Rainier Fruit Company

On this final day of Farmworkers Awareness Week, we are so pleased to introduce you to Raul, who has worked in the ag industry for 49 years and has been with Rainier for the last 25 years! Having worked in a variety of roles throughout his career, Raul now serves as Crew Leader at our Royal Slope ranch. Raul brings a deep understanding of the agricultural industry to this position and his exceptional work ethic and commitment to his role make him a true cornerstone of our operation. There is no task too big or small for Raul, he tackles everything with determination and a smile, and his energy is so contagious! Raul’s passion, knowledge and dedication is reflected in everything he does and in the collaborative environment that he fosters within his team. We are immensely thankful for his decades of hard work and expertise and are very lucky to call him a member of the Rainier team! #farmworkersawarenessweek

Continuing to highlight some of the incredible members of our team during Farmworkers Awareness Week... meet Maria! Maria Preciado has been a member of the Rainier team for 22 years! Maria started her career in agriculture as a general laborer and her hard work, dedication and positive attitude led her to the position she holds now, as a Crew Leader at our Mattawa ranch. Maria leads her team by example, always exemplifying integrity, commitment and respect for those around her. Maria has become a trusted leader who listens to her team to find the most effective and efficient ways of working together. These same qualities are demonstrated at home – Maria loves spending time with her husband, two children and grandchildren, and always strives to be a great example for her family.

March 25th - 31st is Farmworkers Awareness Week. To celebrate the skilled professionals who are so essential in producing the food we eat, we're going to be shining a spotlight on members of the Rainier team. Read on to learn more about Sergio! Sergio Garcia has worked in the agricultural industry for 19 years and has been a part of the Rainier family for 17 years, currently serving as the Lead Mechanic at our Ellensburg ranch. Sergio started his career in seasonal general orchard work at our Selah ranch back in 2008 before moving into an irrigation support position and then assistant mechanic in 2018. His can-do attitude and willingness to take on new challenges led Sergio to becoming the Lead Mechanic in 2019. Sergio’s passion for mechanics shines through every day in his continuous quest to learn and evolve as technology changes. Sharing that knowledge with his co-workers and always supporting the crew around him is part of what makes Sergio such a valued member of our team. Away from work, Sergio enjoys going out to dinner and taking his family on trips. And surprise, surprise… he also enjoys working on cars in his spare time! #nationalfarmworkersawarenessweek

Spring is officially here and cherry season is fast approaching! Cold temps during the early spring can pose a threat to cherry crops. We utilize water, wind machines and propane heat to help protect against frost damage during this critical time to ensure that we have plenty of delicious cherries for summer!

We wanted to introduce you to some of our flying friends today! These little guys are a big part of our softer approach to farming. Beneficial insects, like ladybugs, are released and act as a natural enemy to harmful species that can damage crops. Working with nature, rather than fighting against it, allows us to avoid harsher practices that can harm the land.

Sweet, crunchy and that beautiful shade of red -- Envy really is the perfect apple!

We hope your Valentine's Day is a sweet one!

Why is winter pruning such a big deal? Ranch managers Aran Urlacher and Martin Prado share how this task sets up our crops for success, long before fruit even begins to develop. https://lnkd.in/gZvACsv5

As we're dreaming of warmer days, we thought it would be fun to highlight one of our favorite regenerative ag practices -- pollinator habitats! Because bees and other native pollinators are so crucial to the growth of our crops, we have over 150 acres of Bee Better certified pollinator habitats planted right in our orchards. These permanent habitats support biodiversity by providing food and shelter for our native pollinators.

While we're excited for the upcoming renovations to our home facility, sadly we must also say goodbye to our beloved kitchen mural. Painted in 1996 by Rick Enbody, the mural features actual Zirkle Fruit employees, three of which are still here 29 years later! The colorful homage to the hardworking people who farm, pack, and transport fruit will be dearly missed but never forgotten.