Recording of the Using the 2025 Michigan Apple Cost of Production Study webinar is now available

Chris Bardenhagen<bardenh1@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension - November 17, 2025

Learn how to navigate the spreadsheets and apply to your farm.

red apples in a pile — Honeycrisp apples picked in a bin.

Are you an apple grower, or wondering what average costs are for Michigan growers? A webinar was held recently to review the 2025 Michigan Apple Cost of Production report, Extension Bulletin E3533. The video is now available on the MSU Extension website.

The video begins by providing an overview of the main results of the study. Then, we review the main establishment and production costs found for Michigan orchards.

Starting at 22 minutes 8 seconds, we illustrate breakdowns by cost category. We also identify breakeven prices and per bushel costs for different yields. The video (and the report) provides information on both high-density and semidwarf training systems. We provide calculations for high-value (Honeycrisp) and mid-value variety tier apples (Gala, Fuji and other fresh apples).

At 32 minutes 50 seconds, we show how to make adjustments in order to apply the study results to a specific farm. Using examples, we walk through calculating different scenarios using the tables in the report/Bulletin.

Find the video recording of the webinar at https://www.canr.msu.edu/videos/using-the-2025-michigan-apple-cost-of-production-study, and please contact Chris Bardenhagen, MSU Extension Farm Business Management Educator, with any questions.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

MSU Extension Farm Management