Apple orchid farm owner and manager David Buck is one of the most successful, budding entrepreneurs
Viticulture and Enology, on the other hand, is a niche of natural science that concerns vineyard and winery research and development. Using his expertise and knowledge in horticulture, David regularly welcomes entrepreneurs, young farmers and students to his farm to learn sustainable farming techniques and management of orchards and vineyards. David Buck Apple Farmer also teaches therapeutic horticulture, a practice that incorporates design and actualization of healing gardens. The healing practice is widely acclaimed by health experts.
Through therapeutic horticulture, people with mental and physical challenges are taught coping mechanisms and vital life skills. Families and parties interested in touring the apple orchard are free to do so during the schedule days. Before venturing into private business, David Buck Apple Farmer worked in affluent vineyards, State Parks and strawberry farm. When he is not busy at his farm, David enjoys traveling and volunteering for various communal causes.
What was your favorite subject or discipline in school?
Agriculture was my favorite. I decided to major in horticulture to exploit the opportunities that exist in the industry.
What was your first job?
After graduating from college, I started by working at local horticultural farms and vineyards.
How did you get started in your current work?
Growing up in a farming community endeared me to farming. I took a course in Horticulture and went on to establish an apple orchid a few years after graduation. Before that, I worked in a strawberry farm and a thriving vineyard in my home state of Oregon.
How have those jobs prepared you in your current job or industry?
Getting my hands dirty during those early years inculcated discipline in my work ethics. When I was working at a strawberry farm as farm hand and manager, I learned a lot about utilization of resources to enhance production, harnessing human capital and farm mechanization.
Can you describe your best day at work?
On a typical day, my job entails making policy decisions, maintaining financial records, budgeting and recruiting and training workers. One of my best days was when I received a
How do you keep yourself motivated?
To stay productive and high-spirited, one must be motivated. Being a farm owner, I am greatly motivated when I achieve set goals, whether its production, sales or compliance with safety regulations.
What kind of business ideas excites you most?
There are many exciting business ideas to consider for investors interested in farming. Great examples include vegetable farming, butterfly farming, agro-tourism, and fruit canning. I am really excited about sustainable farm consulting. Being an expert, I can use my skills and experience to help farmers utilize sustainable techniques
Have you ever tried any unconventional practices to attract attention to your business?
Not at all; I am one person who believes in honesty and demand the same in other people, whether they are suppliers, vendors, retailers or competitors.
What personal achievement are you most proud of?
The positive impact I am making on the lives of farmers really makes me proud. The feelings come to the climax when I see farmers put to practice the lessons they have learned. Over the course of my career, I have also built an extensive network of friends, which is quite enriching.
What wisdom would you have loved to share with yourself when you first started out?
Although agricultural ventures come with many challenges a farmer may not be privy to, especially when starting out. The challenges range from price fluctuations and pest damage to the effects extreme weather and so on. I have come to the conclusion that having the right skills and extended support can open the doors to success regardless of what comes your way.