Grower name
Dennis Duffy
Orchard name
Blue Hills and Orana
Brief family / orchard history…
We moved here in June 1966, I was an apprentice mechanic and Dad was a shearer – we knew nothing about growing apples! We bought Blue Hills after winning a ballot and shortly after we purchased Orana – a 20 acre orchard. These days we have 110 acres.
How long has your family / you been growing Batlow Apples?
We have been growing Batlow apples for 43 years.
Is there a history to the orchard?
Yes, three years after we purchased Blue Hills we were hit by a devastating fire which wiped out the entire orchard. It was two weeks before picking time and we watched our apples burn on trees, we saw trees pulled out by the roots and blown across the orchard – it was horrific! We remained strong, picked ourselves up and purchased Orana shortly after. We then began the heartbreaking task of replanting apple trees on the Blue Hills orchard. We are now proud to have two beautiful orchards with flourishing apple trees.
What varieties do you grow and what is your favourite?
We grow Red Delicious, Fuji, Braeburn, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Royal Gala, and Johnagold. I like Fuji’s because they have a sweet flavour and they’re a real challenge to grow.
Life in Batlow for a grower…
I love the lifestyle and beautiful scenery. There are a lot of pitfalls in Growing apples - Mother Nature being just one, but we love the challenge – every season is different!
Why are you proud to be part of Batlow Fruit Cooperative?
The Batlow Fruit Co-operative is very community focused. If you weren’t proud of what you’re doing, you wouldn’t do it. It’s as simple as that.