Meet the farmers

A grove of trees fills the space between a beautiful farmhouse and Highway J, six miles south of Millersburg, in Callaway County. The farmhouse, painted a vibrant hue that evokes sunflower petals in full bloom, is easy to spot through the foliage. This is where Cedar Winds Orchard has operated for over 30 years.

There are two main orchard areas: the area in front of the farmhouse and a larger plot that hugs a large tract of Mark Twain National Forest at the back of the property. David and Kristi DeForest moved to this spot in 1984 and began planting their first apples. They also planted oak, cedar, cottonwood, catalpa, and other trees that now tower above the property.

The DeForests revel in educating folks about their orchard operation. They often share these tidbits of wisdom at farmer’s markets and festivals: refrigerate your apples for a better shelf-life, be aware that apple season runs roughly late August to October, know that large chain grocers carry apples that might be stored for over a year before your purchase, and fresh apples are the best-tasting apples.

Today, Cedar Winds touts over 40 varieties of apples, several pears, apricots, and more. They offer fresh-picked fruit by the pound and apple cider at some mid-Missouri farmer’s markets and festivals.