Home

Follow Farm Guidelines to Insure Enjoyable and Productive Harvest

Pick-Your-Own-Produce

When visiting pick-your-own-produce farms, consumers should note and obey all rules and regulations posted by owners at their picking locations.  These operations are able to make produce available at lower prices because the customers do the picking, thus lowering the farmer’s production costs; however, the producers also take the risk that their crops may be damaged by unconcerned, careless or inexperienced consumers.  By following the owner’s guidelines for picking, consumers will help insure they will have a safe and enjoyable experience while helping to protect the farm property.

Following are some general guidelines to keep in mind when visiting pick-your-own operations: 

Note the farm’s rules regarding the use of containers.  Some farms provide picking and take-home containers, while other farms may provide only picking baskets or buckets or no containers at all.

If you carry your own containers, make certain they are appropriate for the crop you are picking.  For example, use smaller picking and transporting containers for berries to minimize bruising.  When picking larger fruits and vegetables, consider the weight of the container when full.  A full basket or hamper can get heavy after hauling it around the field or orchard and then having to carry it to the check out area.

Upon arrival at the picking site, look for the location of check-in and check-out areas.  Also, before picking, note whether you will be charged according to weight, volume or count, and inquire if there is a minimum quantity requirement.

Look for field personnel that can help guide you to crops of harvestable quality and let you know which crops, fields, or rows are off limits.  These individuals often wear distinctive clothing, such as a cap or shirt, to make them easily identifiable.  If there is no one to guide you, read and obey all signs and follow directions to know where and what to pick.

Picking fields or orchards may be located a distance from the parking area.  If this poses a problem for you or one of your party, contact the farm in advance and inquire if it provides transportation to and from the picking areas.  Some farms have more accommodations than others, so inquire about the availability of drinking water, rest room facilities and rest areas before making the trip to the farm.

By calling ahead and making these inquiries, you will help to insure you will have a productive and enjoyable outing.