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  • From: <dmnorton@royaloakfarmorchard.com>
  • To: "North American Fruit Explorers" <nafex@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [NAFEX] u-pick prices shocker....
  • Date: Sun, 14 Oct 2007 15:17:56 -0500

Richard,
 
We sell a peck of U-Pick apples for $13, which is approx. $1.30 per pound.  Those yuppies (now Gen-Xers) pay that or more in the grocery store for year old apples and soft ones to boot!  We also sell a 1/2 bushel bag of windfall for $12.95 and lots of them.  Although they are always culls from sorting and never off the ground.  Those orchards that don't capitalize on the "entertainment " side of the business are definitely missing out.  We can still buy apples wholesale cheaper than we can grow them, but the orchard is our best "prop".  It draws the families her and it is our job to give them a "good time".  Lat Saturday we did that to the tune of $80,000!  Our best Saturday this season.  And yes, they drive Hummers, SUVs and mini-vans and drive an hour from the Chicago suburbs to spend the day building family traditions by picking apples, going on hay rides, eating apple cider donuts, scones, apple wood smoked brats, riding the carousel and trackless train and using port-a-potties at Royal Oak Farm!  This is what we do and we love it...oh, yes, we like to grow apples too! 
 
----- Original Message -----
To: nafex
Sent: Saturday, October 13, 2007 4:28 PM
Subject: [NAFEX] u-pick prices shocker....

Hi Kids;
 
I went to a couple of U-Picks today. What mobs!!  Yay!!
 
The first was Nashoba Valley in Bolton, MA.
They are also a winery and snazzy restaurant. Nice place.
Apples, u-pick, $12 per Peck  holy cow!! (I was shocked)
At least they had some decent Golden Russets............
Very surprised that these folks didn't sell cider, or coffee, or scones, or any of that stuff.
Hundreds of people. All out to do what's American; "go places and eat things".
Un-tapped profit, also a shocker.
 
The next place, Shartner farm in Bolton, MA.
No winery, no restaurant, no nothin'. Nice, too. (for us 'regular' folk)
Apples, u-pick, $10 per peck   Jeezizzzzz.
 
Don't forget; this is Yuppie Land, right outside Boston.
La - de - dah  folks in $40K SUVs and matching his / hers ball caps.
I love them, one and all.
 
Interesting, down where I live, (Norton) about 50 miles south, we got one decent orchard.
C N Smith in East Bridgewater.
When you see folks picking there, they are after 'econo-fruit', and not so much the 'apple experience'.
The want to make pies and eat fruit. Yes, there are a few yups, but mostly families.
They even sell 'utility grade' apples in the store. They go quick.
 
So, in retrospect, I should have grown a hundred U-Pickers for the masses, and not so many Antiques.
Oh well, never too late.
 
How much are U-Pick apples in your corner of the world?
Are your customers driving Hummers or Chevys?
Either way, I hope you had a profitable year.
 
Richard Murphy
 
 
 



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