Meet John and Cindy Bartella

Welcome to Bartella Farms

Located on the sunny Omak highlands, Bartella Farms’ 28-acre orchard grows a diverse mix of apples, Asian Pears, cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums, pluots, and Red Flame Seedless Grapes. John has been practicing low-impact and integrated pest management agriculture strategies for the past decade, and has converted five acres of plums and pluots into the WSDA Organic Program.

Growing Philosophy

“By practicing good stewardship, I see the overall benefits on our land. The trees look healthier, beneficial insect populations are increasing, and we feel like we are returning something to the land that provides for us.”

-- John Bartella

Products Available

Apples, Asian Pears, cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums, pluots, and Red Flame Seedless Grapes

Continuous Improvement

John’s passion for continuous improvement is obvious. Not only does he keep up with all the latest information and innovations as he networks with Tilth Producers of Washington, and the WSU Extension program to upgrade and adopt new practices, but he also serves as current President of the Okanogan Horticulture Association.

Water, Nutrient, and Pest Management

Working with WSU established models of evaporation rates and supported by Okanogan Conservation District water measurement devices, Bartella Farms was able to reduce water usage by 30% over a two-year period. John regularly conducts soil tests and tissue sampling of his trees and keeps his records over time to evaluate trends in the health of his orchard. He has converted all of his fertilization to organic materials. He uses integrated pest management strategies (insect trapping, mating disruption and propagation of beneficial predator insects) and primarily uses certified organic materials such as Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) for more serious pest outbreaks.

Diversity, Good for the Land and the Grower

Over time Bartella Farms has diversified its crop to respond to market and economic conditions. A positive side effect of this strategy is the propagation of diverse species of plant life on this relatively small piece of land. There is added health to the land and all its inhabitants through this growing diversity.