To Pick or Let Fall

Thursday, February 5 — 2:00 – 3:15 PM

Should you pick apples from the tree, or let them drop to the ground? This long-standing debate between cidermakers and orchardists will be put to the test in a collaborative experiment from Pleasant Valley Cider Apples and 2 Towns Ciderhouse. The session will also feature findings from a 3-year USDA ground harvesting grant in an Indiana orchard, offering valuable insights into safety, efficiency, and fruit utilization. Finally, participants will learn how using windfalls can expand supply of high-value juice, boost revenue, and reduce waste while maintaining flexibility for non-alcoholic cider and fresh fruit markets.

Speakers: Clay Slaughter, Ashley Lindsay