At Chelan Ranch, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s our way of life. Tucked in the hills above Lake Chelan, our family farm grows delicious, certified organic apples, cherries, and blueberries while nurturing the environment for generations. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how we sustainably grow our organic fruit and why it matters to you and the planet.

Certified Salmon-Safe: Protecting Waterways and Wildlife

We are proud to be a certified Salmon-Safe farm. Our certification highlights our commitment to protecting Purtteman Gulch Creek, one of several local waterways on which wildlife depends. Our farming practices minimize runoff, reduce water pollution, and maintain healthy habitats for salmon and other aquatic species. Another waterway, the Chelan River, connects Lake Chelan to the Columbia River, creating migratory pathways for salmon. By choosing Chelan Ranch products, you’re supporting farming practices that help preserve Washington’s iconic salmon populations.

Healthy Soil: The Foundation of Organic Farming

Healthy fruit starts with healthy soil. Here’s how we keep our soil thriving and sustainable:

• Composting: We enrich our soil with organic compost from plant and animal materials, adding essential nutrients and fostering beneficial microorganisms.
• Animal manures: Properly aged to reduce pathogens and ensure compliance with organic standards.
• Fish fertilizers: Rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and micronutrients; enhance microbial activity and soil fertility.
• Feather Meal: Hydrolyzed poultry feathers are high in nitrogen and slowly release this key nutrient.
• Lime and Sulfur (Soil Amendments): Natural lime (calcium carbonate) or elemental sulfur adjusts soil pH to optimize nutrient availability and berry and tree health.

Application Practices in Organic Orchards

• Soil testing and leaf analysis guide the choice and timing of fertilizers.
• Organic fertilizers and cultural practices like mulching, pruning, and irrigation optimize tree health and productivity.
• The focus is on building long-term soil health rather than quick synthetic nutrient fixes.

Organic tree fruit farmers use these fertilizers to maintain sustainable production systems, prioritizing environmental health and high-quality fruit.

The priority on soil health produces apples, cherries, and blueberries packed with nutrients and flavor.

Natural Pest Management

Instead of relying on synthetic pesticides, we use integrated pest management (IPM) to keep our crops healthy:

• Beneficial Insects: Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators that help control aphids and other pests.
• Kaolin Clay: We spray our fruit with a natural kaolin clay barrier that deters pests while being entirely safe for pollinators and humans.
• Monitoring and Scouting: Regular inspections allow us to identify potential issues early and address them with targeted natural solutions. There is no such thing as a lazy organic farmer. Organic farmers are inherently hardworking because their success depends on their constant care and vigilance.
• Pheromones: Our organic orchards use pheromone-based pest control to protect our apples, cherries, and blueberries without harmful chemicals. We can target specific pests like moths by deploying traps or disruptors that mimic insects’ natural chemical signals, reducing crop damage while maintaining an environmentally friendly and balanced ecosystem.

These methods keep our orchards balanced and our fruit trees from harmful chemicals.

Water Conservation Techniques

Water is a precious resource, and we use it wisely:

• Drip Irrigation: Our efficient drip irrigation system delivers water directly to the roots of our trees and bushes, minimizing waste.
• Soil Moisture Monitoring: We use sensors to ensure our crops get just the right amount of water—not too much, not too little.
• Micro-sprinklers: Our efficient and precise micro-sprinklers irrigate our orchards, promoting healthier trees, better fruit production, and reduced environmental impact.
• Mulching: The practice of covering the soil surface around plants with a layer of material, such as organic matter (e.g., straw, wood chips, leaves) or inorganic materials (e.g., plastic, gravel). The protective layer conserves water by reducing evaporation, retaining soil moisture, and regulating temperature. It also suppresses weeds and enhances soil structure, reducing water competition and supporting sustainable farming practices.

These practices conserve water, reduce runoff, and protect local waterways that empty into Lake Chelan, aligning with our Salmon-Safe certification.

Promoting Biodiversity

Biodiversity is vital for a healthy ecosystem, and we foster it throughout our farm:

• Pollinator Habitat: Our fruit trees and berry bushes attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators essential for fruit production.
• Bird Boxes: Installing Kestler and owl birdhouses encourages these birds to help manage rodents naturally.
• Native Plants: Incorporating native plants around our orchards enhances the local ecosystem and provides habitat for beneficial wildlife.
• Farming Small blocks: Allows natural vegetation on two sides of each block. Natural vegetation adjacent to our farming blocks enhances the effectiveness of IPM by promoting beneficial species and disrupting pest lifecycles.

By creating a diverse and balanced environment, we support the health of our crops and the surrounding land.

Sustainable Packaging and Distribution

Once we harvest our apples and blueberries, we focus on sustainability beyond the farm:

• Eco-Friendly Packaging: We use recyclable and compostable materials to reduce waste.
• Local and Direct Sales: Selling directly to our customers and regional markets minimizes transportation emissions and ensures you get the freshest fruit.

Freeze-Dried Products: Our freeze-dried apples, cherries, and blueberries retain all their nutrients and flavor with minimal environmental impact for longer-lasting options.

Why Choose Organic?

When you choose organic apples, cherries, and blueberries from Chelan Ranch, you’re supporting:

• A healthier planet with reduced chemical use.
• Safer working conditions for farm workers.
• Nutritious, flavorful fruit grown with care.

Your choice makes a difference in creating a more sustainable food system.

Experience the Difference at Chelan Ranch

Sustainability is at the core of everything we do at Chelan Ranch. From nurturing the soil to conserving water and fostering biodiversity, we’re proud to grow organic apples, cherries, and blueberries that are as good for the environment as they are for your table. Our Salmon-Safe certification is another way we demonstrate our commitment to protecting our natural resources and local ecosystems.

Visit us in Lake Chelan or online to see sustainable farming, or explore our organic products online to taste the difference for yourself!