A New Tradition at Rader Family Farms

APPLE PICKING – (Updated 10/30/25) Varieties ready to pick: Evercrisp, Crunch-a-Bunch, Sweet Zinger, LudaCrisp and Stripe Fuji.

Orchard entrance is included with your fall activities admission.  Orchard access fee is $3/person.  Apples are an additional purchase and sold by the 1/4 peck, 1/2 peck and full peck at Admissions.

We invite you to experience apple picking at Adam’s Apple Orchard — a 2.5-acre orchard with more than 3,000 trees and 14 apple varieties. Whether you love crisp apples for snacking, tart varieties for baking, or sweet favorites for cider, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Visitors can choose between 1/4 peck, 1/2 peck or a full peck bag for their apple-picking experience.  For those who prefer to enjoy fresh apples without the picking, our market offers pre-picked selections harvested by our dedicated staff.

Many of our apple varieties are Honeycrisp or a cross with Honeycrisp. Everybody knows about Honeycrisp apples, which are prized for their crisp texture and juicy flavor. What makes them special is their cells are larger than that of traditional apples, such as Red Delicious. That’s what gives them that explosive burst of flavor when you bite into them.

Our varieties such as Summerset, Roseland Red Honeycrisp, Snap Dragon, Rosalee and Evercrisp may be less familiar to you, but we are confident you will be hearing more about them as their reputation grows. These and many others, including Galas and Fujis, will be part of our fall U-pick season.

Here’s a closer look at the farm’s apple varieties.

🍎 Apple picking begins in September

With varieties ripening throughout the fall, each visit to the orchard offers something new. Guests can look forward to:

• • Early-season favorites (crisp and tart)

  • Mid-season classics (balanced flavor)

  • Late-harvest apples (perfect for storage, baking, and cider)

Apple picking is more than just filling a basket — it’s about making memories together.

🌸 From blossoms to apples

In the spring, the orchard comes alive with delicate apple blossoms — a breathtaking sight and the very beginning of the apples’ journey. Proper pollination is vital, and to help with that, we’ve placed beehives throughout the farm. These hardworking bees ensure blossoms transform into the crisp, flavorful apples our guests will enjoy each fall.

“The bees play a vital role in fruit production. Without them, the blossoms wouldn’t turn into apples.”

— Adam Rader, Operations Director and Fourth-Generation Farmer

🌳 Growing an orchard with care

Transitioning from large-scale grain farming to managing thousands of apple trees has required a new approach. Each tree demands hands-on care throughout the year.

• Trellis system: supports tree growth, maximizes sunlight, and improves air circulation.

• Water management: irrigation challenges were solved by adapting existing wells to supply the orchard.

• Patience: apple trees take 5-6 years (from seedling to first fruit) before they are ready for harvest.

Our orchard is also shaped by modern horticultural techniques:

• Grafting: joining a scion (fruiting twig) with a strong rootstock for consistent, high-quality fruit.

• Rootstock selection: chosen for soil adaptability, pest resistance and optimal growth.

🐝 Stewardship and sustainability

We take a conservative and sustainable approach to disease and pest management. While not organic, our practices are careful, deliberate and designed to protect both the trees and the environment.

Challenges include:

• Insects and disease that require careful monitoring.

• Wildlife, like rabbits, that can harm young trees if left unchecked.

Through it all, our focus is on stewardship of the land and passing on farming traditions with care.

💛 Faith, Family and Fun

Adding an orchard to Rader Family Farms strengthens our connection to the land and to the community. It’s a place where families can learn, explore and experience agriculture firsthand.

When you visit Adam’s Apple Orchard, you’re not only enjoying fresh apples — you’re taking part in a living tradition rooted in faith, family, and fun.

Stay updated

Apple picking at Rader Family Farms begins in early September. Stay tuned for apple updates.