David Bedford has been an apple breeder and research scientist at the University of Minnesota Horticultural Research Center / Arboretum for 28 years.  He has helped develop and introduce 17 fruit varieties including strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, pears, plums and apples. He also has been involved in the development and introduction of five apple varieties, including Honeycrisp, Zestar! and the latest U of M introduction SnowSweet.  During apple season, it is not uncommon for David to sample up to 500 apples per day as part of the job.  He also owns and operates a small commercial apple orchard.