David Buck

David Buck is a fast-rising agriprenuer and owner of an apple orchard in Oregon. The 35-year old has a degree in horticulture from Oregon State University. His areas of interest include Urban Horticulture, Ecological Management of Turf, sustainable horticultural Production and Horticultural Research. David Buck, Apple Farmer cut his teeth in the local strawberry farming fields, vineyards, wineries, and state parks. When he is not farming, David is preoccupied with teaching young farmers and entrepreneurs about Agri investment. The crop of farmers attendinghis classes are drawn to sustainable agriculture and high yield farmingpractices. Using his research background, David also mentors young farmersabout landscaping and urban horticulture.

Under his tutelage, attendees are taught about therapeutic horticulture and healing garden designs. These two aspects of agriculture are a form of botanical healing devised toenhance the lives of people suffering from emotional, physical and mentalchallenges. David’s involvement in training patients and caregivers inhospitals and other healthcare facilities mostly targets coping and skilladaptation. Participants come from as far as California, Washington andColorado. David Buck Apple Farmer is a paid up member of various farmersassociations, among them, the Future Farmers of America (FFA). For his pastime,David Buck enjoys travelling, reading and gardening. He is a regular volunteerat a local urban garden in Oregon.

What things do you love about farming?

Agriculture drives the global economy and has a huge knock on impact on our survival and well-being. To promote sustainable agriculture, I decided to become an apple farmer. The venture is both profitable and fun. Urban gardening is something I hold close to my heart. I appreciate the therapeutic and mental health benefits it offers, especially for people recovering from illness and those with behavioral and mental issues like dementia or depression. My farm attracts many young farmers, entrepreneurs and students who come to study and sightsee.

What is your favorite TV show? Please explain?

Ever since I got hooked on “Rancher, Farmer and Fisherman” TV program on the Discovery Channel I have never looked back. The program highlights ways in which farmers grow crops and protect natural resources in their midst. Besides learning, I get to see the perils farmers go through every day to put food on the table. The stories come from diverse farming communities, from ranchers in the Montana Rockies to the wheat farmers in Kansas and Missouri.

What are your life aspirations?

My apple orchard in Oregon spans several acres. I intend to expand the tiling area in the coming years and invest in more efficient farming implements. The farm has over 30 varieties of apples and produces apple juice that is sold to nearby wine markers. The juice is a critical ingredient in the production of hard apple cider. Most of the farm income is generated from apple trees, although cash from fruits and vegetables is growing. Over the years, the amount of apple bushels harvested from the farm have been growing due to the existence of conducive, cool and controlled atmosphere and Investment in state-of-art apple packing barn.

How are you improving your agriculture venture?

I started out as a conventional farmer before turning into organic farming. I did it successfully by starting small and building on the successes. I am proud to say the farm is almost fully organic. As part of long-term growth, we continually work hard to grow the market and optimize the land use. The latter is an exhaustive exercise that involves studying the soil, climate and water availability. We usually market our products at local stores, farmers market, and supermarkets.

Our future strategy is to explore the opportunities that exist in the retail to farm stand and mail order delivery. To achieve positive outcomes and break even, we’ve had to ensure there is adequate financing and farm subsidies. One of the challenges apple orchid farmers face here is fighting the apple scab disease. The problem usually exacerbates during the rainy seasons. We have benefited a lot from extension services provided by the state and federal government agricultural officers in areas like pest and disease control.

What motivates you every single day?

Achieving success in any business venture, including farming requires careful planning and dedication. In spite of heavy investment in irrigation systems, labor and disease control, an orchid farm is hugely enriching when it comes to profitability and choice oflifestyle. I say this because I enjoy farming and mingling with farmers. Mymotivation is to see the orchid farm expand and positively impact the lives ofpeople who depend on it or do business with us.