Built by the Seasons

Rich volcanic soil, four distinct seasons, and an abundance of sunshine make Wenatchee Valley the ideal location for growing some of the best apples and pears in the world.

Orchardists Darrin Kenoyer and Kelly Green work side by side to produce some of that exceptional fruit at Kenoyer Farms in Cashmere, Washington. Both grew up on multi-generational farms, where the love of agriculture runs deep. That shared heritage and passion led them to take the next step by combining their family farms and building a thriving orchard operation together.

While Darrin and Kelly love nearly everything about orchard life, farming is never without its challenges. “Two years ago, it was a very cold fall and leaves froze on the tree, so the trees got a little bit stressed,” Darrin explained. “And then the following summer, there was a hundred-degree weather for about two weeks, so it created another stress. And then last winter, it was minus 15 or 20 degrees over an extended period of time, so the buds really got damaged.”

The result was a modest crop last year, but perseverance, determination, and a lot of hard work continue to define their successful operation.

The Wenatchee Valley is famously known as the “Apple Capitol of the World,” and it doesn’t take long to see why. Row after row of beautiful apple orchards stretch across the landscape. Yet here in the valley, there’s a close second contender. “Pears are king, that’s why many growers are switching out their apples in favor of pear trees,” Darrin said. “Our apples are the older varieties. We still have Goldens, Galas, and Grannies, but over the years we’ve been gearing up more for pears because this region is the best for growing pears in the world.” Darrin added that they haven’t planted any new apple blocks in recent years. When an older block is removed, pears take its place.

Washington State ranks number one in the nation for producing both apples and pears. While apples remain the most popular fruit, pears follow closely behind.

No matter the crop, Darrin and Kelly bring the same passion to their work. “It’s something that you’ve worked all year towards and then there’s an actual harvest and you see the literal fruit of your labor,” shared Kelly.

Darrin echoed that pride, saying, “I like the idea of being at the front of the food chain. We’re providing that product all the way from the beginning to the very end.”

Washington State is fortunate to have growers like Darrin and Kelly, along with so many others, working the land right in our own backyards. So the next time you take a juicy bite of an apple or pear, raise a cheer to fresh fruit and the dedicated hands that grow it.