APPLES

Where do apples grow? Apples grow in every state in the U.S. Top-producing states are Washington, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, California, and Virginia About 7500 growers manage orchards on 379,000 acres of land

Core Facts 22lbs apples/year/person Same as 65 apples Apple is most versatile fruit One of few fruits found fresh any time of year Trees begin to bear fruit when about 4 or 5 years old

Core Facts Apple seeds brought to WI in early 1800s Orchards found in 46/72 counties in WI 7,400 acres produce 56 million pounds worth over $9 million/year 1 peck= 10.5lbs; 1bushel= 42lbs

Fall Apples must be handpicked (they bruise easily) Picking begins at the end of August and runs through the end of October Farmers market their fruit (locally or nationwide)

Winter January, while dormant, pruning begins Limbs sawed off and clipped to allow maximum sunlight into the growing structure Pruning promotes larger, better colored, higher quality fruit. Equipment repairs and maintenance

Spring April start preparing spring planting Most planted are dwarf stock Beginning of May, buds begin to swell Mow grass, spray (when needed) Monitor weather and pests

Summer May: Pollinating begins, bees rented June: Fertilizing and tree training (tie up limbs or weigh them down) July: Irrigation during dry years, spraying, mowing, and shaping continue August last growing month Picking buckets and bulk boxes placed around orchard

The world is an apple! http://www.farmland.org/Flash/appleEarth.html

With that… let’s get harvesting!

Elements www.animationfactory.com