By Malinda Geisler, content specialist, AgMRC, Iowa State University.

Revised March 2011.


Overview

Another common marketing method for apples is pick-your-own. A pick-your-own, or U-pick, farm allows consumers to harvest produce themselves. Therefore, the farm requires less labor for harvesting. Tasks such as grading, storing and packing are eliminated.

There are some disadvantages to a pick-your-own farm. Like many ag enterprises, this type of operation requires long working hours. And most pick-your-own business takes place on weekends. It usually requires more liability insurance. To attract customers, the farm's location needs to be appealing. Parking is another critical factor and should be within reasonable walking distance of the production site. Poor weather can keep customers from visiting the farm.

By using uniform containers, produce may be sold by weight. If customers bring their own containers, the containers have to be weighed before harvesting. Another option is pricing by each item. Pricing on a per item basis works for apples but not for other produce such as berries.


Marketing

• Fresh Market Apples, Economic Research Service (ERS), USDA, 2005 - This report reviews fresh apple markets in the United States.
• Fruits and Tree Nuts, Briefing Room, ERS, USDA - This government portal provides general information and statistics on the U.S. fruits and nut tree industries.
• National Directory of Farmers Market and Direct Marketing Associations, Ag Marketing Service, USDA - Using this national database, find the nearest farmers' market and direct market association.

Production

• Apple, University of Georgia - This provides an overview of apple cultivars, production, harvest, handling and nutrient content.

Businesses/Case Studies

• County Line Orchard, Hobart, Indiana - The owners claim their orchard is the closest pick-your-own apple orchard to downtown Chicago. The 40-acre orchard is operated by the McAfees, a fifth-generation Indiana farm family. Apples are ripe from mid August until the end of October. The farm hosts tens of thousands of students and teachers for educational tours.
• Goold Orchards, Castleton, New York - The family at Goold Orchards has been involved in farming since 1910. In addition to pick-your-own apples, strawberries and raspberries, the farm store is open year-round with apples and pasteurized cider. A bakery sells products from September until January. The farm offers online ordering, school tours and an annual apple festival.
• Lost Acres Orchard, North Granby, Connecticut - This orchard, owned and operated by the Watka family, offers more than 20 varieties of pick-your-own apples. Along with other fresh produce, its farm store sells fresh-baked goods including apple pies, jams, jellies, local honey and other products.
• Wright's Apple Farm, Gardiner, New York - This apple farm ships apples and homemade jams and jellies all over the United States and Europe. The fifth-generation farm also offers pick-your-own apples, a fruit stand and bakery.

 Links checked March 2011.