Labor Efficiency Economics in Apple Planting Systems
Matthew Wells, Production Economics & Business Management
Lake Ontario Fruit Program
NYS apple growers are investing in new high density apple planting systems which allow for increases in labor efficiency through various levels of mechanization. Various types of orchard platforms (reducing ladder usuage for handthinning, tree training, trellis installation and perhaps harvest) and tractor mounted shearers (replacing summer pruning) reportedly increase labor efficiency from 10-90%.
Labor Efficiency Economics in Apple Planting Systems (pdf; 262KB)
Upcoming Events
How Profitable Will My New Orchard Investment Be? 1-day, hands-on skills class
February 7, 2023
Highland, NY
The Eastern NY Commercial Hort Team and the Lake Ontario Fruit Team are offering a 1-day, hands-on course at 5 locations in NYS in January and February for tree fruit farms on using farm financial information and other resources to make decisions about long-term investments or changes to their business. We will apply the techniques covered in the 8-part webinar series in December to scenarios using sample financial data from fruit farms in NYS.
Apple Leafcurling Midge IPM - Webinar

February 16, 2023
In recent years, the apple leafcurling midge (ALCM) has become an increasingly problematic pest in many orchards across the northeast.
Western NY Fruit Conference - "State of the Industry"

February 27 - February 28, 2023
Henrietta, NY
CCE-LOF are excited to bring you a muti-day fruit conference in WNY! This is replacing our Winter Fruit Schools. Tentative Agenda is now available.