Bittner/Singer Orchards

“Consumers get excited about something new. That’s why we’re focused on SnapDragon and RubyFrost — both because of their appeal and the fact that both varieties impressed us very much.”

Bittner Singer Orchards is a fruit farm located in Appleton, NY on Lake Ontario. Jim Bittner is a first-generation fruit farmer who works with his two sons. This video explores what the benefits and risks are of being a first-generation farmer what is involved with growing apples.

“I’m a first-generation farmer who joined the Singers since 1991. I started my career as a dairy farmer after college with my wife. We milked 80 cows for 8 years. Then, after she retired, I decided to make the shift my efforts into fruit farming, so I partnered with the Singers. At present, we have 400 acres — half of it is apples and the other half is ‘stone fruit’ — fresh peaches, apricots, plums, prunes and nectarines. One of the reasons we’re so diversified is that we’re right on Lake Ontario. We have well-drained soils — it’s all about great drainage. So, we can grow peaches and apricots consistently, as well as incredible apples. We’re fortunate to have such a unique climate and close proximity to the lake. The other reason is that we plant based on consumer demand. Consumers get excited about something new. That’s why we’re focused on SnapDragon and RubyFrost — both because of their appeal and the fact that both varieties impressed us very much. We’ve been planting them since the first trees became available. We’re very happy with them, it’s another part of our diversification. And with the success of Snap and Ruby, we’ll definitely be planting more of them. Today, my two sons work with me, managing the farm and they’re really excited about Snap and Ruby, too. Together, we’re always testing new rootstocks, varieties, crops and growing techniques from Cornell University and around the world. We’re very fortunate to live in one of the best fruit-growing areas in the Northeast.”

– Jim Bittner