The two potbellied pigs were flown in by the Lowell (Jay & Scott's dad).  In-flight one of the pigs broke free, climbed over Lowell's shoulder while squeeling and then proceeded down to the floor where he enjoyed his window seat on the flight!  These same pigs escaped at the airport prior to departure and had a fun time being chased after for a good hour.  "They're fast!" is what I hear from Lowell.  They decided to go for a run when they got to their new home in Owen's Barnyard at the orchard,  I heard "They're fast!" from Jay and Scott too!  Turns out they spent a good while in the corn maze and exploring the grounds before settling in.

We found some wild plums near the event area!

We hope to finish this October.

This is Thursday's barn manager.  He says he's got it covered.

This is our table washer working hard.  He says he needs help!

Our neighbors Kathy and Dan, made this tasty puffball mushroom soup.  It's really good!

This is actually called a 'Giant Puffball'.  And we're going to eat it.

Make a wish and weave it through Johny Apple Seed.  All proceeds go to Make a Wish Foundation.

We hope to finish it be October.

This is the Schaper clan, with the exception of my sister Lisa, who couldn't make it.  We were selected farm family of the year and got our photo taken at FarmFest!

The Farm Family Recognition Program has existed for over two decades and honors farm families from throughout  Minnesota for their contributions to the agriculture industry and their local communities.  All of the honored farm families have made significant contributions to Minnesota agriculture and their communities.

Hennepin County
Minnetonka Orchards; The Schaper Family

Brothers Scott and Jay Schaper decided to keep the family orchard in business for future generations when their father contemplated selling it.  Scott and Jay have spent the past several years growing the orchard as a 21st century agricultural enterprise.  The Schaper brothers practice Integrated Pest Management and use systems such as Watch Dog weather technology. They have also recently planted over 825 SweeTango ® trees, a new apple variety developed by the University of Minnesota.  Today the orchard contains 3800 trees on 13 acres.  It is a 7-day a week “U-Pick” operation.  Scott and Jay employ 30 to 40 seasonal employees.

The Schapers belong to the MN Applegrowers Association and work closely with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District.  They also have significant relationships with local schools, promoting an awareness of food production and the environment.  In the last year, 5,000 students visited the orchard. 

For more information on Minnesota Farm Families of the year visit the University of Minnesota Website.