes. To those who never wore those ‘shoes’ you can only imagine.

So, my question is what motivates a person to desire the right to wear those shoes? Over the years I have jokingly said of Sons in the business it is because of the “Curse of our Fathers”. Over the decades we have had many generations of Fathers who have passed on this “curse”! I just tried to list the names of successful Family operations. I back spaced because I could not create a list without omitting a worthy family. The point is we have been strengthened and advanced because of the decades of family commitment to the New York fruit industry.

The vision of these generations needs to be recognized. The one driving constant was what we were doing today was only a first step to the improved future. This unselfish vision was once again illustrated by the recommitment to our apple marketing order. This unselfish family positive vote opens so many new opportunities for research, marketing, legislative voice and more.

I think I have shared my point and approval of the marketing order being passed again. I really do not feel it is a “curse” but a very unique “blessing”. Enjoy the winter. It is noticeably short! Plan and dream of better harvests yet ahead. To those of you who have the opportunity to experience this “curse” enjoy your good fortune.

Allow me to share with you one of my favorite moments in life. Once all the crops are harvested, safely in storage. I prayed for a furious storm to rage over my house.  The louder and more powerful the better! I would lie there and just smile from ear to ear and say I withstood all that Mother Nature had to challenge me with! See you next spring old friend!