Apple picking season’s in full-swing and that means that orchard owners are very busy this time of year. It’s no different for Darrell and Sharon Haen, owners of Star Orchard in Kaukauna, WI.
Darrell’s parents helped plant the apple trees in 1962 and eventually owned the orchard. Then in 1975, the couple chose to sell the orchard to a cousin. Fast-forwarding to 2013, Darrell and Sharon decided to purchase the place and thought it was time for them to get into Wisconsin’s apple industry. “Being outside, being our own bosses, meeting different people…it’s interesting,” Darrell said.
Most may think that running an orchard isn’t that much work. You open for a couple of months and then you’re free to do whatever until the next harvest…right? That’s far from the truth. Sharon said that they always get asked if they go down to Florida all Winter, but they’re busy pruning their 50 acres of trees. She explained that the trees have to be pruned so there’s open air going through the branches to keep them healthy.
The orchard has been open for a couple of weeks now and the two talked about some of the things they do right before the busy season. “The first thing we do is get the grounds in good order, so we have pickers come in,” Sharon explained. Darrell went on to say that there’s a lot of grounds work like mowing the grass, trimming the trees, and not to mention lining up all of the employees for the season.
Even with all of the work that goes into having a successful orchard, it’s well worth it to them. “When you get a customer that really appreciates being out here, getting outside, walking around, and just kind of has so much fun,” Darrell said. Sharon went on to say, “They’re so glad we’re here and it makes you feel like you’re doing a good thing.”
The couple also had some advice for those who may be in their early years of owning an orchard or for anyone interested in getting started. “You need to find something that makes you unusual and stand out to get people to pick your orchard,” Sharon said. For Star Orchard, the most unique thing is that you can drive out to go pick apples, you don’t have to walk everywhere you go. It’s something that makes it very convenient for a lot of people because most orchards aren’t set up this way. Darrell also said that patience is key because it takes awhile to get established. But if it’s something you really want, then it’ll be worth it.
Star Orchard’s open for pick-your-own apples daily!
Monday – Friday: 9am – 6pm
Saturday: 9am – 5pm
Sunday: 10am – 5pm
