Small Size Cider Operation

As one of my income streams I want to produce cider. I have been reading about english cider production and have talked with cider producers. A small size cider operation that could be profitable is a minimum of 2000 cases. 2,000 cases is equal to 18,000 liters. A standard 2,000 liter tank used for cider production requires 180 bushels. A bushel of apples in the US is 48 lbs and 2,000 lbs is a ton. With that said a ton of apples is equal to 41.66 bushels(2000lbs/48lbs). From my readings a good cider orchard will produce 5 tons per acre. Back to the origional numbers if I need 2,000 cases or 18,000 liters I need 9-2000 liter tanks full of juice. So 9 x 180 = 1,620 bushels. At 5 tons per acre 5 x 41.66 bushels a ton = 208.3 bushells an acre. In an ideal world with good fruit production I would need 7.77 acres of apple production (1620 bushels needed / 208.3 bushells an acre ). If you want to check the math please do. Next we need to look at the types and percentages of those types that need to be planted on this hypothetical 7.77 acres.

Then there are the things I can't produce

Well if I am able to produce all the items listed in my previous post I am in pretty good shape. The problem comes when I need those modern items that I have gotten so accustomed to. I like to think in three's so my three are the computer, electricity, and plumbing type things. These items aren't absolutely necessary but make life much more enjoyable. In these cases I need cash. These type of items require manufacturing and I need to be part of the broader economy to make that possible. Well looking at my lists of producible items from earlier I have to determine which if any would lend themselves to production for cash.

I know everyone likes to stay clean. Soap is an area that I believe to be very salable. In addition to that all humans are inherently addicted to sweet things like honey, and syrups. When talking about addictions people love their beer, wine, and alcohol. In the south many of the founding fathers of the US produced cider from different types of apples and this is a possible higher value product that could be produced on a farm scale. This is an item I am going to research and learn more about as time goes by. When talking about producing food items a u-pick blueberry farm could provide some income with minimal labor. The idea of producing feed for animals for others to purchase (the city folk) such as chicken feed, or hay for horses may be a possibility but the idea of removing fertility from the farm without an equal input needs to be well thought out.

What am I going to produce?

What do I eat. That should be the question. If your trying to cut costs and live a sustainable life you need to start there with your plan.

Lets begin:

I am a meat eater but not all meats are equal to me. I eat 5 basics.
Chicken, Beef, Pork, Turkey, Fish. I would eat a rabbit if my kids would let me but they wont.

Next on my list is Nuts, and Berries.

If I had a supply of Chestnuts I would probably eat them but it's just not a common food. I eat Walnuts, Pecans, Almonds, Apples, Pears, Asian Pears, Cherries, Grapes, Kiwi, Strawberries, Blueberries, Figs, Blackberries

Then there is the Fungus

Mushrooms now there is a sustainable crop. With all the storms in the south there should be lots of free wood available and all you need a a bit of shade, water and some time.


Now to the greens

I like salads. Greens of any type. Spinach, Arugula, Lettuce etc. etc
I need to learn more about the perennials!
Vegetables are always good as well.

I eat dairy

Cheese : Blue, soft, hard, sharp, stinky, it's probably good.
You always need butter, cream, yogurt.

I don't eat bread. I try and stay away from the stuff. I have found a positive effect on my body when not eating wheat but do have a bit from time to time.

If we are going on this line of thought what else is a daily need.

I love my coffee and tea. Need to have something to get me going and see me thru the day. Something sweet like maple syrup, or honey makes everything taste better.

I love to stay clean. I need soap and fresh smelling soap is the best. Growing Lavander and Mint to make soap sounds like a interesting idea. Toothpaste is a must. Flavors? Any ideas out there.

Although I hate to admit it a glass of wine everyday could keep things interesting.

Am I missing anything. That is the question.

Back to the blog

Origionally I wanted to start to farm to get back to a way of life that my Great Grandmother lived. All the skills that she had (when to plant, when to harvest, how to can, how to cook, etc) are gone with her. She didn't have a large acreage just a back yard full of produce that she ate in season and canned for the winter. Her corn was tasty and her green beans were the best. I remember many conversations about her growing up in the country and her mom and dad keeping a pig or two that they would slaughter in the fall to get them thru the winter. I have been studying permaculture since my origional post back in 08 and plan on outlining how I am going to get back to the basics in future posts.