Cherry season is quickly coming to an end, but sustainability is a year-round priority. Soren’s Valhalla Orchard in Door County.
Soren’s Valhalla Orchard is a u-pick cherry orchard in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Terry and Toni Sorenson are first-generation cherry growers at their Door County orchard. Terry manages the trees and horticultural aspects of the business, while Toni looks after the orchard’s employees and visitors.
The Sorensons grow about 100 acres of cherry trees. The cherry trees provide habitat and protection for a variety of birds and mammals. Terry estimates that there are 18,000 trees in their orchard. If they were lined up in a row, there would be nearly 60 miles of cherry trees!
Visitors to Valhalla Sorena’s orchard enjoy the instant gratification of sweet cherries, but Montmorency cherries are a tried and true choice for pie filling. Guests often buy as many as 20 buckets!
“It’s really only in Door County that we have such a high demand for fresh Montmorency cherries,” Terry said.
The Sorensons have a great team of family and friends who support their business. They have crews that support the u-pick business and the commercially picked cherries. Most of the cherries in Soren’s Valhalla Orchard are picked, sold and distributed nationwide.
The Sorensons have a three-pronged approach to sustainability at their orchard. The first is environmental sustainability. They need to keep the trees alive while having minimal impact on the environment. The second pillar is economic sustainability. Farm decisions need to make economic sense for the long-term goals of the farm and family. The final pillar is social sustainability. The Sorensons want to make a positive contribution to their community and leave a lasting legacy for their family.
“It’s important to realize that these trees will only bear fruit for us if we give them what they need,” Toni said.
A cherry tree bears fruit for 30 years. It takes a lot of care to keep the trees productive for 30 years.
No two years are the same in agriculture. Last year, farmers across Wisconsin experienced a severe drought. This year, farmers are dealing with extreme rainfall and flooding. Terry noted that farmers need to be adaptable and exploit the tools in their toolbox to get a generous cherry harvest despite uncertain weather conditions.
The Sorensons rely on technology to care for their cherry trees. New orchard sprayers are equipped with tree-sensing technology for more precise application. This technology has significantly reduced the amount of pesticides used.
Efficiency and convenience are also critical to the customer experience at Soren’s Valhalla Orchard. The orchard has no electricity, so the team invested in Wi-Fi technology. Guests can purchase items by swiping or tapping their credit card.
Sustainability is critical to Valhalla Sorena Orchard as they want to have minimal impact on the environment and their neighbors. Terry and Toni want to pass the baton to the next generation of cherry growers and ensure their success
