[Three Springs Fruit Farm Powerpoint]
Three Springs Fruit Farm is a family farm in Adams County, PA that produces fruits, berries, tomatoes and other vegetables, though apples are part of their largest production. I had the opportunity to visit this farm while interpreting for Keystone Migrant Health services, but wanted to learn more about their production. I had trouble getting in contact with another producer so I decided to go with this farm instead.
When did you start food producing?
Ben Wenk is part of the seventh generation of the family farm. He is a 2006 graduate of the Penn State Agroecology program with a minor in horticulture. After this, Ben returned to the farm. Since 2007, Ben manages trips to the farmers markets including markets located in Philadelphia, Washington DC, and Harrisburg. Part of his job also includes monitoring the fruit fields for insects in order to reduce pesticide usage.
How do you manage pests? Do you use pesticides?
The farm uses integrated pest management in order to consider every possible means to mitigate pests. Part of this includes monitoring traps every week in order to catch insects. The farm tries to use every possible solution prior to using any type of spray. When using minimal sprays, the farm tries to find solutions that have a minimal negative effect on the evironment. In 2010, they received the Food Alliance Certified producer award for their standards which is a testament to their management practices.
How has the farm changed over time?
In the initial years of the farm, the focus was not actually apples having only 10 acres of apples, but rather hogs, chickens, and other field crops were the main operations. 1964 was the year that most of the apple trees were planted. Today, the majority of the farms 335 acres are preserved farmland in order to keep land for future usage in the years to come. Through purchasing nearby farms, Three Springs now focuses on selling fresh apples as their main market instead of the processing industry.
How do you stay informed about agriculture? Are you a part of any agricultural organizations?
The farm is active with the following organizations: State Horticulture Association of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Apple Marketing Board, Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture.
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