Generational success: Thriving through innovation

Drive an hour south from Montreal, just before the United States border, and you’ll find a successful apple-growing business built by the Enderle family, now thriving in its fourth generation.
Balance tradition with innovation
Years of hard work have shaped their farming practices, blending tradition with innovation. Today, brothers Jassen, Nicholas and Chad work closely as partners in the family business, each contributing their unique strengths to a shared vision for the orchard’s future.
A commitment to embracing new ideas is essential in the ever-changing landscape of agriculture.
Whether attending workshops, exploring new farming technologies, or participating in industry courses, a commitment to embracing new ideas is essential in the ever-changing landscape of agriculture. The Enderles’ growth mindset has proven vital for making proactive management decisions as a family team.
In recent years, the brothers have streamlined their plans, focused on safeguarding their investments and zeroed in on their true passion within the industry.
Recognizing that the challenges associated with packaging made them vulnerable to labour shortages and market complexities, they made the strategic decision to outsource that aspect of the operation, allowing them to focus on enhancing their production instead.
“We decided to just focus on growing,” Chad Enderle says.
Prioritizing risk management strategies
With mutual support, the brothers navigate the challenges of modern farming, emphasizing strong communication and teamwork. “We all kind of think alike, so it works well. We don’t really butt heads all that often,” Chad says, showcasing the seamless partnership that defines their operations.
Their proactive approach to risk management helps to address the growing threats of climate change, late frosts and drought. In an industry where weather plays a significant role, adaptability and foresight are essential.
Confronted with the risk of late frosts that could damage their budding apple blossoms, the family recognized the need for a reliable solution. “We were fed up with having either no apples or ugly apples,” Chad says. A high-powered European wind turbine emerged as a strategic investment to safeguard their crops against unpredictable spring weather.
This technology draws warmer air from higher altitudes and circulates it around the orchard, effectively raising ground-level temperatures – a critical defence during important growth periods.
“This year, we were lucky,” Chad says. While luck may have played a role, their careful planning and strategic investments position them to continue experiencing good fortune in mitigating frost risk. “We didn’t get any frost on the one night that it got close,” he says, highlighting the effectiveness of their preparations.
Optimizing resources
To further bolster their resilience, the family has implemented an irrigation system across the orchard. This investment aims to secure reliable water access during dry spells so their trees receive consistent hydration throughout the growing season. Coordinating the setup required thoughtful planning and the brothers’ collaborative effort.

“The systems are a little complex to put together,” Chad says. Although the investment in time and energy was significant, the benefits have been profound since its implementation.
“There’s a noticeable difference in size and health,” he explains. Consistent access to water reduces stress on the trees during droughts and promotes better nutrient uptake. This system enables the Enderle family to maintain productivity even in dry years, leading to improved crop yields and better potential ROI, directly contributing to their orchard’s long-term sustainability.
Building resilience
The family also uses cover crops to improve soil structure and fertility, further building resilience against climate-related challenges. “We’re using buckwheat the year before planting and different grasses to create a little bit of biodiversity,” Chad says, emphasizing their commitment to nurturing the land.
“It’s important to get the soil healthy and give the trees the best push when we do put them in the ground.”
To counter the growing threat of hail damage, they’re looking at protective netting over key orchard areas. “The idea is to keep those beautiful apples safe,” Chad says, underscoring the importance of preserving quality and yield. The nets absorb the hailstone impacts, preventing damage to both trees and blossoms.
“We haven’t gotten hail too much, but it’s something we’ll keep an eye on,” he adds. While the initial investment is significant, the potential return is much greater. Past hail damage has occurred approximately once every seven years, and the cost of production losses due to hail can far exceed the investment in protective measures, especially as they continue to invest in higher-value apple varieties.
By safeguarding their crops, the Enderle family is protecting their yield and ensuring the financial stability and growth of their operation.
The Enderle family is also focused on expanding not only their production, but their storage capacity and efficiency.
“We’re adding and modifying our storage to make it into long-term storage,” Chad says. This expansion is crucial for accommodating increasing harvest yields while protecting their investments in higher production.
By enhancing their cold storage capabilities, the Enderle family can avoid flooding the market during peak harvest times, which typically drives down apple prices per pound. This strategic planning builds long-term resiliency and helps mitigate risks associated with price fluctuations, securing a more stable income for their operation.
“There’s such a lack of storage right now. Even if we can’t fill it ourselves with our crop, there’s always demand for it,” Chad says.
Sustainability: A long-term vision
Looking ahead, the family is committed to their vision of sustainability and long-term success. “We’re definitely considering where we want to go. We would like it to continue as a generational family farm,” Chad says, highlighting their dedication to family and the collaborative spirit that drives their efforts.
With a focus on innovation and forward-thinking strategies, the Enderles are not only prepared to tackle the challenges of the industry, but are also committed to safeguarding their orchard for generations to come.
From an AgriSuccess article by Emily Leeson.