By Andi Anderson
Michigan State University Extension has released a recorded webinar reviewing the 2025 Michigan Apple Cost of Production study, offering valuable insights for apple growers and those interested in orchard economics.
The recording is now available on the MSU Extension website, with a bulletin version scheduled for early September 2025. A preliminary copy can be requested from corresponding author Chris Bardenhagen at bardenh1@msu.edu.
The webinar begins with an overview of the study’s main findings, including average establishment and production costs for Michigan orchards.
It presents detailed breakdowns by cost category starting at the 20-minute mark, alongside breakeven price and per-bushel cost calculations for different yield levels.
The presentation compares costs between high-density and semidwarf training systems and examines financial outcomes for high-value apple varieties like Honeycrisp as well as mid-value varieties such as Gala, Fuji, and other fresh-market apples.
At 27 minutes and 42 seconds into the video, the presenters demonstrate how growers can adapt the study’s results to their own operations. Using practical examples, they explain how to calculate different financial scenarios with the tables provided in the forthcoming bulletin.
This resource aims to help apple producers better understand their cost structures, improve management decisions, and plan for profitability. The recorded webinar is available at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/videos/recorded-video-of-using-the-2025-michigan-apple-cost-of-production-study. For questions, contact MSU Extension Farm Business Management Educator Chris Bardenhagen.
Photo Credit:istock-rixipix
Categories: Michigan, Education