Farm Business & Financial Management
U-Pick Operation Planning Guide
A planning guide for running a pick-your-own operation, covering the visitor flow from parking to checkout. Helps growers prepare the field, staff and safety plan.
Download free PDF1 page, US Letter, prints clean in black and white
GuideFarm Business & Financial ManagementFree PDF
The steps on this page
- Choose crops and picking areas
- Plan parking and entry
- Set up signs and picking directions
- Provide containers and scales per rules
- Arrange handwashing and restrooms
- Train staff on guest guidance
- Mark hazards and off limit areas
- Plan weather and closure steps
- Review visitor feedback each season
How to use this guide
Walk a new hand through the steps once, then let them use the page on their own. Add your own notes as you learn what works.
Where to check the details
This sheet is a general template, so confirm specifics with your own manuals, labels and local rules. For current official guidance, start with eXtension and USDA AMS.
For more in this area, see the farm loans, grants and taxes. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including Strawberries Refuse to Pick Themselves, and agribusiness farm stories.