Greetings!

We’re excited to announce that the 2026 Summer Tour will be hosted by Mike and Darcy Sjomeling at Fall Harvest Orchard! Join us for a hands-on, behind-the-scenes look at their operation, connect with fellow growers, and gain valuable insights into today’s apple industry. This is a tour you won’t want to miss!

Friday, August 7, 2026 | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

   Fall Harvest Orchard

    9048 Ahern Avenue SE

    Delano, MN 55328

We have a full and engaging day planned.  Here’s what to expect:

9:00 am – Registration & Networking

Check in, grab a coffee and a snack, and connect with fellow growers, vendors, and industry professionals.

10:00 am – Welcome & Orchard Introduction

Mike and Darcy will kick off the day by sharing the story of their orchard, operation, and guest experience offerings.  

Tour Rotations

Attendees will rotate through three tour experiences throughout the day at approximately 10:15 am, 11:00 am, and following lunch at 12:45 pm.

Discussions will cover key apple production techniques, orchard management practices, and new apple varieties. Topics may include weather stations, pest monitoring, scouting, thinning practices, and integrated pest management (IPM). Speakers will include University of Minnesota professionals and industry experts. This will be a great opportunity to see real-world applications and ask questions along the way.

Take a look inside Fall Harvest Orchard’s retail operation and learn how they present their apples and value-added products to guests. Discussions will highlight merchandising strategies, pricing, signage, customer engagement, and how they communicate their farm story to the public. Attendees will also have time to visit with vendors and explore products and services available throughout the industry.

Explore how Fall Harvest Orchard creates meaningful guest experiences through their agritourism offerings. This tour will include a look at attractions, activities, and on-farm experiences, along with how they engage visitors and encourage repeat customers through memorable family-friendly experiences.

Noon – Lunch: Food & Fellowship

We’re excited to offer two food trucks this year — Fall Harvest Eats and Gouda Q! Please be sure to select your preferred meal option during registration. Enjoy great food and fellowship while connecting with others in the industry.

Afternoon Discussion & Wrap-Up

Following the tours, we’ll gather for additional discussion, questions, and featured speaking topics before wrapping up the day.

There will be plenty of time throughout the event to visit with vendors, explore available resources, and connect with others to learn what’s happening across the region.

Golf carts and transportation will also be available for anyone who may appreciate a little extra assistance throughout the day.

Vendors & Sponsorship Opportunities

Vendors interested in having a table display during the event are welcome to join us as exhibitors. Simply select the Exhibitor Registration option during registration. Exhibitor registration is the same cost as regular attendee registration and includes participation in the full event.

If you are interested in additional sponsorship opportunities to further support the Minnesota Apple Growers Association and its programs, please reach out to us at mnapplegrower@gmail.com.

We look forward to seeing you on August 7!

Minnesota Apple Growers Association
Board of Directors