Today’s agricultural economic climate is such that farmers need to scrutinize every expenditure as to its possible return on investment. For example, labor and chemical/fertilizer costs continue to increase and comprise larger portions of the budget. Thus, appropriate strategies need to be employed that will, in effect, encourage labor productivity, while concurrently lowering cost per unit of production. Additionally, the actual need for material input application, product efficacy and cost per unit of active ingredient need to be carefully evaluated. Conflicting with the need for cost control is the increasing need for more consistent annual cropping, higher yields and higher percentages of high quality harvestable product. Therefore, the avenues to increased profitability and survival partially lie in the growers’ ability to discern what is and what isn’t cost effective. The grower paradox described above represents the needs of most growers, involves "thinking outside of the box" and is the main focus of King Bloom Consulting.

King bloom is an agricultural consulting company that specializes in maximizing crop profit potential, utilizing both cost control and production strategies. On the production side of the equation, there are many potential limiting factors that can negatively impact orchard profitability. In many instances, there are problem complexes that require a multidisciplinary approach to properly identify and rectify the situation. King Bloom identifies the limiting factors/problem areas and recommends a cost-effective plan to implement. In addition to all tree-fruits (complete or selected services), King Bloom also offers plant nutrition consulting and pest scouting services on the following crops: Wine Grapes, Vegetable Crops, Berries (small fruits), Hay and Grain Crops.

ALTON LEATHERMAN-PERSONAL PROFILE

I possess degrees in Agriculture and Horticulture and graduated at the Cum Laude level with Honors. I am an internationally recognized expert in plant nutrition, pruning and tree training. I have worked (20) plus years as a horticultural consultant in tree fruit production. My work experiences have included: Packing House Horticulturist, Branch Manager for an agricultural chemical distributor, Regional Manager and "World Fruit Expert" for an international manufacturer of plant nutrient products, Private Consulting, General Manager of a large orchard operation, being a Fruit Grower myself.

SPECIAL AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Determining where profitability lies amongst yield, size and quality relationships for each particular site/variety. Determining site potential.

Prioritizing Inputs when working with limited budgets in efforts to maximize return on investment (ROI) with minimum inputs.

Evaluating Labor Efficiency/Cost of Labor.

Providing remedies for alternate year bearing through chemical and cultural methods.

Crop Nutrition Diagnostics to improve yield, quality and orchard sustainability.

Pruning/TreeTraining-utilizing cost-effective methods for different varieties/systems.

Pest Management/IPM & IFP- utilizing cost-effective programs to maximize return on investment (ROI).

Sprayer Calibration – to maximize chemical effectiveness and reduce costs per acre.

Irrigation Management advice to enhance crop quality and orchard performance.

Fruit Maturity Evaluations/Quality Control- pre-harvest/post-harvest testing.Estimating potential storage/shelf life.

KING BLOOM CONSULTING - FEE SCHEDULE

All fees for all services are negotiable and are based upon: types of service(s) requested, time involved/acreage, travel time and associated expenses, etc.

Fees for complete or specialized services can be customized to meet the individual needs of your particular farming enterprise.

An annual retainer, for "anytime-advice", by phone, fax or e-mail, is also available.

Minimum charge for a (1) full day field visit is $400.00 plus travel expenses.

Generally, all non-contractual consulting is billed at $50.00 per hour with a (1) hour minimum charge unless agreed upon otherwise, i.e., service contract or retainer.

Payment Terms are net (7) days upon receipt of service unless agreed upon otherwise.

Please call for a free estimate: (509) 689-3305 or E-Mail