What began as a modest 18 acre orchard featuring Snow and Baldwin apples has expanded over four generations to 130 acres of fruit production. Most of this acreage is planted with apples, with about ten acres reserved for Bartlett, Bosc and Clapp pears.
Tom Cleaver established the orchard in 1915; son Jim worked with his dad to become one of the largest growers in Ontario. Tom and Jim were both active with the Norfolk Fruit Growers Association, both at times holding the position of President in the association.
Jim’s son Richard was instrumental in starting many new varieties in the 90’s – including some unique varieties not easily found elsewhere. These additions sparked son Casey’s passion for orcharding. “I just live for this,” Casey grinned, adding, “The connection to the soil, trees … that’s where it’s at for me.”
About 85% of the apple crop, consisting of Gala, Ambrosia and Honey Crisp is marketed through the Norfolk Fruit Grower’s Association with the remaining 15% sold at their retail location on Blue Line Rd. The retail part started with Richard selling bushels of apples on the front yard.
The Cleavers produce 45 + varieties of apples, available in their season which runs from late August to the end of October. Favourite varieties for their customers include: Ginger Gold, Silken, Gala, Ambrosia, Honey Crisp. Aurora Golden Gala and Evercrisp. Older varieties like Macintosh, Red and Golden Delicious are also available. In addition customers can delight in heritage varieties like Snow, Tydeman, Tolman Sweets, Northern Spy and Golden Russet.
One interesting new variety is Hidden Rose, a green skinned apple with red flesh. These are ready just in time for the Norfolk County Fair.
Apples are a long-term project. In year one planting occurs with 1000 to 2000 trees per acre. Yong trees are now planted on trellises, which give support and produce a better, more uniform quality of fruit, due to all getting a consistent amount of sunlight. The trees are pruned for height and width, making for a higher volume of quality fruit and making harvesting much more efficient.
Harvest starts in late summer. A 15 man crew from Jamaica arrives mid August and stays till November 10th. Some of these men have come to this same farm for 35 + years and are like family to the Cleavers.
Some of their customers also feel like extended family, as they return year after year to the retail store. Casey noted, “I think it’s really neat,” to see kids come, grow up and then bring their own families to the store.
Casey, brother Cody and dad Richard do the bulk of the work for the orchard, jobs like spraying and pruning, as well as maintaining the machines (Cody’s part). Casey’s wife Sarah will soon be taking on the responsibility for managing the office work. Casey identified the biggest challenge for his job is deciding which varieties to keep. New trees start producing at three to four years and reach peak production by year nine. Productive life is about twenty five years.
Weather is also a huge challenge, with dramatic ups and downs. 2012 and 2015 saw complete crop losses. 2016 saw a high volume of fruit after the lost year, but a drought resulted in small size.
Casey identified big rewards too. Mainly the satisfaction of maintaining a family business, carrying on great grandfather Tom’s enterprise on the same property. Casey very much appreciates his ability to spend time with his dad on the farm. “I have a ton of respect for the three that came before me,” he stated, adding that he hopes his children will continue the business into the future.
As to that future, Casey wants to continue with new varieties, using sustainable practices with a focus on soil health.
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