A new partnership created at the beginning of the year between Orchard View and Omeg Family Orchards is about to see the first fruits of its labor with high-quality cherries.

Orchard View Farm

The respective farms have been neighbors and friends since Orchard View’s start in 1923.

Omeg owner, Mike Omeg, and Orchard View president, Brenda Thomas, decided now was the right time to work together and build on their position in the marketplace.

"Mike Omeg is an exceptional grower," said David Nelley, vice president of categories for apples, pears, cherries and global exports at Oppy, an exclusive partner of Orchard View.

"He was named the 2017 Good Fruit Grower of the Year, a designation also awarded to the Baileys of Orchard View in 2003, we have no doubt these two powerhouses are a great match."

He said that the combined operation now has roughly 3,200 acres of cherry production, and is this season anticipating the "best cherries we’ve seen yet."

While this year’s had poor pollination weather resulted in just two to three flowers per spur and therefore 15% less volume, the Northwest expects to yield bigger and better cherries.

“We’ll see a manageable volume compared to the cherry fatigue the industry experienced last year,” says Jon Bailey, Oppy sales manager responsible for Orchard View.

“At an estimate of 1.2-1.3 million cartons, Orchard View could have a 30 percent increase over 2017. We think fewer buds on the trees will mean better tasting cherries which will set us up well for good repeat purchases along with having export quality and sizing earlier in the season.” 

Ian Chandler, director of field operations, will be directly managing 90% of this year’s crop while David Ortega, director of packing operations, has expanded the production line.

New cluster cutters and bin dumpers add to the front end line of the 48 lane Unitec optical sorting system for consistent size, color and overall cherry enjoyment. 

Timed slightly behind last year, the season will start with a light Chelan crop between June 12-15 and continue with preferred varieties until the beginning of August.

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