Pick farming — AKA You Pick or U-pick farming — is growing in popularity, and there are many good reasons for that.

You-pick farming is an easier way to earn from your crops, so long as you enjoy interacting with people. U-pick farms also serve to encourage people to be active outdoors and interacting in and with nature, while exposing children to where their food really comes from, and the delight in nibbles straight from the bush!

We’re considering pick farming for our future endeavors, so sharing our initial research for any interested.

If you already have a pick farm, we’d love to hear anything you care to share from your experience.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Pick Farming?

11 Benefits of Pick Farming for Farmers

1. Reduced Labor Costs: One of the primary advantages is that customers do the picking, reducing the need for seasonal labor to harvest crops.
2. Immediate Sales: Payments are typically cash-based and immediate, reducing the risk of credit sales and outstanding accounts.
3. Less Waste: Since the fruits are picked by the customer directly, there’s a reduction in the handling and processing of the fruits, leading to less potential damage or waste.
4. Direct Pricing Control: Farmers can set their own prices based on their understanding of their costs and market conditions, without middlemen taking a cut.
5. Reduced Packaging and Transport: There’s no need to pack and transport the produce to retail outlets, reducing overheads and potential damage to fruits.
6. Increased Revenue Streams: Many U-Pick farms diversify their offerings by having a store that sells jams, jellies, baked goods, or even farm-related crafts, increasing their revenue.
7. Community Engagement: Farmers get the chance to interact with their community, educating visitors about farming practices, fostering trust, and building long-term customer relationships.
8. Brand Development: A unique and memorable farm experience can lead to word-of-mouth marketing, repeat business, and even opportunities for branding and merchandise.
9. Freshness and Quality Control: Selling directly means that produce doesn’t spend days in transit or on store shelves, ensuring customers get the freshest pick.
10. Sustainable Practices: Direct customer interaction can allow farmers to share and highlight sustainable or organic farming practices they use, attracting a market willing to pay a premium for such products.
11. Work From Home: Pick farming allows provides the opportunity for farmers and their familier to work from home without the need to also sell at market, although that’s an additional revenue option.

12 Disadvantages of Pick Farming for Farmers

1. Unpredictable Customer Turnout: Unlike traditional farming where produce is often sold in bulk to retailers, U-Pick farms are reliant on consistent customer turnout. Bad weather, local events, or other factors can drastically affect daily attendance.
2. Potential Crop Damage: Inexperienced pickers might inadvertently damage plants or pick fruits prematurely, affecting future yields.
3. Inconsistent Revenues: Income from U-Pick can be sporadic and is more vulnerable to seasonal fluctuations, whereas traditional farming might provide more consistent revenue through contracts with retailers.
4. Increased Liability: Allowing the public onto the farm can lead to potential accidents or injuries. Farmers must ensure safety measures are in place and might need additional insurance coverage.
5. Overhead Costs: U-Pick farms often require amenities for customers, such as restrooms, parking, and shaded areas, leading to additional costs.
6. Intensive Customer Service: U-Pick requires direct interaction with customers. This means farmers or their staff need to have good interpersonal skills, be ready to handle queries, and manage customer expectations.
7. Potential for Waste: If there’s a day with low turnout, fruits, especially those that are highly perishable, might go unpicked and wasted.
8. Dependence on Marketing: Unlike traditional farming, U-Pick models require more direct-to-consumer marketing efforts, which could include online promotion, signages, or participation in local events.
9. Land Utilization: The layout of a U-Pick farm must be customer-friendly, which might not always be the most efficient use of land in terms of maximizing yield.
10. Risk of Trespassing and Theft: While many customers are honest and well-meaning, there’s always a risk of people taking more than they report or visiting the farm after hours.
11. Limited Wholesale Opportunities: Dedicating a significant portion of crops for U-Pick might limit opportunities to sell in bulk to other vendors or retailers.
12. Seasonal Staffing Challenges: Even though customers do the picking, peak seasons might require hiring additional staff for management, which can be a challenge to source and train seasonally.

While these challenges are valid, it’s essential to note that many successful U-Pick farms manage to navigate these issues effectively by combining U-Pick with other business models, such as selling value-added products, offering memberships, or diversifying their offerings. As with any business, understanding the unique challenges of the model allows for better planning and strategy development.

10 Benefits of U-Pick Farms for Customers:

1. Freshness: Customers get to pick fruits directly from the plant, ensuring they are getting the freshest produce available.
2. Experience: U-Pick offers a unique and fun experience, especially for families. It’s educational for children, showing them where their food comes from, in fact U-Pick Farms are a popular school field trip.
3. Value for Money: Often, U-Pick prices per pound are less than grocery store prices for fresh produce.
4. Physical Activity: Walking around farms and picking fruits in the fresh outdoors is a healthy activity with the benefit of mild exercise.
5. Quality Selection: Customers can select the exact fruits they want, ensuring they get the best quality according to their preference.
6. Connection with Food Source: Directly picking one’s food fosters a deeper connection and appreciation for the food.
7. Support Local: U-Pick provides an opportunity for consumers to support local farmers and the local economy.
8. Seasonal Awareness: Visiting U-Pick farms can make customers more aware of seasonal produce, encouraging more seasonal eating habits, which are often healthier and more sustainable.
9. Reduced Carbon Footprint: With less packaging and transportation needed, the produce has a lower carbon footprint compared to store-bought items.
10. Social Event: Picking fruits can be a social activity, an outing with friends or family, or a date activity. Some farms even offer seasonal events, workshops, or festivals.

In essence, U-Pick farming offers a symbiotic relationship where both farmers and customers reap tangible and intangible benefits. The direct farm-to-consumer connection fosters community bonds, supports local economies, and promotes a sustainable and healthy lifestyle.

Checklist Starting a U-Pick Blueberry Farm

As with most projects, the more you get into it, the more you discover that needs to be done. This can be especially true when dealing with the public, where the simple idea becomes more complex based on . However, each thing is manageable to handle, one step at a time.

1. Preliminary Research

• Zoning Laws: Ensure that your land is zoned for agricultural use.
• Demand: Research if there’s demand for a U-Pick blueberry farm in your area.
• Climate and Soil: Blueberries prefer acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5. Check the compatibility of your region’s climate with blueberry cultivation.

2. Preparing the Land

• Site Selection: Choose a site with well-draining soil and access to full sunlight.
• Soil Testing and Amendments: Regularly test the soil to ensure it remains conducive for blueberry growth.
• Land Preparation: Clear the land of weeds and other vegetation. Consider raised beds if drainage is a concern.

3. Plant Selection and Planting

• Variety Selection: Different varieties mature at different times, spreading out the picking season.
• Planting: Space plants 4-5 feet apart in rows that are 9-10 feet apart.

4. Care for the Plants

• Watering: Blueberries need about 1-2 inches of water weekly.
• Fertilizing: Use fertilizers suitable for acid-loving plants.
• Pruning: Regular pruning encourages fruit production.
• Pest and Disease Management: Stay vigilant against pests and diseases.

5. Maturation Timeline

• Year 1: Pinch off blossoms to promote root growth. Expect no yield.
• Year 2-3: Harvest may be 20% in year 2 and around 50% in year 3 of a mature plant’s yield.
• Year 4-5: Yields should be nearing the plant’s full capacity, between 80% to 100%.
• Year 6+: Plants will be in full production. Peak production usually lasts for 10-12 years per plant.

6. Designing the Customer Experience

• Access: Ensure easy accessibility to the bushes without causing damage.
• Amenities: Offer amenities like parking, restrooms, shaded resting areas, and possibly a small shop for refreshments or blueberry products.
• Signage: Clear signage helps in guiding pickers on where to go and the pricing.

7. Marketing and Outreach

• Local Advertising: Utilize local newspapers, radio, and community boards.
• Social Media: Regular updates on the farm’s status, promotions, or events can attract visitors.
• Collaborate: Partner with local businesses for promotions or discounts.

8. Pricing and Sales

• Pricing Strategy: Understand your costs and check the competition. Pricing per pound is common for U-Pick farms.
• Retail Sales: Consider selling jams, jellies, or baked goods as additional revenue streams.

9. Safety and Regulations

• Insurance: Secure liability insurance to protect against potential lawsuits from any injuries on the farm.
• Regulations: Understand local agricultural regulations and adhere to them. Regular inspections might be needed.

1-5 Years Estimated Profitability Scenario for a U-Pick Blueberry Farm

Hypothetical Pick Farming Scenario

• Farm Size: 10 acres
• Plants per Acre: 1,000
• Average Mature Yield per Plant: 5 pounds
• Selling Price: $4 per pound
• Initial Setup Cost: $20,000
• Operating Cost per Acre annually: $2,000

Yearly Yield Percentage:

• Year 1: 0%
• Year 2: 20%
• Year 3: 50%
• Year 4: 80%
• Year 5: 100%

Year 1:

• Total Plants: 10,000
• Yearly Yield: 0 lbs
• Total Revenue: $0
• Annual Operating Expenses: $20,000
• Annual Profit before Setup Cost: -$20,000
• Cumulative Profit: -$40,000 (including the initial setup cost)

Year 2:

• Yearly Yield: 10,000 plants x 20% x 5 lbs/plant = 10,000 lbs
• Total Revenue: 10,000 lbs x $4 = $40,000
• Annual Operating Expenses: $20,000
• Annual Profit: $20,000
• Cumulative Profit: -$20,000 (Year 1’s loss) + $20,000 = $0 (Break-even)

Year 3:

• Yearly Yield: 10,000 plants x 50% x 5 lbs/plant = 25,000 lbs
• Total Revenue: 25,000 lbs x $4 = $100,000
• Annual Operating Expenses: $20,000
• Annual Profit: $80,000
• Cumulative Profit: $0 (from Year 2) + $80,000 = $80,000

Year 4:

• Yearly Yield: 10,000 plants x 80% x 5 lbs/plant = 40,000 lbs
• Total Revenue: 40,000 lbs x $4 = $160,000
• Annual Operating Expenses: $20,000
• Annual Profit: $140,000
• Cumulative Profit: $80,000 (from Year 3) + $140,000 = $220,000

Year 5:

• Yearly Yield: 10,000 plants x 100% x 5 lbs/plant = 50,000 lbs
• Total Revenue: 50,000 lbs x $4 = $200,000
• Annual Operating Expenses: $20,000
• Annual Profit: $180,000
• Cumulative Profit: $220,000 (from Year 4) + $180,000 = $400,000

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Considering the assumptions and estimated yield increases as the plants mature, by the end of Year 5, the farm could potentially realize a cumulative profit of $400,000. Again, it’s important to stress that these figures are generalized and actual profitability would depend on precise costs, market conditions, fruit yields, and other unpredictable factors.

Pick Farm Worksheet Ideas to Guide Your Planning Process

Calculations:

Insert Value 1	x	Insert Value 2	TOTALS
Farm Size	x	Plants per Acre
Total Plants (from above result)	x	Average Yield
Total Yield (from the second row result)	x	Selling Price
Farm Size	x	Operating Cost
Total Revenue (from the third row result)	–	Operating Cost
ROI (First year % including initial setup)	÷	Initial Setup Cost

You may also be interested in our article and interview on growing blackberries for profit here. And you can find more resources on Niche crops from Rutgers Extension Service,^[1]https://njaes.rutgers.edu/fs1311/ as well as a PDF from the University of Tennessee extension.^[2]https://www.pickyourown.org/PDFguides/TN-starting-a-pyo-guide-pb1802.pdf