Our Ukranian Farm Team

We are excited to introduce our Ukrainian farm team!


 

 

Growing fruit is a labor intensive business, highly dependent on people willing to work hard outdoors. As our farm has grown, it has become harder and harder to find locals willing to do this work on a seasonal basis.

 

Like so many farms, this led us to the H2A visa program, which allows us to bring workers from outside the USA to assist with harvest and other farm-related tasks. We pay their travel expenses, provide them with approved housing and give them a competitive wage. That is how we first met Yura, Ivan, Andrii, and Misha in August of 2017.

 

 

*Our farm team during harvest.

 

Prior to working with us, they all had their own careers back in Ukraine, Yura owned and operated multiple tourism businesses, Ivan was a PE teacher, Andrii was a sales manager, and Misha was a information technology professional; however, in February of 2014, Russia invaded their homeland and started a war that disrupted their lives and their livelihoods.

 

 

*Yura tying nursery trees.

 

At first we were unsure how it would work out; but, in short order they proved to us that they were quick learners, hard-working, fun-loving, and all-around outstanding human beings.

 

 

*Andrii and Yura picking apples.

 

It was a perfect fit. By the end of their first season they had become part of the family. They often tell us that Ukraine has many similarities with the Midwest. Its people share many of the same values, it has similar flora and fauna, and of course it is one of the great agricultural regions of our world.

 

As they came back year after year we became increasingly close, and they became an integral part of our team and our community.

 

 

*Yura, Ivan, Misha, and Andrii pictured as groomsmen at Farm Manager Kyle Tester’s wedding,

 

Along with Farm Manager, Kyle Tester, our Ukrainian farm team is directly responsible for the operation of our three farms, including 14 fruit, vegetable, and flower crops.

 

 

 

*Misha listening to techno while he operates some of our high-tech equipment!

 

To us it is simple, without our farm team our business would not be possible; they are directly responsible for planting, growing, and harvesting our produce, as well as many of the inputs for our cidery, bakery, and restaurants.

 

Unfortunately, in February of this year their lives were once again turned upside down when Russia launched a full scale invasion of Ukraine. For over three months their families have been displaced in various countries throughout Europe, or are still living in Ukraine, doing everything they can to support their country in an existential fight.

 

It is hard to imagine the difficulties our friends have experienced this year; being separated from their families, some of whom remain in harm’s way, has been the most painful.

 

However, today we are excited to announce that as of last week our application for the United for Ukraine program, as well as Temporarily Protected Status has been approved. They are all now able to live here full time, and most importantly their families are now able to join them in Iowa!

 

While this is incredibly exciting, relocating seven families is a challenge in-and-of-itself. So far the challenges have included the application process, legal, relocation planning, airfare, housing, furniture, sourcing vehicles, coordinating schooling, etc., undoubtedly there will be more challenges to come.

 

 

 

 

https://www.kcrg.com/2022/04/21/wilsons-orchard-farm-supports-four-employees-their-family-members-experience-war-ukraine-firsthand/

 

*KCRG article about our Ukrainian co-workers and their experience during the war.

 

Our extended team, and our company have and will continue to provide them with all of the support and resources that we can, however, our resources and capabilities are limited.

 

At this time we are reaching out to our community for assistance. For those that have been supporting Ukraine, we ask that you consider supporting our Ukrainian farm team as they move their families to Iowa City.

 

Moving is an expensive process, and their assets back home have been significantly affected by the war; the most helpful support will be financial, but we will do our best to facilitate any support that can help them (please email ideas for non-financial support to [email redacted]).

 

This has been a difficult decision and process for all of them, even words of welcome, encouragement, and support can be very meaningful. We are proud to be part of this community, and very thankful for all of your support!

 

Wilson's Orchard & Farm is a family-owned farm business in Eastern Iowa. Our mission is to develop local, regenerative, ethical food and farm systems in our community.