Heck, you might not even expect to find trees, period. The orchard has been here for 70 years. So all the local people know about it and think of it as part of the community. But when outsiders come, they are amazed to see any orchard in Grant County, Oregon. Timber has long been king in Grant County.
Agriculture usually takes the form of cattle ranching and some production of alfalfa hay.
But the climate combined with the expertise and willingness of a family like the Thomases can produce a commodity not normally found in that geographic area. Thomas Orchards proves you can't necessarily tell a farmer what they can or cannot grow. There are advantages and disadvantages to the orchard's location. Pests seem to be less of a problem than in areas of more widespread and intensive tree fruit production. The soil and climate tend to give the Kimberly fruit more flavor than other orchards, especially those outside of Oregon.