Some of these new trees are close-planted, which will increase their efficiency and yield. These are close-planted dwarf trees (a technique also known as high density planting) supported b y an overhead trellis system. We have also added many more acres of Honeycrisp, a variety that grows particularly well on our soil. This involves planting new apple varieties, including two newly-developed New York varieties, SnapDragon and RubyFrost. In order to keep the trees open to allow adequate penetration of light, and to keep branches properly spaced, selected branches are pruned by our workers twice a year (in summer and winter).Īs the farm has expanded over the years, Golden Harvest has always implemented new concepts and techniques to improve the health and productivity and of the orchards. Light is also crucial for the development of the fruit buds for the following year’s crop. They constantly sprout new vertical branches that block the light, and prevent the interior apples from fully ripening. PruningĪpple trees by design are always trying to grow upward. All of our apple pickers are well trained in required farm procedures and safety regulations. Click here to watch crew leader Derrick Powell explain the art of picking Paula Reds. During peak harvest, picking goes on from first light, and often into the evening hours, making for long days. At harvest time, though, our seasonal picking crews may number as high as 70 workers. Orchard work at Golden Harvest is a year-round activity, and we have several full time staff workers to look after the trees.

We use an Integrated Pest Management system in order to achieve the best crop possible while ensuring that the orchard will be healthy and sustainable for generations to come.

Recently we’ve replaced our earlier irrigation systems with more efficient ones that are able to direct water exactly where it is needed, and at more precise flow-rates and intervals. Because we believed in the importance of conserving water, as early as the mid-sixties we installed one of the first drip irrigation systems in the Northeast. Golden Harvest has always been a leader in responsible farming.

Golden harvest farm ny