<![CDATA[Trapple Orchard - In the News]]>Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:35:29 -0500Weebly<![CDATA[TV Interview - "Hometown Farmer - Trapple Orchard"]]>Thu, 19 Sep 2019 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.trappleorchard.com/in-the-news/tv-interview-hometown-farmer-trapple-orchardPicture
Siouxland News - KMEG 14 and FOX 44
By Jacob Heller
Original link here
Posted September 19, 2019

LITTLE SIOUX, Iowa — Siouxland News first visited 6 years ago, in 2013, when the trees seemed like nothing but sticks in the ground.
But now, at Trapple Orchard near Little Sioux, Iowa, it's prime time for apple picking!

"I've eaten a lot of half-apples," said Trapple Orchard owner Tom Trapp, with a big, red apple in his hand and a smile on his face.
Tom has many varieties to choose from at his orchard, in serious production this year, for the first time.

"The Chieftain, that's the row that's right along the road here," said Tom, pointing out distinct varieties growing from the small, bushy trees. "This particular row is called Liberty Apple."
He has 40 varieties growing among the 500 trees on the orchard, most planted in 2011.
Some of the trees started producing fruit last year and Tom says he was able to harvest 30 or 40 bushels total.
"This year, 10 times that!" said Tom.
September is prime picking time!
"You'll probably be able to pick for a good 3 weeks or so," said Tom.
And among the apples, you'll find berries and pears, which are picked in the same way as the apples.
"You just lift and give them a little bit of a twist," said Tom. "And when you do that and the fruit comes off in your hand, that's when you know it's ready to be picked."
But, some of his trees haven't been so lucky.
The Honey Crisp in particular.
"The Japanese beetle was this year's challenge," said Tom.
He says he was able to pick a few Honey Crisp apples, but will try different things to save the trees next year.
"We'll see how we might be able to do that," said tom. "Maybe through some traps and some other ways of integrated pest management."
Until then, though, it's time for Tom to get pickin'!
"You've got more than a meal here!" said Tom, with a big, red apple in his hand and a smile on his face yet again!
Trapple Orchard is open for picking to members only.
If you want to find out how to become a member, please visit: trappleorchard.com.
If you know any farmers you'd like to see in the spotlight here on "Proud to be a Hometown Farmer," please email Jake at: jheller@siouxlandnews.com.
]]><![CDATA[Siouxland Life - October 2017]]>Sun, 24 Sep 2017 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.trappleorchard.com/in-the-news/siouxland-life-october-2017Trapple Orchard Carries on Family Tradition

​Check out the article about our orchard from the Siouxland Life magazine in October 2017 (pages 14-17).

https://issuu.com/siouxcityjournal/docs/siouxlandlife_oct2017]]><![CDATA[TV Interview: "Hometown Farmer - Apple Orchard Origins"]]>Thu, 09 May 2013 19:05:01 GMThttp://www.trappleorchard.com/in-the-news/tv-interview-hometown-farmer-apple-orchard-origins
Siouxland News - KMEG 14 and FOX 44
By Jacob Heller, Anchor
Original link here
Posted May 9, 2013 at 9:41am

You’ll find a little bit of everything at the Trapple Orchard near Little Sioux, Iowa. Tom Trapp and his family started planting the 450 trees back in 2011 and even though you probably won’t be picking fruit there until 2015, it takes a lot of work to keep things going. 
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 “When you start an orchard, about a third of the apples will be lost.” said Trapp. It’s a lot of work to keep the trees alive. To keep them in tip-top shape, you must prune branches, so the trees grow the way you want them too. Plus, all 450 trees are watered by hand!

“We’re actually carrying water to each of the trees,” said Trapp.

Getting through the 2012 drought was pretty difficult, which is why Tom and his family installed watering tubes on each tree.

“You can put the water right down on the root bed,” said Trapp. ”Which is exactly where we needed to have all that water.” 

But even with the watering tools, some trees just didn’t make it. Then there are the rabbits. They just tear the trees up. Tom installed plastic tubes at the base of each tree, but when winter hit even they weren’t enough to stop those hungry bunnies.

“When we had that ten inch snow the rabbits just came right on the top of the snow and just started to eat right directly from there,” said Trapp.

But tree trimming and watering is what it’s all about for “Team Trapple.” The work will keep everyone at the orchard busy, even though it’ll be years before they can dig in to the fruits of their labor.
]]><![CDATA[West Harrison HS students help plant and orchard]]>Wed, 16 May 2012 19:05:11 GMThttp://www.trappleorchard.com/in-the-news/west-harrison-hs-students-help-plant-and-orchardPicture
Missouri Valley Times
By Mark Mahoney, Reporter
Original link here
Posted May 16, 2012 at 4:46pm

Many West Harrison High School students assisted with the planting of fruit trees Friday, April 20, at the new River Sioux Orchard, which is located near Little Sioux.

A number of students in the agricultural science classes (horticulture and wildlife management) taught by Todd Goodwater, agricultural education instructor for the West Harrison Community School District based in Mondamin, participated and more than 270 bare-root apple, apricot, cherry, peach, pear and plum trees were planted that afternoon. Moist soil and wonderful weather made for nearly perfect planting conditions. 
Tom Trapp, owner of the River Sioux Orchard, said he is appreciative of the help his business received from the students with the planting, which occurred a week before National Arbor Day was observed Friday, April 27.

“This is a great way for the students to get hands-on experience working with fruit- producing trees,” he said. “Beginning with planting and ongoing maintenance, the orchard will provide an outdoor classroom for the students.

“While the trees will take eight years to bring to production, Mr. Goodwater sees the opportunity for students to see another dimension of agriculture and agriculture education for current and future West Harrison students.”

Trapp said Goodwater and West Harrison Superintendent Joel Foster have been very supportive of the learning opportunities the orchard provides the students.

“The students were tremendous and have such a desire to learn,” he said. “I only wish I had their energy!”

Goodwater said the River Sioux Orchard gives the students of the Harrison County FFA (Future Farmers of America) and the West Harrison Agriculture Education Program opportunities to get a hands-on experience in the horticulture industry.

“My students are well versed in the traditional production agriculture (cows, plows and sows); however, the West Harrison Agriculture Education Program is recognizing the needs of all Harrison County students to explore all areas of agriculture,” he said. “We are very fortunate to have the support of Mr. Trapp, and with his guidance, we will be able to make use of the River Sioux Orchard as a learning lab to practice new skills developed in the classroom.

“As the only FFA chapter in Harrison County, the West Harrison School District appreciates the support of all communities in Harrison County (as well as Moorhead in Monona County). The Harrison County FFA has members in Woodbine, Moorhead, Pisgah, Mondamin, Modale and Missouri Valley.”

In addition to Goodwater and Trapp, orchard planters included the following Harrison County students: Dakota Bowman, Johanna Brieskorn, Loren Coberly, Cory Caddell, Merissa Cox, Kay Lou Dilley, Michaela Foster, Mariah Greco, Bryant Hatcher, Adriel King, Trey Kirlin, Darby Kuhlman, Trey LaGois, Siarah Langley, Wyatt McColley, Cade Meeker, Jake Moore, Loyal Myler, Landon Nelson, Bre Nuzum, Conner O’Neill, Dustin Peasley, Cassidy Pape, Alexis Pettid, Steavie  Pettid, Landon Pruett, Marty Pruett, Ethan Rife, Kelsey Rollins, Michael Stevens, Tyler Tedford and Alyssa Thomas.

Other orchard planters – Trapp’s family members and friends – included Jim Carson, Shelli Leick, Bernie Trapp, Matthew Trapp, Rosalie Trapp and Ginny Wallar.

Tom Trapp said community orchards are springing up throughout the country with the increased focus today on good nutrition, healthy lifestyles, outdoor activity, local supply and sustainable agriculture.

“Harrison County has among the most numerous and blessed orchards throughout the state,” he said. “The conditions and the Loess Hills are nearly ideal for growing. These trees will be enjoyed by citizens of Harrison County for generations.

Trapp said Iowa, prior to 1940, was among the leading apple-producing states in the U.S., but the “Armistice Day Freeze” freeze Nov. 11 of that year caused many farmers to convert their orchards to soybeans and corn – and so went the apple production in the state. Armistice Day is now Veterans Day.

“Community orchards are a great way of bringing the awareness of apples as a viable agricultural crop to the community,” he said. “Iowa is making a real comeback in fruit-tree orchards.”

Trapp said most people throughout the region know his business as the River Sioux Orchard, but Trapple Orchard, which started up last year, will be its brand name.

“We have a statewide effort in Iowa and Nebraska to share our experiences with (agricultural) educators in the state to help promote local sponsorship of local community orchards’ efforts for sustainable agriculture and durable farm crops,” he said.

Trapp said the River Sioux Orchard has not begun to sell commercially yet, but would definitely encourage people to think of Harrison County orchards for the upcoming fall.

“There are several throughout the county and we’re not competing for business,” he said. “I suspect we will begin in September 2013.”

The River Sioux Orchard someday will feature a variety of apples, apricots, sweet cherries, tart (pie) cherries, peaches, pears and plums, as well as berries – blackberries, gooseberries and raspberries. It is located near exit 95 on Interstate 29 at 1377 145th St. just south of River Sioux on Harrison County Road K-45 (Austin Avenue).

Trapp, who lives in Omaha, Neb., may be reached by phone at 402-502-4136. The River Sioux Orchard’s Web site, www.trappleorchard.com, is scheduled to go online by the middle of June. 
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