Dennis Walters, farmer and owner of local vineyard of Stonebrook Winery is always looking for business opportunity and market trends. Dennis approached extension to seek information about growing apple tree desirable for cider production. With Dennis’s extensive research, he understands the market trends and they have shown that younger generations are buying more cider products. 

UK horticulture agent, Sarah Imbus and UK fruit specialists Brent Arnoldussen and associate Elayna Stirn, have worked alongside Dennis to add cider apples to his already well established grape production for wine.  Brent has provided his expertise with fruit tree selection, growing techniques and provided plant health care guidance. Dennis has visited Brent’s orchard on UK campus to gain more information, which he has adopted many of those practices into his management of his apple tree. Elayna has provided hands on advise about planting and care for the first few years.