Planting a high-density cherry orchard, with its earlier production and potential for higher yields at maturity, is one of the options that growers should consider when thinking about replacing aging, less productive cherry blocks, according to an Oregon State University ­extension educator. With today’s tight profit margins, profitability is tied to productivity, says Lynn Long, OSU extension horticulturist for Wasco County. Long took part in a recent OSU study updating the ­economics of establishing and producing high-density cherry orchard ­systems. “I’ve seen a lot of older orchards that are only averaging two to three tons per acre,” he said. “A […]