Theft
Shuh Orchards in West Montrose, Ontario, known for its friendly U-pick experience and beautiful orchard rows, recently faced a shocking challenge—nearly 500 pounds of apples stolen in one week.
Farmer Tim Shuh took to social media to share the frustration and disbelief. What started as a few missing apples quickly turned into a full-blown theft problem. Visitors were hiding apples in strollers, wagons, and backpacks, sneaking them out under blankets or picnic gear.
By week’s end, the loss had grown from 200 pounds to almost 500—enough to fill a small truck bed or stock a local fruit stand. For a family-run farm that depends on every pound sold, this was more than just theft—it was a serious blow.
Policy
To stop the losses, Shuh Orchards has introduced strict new policies designed to protect their harvest.
Effective immediately, strollers, wagons, and backpacks are no longer allowed in the orchard rows. Instead, all visitors must use farm-provided picking bags, which are monitored to prevent excessive or hidden picking.
| Old Policy | New Policy |
|---|---|
| Bring your own bags, strollers, wagons | Only farm-provided bags allowed |
| Strollers/wagons permitted in orchard | No strollers, wagons, or backpacks in picking rows |
| No consistent bag checks | Bags monitored and limited per person |
These changes may sound strict, but they’re meant to protect the farm’s livelihood, not punish customers. Every apple counts, and these policies ensure honest visitors don’t have to pay the price for someone else’s wrongdoing.
Response
The orchard’s announcement has sparked a mix of support and frustration. Many community members applaud the move, saying it’s necessary to keep prices fair and losses low.
Others, particularly parents, expressed disappointment at the stroller ban, noting it makes visiting with young children more difficult.
Still, the overall sentiment has been positive. Supporters have praised the Shuh family’s transparency and integrity, recognizing that small farms already face tight profit margins—and losing hundreds of pounds of produce in a week is devastating.
As one commenter put it, “If you love local farms, respect the rules that keep them alive.”
Community
Shuh Orchards isn’t just a business—it’s a community staple. The Shuh family has opened their gates to visitors for years, sharing not just their crops, but also their passion for farming.
Their new approach isn’t about suspicion; it’s about preserving the experience for everyone. They still welcome families, friends, and first-time pickers—but they’re drawing a line to ensure that honesty and fairness remain at the heart of their orchard.
Yes, you can still pick apples. But no, you can’t bring your own oversized tote or wagon anymore.
Lessons
This incident serves as a wake-up call for other U-pick farms. Theft isn’t just an isolated problem—it’s an industry-wide challenge that may force farms to rethink how they manage open-access harvesting.
Preventing theft doesn’t mean locking down the joy of the experience. It means clearer rules, better communication, and mutual respect between visitors and farmers.
And for everyone else? It’s simple: if you want apples—pay for them. Supporting local farms means valuing the time, care, and effort behind every piece of fruit.
Because when you steal from a family farm, you’re not just taking apples—you’re taking away someone’s hard work and heart.
FAQs
Why did Shuh Orchards change its U-pick policies?
Shuh Orchards in West Montrose, Ontario, changed its policies after nearly 500 pounds of apples were stolen in a single week. Visitors were hiding apples in strollers, wagons, and backpacks, leading the farm to take stricter measures to prevent further loss.
What new rules has Shuh Orchards introduced?
The orchard now bans strollers, wagons, and backpacks in the picking rows. Visitors must use only farm-provided bags, which are monitored and limited per person to prevent overpicking or theft.
Can families with children still visit Shuh Orchards?
Yes. Families are still welcome to visit the orchard, but they must follow the new guidelines. While strollers are not allowed in the picking rows, parents can still use them in designated areas outside the orchard rows.
How did the public react to the new orchard rules?
Many people supported the farm’s decision, saying it’s necessary to protect the harvest and keep prices fair. Some visitors, especially parents, expressed frustration about the stroller ban, but overall feedback has been positive.
What lesson can other U-pick farms learn from this incident?
Theft prevention is becoming an important issue for many U-pick farms. Shuh Orchards’ experience shows that clear policies, monitored bags, and honest communication with customers can help protect small farms from significant losses.
