The Most Profitable Farm Crop? TREES!

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Gold Shaw Farm
PO Box 225
Peacham, VT 05862

About Gold Shaw Farm: Gold Shaw Farm is more of a farm-in-progress than an honest-to-goodness farm. We dream that someday we can transform our 150+ acre parcel of land into a regenerative and productive homestead and farm.

[lordbyronkeith]

"No plans to become a full on orchardist"...cut to Morgan 10 years later showing off his brand new fully loaded Baumalight tree spade and giving a tour of his tree nursery.

[Maybachdemon]

the clip at 8:20 is simultaneously both adorable and funny the way the chicken is trying to keep up

[wrenchdoozer]

I am really liking this hoop coop. Especially the see through roof.

[Shridra]

Here in New Brunswick (Canada) one of the main exports is lumber. What that means is that as of now a lot of our hardwoods have been cut down, and while they plant new trees in their place they tend to plant softwoods, which don't have as deep of roots, which has caused issues with flooding. I've been talking to my friends about possibly using your method to start some hardwoods and then guerilla planting them to start building up the stock of hardwoods again.

[RuthAnnnMorris]

Very interesting Morgan!! In the late 70’s we lived in Wilcox Arizona and Farmer Brown had started an apple orchard in the early 70’s or late 60’s. The orchard produced like crazy and they put in a press and now Wilcox Apple Cider is well known and sold in grocery stores. So it went from just a local thing to a huge and very profitable business. It’s amazing how that happens, but it does!!!

[StephaninasAmputeeAdventures]

🌳And thus Morgan settled the age-old debate: money DOES grow on trees! 🤑💸🌳

[Dr_V]

If you grow "wild" apple trees from seedlings, no matter what the parent plants looked like about 30-35% will end up making fruits that are enjoyable to eat fresh and another 40-50% will be good enough for processing (into pies, jams or cider). Only one in 5 or 6 trees will give small sour fruit not worth harvesting, but they're also the most vigorous so great for grafting cultivars on the main branches.

[Joe_n_Sarah]

At 8:22 I loved how the chicken was following you guys lol 😂😆😂

[linabina]

You might need to take a little drive around the farm for Abby. I’m sure she’s missing hanging out with her bovine buddies. But, she also got a good zoom from running with you while you drove up the slope. Abby girl might need the extra burn lol.

[jennyd]

Here in the UK there are often wonderful hedgerow Apples to be found, if you know where to look. Often these are the remenants of an apple core that someone tossed out of a car window, years ago, or the result of the remains of an old farm-hand's snack. Sometimes they are second or third generation and have cross pollinated with wild crab apples, or indeed each other, until the hedge has a plethora of unusual fruit to pick and try in September or October.

Some make good eating - some are best stewed - it is a lottery until you have tried each tree, but many have interesting colour and unusual flavour combinations. Best of all it is free fruit. Back in 2018 when my partner and I were temporarily a bit down on our luck, finding and sampling these wild apples was one of the things which gave us something to look forward to. So go for it - try your seedlings, and one day we may all be buying a Morgan's Gold Apple in place of a Red Delicious (or in your part of the world a Macintosh).

[rogergoodland]

I really appreciate the fact that YOU appreciate the value of the American Chestnut tree!!! We MUSt bring it back. Thank you for the effort you are putting in to help make that happen!!

[athede]

The bucket and sand method works for apricot seeds in northern New Mexico too! I killed them in our direct sun, too early tho...next year tho, I got this!!! Trying some peach seeds this year too. One bucket of apricots and one bucket of peaches 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

[mikkoainasoja]

We do apple tree pruning in early spring, or some may do it even summer. But I believe that the idea is so that the tree can start heal the wounds right after pruning. In winter it is in dormant and probably can't heal itself.

[christines]

I really admire your approach with the permaculture concept. If everyone did to his it would be great for farming, healthier for people & better for the earth!

[phloxfarms]

We did exactly what you are doing and talked about before with trees, but with our mangos. And Boy, that saved us! So in a round about way you helped us save our mango trees as we lost our two big 30 footers in Hurricane Ian. We have like 25 mango baby trees that survived!

[Lynne]

I remember when you were sprouting tree seedlings at your apartment. You fridge was full of tree nuts. Think of how you have traveled! It’s really a lesson about investing time, effort and patience.

[anthonywashington]

2:10 Shared the vid to my Gdad, who is a tree doctor (arborist), says you did just fine pruning the tree.

Also said the trees should have a trunk circumference of 8-10 inches before removing the tubing or support.

Also recommended staking trees that have been roughed by the cattle. Trees are resilient and adaptable. They need every chance to grow.

I think you're doing amazing 😀

[reggiegarcia]

One of the best parts of the day, Gold Shaw videos

[BostonScottMesa]

Yeah finally you diged them up. I'm so happy/excited about this part. Can't wait to see them planted all over the place and can provide some shade for the cows

[jordondax]

You're so passionate about your trees it's cool to see.