Ben Kraus

Perennials Manager

Ben has been orcharding his whole life, which included visiting his grandmother at Aeppler Orchard in Oconomowoc. He continued to hone his horticultural skillset in preparation for managing an organic orchard. Ben also picked up experience as a landscaper, irrigation specialist, organic vegetable producer, and conventional orchard manager.

For Ben, perennials crops require a holistic approach that benefits both plants and insects by offsetting the pressures of harmful insects and fungus. He is constantly looking for ways to make the landscape work with him in the orchard.

Ben has an associate’s degree in horticulture with an emphasis in landscape and plant production from Gateway Technical College in Kenosha.