We started with a grant to remove the apples from as many properties as we could. Many landowners enthusiastically gave their permission for us to harvest, and there was a reduction in bear/human conflicts in those areas. Then we discovered how wonderful many of these high-altitude crab apples are for making hard cider and Farmstead Cider was born. Tart, tannic, sugary, and delicious, these apples help our ciders stand out from the crowd. We have the bears to thank for their uniqueness. Now we harvest apples all around Jackson Hole, helping to protect our wildlife and our apple trees while making small-batch hard ciders that reflect our wild home!