by: John Berry, Extension Educator, Lehigh County
Recently, the popularity of P-Y-O family outings has
increased. It is no wonder. Consumers can enjoy not only the fruits and
vegetables available for harvest, but they also get to experience some time on
a real farm. Adding to this excitement, each month changes the availability of
a different fruit or vegetable. As we know, what is available to pick varies on
location, varieties planted, and weather conditions. To create a good
communication stream with your potential shoppers it is important you remind
them to always call the farm so
they don't miss the products they are after or the times they are available to
pick. In this part of the country we are finishing up blueberries and
blackberries. Peaches, tomatoes, green beans, figs, raspberries and early
apples are going full steam this month. Additionally, we are looking forward to
more apples, grapes, pumpkins and winter squashes later this fall.
 |
| Pick-Your-Own farms offer fun for the whole family! |
Because the average consumer is three generations removed
from living on a farm they may need a fair amount of education to make their
P-Y-O experience most enjoyable. It may be beneficial if you remind your P-Y-O customers to bring snacks, hand towels and plenty of liquids to drink. Should
they bring containers for picking and for carrying the fruit home? This can
depend on the farm they are visiting as some farms provide containers. Should
they dress in old clothes so they are comfortable and not worried about staining
or tearing? How about suggesting a hat to offer protection from the sun? In the
fall, extra layers keep them warm for picking. Remind them the value of
sunscreen for the back of their neck and exposed skin.
Also, be sure to tell them the fun doesn't have to end with
just picking the fruit. Especially if your farm also offers hay rides, petting
zoos, corn mazes, gift shops, picnic areas, or even some form of food service. Do you also sell pre-picked produce as an
added convenience if children tire before the family has gotten its fill of
fruit?
Every farm is a bit different. Some have more relaxed
rules, others are more strict. Customers need to find a farm that matches their
needs - a farm with strict rules would not make for a happy experience with
adventurous, young children. It is best to note and post all rules and
regulations at your picking locations.
Read a detailed story on an Ohio farm’s P-Y-O experience.
 |
| It will soon be pumpkin season, what a great way for kids to enjoy the outdoors and a fun farm experience! |
Below are a few common expectations at a P-Y-O farm that you may want to include in your list of rules:
- Look for the check-in and check-out areas. Before picking, note whether you will be charged according to weight, volume or count. Also, inquire if there is a minimum quantity requirement.
- Place trash in proper receptacles or take it with you;
- Stay clear of parked or moving tractors and equipment;
- Health codes usually require no pets in the fields.
- Always call in advance to find out if the fruit/vegetables you want are available, to get directions, check their opening and closing hours and to ask if children are welcome.
- Walk in the rows, don't step on plants!
Keeping the fruit cool is a good run of thumb. Check with your local Extension office for storage tips and provide some
fact sheets to your customers. Be certain to plan ahead if you intend to market
supplies to folks that plan to freeze, can, or make jam from some of their
harvest. The risks of inviting strangers onto your farm and letting them roam
about can be a challenge to control. However, with the growing popularity of
pick-your-own farm experiences it may be worth your time and trouble to
experiment a bit and see if this method of direct farm marketing is for you. For
additional information on a great you-pick farm experience check http://www.pickyourown.org/.
