Michigan stands out as a prominent hub for cultivating tart cherries in the United States, boasting a staggering 75% of the nation's acreage devoted to this tart cherry variety. The harvesting process for these trees relies on a method known as tree shaking, whereby the cherries are dislodged from the trees using mechanical shaking.
Regrettably, the established method of utilizing mechanical shakers to harvest the cherries comes with its drawbacks. One notable downside is that the trees must mature for 7 to 8 years before they can be harvested. This extended growth period demands a substantial financial investment before any returns can be realized from these new plantings. Additionally, the use of mechanical shakers has the potential to cause harm to the tree trunks, thereby compromising the orchard's longevity.
Oxley Farms, helmed by Ed, Chris, and Rick Oxley, operates a 250-acre tart cherry orchard in Lawton, Michigan. A pivotal moment occurred in 2010 when a hailstorm decimated a 50-acre section of young tart cherry trees. Faced with this setback, the Oxleys sought guidance from Michigan State University Extension, as researchers there were experimenting with alternative high-density planting methods and innovative over-the-row (OTR) harvesting techniques.
They embarked on the creation of a unique machine, drawing inspiration from harvesters used in grape, blueberry, cherry, and coffee production.
La raccoglitrice di ciliegie OTR (Over The Row), costruita su misura, utilizza i denti rotanti per scuotere i frutti dai singoli rami. Foto di Jackie Perkins, Michigan State University.
The Oxleys' latest planting strategy involves spacing trees at intervals of 9 feet along the rows while maintaining a standard row width. This configuration effectively doubles the number of trees per row, while still permitting the use of a trunk shaker once the trees outgrow the OTR method's capacity.
Read the full article: Michigan State University
Image: Michigan State University
23 Jul 2025
A Turkish study evaluates the effect of vegetative cherry rootstocks on flowering, pollination and fruit quality. Gisela 5 and MaxMa 60 show top results. A strategic insight for modern cherry growing and the export of “0900 Ziraat” variety.
13 Jul 2026
Trials in Tasmania show that Eristalis tenax hoverflies, used alongside honeybees, can improve fruit set and sweet cherry yields. Active in cool and wet weather, these alternative pollinators could support more reliable orchards and reduce risks linked to varroa mite.
18 Sep 2026
Canada and the US settle the dispute over Staccato® cherries. Monson Fruit Company will pay past and future royalties, stop propagating new Staccato® trees through 2029 and refrain from exporting fruit outside the US through 2032, ending a six-year long legal battle.
18 Sep 2026
Centro Fruticultura Sur will host a seminar in Chillán, Chile, on protected fruit cultivation, featuring two new publications on covered cherry production and European hazelnut physiology and management, with tools to address climate variability in modern orchards.
