The man responsible for following these strict specifications for Organic Orchards is Dennis Mackey, master organic horticulturist and director of the Germantown apple orchard. After 20 years of trial and error, Mackey has developed methods that use naturally occurring materials to fertilize the trees and control pests. These natural materials include seaweed and fish powders to establish early growth in the season and ensure next year's crop. Chicken manure, applied after the harvest is complete, provides potassium for desirable fruit size. Humate, an ancient, decayed plant material, is a catalyst that helps the tree absorb more of the micro-nutrients from the soil and fertilizer.
Pests are another problem.
Mackey is a pioneer of organic horticulture in the Midwest, the most difficult region in the United States to practice organic farming. The Family Farmer web site states that there are at least two dozen insects in Michigan that are attracted to apples. But, again Mackey finds ingenious ways to thwart the intruders. Pheromone sacs hanging from twist ties confuse some moths enough to send them flying pell mell away from their mates. Above all, Mackey is fastidious about pruning and tree inspection, a task that keeps him busy throughout the winter.