Local farmer ‘disappointed’ by rise in theft from apple orchard
Posted Sep 24, 2025 04:07:03 PM.
Last Updated Sep 24, 2025 04:10:31 PM.
It truly is a case of a few bad apples spoiling the bunch.
Shuh Orchards in West Montrose has been operating a pick-your-own apple orchard for the last four years, but something is very different this year.
Co-owner, Tim Shuh and his staff had to enact strict new rules about what people can bring into the orchard because of a rise in theft. The pick-your-own apple experience is separate from the farm’s other fall-themed activities and is not included in the price of admission. For a fee, visitors are given a branded, Shuh Orchards reusable canvas bag to collect their apples.
Shuh told 570 NewsRadio the problem arises when the bags get filled.
“This year it has become very apparent that customers are entering the row with strollers, backpacks, wagons and are picking more than is agreed to.”
He recounts one instance where he found dozens of apples under a blanket in a stroller.
“I confronted the family, and I gave them the opportunity to tell me if there were any more apples on them. I was essentially playing border control at this moment. And, they said ‘No.’ I said ‘Can you tell me about the apples in the stroller’ and they said they had ‘No idea how those got there.'”
Shuh says he understands that some theft is inevitable, but that’s not what really gets to him.
“Being stolen from is obviously very disappointing, particularly as a farmer who’s grown this crop since the start of our growing season in March. The lying, though, is the really disappointing blow, to me.”
Shuh said he’s heard customers recount seeing others emptying full Shuh Orchard bags into their cars, then heading back into the orchard for a refill.
He estimates hundreds of pounds of apples have been stolen, equating to thousands of dollars lost.
In response, visitors will no longer be permitted to bring strollers, backpacks or wagons into the rows of trees.
Shuh said so far, the response has been positive.
“We’ve received overwhelming support from the public on this policy, and we’ve seen other orchards do it. I’ve been reached out to by other orchards, other farms saying, ‘Thank you for spreading awareness. Don’t feel bad about having to do this.’ I get that this limits the customer experience for some people, but it’s something we have to do.”
Shuh Orchards is open daily until Oct. 31.
