Russell Orchards & Winery
143 Argilla Road, Ipswich, MA, 1938
About
Russell Orchards is a family owned and operated 120 acre fruit farm in Ipswich, MA. Owners Doug and Miranda Russell are the second generation of Russells to farm this land. Prior to their taking ownership in 2008, Doug and Miranda learned the business from Doug's father Max who had farmed here for 30 years. Doug first worked in the fields and orchards right out of high school in 1979, learning how to spray and prune the trees from the old-timers who were still on hand to spread their knowledge. He managed the orchards for the family while father Max was wrapping up his career in the aerospace industry in order to be a full time farmer. Doug eventually attended college and led a life free from farming for many years with a successful career writing custom software. Miranda began her time at the orchard in 1992 as a cashier, part-time pie maker, and cutting flower bouquets from the gardens
Products
Apples, Fruits, Vegetables, Bakery Products, Wines, Farm Animals, Honey, Eggs
Farming Practices
All of our fruit is grown using IPM (Integrated Pest Management) methods. This means we use only a very limited amount of synthetic chemicals to specifically combat the most egregious of pests. IPM is a very scientific approach designed to predict and prevent pests and disease from causing crop damage or failure. Fruits are carefully monitored throughout their growth stages for signs of disease, infection, or pest damage. Problems and pests are identified and targeted with specific inputs such as pesticide or fungicide, calculated very meticulously to ensure proper application and safety. A licensed pesticide applicator must keep detailed records of any and all applications throughout the season, and these records may be checked and verified by the EPA