FARMING IN CLERMONT
Since 1730 the farms in
Clermont have been its very life, simple, and for subsistence. Wheat was the
principle crop in the 1700's. In due time fruit trees were planted, and so were
vegetables. Dairy cows provided milk, cheese and butter. Sheep produced wool.
Hay was mowed with a scythe and grain with a cradle.
About 40 years ago there
were 57 members in the local Chapter of Dairymen, but many were sold to developers
and some have gone out of business. Now there is one dairy farmer left -- "Pete"
Howard Kilmer.
Orchards comprise most active farms now, although a number of landowners rent
their farmland for hay, corn, and silage.
Traditional
orchard fruit trees grew large. They were planted in areas 40x40 ft. with 27
trees to an acre. It took about 10-12 years for these trees to bear fruit. Because
of their size, pruning, picking and spraying were expensive.
Enter
the new type tree, dwarf and semi-dwarf. They are planted on areas 8x18 ft.,
which is 302 per acre. The quality and color of these apples appeal to the public.
Locally produced apples are Jersey Macs, Empires, Spartons, Jonamacs, Paulareds,
Tydeman Reds, and Marshall Macs, and are shipped throughout the US, Canada,
Europe, South America, and even Iceland.
