This mimeo was prepared as a source of beginning information to help you decide if fruit growing is an occupation that you would like or can afford. Fruit growing is a long term investment. The return for any one year or even two to three years cannot be taken as an average of the business. The net returns for ten years should be studied. Therefore the potential grower should not be excited by the high returns of good years nor depressed by the lean years.
Stock company orchards, while frequently successful, sometines operate at a disadvantage.
Personal attention and management can not always be given to these type orchards. The success of these companies depends largely on the skill, dedication and knowledge of the hired employees, and the investors commitment to tying their money up for a long term. Fruit production is a year-round job. Absentee orcharding is very risky. Certain problems and duties can occur overnight and require the grower's immediate attention.