How To Start a Blueberry Farm Business

[@mariammueni1591]

We in kenya here we are blessed Becoz we just started growing blue berries a couple of years ago and I thank God be coz our blue berries are not affected by any insects I feel blessed. We don't spray any insects and no fertilizers only mulching and making sure the ph is controlled.

[@dictionaryzzz]

interesting never thought they would do well in Africa you must have the southern rabbiteye variety then.

[@mcclaink06]

@@dictionaryzzzeverything grows in Africa. Even grapes, strawberries literally anything

[@georgekircher4307]

thats amazing​@@mcclaink06

[@Ap_twsh]

Pretty cool to hear it’s working for you.

[@MMK86]

is it because the local insects havent come to learn of your blueberries yet? what pH range do you keep your blueberries at? I heard they like acid soil

[@jeffsullivan3362]

You are livin' the dream. Never give up on it.

[@aplied115]

This is like that dude in the frat house that was adamant about having plants in the house started a farm. And I love it.

[@pepperpeterpiperpickled9805]

It's hilarious that this guy seems like he'd run the world's greatest burger joint, but he's a blueberry farmer. He seems like a city guy, idk it's just funny to me

[@modelaircraft6576]

I always buy made in America 🇺🇸 when I come across it at the store to support local businesses over international items and food

[@William-c6y]

Please continue to do so as imported produce is a hindrance to our economic success and independence. You can’t spread the wealth and success by giving it away to major companies such as Hortifruit who is a South American business. Fruit from Mexico, chile, Peru and so on need to stay in those countries.

[@mehmetuzun10]

a video worth gold

[@billdillon3886]

You should look into a solar powered system. We have a small(1 acre) field with a pumping capacity of 2000 gallons per hour.

[@CelebrationFarms]

Great video, thanks for the honest and useful info. We’re starting our organic u/pick blueberry farm outside Seattle. Mature plants go in in the fall and next summer the barn doors open for people to start picking. Thx again!

[@MMK86]

how do you deal with pests?

[@danmccaige4674]

Are you growing inside?

[@6FigureRevenue]

What questions do you have for Bulldog Berries?

[@z135210]

What's the annual P&L look like?

[@PlanetaryHealer-in2sf]

Is that Artificial Intelligence doing the robot sounding interviewer voice?

[@copperridgegrow3940]

Have fun picking them bruh. Gave it up several years ago

[@practicalintuition4030]

Aren't there machines for that? Genuine question

[@lion5452]

They have a hand tool that picks a bunch of berry's at once !!

[@teresaoftheandes6279]

You have wonderful Carmelite nuns in Traverse City. They would love your blueberries if you should ever visit them.

[@rja62b]

bro's eyes look like blueberries too

[@ricko2301]

😂😂

[@jamesesslinger1976]

I just bought a blueberry plant from Walmart for $7 lol. I want to learn how to do a food forest and would love to do a row of berries plants!

[@mithall4198]

This is great. Would you be interested in sharing details about the grant process in Michigan?

[@thefuzzypineapple]

I wonder if they would consider freezing them for smoothies. Tap into that market. Or turning the firsr harvest into jams that will make a higher profit and can be stored and shipped worldwide without spoilage.

[@William-c6y]

All require man power and money. They might but that’s a slow thing for us farmers to get into when creating or adapting a process.

[@marciarobinson8200]

I love this and i am proud of you i rake blue berries but the wild blue berries reap corns rasberry apples and strawberries

[@andielliott7721]

Ahhh...someone who loves dogs and plants!

[@ryanrodriguez868]

Awesome video man, watching this video from LeRoy MI so right down the way!

[@diytwoincollege7079]

Hopefully the birds don’t spot your farm. I have a few blueberry plants, but the birds get the fruit the day it’s ripe

[@HB91LDN]

Thank you so much for this video, you have an amazing & beautiful farm!! Wow u must be so proud, congratulations 👏🏼

[@mattbroughton1460]

Set up a little solar system to compensate for energy usage during the day and a wind mill for night time usage.

[@William-c6y]

Windmill is not a good idea. Birds and maintenance my guy. Birds eat berries. They will fuck that shit up so fast. Solar is good and plenty.

[@Eric-wt8wr]

do you have to deal w animals (deer/bears)? if so, how do mitigate?

[@ningstover1221]

Those blueberries syrups are available in Amazon? Or Walmart? Thank you. Wow!! Amazing farm berries!!

[@fejimus]

This was a great video!!

[@RatherBeRanching]

This was a great interview.

[@nickrosati3167]

Have you watched the show Shorey? The team name is a bulldog blueberries.

[@AishaGoni-47]

We don't spray any insects and no fertilizers only mulching and making sure the ph is controlled.

[@Myflowers1]

Courage! You must continue to grow...raspberries. blackberries😂❤

[@William-c6y]

Raspberries are extremely difficult to grow outdoor in Michigan man. They suffer from a ton of problems. We are trying to do them in NC and it’s just ridiculous.

[@dl-so9jj]

I like how the showed a tiller on the back of a tractor while they was talking about a planter on the back😅

[@kimbob271]

I'm just starting my journey in Canada. i'm struggling with planning my rows for irrigation. I feel i should hill slightly due to my land, just not sure how wide to make them. I know 10 feet between rows but how much space does a row take. Thank you for sharing, it's been very helpful.

[@Martin-vv4ve]

How is it going? I am establishing a blueberry farm in the Czech Republic😃

[@christinenakamanyisa9094]

Wow the vedio is amazing.., there is a lot to learn from it ..

[@JorgeJorquera-ci1xu]

Tell me about your bird control strategies please

[@stephenorr3396]

I probably missed it. But what about deer damage? We have a place in Leelanau County and we have terrible deer damage. Anything planted is eaten. How do yo keep the deer out?

[@William-c6y]

Also, with the lights and sensors, apply loud noises to be set off. Another option is to invest in trail cams, a drone and a person who will work a night shift and attach the drone with some type of ability to shine bright light and generate loud noise on command. Wherever your cams go off, have the drone pilot fly to that end and start make some buzz to scare away the critters.

[@BlueberriesRacha]

Nice video, keep going 🫐

[@mathgasm8484]

I am doing farming the same path. My family has farmed for generations and I do not like working for the man.

[@southbridgefarm8795]

What kind of soil do you need to grow blueberries?

[@Omegawerewolfx]

Does that fly have any predators? If so, what can you do to encourage those predators to work the fields?

[@stanleynowak9325]

Please, as a vegetable farmer I am asking you not to ask stupid questions.

[@Omegawerewolfx]

@@stanleynowak9325 it's not a stupid question. Using natural predators is a cost effective solution. If you have horn worms, you want to attract parasitic wasps to your garden. If you have aphids, you want LadyBugs in your garden. If you have skeeters, you want to have a dragonfly pond. As a vegetable grower I put in the effort to know what I need. Try it out some time.

[@William-c6y]

@@Omegawerewolfx it’s not bad for a concept and I know what you speak of works, however, consumer mindset matters for one. For two, you won’t be seeing no spiders or frogs in a blueberry field as it’s not really there place to be. You’re most likely better off using nothing or if not doing organic a spray. With that, I’m sure there might be something natural out there for them. Maybe train some type of lizard army like how goose protect farm animals. But then you’d still have damage to the bush most likely. Maybe spray paprika in the air. That’s a tough one. If you find something natural please advise.

[@kulwindergill5609]

Good job

[@andrewdevore]

I didn't hear you talk about birds or deer issues or other pests? Any challenges with these? And wondering can one purchase and transplant mature trees at a higher cost if you would like to get the business going sooner ? Of course that is probably more risky. Good video. Best to you thanks.

[@William-c6y]

Not worth it. Plant from the seed my guy. Always invest in proper seeding and nurturing. ALWAYS! you average 8 years of yield from a bush typically. You avoid gains by transplanting. It makes no sense even when considering starting early? You want a plant you can understand from growth. Not one you’re stressing and abusing in that nature. This all goes with understanding that you’re most likely transplanting a bush that’s 3-6 years old. The younger the bush the more sensible yet also not. If you are in need of quick return on produce, harvest strawberries on raised beds with drip irrigation in hoops. Since the strawberry is low bearing, you can take advantage of picking and growth and avoid certain pest. Hops generally average, 30k per 10 acres depending. Could be more, could be less.

[@jake_of_the_jungle9840]

I have raspberry bushes here in upstate ny and those fly larvae made me not even pick my berries last year. What can I spray to fix this?

[@lion5452]

How about vinegar ?

[@jake_of_the_jungle9840]

I soaked them in vinegar after picking but they get soggy and are pretty much only good for jam after soaking them. I’d soak a small bowl in vinegar and 100 or more would come floating to the top

[@William-c6y]

You don’t want to spray them. I say this only for the reason of what most sprays contain and what it’s really worth in the end. The best way is to grow in mass and be selective. The other way is to just do an indoor grow. Costly but if you want them that’s the way. Raspberries get tried all over the east coast and they mostly suck. They are not like blackberries. You could try a powder spray and do so with a spice. It prevents and overwhelms the fly. However, it washes off and need to be applied constantly. And can even change the taste of the berry. Plus it allows you to visibly see the tracks of the flys. My advice, if you have the means or time, grow it indoor and invest in solar with proper irrigation and wind flow and temp. That will provide the best result year round constantly without fear of pest.

[@Amyas80s]

I may have missed it but did he say what type of black berries he grows?

[@deepwaters2334]

What I've heard is blueberries are more profitable than apples... but I guess it is regional.

[@William-c6y]

Depends on the market and what’s packed. Apples are mostly now all genetically modified to produce the best yield on harvest. The same for seeds of blueberries as well. That’s why companies like Driscoll will only write contracts for a few specific varieties that stem from their seed source and approvals. They even have screwed farmers in contracts for using their seeds that are from their R&D department that failed upon growth and harvesting yield projections. Per region, contract, and source Driscoll can control and average on return in this manner by being selective with varieties and packers and farmers. This would further allow an increase in profit reported. So if Driscoll has workers in distribution location on the east coast, they might for the markets sake, as blueberries are not sold to other distribution locations or grocers for their variety, but rather pack size and quantity with a grading already applied by a QC rep in the packaging process. To which when receiving the fruit, it is also supposed to be QC checked on the buyers end. So based on market demand and strategy, blueberries have more flexibility compared to say apples.

[@bimaarya8555]

His eeeeeeeeeeyes.. nobodys talk about his eyes 😍

[@stevehall7372]

Mom&dad loaded dont lie son lol they bout ya land😂

[@William-c6y]

Grants only cover so much lol

[@williamphelps8232]

How do you stop birds from eating your berries?

[@smitty71XX]

Birdshot

[@William-c6y]

Noises, alerts, cams, people. All working together to go “aghhhhh” Until they fly back again.

[@KettlerObenchain47]

We don't spray any insects and no fertilizers only mulching

[@GwenHarper498]

How do you keep the birds away on that many bushes?

[@smitty71XX]

Flame thrower

[@kusland6786]

Flying drones firing bullets

[@William-c6y]

Noises from varying means and devices. This repeated over and over and over as the birds will never stop. Get a big fucking zoo sized bird net. Even then that’s a hazard.

[@robertyoung6320]

Sweet .

[@spectra7gaming471]

I find it interesting the field looks like that and your saying you don't have a degree in agriculture

[@William-c6y]

Why would a farmer or anyone need a college degree to do what has been done since before colleges even existed??? College has no place in agriculture besides making money off of free information.

[@PepinieraDraghiceni]

Bravo! 👍👍

[@kskorner74]

could you give some info on the mich land grants?

[@lindaphillips4292]

How do you keep the birds from eating them.

[@lion5452]

That's where the bull dog comes in ?

[@bubs4552]

I am currently living on 3+ acres for a few years. What do you suggest me doing?

[@William-c6y]

Growing and harvesting and doing so until you feel comfortable enough to sustain yourself from and grocer needs and wants. Clear a half acre for electrical, clear another half for irrigation. Build a small storage and processing building overtime, one that will allow you to adapt to different needs or plans of growth. Invest in solar. Understand ph balancing and how it affects your water source, to even plant growth. Start reading and studying about soils. Before you grow rows of anything, Practice. Build on another half acre, a few green houses. Use that land in its most efficient and natural way possible. Re survey your land, check for well access and maybe think of collecting and purifying rain water for irrigation use. On top of all this, establish proper perimeters and parameters of operations during every time of the season. Meaning, prepare for deer, wolf, dog, pest. All of it. None of this has to be in the thousands of dollars also. You can accomplish all of this fairly cheaply. It just takes diligence and time. Creating a bit of know how.

[@lion5452]

Where's the Bulldog ?

[@shacharoren2788]

My dream!

[@Rapture9999]

Where do you buy the plants for $2/each?????????????????????????

[@jessicagislason4855]

Bulk wholesale from other blueberry farms

[@bekicotcantik5291]

How many time fruit season a year

[@smitty71XX]

Fruit season 3 time.

[@11xhy]

May I ask what kinds of blueberry do you have in your farm ?

[@smitty71XX]

They are spherical and blue in color

[@William-c6y]

Probably star variety.

[@kathywedzik4905]

❤

[@Dr.Unsteady]

This guy needs a harvester for these things

[@William-c6y]

Why?

[@slytherinda4669]

promoting the presence of earwigs, damsel bugs, spiders, ants, and minute pirate bugs will drastically improve the predation of spotted wings! Look into that -

[@pozil-youtube]

Well detailed video I can join your farm If you pick me

[@Becauseimme]

Does it put the lotion on it’s skin?

[@smitty71XX]

It does way more than that.

[@t.dig.2040]

Step one move to a place that isn't limestone soil.

[@brainfriedpermanatehigh7314]

He stole my idea he took my jerbb rabble rabble rabble

[@onkelwonkel229]

Step 1... buy like 40 acers of sour soil... Grow blueberries... I dont see any problems 😂😂

[@Martin-vv4ve]

In my country 40 acres = 500 000$😂😂 easy for beginners 😂

[@onkelwonkel229]

In my neighbourhood 1 acre field Costs like 40k

[@Martin-vv4ve]

@@onkelwonkel229 Ok 🤣🤣

[@shanemacc]

Those are not blueberries. At least not where I live. Those are either some sort of hybrid or something else…. Not blueberries

[@jessicagislason4855]

Where do you live that these 'arent' blueberries?!! Those are the blueberriest of blueberries lol

[@andrewstancil1723]

Sounds like this guy has no business plan or any way of knowing where he wants to be in a few years as a business. Also he sounds like he needs to get more into his dealings as far as the books with profits and losses. He may find that he is wasting a lot of money on stuff and could be more intentional. Eventually it will catch up to their business.

[@smitty71XX]

I wholeheartedly agree with that question.

[@bsharp1533]

He boasted about not having any level of formal education. While you can experience success without formal education, which will require capital and the connections, it sounds like he needs formal education.

[@Rickyyy-sl2hb]

​@@bsharp1533A formal education for what? He sells blueberries to grocery stores already and customers come to him and do labor to pick the product. He literally mentions his biggest expense is the electric from the water well.

[@William-c6y]

@@bsharp1533you don’t need a lick of any formal education to accomplish success in farming and distribution. Let alone to make a profit and stay afloat. I think it’s about undermining to claim he has no business plan or knowing where he wants to go. He is where he wanted to go and is still going dude. You don’t need to have a plan when you’re already harvesting and growing. You just do it. All the other crap is what is encased around that core ideal. The fact that he even went out his way to obtain a grant is proof he is capable of making sensible dealings for his venture. Plus, there is not one person who does this solely by themself. So he might not need to be the one to have the education as he could have simply hired it and y’all just don’t know. The mere fact that he owns land, has access to grants, and is producing a product in America is success in and of itself. The question is not profit next, it’s sustainability. To which none of you have cared for. Have you even considered that cost it takes to package fruit?? It’s probably most feasible financially for the pickers and distributors to go to him then for him to deliver his fruit to either be sold or packaged at this stage. Alone packing blueberries can be daunting and costly. Let alone labeling and storing as you would need to cool it after it’s picked to be packaged. All of what I just explained cost loads of money. Enough to increase acreage and yield. Maybe, you don’t consider the reality of what it takes to do a commercial produce business of this type of produce and it seems you’re not sure of how it works. The bigger in size, the bigger in cost. That is simply how it works for this. The more you process, the more you could make. You have to make the decision that impacts growth correctly and efficiently in a business where once you enter the market, you could lose. It’s an interesting concept of him to cut the middle men out and stick to a “u-pick” model. He might spend less on delivery, packaging, cooling, and employee cost and insurance for running a business. Let alone labeling and such with taxes applied all throughout. Not to mention liability concerns adding up by including those middle men. Slow growth is the way to keep sustaining feasible as it allows for proper measures to be taken when collecting data and tracking progress. You would not believe me even if told you this, most farmers have no college or formal education until after they’ve started the business as either parents, or their own know how brought them to those points.

[@H.R.H-Amina_Bin_Shafiq-SHAKTI]

NIIIIIIIICE