Average Farmer Is An Exceptional Person

A high percentage of Washington state apple farmers face economic disaster because of a declining market for Red Delicious and low returns over the last several years. This dilemma has led to the removal of many orchards and continues, almost on a daily basis. The banking community doesn’t see much future in continuing to fund these hard-working individuals with operating loans.

Fruit growers, and farmers in general, are a unique group of individuals. Most embody the word “optimistic.” Farmers are perennially plagued by bad weather that negatively impacts their attempt to grow a quality product, by excessive government regulation, by uncontrollable market forces and a myriad of other factors that contribute to the high cost of producing a marketable crop. However, farmers continue to look optimistically at the possibility of a good crop and a good return - “next year.”

They continue to endure, even in the face of economic disaster, when many other types of business ventures would sell out at the first signs of declining profitability.

I have had the pleasure of working with lots of farmers, nationally and internationally, as a crop consultant. I have observed that, as a group, farmers all seem to be of the same breed and nature, no matter where they are from

Crop consultants usually develop very close working relationships with farmers, both professionally and personally. Farmers and consultants become intimately intertwined with all the cultural practices involved in producing a crop and over the years often develop a strong sense of family. Field visits from the consultant often involve conversations about crop production, farm economics, market outlook for the year, the high cost of labor, how the kids’ ball team is doing, personal problems and the like. My experience over the years with farmers is that they possess a unique spirit as individuals and are totally connected with the land they farm, the environment, and with the people they employ and interact with. Their perseverance, work ethic, sense of country, love of family and environmental stewardship are outstandingly obvious, and should be admired by all of us. Farmers currently are, and always have been, in the truest sense, the backbone of this great country. Their economic survival is paramount and should be at the forefront of people and political leaders’ thinking when developing economic and political policy in our state and country.

Currently, our nation’s farmers are quickly becoming an endangered species. We must all fight to help preserve farmers, farming and the farming way of life if we expect to keep our country strong, nationally and internationally.

I dedicate this article to a farmer, past client and personal friend, Jeff Lauterbach of Lone Fir Orchards. Lauterbach possessed all the characteristics described above. My professional relationship with him evolved over the years to the point of brotherly love.

Recently, Lauterbach, just 45, suffered a massive heart attack and passed away shortly thereafter. He was a victim of the high-stress nature of farming.

Lauterbach had helped pioneer organic farming in north central Washington and was a strong advocate of integrated pest management. Most important, he loved his family very much and possessed a spirit that was unbreakable.

Lone Fir Orchards is a small operation that grows and packs its own fruit. Most operations the size of Lone Fir Orchards have long disappeared in Washington. However, Lauterbach persevered until he was no more.

State road signs near Malott & Lone Fir Orchards say,“Lone Fir Orchard, Earth Day is Every Day”.

If you ever drive north on Highway 97 toward Okanogan, before you get to the small town of Malott, when you see the state road sign that says, “Lone Fir Orchard,” please tip your hat or give a little salute to an individual who took great pride in being a good farmer, a steward of the environment, a leader in his community, a citizen of the U.S.A. and a good father.

The existence and/or passing of people like that always deserves our highest recognition and honor.