Mimbres apple growers named Farm Family of Year

John and Josie York, apple growers in the Mimbres Valley, were named Farm Family of the Year by the state's largest agriculture organization at the 96th annual meeting of the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau. When they met, John was on leave from the Navy and Josie was a student at New Mexico Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, now known as New Mexico State University. When John's stint in the Navy was done, he enrolled in New Mexico A&M, pursuing dual degrees in horticulture and biology. Upon graduation, he went to work for the soil and water conservation service, where he spent his entire career. He retired in 1992 and the Yorks moved to the Mimbres Valley, where they had purchased an apple orchard. There they grow asparagus, table grapes and several varieties of apples, including winesaps, golden delicious and Jonathans, and several antique varieties including Jonagold, Arkansas black and sweet sixteen. They market their apples through farmers markets in New Mexico and Arizona, and through word of mouth. The Yorks have four children — Craig, Daunann, Nolen and Heather — and 10 grandchildren, the oldest of which is completing her doctorate degree as a pharmacist. The Yorks have been active in the Grant County Farm Bureau for over 20 years. John York has served as president for many years, and was on the state board for a decade. They have hosted pancake breakfasts at the county fair to recruit members, built parade floats and have found new ways to involve local 4-H and FFA students into county Farm Bureau activities...more