By Staff
TOOLS OF THE TRADE n Bob Burns is pictured with two of his favorite tools in the kitchen, a clear glass rolling pin that belonged to his grandmother, and a pressure cooker he purchased on the Internet. Photo by Steve Swogetinsky/The Meridian Star
By Steve Swogetinsky/The Meridian Star
Aug. 1, 2001
Bob Burns found out in the hurry that he had rather raise fruit trees than cows.
He purchased a couple of cows after he and his wife, Beth, built their home in the Coldwater Community, located within a mile or two from the Neshoba County Fairgrounds. They own 30 acres and Bob decided he would try his hand at raising cows.
By the book
Burns is an industrial engineer for U.S. Electrical Motors, having worked there 32 years.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, he is a graduate of Philadelphia High School, East Central Community College and the University of Southern Mississippi.
Burns grew up in the area that he now calls home. His mother died when he was 10, and he was raised by his father, Paul. Often when his father was working, he stayed with his relatives, who lived in the Coldwater Community.
He also started cooking as a child.
He found that he liked to cook and has continued to do so through his adult life.
He cooks for gatherings at Coldwater Baptist Church, where he is a deacon. He keeps something going for his sons and their friends on the weekend.
Other job'
Today, most of his land is planted in pines, but two acres around his house are devoted to his fruit trees. He raises different types of pear trees, muscadines, apples and blue berries.
Burns had always raised a garden, but never fruit trees. So he visited the county agent in Neshoba County for some advice. The key he said was proper pruning at the right time, fertilization and pest control.
He enjoys grafting, and has pear trees which give off two or three different types of fruit.
Burns said he could spend anywhere from 15 to 20 hours a week with his fruit trees.
He has 125 pear trees, 150 muscadine vines, 30 apple trees, 120 blueberry bushes, 20 peach trees, and several pecan trees. He once had 80 peach trees, but is in the process of getting out raising peaches all together.
His Asian pears are delicious.
The Burns have two sons, Brian and Bradley. The family also has three labs, BJ, Bo and Baily.
Steve Swogetinsky is regional editor of The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3217, or e-mail him at sswogetinsky@themeridianstar.com.