Considering a U-Pick Operation. Adrienne Held Holly Berry Farm Santa Claus, IN

Transcription

1 Considering a U-Pick Operation Adrienne Held Holly Berry Farm Santa Claus, IN anheld@psci.net

2 Why did we venture into u-pick strawberries? Family Opportunity to provide local option for fresh berries to community Unique opportunity for our location Holiday World 1 mile Candy Castle 0.25 mile Many, many tourists, campers during picking season.

3 Our Operation Planted first berries in 2009 half acre. Expanded to 1 acre space in acres of matted row strawberries 4 varieties early, two mid-season, one late-season. Season lasts 3 to 4 weeks depending on weather. Asparagus and fall brambles available.

4 Why Consider U-Pick Upick offers great opportunity for: Reduced labor costs (in theory) Less equipment needed/diversify offerings Direct to consumer sales directly from farm Customers enjoy picking own fruit for the farm experience. Quality/freshness Cons Liability/farm safety Good location/advertising needed Customer supervison/larger crop losses from damage/lack of experience.

5 Why Consider U-Pick Be willing to: Welcome public to the farm. Start small and grow with experience and sales Manage farm safety/liability Provide excellent customer service Promote operation effectively Build relationships and loyalty with customers Be willing to accept higher levels of crop damage

6 Plant It and They Will Come? Yes but some things to consider Location Adequate parking (first patch - no, second patch sort of) Restrooms trust me- just get the port-a-potty You will draw from further locations than you think Signage You may be able to combine PYO with local tourism, recreation, other activities. Become a destination

7 Plant It and They Will Come? Time to establish May be a multi-year process depending on crop Strawberries plasticulture 1 year. Matted row 2 years. Blueberries 3 years. Asparagus 3 years. Christmas trees/orchards 5+ years.

8 Plant It and They Will Come? Liability Will need to inform insurance and add to policy. Expense can vary depending on provider/what you want to do. Know your coverage and anticipate issues. Insect stings/first aid have a kit on hand Uneven areas in the field.

9 Plant It and They Will Come? Labor Still need some even if you have u-pick Face of the Farm Good people skills Ability to communicate/resolve issues/answer questions Picking crew to clean-up what u-pickers passed over / provide prepick berries. Employee manual or training so expectations/policies are clear.

10 Start-up Costs Potential start-up costs to consider (again start small and add to operation each year) Layout/design/parking and traffic flow Equipment to establish the crop (planter, irrigation, etc) Packaging/containers (containers, bags, wagons, etc) Tent/tables/shed/coolers Gravel for parking area Scales (if selling per lb) Port-a-potty Phone Advertising/marketing Cash register/payment options

11 Customer Flow Considerations Directional arrows for entrance/exit into parking area. More signage to direct customers where to park (and how). Distance of lot to check-in and farthest picking area. Placement of rest area facilities Mark off areas that you don t want customers to access Row markers/customer signage

12 Other Items to Consider Customer Care Items Where are customers going to use the restroom? Emergencies happen! Hand washing station Ice water/disposable cups/beverages for sale Chairs for a break if needed/tent Hours of Operation Consider what s convenient for customers. Be open at regular, posted hours Communicate weather-related closings and product availability promptly through multiple channels.

13 Other Items to Consider Payment Options Check/cash Square reader/tablet Be sure to clearly communicate options Promotion Word of Mouth!!! Website be sure to keep up to date Social Media Voic /phone messages in instance of weather related/product shortage type closings Encourage customers to check FB page/website before venturing to farm. Business cards/ brochures /mailing list Road signs

14 Other Items to Consider Supervising Customers Parking signs Pricing (upick vs prepick, qt vs lb, etc) Be ready to instruct first time pickers how to choose ripe fruit Kid picking areas? Row signs and/or flags Varieties available Pricing Cost of production Customer Demographics Competition University of Kentucky Center for Crop Diversification

15 Other Items to Consider Food Safety Hand washing area for before/after picking. Limiting domestic/wild animal access to patch Flagging areas where animal droppings and pick around. Food Safety Begins on the Farm publication hared/documents/fsbfenglow.pdf

16