'He that drinks his cyder alone, let him catch his horse alone.'
-Benjamin Franklin
Liberty apple June 29th 2010
Check out our Orchard Happenings page to see what is going on in the orchard now, and how we grow.
We were featured as a one of the top apple picking orchards by Travel and Leisure online.
Welcome.
We are a small, better then “certified organic” orchard in Ashfield Massachusetts (Directions). We are growing apples with a holistic bent, taking into account the health of the flora and fauna as part of the orchard system, staying away from the use of broad spectrum pesticides. From mid September to late October we have apples available as pick your own and ready pick with different varieties that are ready at different times throughout the fall.
All products, including;
- apples and other fruit
- cider ( raw, un-pasturized, untreated )
- raw cider vinegar ( Fall 2010 )
- eggs
- and any vegetables are all grown to, and really beyond the organic standards. We also have our own maple syrup and Shetland sheep fleece.
Red Astrachan '09
PICK YOUR OWN
Interested in coming out to pick apples with your family?
Weekends, starting early September 2010.
HOURS - Sat. & Sun. 12 am - 5 p.m. , or by appointment. Please call, we're often around.
We have a beautiful place at the top of the hills in the Berkshires of western Mass, with views that reach out to Vermont and New Hampshire. We also border the Trustees of Reservations Bear Swamp Reserve which offers miles of beautiful hiking trails and views of its own. Feel free to bring a picnic lunch.
It can be windy, and cooler up here than in the valleys, so bring a coat just in case.
You can call/email ahead to check on availability.
FARM STAND
We have a self serve stand at our orchard. We almost always have eggs, Certified Naturally Grown , from happy free range chickens.
Apple varieties and cider availability vary throughout the season. Please check in.
Stop by anytime.
FARMERS MARKET
We will be at the last weeks of the Shelburne Falls farmers market with apples and cider.
We will be at the Ashfield farmers market with our cider only.
We look forward to seeing you.
2010 Prices*
Farm stand / Market
1/4 peck $ 5
1/2 peck $ 9
Peck $ 16
Bushel $ 50
Pick your own
Peck $ 13
Bushel $ 40
Cider (raw, un-pasteurized, untreated, organic)
1/2 gallon $ 4.25
5 gallons- with your own carboy/jugs (please call ahead to order) $32
1 Peck = 10 pounds
4 pecks = 1 bushel
*Prices may change at any time.
We are continuing to develop our sustainable orchard management practices, which go beyond organic pest-control methods to include attention to ecological cycles in the orchard. Orchard management of this type is still in its infancy and it involves a lot of experimenting, and trial and error. Weather and yearly pest pressure varies greatly and will affect fruit quantity and quality.
We are a new and growing orchard; we appreciate your patience and suggestions as we grow.
You can also check out our CISA/Buy local food listing,
www.Buylocalfood.com.
Thanks for your interest and please contact us with any questions, comments or suggestions.
Steve & Jen
(413)-625-2849 (Home) or
(413)-768-7989 (cell, "we're outside")
email - apples@bearswamporchard.com
Make a living at organic farming? Not yet, check out one of our other day jobs Apple Valley Woodworking.
