Long-time fruit grower Jack Machial shows off his award-winning apples in his Road 5 orchard.
Lyonel Doherty photo
They say it’s the little details that count, but for apple grower Jack Machial, they mean everything.
This year the proof was in the National Apple Competition where the long-time orchardist won two second place awards.
The competition is held every year at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Ontario.
The judges were very impressed with Machial’s Aurora golden apple and his early Fuji variety.
Glen Lucas, general manager of the BC Fruit Growers’ Association, said BC growers held their own in the competition. He noted that BC apples captured nine of the top 40 places in the new variety section.
For Machial, this isn’t the first time his apples have shined in a competition. In 2005 he was recognized as the top “golden” grower in the valley.
“It makes you feel proud of the hard work you put in growing quality fruit.”
His wife Adelia interjected by saying, “Fruit is his love, he’s like a proud father.”
Machial noted it was tough to find good apples to show because of the hail damage this year.
When asked what his secret was, he replied, “Lots of attention to the little details.”
For example, he uses white plastic on the ground to reflect light back into the trees. To Machial, light is the Holy Grail of apple growing. If he’s getting 70 per cent of the Earth’s light into his trees, he’s happy.
Machial also ensures that he does a lot of pruning and a lot of reading on the latest developments in agriculture.
“I try to get the top quality fruit so there are no culls.”
Machial said it’s really nice to see local growers being recognized in a national competition, proving that some of Canada’s top quality fruit is grown right here.
Nirmal Dhaliwal, another well-known grower from Oliver, won third place for his Ambrosia variety.
“I’m impressed that my apple variety ranked third in Canada.”
His secret: “Lots of hard work and a little luck, and the weather.”
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
