Local apple harvest has been half of usual in the past two years. Unprofitable, after the high labor cost for pruning, thinning, propping, and harvest, as well as the cost of fertilizer, discing, spray, insurance. There is some chance the last local processor - producing apple sauce, apple cider vinegar, other cooked products - will close. That would shut us down.
I get occasional inquiries from realtors representing growers, looking to lease an acre or so of our orchard. Apparently our microclimate would be ideal.
Sis suggested the Oregon growers described below, could be a model if we chose to lease out a portion of the orchard.
No! The need for security would kill the solitude and peace we enjoy. This mature apple orchard is like a quiet park. It's going to stay that way regardless.
www.dropscandies.com