-4- 



Harvesting equipment such as picking machines and elevated platforms. 



Better methods for determining the fertilizer needs of the trees. 



Good sites and large acreage will be necessary to warrant the capital 

 investment required for an economical unit. 



How safe is an orchard investment today compared to 30 years ago: An 

 orchard investment should be less of a gamble because of the better pest control 

 materials and equipment, longer marketing periods due to refrigerated storages, 

 better varieties, impr.oved soil management practices and cooperative advertising 

 and marketing. Investment, however, is several times greater and careful consider- 

 ation should be given to the many things that will influence the future of the 

 business. An orchard is a longtime investment. Selection of the site and 

 location should receive special attention. Is the farm large enough or can addi- 

 tional land be obtained if modern technology continues and makes it necessary to 

 enlarge the business? What will the land be used for 30 years from now? Will it 

 be more valuable for house lots or industrial sites? Can the investment in a 

 large cold storage and packing house be justified if some other use is made of 

 the land than growing apples? Should all of the family savings be plowed back 

 into the business? 



One thought to keep in mind is that the valuation of a farm property 

 whether it is an orchard or a dairy barn should be based on who the most typical 

 buyer is likely to be if it becomes necessary to sell and what he is most likely 

 to use the property for. 



The production of apples will continue to be a specialized and 

 intriguing business. It will require a wider knowledge of insects and diseases, 

 chemistry, refrigeration, engineering, plant physiology, marketing and salesman- 

 ship than at present, 



--- E. J. Rasmus sen 



I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 

 CORRECTION'. 



In the June 18, 1958, issue of Fruit Notes on page 9 paragraph 5 the 

 following sentence appeared: "The yield of Golden Jubilee, harvested August 

 10th to 13th, showed an increase of two bushels per acre over non irrigated 

 trees." The sentence should have read - two bushels per tree not per acre. 



-William J. Lord 



I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 



