Harvesting Haskap Berries 2019

We are using a modified AR-17 semi-mechanical harvester in this video. This is harvesting Tundra in our 1st haskap orchard.

[@djekdekei]

Очень хорошо 👍

[@leahr.2620]

I hope your wearing ear protection.

[@user-yp6kn2uw4k]

I put like only for torturous work with vibration and slow processing.

[@lahaveriverberryfarm2347]

It is much more effective than hand picking, and the cost is a lot less than a full mechanical harvester (prices start at something like $70,000 USD). For us we are only harvesting 3000 plants so it is no problem. If I was harvesting 30,000 plants than I would purchase a fully mechanical harvester.

[@baresvick]

Where do you buy your netting?

[@wdbbrinton]

Yes looking for netting to any ideas

[@gregryder8038]

What was the total weight of that variety and how many varietys do you have to market

[@lahaveriverberryfarm2347]

Hi Greg. That variety is Tundra. On those size of plants would get around 3 lbs per plant roughly. You do lose some berries depending on how well the scoops fit together under a plant. We harvested 3 different varities in 2019. In 2020 we expect to harvest from 5 different varities, and in 2021 we should be harvesting from 11 different varities, maybe 12. Chris

[@trublu2556]

Why are you guys wearing netting?

[@lahaveriverberryfarm2347]

Bug hat. She does not like deer flies.

[@user-yp6kn2uw4k]

It would be better to buy a small machine than to torture with this shaking stick. Although, praps, for small farms, this may be acceptable. Лучше бы приобрели небольшую машинку, чем дрюкаться с этой трясущейся палкой. Хотя, для небольших хозяйств это может быть и приемлемо.

[@lahaveriverberryfarm2347]

Yes. It is all about costs and what you want to spend. For example a small harvester will cost us around $60,000 USD, and it has it's limitations. I would rather spend that amount of money in other areas right now. How we do things now works for us. I can harvest haskap berries completely by myself if wished. We do not use the reciprocating saw for long periods of time..so it is not an issue. Handpicking is far too inefficient. So this method works, is inexpensive, and is efficient for a small operation. I have a friend that just bought a $350,000 USD harvester for their haskap farm, but they also have 70,000 plants in the ground. I also have another friend with 10,000 plants and uses this shake and drop method without any issues too.