pick + prune

prune an orchard in a simple, efficient regenerative silvopasture system with goats and chickens

welcome to the monthly matinée, a retrospective of the appleturnover long-form films. next up is pick + prune.

'pick & prune' is a practice of tending the orchard that yields much more than fruit. we made this little film in the old heritage orchard-turned-food forest, in late winter and late summer, when we are very much preoccupied with the trees.

it follows how i work with natural patterns within a system that elegantly meets the needs of all the contributors, most especially the fruit trees, but certainly the goats, geese, ducks, hens and chicks, not to mention songbirds, honeybees, wild pollinators, and people.

the people, naturally, are looking for continuous improvement in the system, so that less work, plenty of fruit, a thriving ecosystem, happy creatures and more orchard naps are the result. pruning well is the heart of that project, and i hope this little film gives some insight into this practice.

as appleturnover farm alters over time, i’m looking at moving into a mentorship role with a young farmer who wants to work with animal systems and perennial tree crops. if that’s you, do send a note.

much has changed with the trees, and even more so, with the people, in the years since this film was made. let me know what you think of the little film and if you, too, are tending to and harvesting from trees where you live, what sort, what this year is like for you. i’m off to pick this abundant harvest of pears before the branches all crack!

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thanks for watching, sharing and supporting. to my paid subscribers, you are stars in my sky, thank you! meet you back here next sunday for the weekend letter.