When people ask Tony how he grows such great fruit, he always replies "well, the trees do most of the work. We just need to keep them happy". Keeping a citrus tree happy is not always an easy task, especially when there are several thousand of them, ranging in age from 90 to 1. Each tree varies in its needs due to where it is planted, how old it is and what variety it is. We do not claim to be 'organic' as we use commercial fertilizer (urea) and occasionally foliar nutrient sprays, as well as compost and beneficial insects. The most important cultural practices for us is keeping the trees watered through our hot, dry summers and drought years.

Luckily, much of the wildlife in our orchards is beneficial or unproblematic. We have many bird species, hummingbirds and owls being our favorites. We also have coyotes and bears (who both like to consume avocados) and an occasional mountain lion or fox. Then there are the multitude of insects including lacewings and praying mantis, many of which we encourage to stick around and deter any unwanted pests. We also have our own animals, cats and dogs who enjoy roaming the acres and would certainly be at a loss if we ever took them to a city!

We have several pieces of property with different microclimates. Over the years we have learned which varieties prefer which climate. Tangerines are sweetest on our Matilija canyon property; navels do well in the Ojai Valley's east-end. Each property has it's own set of trees and issues which we need to address. Our houses are within the orchards and we constantly walk through the groves looking at how the trees are doing. As a small farm we are able to cater to the needs of each tree independently and are able to treat problems when they arise. We also know when fruit is at its peak as we constantly sample the fruit, as do our friends, and pets.

We pick and pack fruit almost every day, and it is not treated with preservatives or wax, therefore it may be more perishable than that purchased in your local supermarket, but we know our fruit is fresher, tree-ripened, and much tastier!

The methods of picking and packing citrus have not changed significantly in the past 100 years. Each fruit is individually clipped from the tree, if fruit is pulled a hole will be left at the stem-end and the fruit will rot. Pickers work steadily clipping the fruit and placing into their picking bags. Once the bags are full, they are dumped into boxes or bins. The fruit is then transported to the packinghouse where at Friend's it is packed for sale the same day it is picked.

Readying the fruit for packing can include running the fruit though a sizing machine, brushing the fruit and culling out poor quality fruit. Since it is supplied by order at Friend's there is no storage and fruit is used within a week or less.