How can I make money from my apple orchard?
If you live on or near a well-traveled road, selling from a small stand on your own property might be a lower-key way to make money from your orchard if local laws permit such sales. If you have plenty of room for parking, a you-pick orchard might be an even better option.
How much does a small orchard make a year?
As a sideline, a healthy small orchard of five to ten acres can generate $10,000 a year, but expenses must be deducted before you see profit. The profit margin increases for industrial sized orchards where the cost of machinery is shared over more trees.
Can you make money growing apple trees commercially?
Growing apple trees commercially can be a good source for income, provided is done rationally and at a medium to large scale. As is the case for the majority of fruit trees, you need to achieve economies of scale. This means that you cannot make money by growing 50 or 100 apple trees, because fixed costs will surely reach (if not exceed) earnings.
What are the pros and cons of large apple orchards?
Larger orchards can make more efficient use of machinery and equipment, but will require more hired labor, and more management skill. Apple growing is an enterprise that requires a great deal of knowledge on the part of the orchard owner or manager.
How much money can you make with an orchard?
As a sideline, a healthy small orchard of five to ten acres can generate $10,000 a year, but expenses must be deducted before you see profit. The profit margin increases for industrial sized orchards where the cost of machinery is shared over more trees.
How many apple trees do I need to make money?
This means that you cannot make money by growing 50 or 100 apple trees, because fixed costs will surely reach (if not exceed) earnings. A minimum base to start is a small apple orchard of 1 hectare (10.000 square meters) with 600-800 trees or more.
Is growing apple trees profitable?
Although there are quite a lot of apple trees throughout the country, they are still fairly profitable as demand remains high.
How much does an acre of apples yield?
The U.S. De- partment of Agriculture reported an average yield of 33,967 pounds per acre from 2013 to 2018, a signifi- cant increase from the average yield of 27,567 pounds per acre from 2007 to 2012. Many factors account for yield increases; the adoption of higher-density plant- ing methods is one contributing factor.
Is Growing fruit trees profitable?
3:025:56MOST PROFITABLE FRUITS TO GROW - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDuring a good year a high yielding passion fruit farmer can earn up to 10 times more income perMoreDuring a good year a high yielding passion fruit farmer can earn up to 10 times more income per hectare compared to other crops like maize and wheat pomegranates one of the most beneficial aspects of
Are fruit trees a good investment?
As a long-term permanent crop, fruiting trees present investors with healthy returns and a high compound annual growth rate (CAGR). You'll be hard-pressed to find better deals anywhere else in the market. Without tree crops, we'd lose most of the nuts and fruits that reach the market today.
Can you make a living with an orchard?
Starting an orchard for profit is a way to make a living on a very small acreage. “One acre can make a person $50,000 per year. You can service a mortgage and make a living on an acre or half an acre growing fruit or vegetables.
Which fruit is most profitable?
Here are the 10 Most Profitable Fruits to Grow in India!Mango (Mangifera indica) The national fruit of India is everyone's favorite. ... Banana (Musa) ... Apple (Malus domestica) ... Grapes (Vitis vinifera) ... Coconut (Cocos nucifera) ... Papaya (Carica papaya) ... Guava (Psidium guajava) ... Orange (Citrus X sinensis)More items...•
Are apples easy to farm?
Apple production requires a lot of labor, and will take a lot of your time. You'll probably also need additional seasonal help for harvesting and packing the fruit. Although every farm system is unique, 10 acres could be considered a minimum size for a commercial apple-growing business.
Are apple trees a lot of work?
They require a lot of time for training, pruning, fruit thinning, spraying and harvesting. And because pests can damage your tree or crop, you may not even get a good crop unless you are disciplined.
How do I start an apple farming business?
Apple Farming Basic StepsSoil Preparation for Apple Farming. Proper layout and soil preparation are very essential in establishing a new apple orchard. ... Planting. You can adopt a square or hexagonal system of planting. ... Irrigation. ... Training & Pruning. ... Manuring. ... Weed Control.
How do I start a small orchard?
Selecting an Orchard SiteChoose a site with well-drained fertile soil and full sun.Avoid frost pockets and areas exposed to high winds.Don't plant early-flowering varieties on south-facing slopes, where they may bloom too early and then lose their flowers (and thus that year's fruit) to a late frost.
How big is an apple farm?
Although every farm system is unique, 10 acres could be considered a minimum size for a commercial apple-growing business. A 10-acre operation is large enough to use equipment efficiently and implement a continuous orchard renovation program, yet small enough that one person can take care of most of the work.
How much does an apple bush weigh?
Figuring that a bushel of apples weighs about 40 pounds, an acre of trees at this density should produce at least 16,000 pounds of fruit, and on a good site, with favorable climatic conditions and excellent management, as much as 20,000 pounds.
Where is the Good Fruit Grower magazine located?
Good Fruit Grower is based in Washington. This publication focuses on world and local production issues and research findings. Fruit Grower News is a monthly publication with an edition that can be viewed online. Growing Practices. Apple.
When do trees come into full production?
After the fifth year or so when trees come into full production, some costs will increase while yields and income are also increasing. As the trees get larger, they will require more resources for pest management, pruning, and thinning. You might also have to hire honeybee hives to ensure good pollination.
Can you put deer repellent on apples in Minnesota?
Deer fencing is pretty much essential to successful apple production in Minnesota. Young trees in particular are attractive to deer, and can be killed in a single season of heavy browsing. Hanging bars of soap, human hair, or other repellants in the trees might be effective, but it might not.
Does picking your own orchard cost more?
A pick-your-own orchard will not have high harvest labor costs, but you'll need people to do things that other orchards don’t, like driving your customers around the orchard, or providing other entertainment to attract customers to your orchard. A pick-your-own orchard is also likely to have higher insurance costs.
Organic apples
Gallardo and Taylor also studied the costs of production for organic apples. Price premiums for organic apples have fluctuated over the past 10 years between an average of about $4 and $8 a box, depending on the year. The average premium for the 2009–2010 season, according to the Washington Growers Clearing House Association, was about $6 a box.
Fresh pears
Gallardo and Taylor have also developed estimates of the costs of producing fresh pears in north central Washington, based on a 12-year-old, 40-acre pear orchard with 30 acres of d’Anjou pears and 10 acres of Bartletts planted on a 7- by 15-foot spacing.
Bartlett pears
A study of the costs of producing Bartlett pears in Washington’s Yakima Valley shows that total production costs for a mature orchard are around $8,785 per acre. The study is based on a 10.5-acre pear block in a 100-acre orchard.
About the Author: Geraldine Warner
Geraldine Warner was the editor of Good Fruit Grower from 1992-2015. During her tenure, she planned and prepared editorial content, wrote for the magazine, and managed the editorial team. Read her stories: Story Index
One Comment
Hi I would like to know approximately how much per acre in dollars mature red delicious apples would yield? The farm is in Boyertown, Pa in Berks County 19512. Thank you for any information.
What to do before starting an apple orchard?
Before you begin, check with your local municipality to ensure your zoning permits you to operate an orchard. Offering cooked food on site usually requires additional licensing and permits, though the added profit is usually worth it. References. University of Minnesota: Before You Start an Apple Orchard.
How long does it take to sell fruit trees?
Selling Wholesale. It typically takes five years or longer for most fruit or nut trees to begin bearing, so you'll have time to find markets for your fruit. Selling directly to volume wholesalers might not be possible for home growers, unless you can arrange with a commercial orchardist to piggyback your harvest with his.
What is a row of trees bent low with ripening fruit?
A row of trees bent low with ripening fruit is an appealing sight, rich with the mouthwatering promise of fresh flavors and sweet, sticky juice. If your home is on a larger than usual plot, or if you live in a semirural area, you might have the option of planting a small home orchard and enjoying that very pleasure.
Can you work in an orchard?
Operating even a small orchard is probably more work than you realize , so canvass your local orchardists for learning opportunities or even internships in their orchards. If you live in a fruit-growing area, the local university might offer learning opportunities at a demonstration orchard. Before you begin, check with your local municipality to ensure your zoning permits you to operate an orchard. Offering cooked food on site usually requires additional licensing and permits, though the added profit is usually worth it.
What is an orchard farm?
An orchard may be an extension or addition to an existing farm. It can offer pick-your-own fall family fun or incorporate a cider press and resultant sales of the additional product. It may ship all the fruit wholesale to a food distributor or have a farmer's market on site. Ready to form your LLC?
How much does it cost to plant a tree per acre?
Expect to pay $10 to $20 per tree and be planting 100-400 trees per acre depending on the size of the tree. You'll need to spend about $5 per tree per year on pesticides, pruning, and fertilizer. Of course, you'll need to purchase the land in the first place.
What is the first requirement for an orchard?
If you have a love of the earth and a love for growing things, you've got the first requirement. You must also be willing to work extensive hours during the growing season and have patience for years when the crops struggle to thrive. A small orchard should only be considered as a sideline business.
What are the best resources for entrepreneurs?
One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need. Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.
How long does it take for a dwarf tree to bear fruit?
Plan to wait at least two years for dwarf variety fruit trees to start bearing fruit and allow up to seven years for larger varieties to mature. You earn a profit by spending as little as possible on the maintenance of your trees and landing a high price when they're ready to sell.
Do you need a CO before leasing an orchard?
Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to an orchard. After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued.
Do you pay to pick your own from the trees?
However, individual customers who pay to pick-your-own from the trees will pay a premium price per pound for the opportunity to explore the rural life for an afternoon. A farm stand can generate income throughout the growing season from your local neighbors.
How to start a permaculture orchard?
To put it simply there are four steps to establishing a permaculture orchard – 1.trees, 2.shrubs, 3.companion plants (perennials, herbs, vines) 4.allies. But there is much more to it if you want to adopt permaculture orchard model and adapt it to your situation.
What is Stefan's orchard?
What’s unique about Stefan’s orchard is that it is planted in Trios (originally called NAP – nitrogen fixer, apple, and plum/ pear), One nitrogen fixer, 2 crop trees. This is very similar to David Holmgren’s European style permaculture orchard where he interplants with tagasaste (tree lucerne), also a N – fixer. One characteristic of this pattern is that no fruit or nut tree is next to its own species in the row or in between the rows. Therefore, if any tree gets infested with pests, it is much less likely to pass the problem on to another tree of its kind.
What is Miracle Farms?
Miracle Farms is the largest and the most developed example of a commercial permaculture orchard in Eastern North America. Production from the farm is sold to 30-80 member families with the short term goal of reaching 100 families.
How long did it take Stefan to start his orchard?
His orchard took 22 years to establish and to be honest it wasn’t always rosy for Stefan. He is a pioneer of permaculture orchards, and now he shares his knowledge so you do not need to go through 20 years of trial and error like him. You can learn from his experiences so that you don’t make the same mistakes he did.
Is Miracle Farms organic?
This experience helped a lot when he decided to focus on Permaculture Design and his ‘Miracle Farms’. The farm that he bought was originally developed as a commercial monoculture apple orchard, making the transition to becoming an organic farm upon purchase in 1993, and was certified organic in 1996.
Can you plant trees in a permaculture orchard?
One of the first steps in the establishment is deciding on the layout of the whole orchard because, of course, you can’t plant trees if you don’t know where to plant them.
How much does an acre of herb give you?
An acre will give you about 4 pounds, indicative of how lucrative the herb is. If you stay in a dry region with mild winters, this is probably the best crop to grow. It is suitable for commercial spice production and is in high demand both locally and internationally.
How much garlic per acre?
According to some studies, average yield of garlic per acre is between 10,000 and 12,000 pounds and yearly profit per acre is around $80,000 what makes this crop one of the best cash crops with the highest profit per acre. Another grower and customer favorite is Elephant garlic, whose large, mild cloves bring $6-$8 per pound.
How much does saffron cost?
You can make lots of money by planting this very expensive culinary herb. A pound of this herb trades at around $5000 and $10000. An acre will give you about 4 pounds, indicative of how lucrative the herb is.
What is the most profitable plant?
This amazing plant, a member of the grass family, has long been a landscaping favorite, as landscapers can pick a species of bamboo ranging from dwarf Sasa bamboo that is barely a foot tall, to giant timber bamboo that can reach 75 feet in height.
How much does hemp oil cost?
Five gallon bucket of hemp oil costs around $150 and potential returns for hemp fiber range from $170 (low yield) to $759 (high yield) per acre. The fact the various parts of the cannabis plant have various uses makes it one of the plants that can bring in good profit per acre.
How many blossoms does it take to grow saffron?
You need to delicately pick the flowers as they bloom, and then pull out the three blossoms per flower. Remember that it takes about 150 blossoms just to make a single gram of dried saffron.
How many basil plants per acre?
For instance, according to NC State Extension website, large producers who grow basil for oil, plant around 30,000 to 35,000 plants per acre. Leaf yields range from 1 to 3 tons per acre (dried) and for fresh leaves the range is even larger (6 to 10 tons).
Experience
Orchard Size
- Apple production requires a lot of labor, and will take a lot of your time. You'll probably also need additional seasonal help for harvesting and packing the fruit. Although every farm system is unique, 10 acres could be considered a minimum size for a commercial apple-growing business. A 10-acre operation is large enough to use equipment efficiently and implement a continuous orchard renovation program, yet small enough that one perso…
Management
- Apple growing is an enterprise that requires a great deal of knowledge on the part of the orchard owner or manager. Making a profit growing apples in Minnesota (or anywhere else) requires intense management, from variety selection through planting, training, controlling pests, thinning fruit, harvesting, handling, and marketing. If you are considering orcharding as a career or a business opportunity, you'll need to learn about and keep up-to-d…
Start-Up Costs
- It's going to cost a lot of money to get started. There's really no other way to say it. Be sure you have the capital to purchase and operate an orchard before signing any agreement or sale contract. You'll be making a large investment from the year you plant until the year that crop returns equal or exceed annual expenses. Dwarf trees may begin bearing a small crop their third year in the ground, but will not reach full productivity until the sixth or …
Marketing and Income Potential
- You could expect to have income from the trees after the fifth year. Yields from dwarf trees planted at a density of 300 to 400 trees per acre in Minnesota range from about 300 bushels per acre to 500 or more bushels per acre. Figuring that a bushel of apples weighs about 40 pounds, an acre of trees at this density should produce at least 16,000 po...
Additional Information
- Many books, trade publications, and magazines from around the country are available for more information about growing apples. Spend a lot of time reading and learning all you can before making a final decision about starting an orchard. Here are some of our favorites.