Safe to say not too many people were saddened as they said goodbye to 2020 and welcomed 2021. Still facing challenges from the pandemic but all of us are hopeful for a more “normal” 2021.
At the orchard we are proceeding with the “normal” pruning or trimming of the apple trees. A non-producing season last year created tremendous limb growth and sprouts. It’s been more of a chore than usual. We’re anticipating about 20 percent increase in labor hours this pruning season. While the negative aspect is more time spent pruning, the positive is the extra growth proves the trees are healthy. The tree fruit bud for this year looks good, healthy and strong. Fruit bud for this season was developed during the summer months of last year.
An interesting comment I read recently about pruning is that just as everyone cooks a steak to his/her own liking, such is the same with pruning. Orchardists have their own techniques. Some hand prune as we do while others prune mechanically. Pruning is labor intensive. With limited labor supply orchardists have to determine what is most cost effective. Large orchards tend to prune mechanically because of the labor shortage, costs and the overall magnitude of the task. The overall objective, however, is the same, open up the trees to allow sunlight and chemical applications to get into the inner parts of the tree’s canopy.
We have certainly missed attending the trade shows and presentations that are sponsored annually by the Horticultural Departments of the state sponsored universities such as Purdue, Michigan State, and Ohio State. Several of the universities sponsored virtual presentations of classes for vegetable and fruit growers. Certainly this was a good alternative to get the information to the growers but we did miss the actual interaction of going to the the trade shows and exchanging thoughts and ideas with the vendors. This exchange of ideas is how new processes for production and management develop and move a small business forward.
We’re certainly trying to make 2021 a better year for our customers. With a little luck and lots of help from Mother Nature, we hope to be able to have something to offer our customers this year. Take good care.