August 17, 2022

One of the transition points in the life of an orchard is replacing established trees nearing the end of their productivity. In a mid-size orchard, this process takes strategic management to ensure continued production and profitability. Twenty years ago, David and Susan Differding of Timeless Prairie Orchard planted 6,000 trees on 10 acres in a high-density system. Now they are managing these transition points, mapping out how and when to to replace trees. This family-owned and -operated enterprise now features mostly new apple varieties that appeal to a range of tastes and uses, and which are sold primarily through direct sales at farmers market and their on-farm store.