The People Behind the Apples

Tuttle's is a fourth generation family owned and operated horticulture farm. The Tuttle's family and staff are here to provide you with the best apples, cider, produce, and plants while helping you have a great experience at the orchard.

We often get asked: "Why isn't your last name Tuttle if it is called Tuttle's orchard?". We are still a part of the Tuttle family. Virginia Tuttle, the only daughter of Roy and Tillie Tuttle (orchard founders) married Raymond Roney. Thus, giving all of the Tuttle decedents the Roney name.

Tom Roney, Co-owner, Orchard Manager

Tom Roney, received his B.S. in Horticulture from Purdue University. He oversees the apple production at the orchard including planting, tree care, harvesting, and storage. Tom has seen the orchard through four plantings of trees. He is also the master cider maker overseeing the production of 15,000 gallons a year. Tom also oversees the financial aspects of the farm. Tom's favorite apple is Gala.

Tom is also a retired Navy Seabee. He has been very active in the community and beyond. He currently is involved with Indiana Farm Bureau, Hoosier Heartland RC & D, Hancock County Soil and Water Conservation, and Hancock County Extension. He also serves as a Hancock County Councilman.

Mike Roney, Co-owner, Vegetable & Greenhouse Production Manager

Mike Roney, a life-long horticulturist, received his B.S. in Horticulture and Horticulture Education from Purdue University. He worked briefly in horticulture education and landscaping before returning to the family retail farm operation in the early 1980s. During his time at Tuttle Orchards, Mike has established and overseen vegetable, berry, and greenhouse crop production, as well as, managing the farm's retail store and agri-tourism entities. He has expanded Tuttle's greenhouse crops to include bedding plants, mums, and poinsettias. Recently, he has been pioneering in extending the season through the use of hi-tunnel greenhouses for tomatoes. Currently, Mike oversees all vegetable and greenhouse crop production, handles wholesale accounts and assists with the farm store. Mike's favorite apple is Gold Rush.

Ruth Ann Roney, Marketing & Farm Store Manager

Ruth Ann, a fourth generation Tuttle, joined the Tuttle's team in 2006. She worked previously with the Hancock County 4-H program and in Mexico City with Globalscope. At the orchard, Ruth Ann oversees the marketing, retail store, and the fall activities. She is active in the Hancock Harvest Council helping to promote buying local foods. Ruth Ann's favorite apple is Gold Rush.

Helen Roney, Tour Coordinator

Helen Roney, Mike Roney's wife, has been overseeing the field trip program at Tuttle Orchards since 1989. Under her direction, the program has grown from about one thousand children coming on apple tours to over 8,000 people participating in both apple and pumpkin tour programs. Helen is also the lady in charge of hiring our staff, so if you'd like to work at Tuttles chances are you'll see her friendly face in your interview.

Farm Store Staff

We are very proud of our store staff. We know they are the reason many of you come to Tuttles. We have some employees that have been around for over a decade and others that have joined in the last couple years, but they all bring a different aspect of fun and knowledge to the Tuttle's team.

Field Staff

Our field staff are experts at picking produce at the peak of its freshness. From bringing in bushels of apples to picking sweet corn every morning in the summer, these guys go above and beyond. Many of these employees feel like a part of our extended family as they have been working at Tuttles for over ten years.

Fall Staff

Fall at the orchard is a busy time, and it takes many hands to make it all happen. We are blessed every year to have a great group of people who join us for the fall season. Many of them have been coming back for several years...we even have one family who is now in their third generation of working at Tuttles.