Mt. Ridge Farms - Pennsylvania.

At Mountain Ridge Farms, the Slaybaugh family is rooted in a five-generation legacy of apple growing, with David Slaybaugh at the helm. Over the years, what began with his great-grandfather’s small orchards has expanded into 600 acres of thriving apple trees, 350 of which are dedicated to high-density planting. This shift in farming practices has not only increased production but also allowed Mountain Ridge to supply apples to some of the biggest names in retail and fast food—Walmart, Costco, Subway, and McDonald’s.

Yet, the journey has been far from easy. Based on the East Coast, the farm contends with terrain that is much more challenging than the flat plains found in other apple-growing regions. David and his team have had to innovate and adapt to make the most of their rolling hills. David explains: 

High-density orchards have become a game-changer for Mountain Ridge Farms. Instead of planting 40 trees per acre, as his great-grandfather did, David now plants between 1,500 and 4,700 trees per acre using the most advanced trellis systems available. It’s a leap forward that has allowed him to scale up production significantly while keeping the farm at the forefront of agricultural innovation.

To support this modern approach, David needed reliable products—and that’s where Gripple entered the picture. He first came across Gripple products at an agricultural show and was immediately impressed with their simplicity and effectiveness. "With Gripple wire joiner, we just loop the wire around the post, run it through, and tighten it. It keeps everything straight and secure, no matter the terrain," David shares.

The trellis systems supported by Gripple’s wire tensioners have stood the test of time. Underscoring the durability and reliability that are critical in farming, David went on to say: 

Beyond the products, what has impressed David most is Gripple’s customer service. "They’re not just a supplier—they’re a partner," David says. "Their team came out to our farm to see the land firsthand, to listen to our concerns, and to offer tailored solutions. If they didn’t have an answer right away, they made sure to get back to us quickly. That level of service is rare."

For David, Mountain Ridge Farms is more than just a business—it’s a continuation of a proud family tradition. As David reflects on the farm’s progress—from his great-grandfather’s modest orchards to today’s sprawling high-density operation—he feels a deep sense of pride. "It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come," he says. "And with the right tools and the right partners, I know we’re just getting started."