2024/25 Harvest: A Season of Sweet Success

As summer fades and we wrap up another cherry harvest season, we’re taking a moment to reflect on what has been a big, busy, and incredibly rewarding few months at Forest Lodge Orchard. From December 2024 to February 2025, we experienced sunshine, long days, and plenty of action as we harvested some of the juiciest, most vibrant cherries we’ve ever grown.

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This season wasn’t just about picking cherries—it was about proving, yet again, that fossil fuels aren’t needed to run a successful farm. With our fully electric equipment, solar-powered systems, and innovative farming practices, we had our most efficient and sustainable harvest to date.

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A Harvest Powered by the Sun ☀️🍒

Our 2024/25 harvest kicked off in early December, right as the warm Central Otago sun worked its magic on our cherry trees. From the very first pick, it was clear we were in for an exceptional season—the fruit was plump, deep red, and bursting with flavour.

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But what really set this harvest apart? Every single cherry was picked, sorted, and transported without burning a drop of fossil fuel. Running a fully electric orchard at the busiest time of year is no small feat, but with the right technology and planning, we pulled off another season without relying on diesel. Here’s how we did it:

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1. The Electric Monarch Tractor 🚜

Our Monarch MK-V electric tractor was the workhorse of the season. With zero emissions, instant torque, and it’s amazing battery life, it handled everything from towing cherry bins through the orchard to running our electric-powered equipment. Instead of refueling with expensive diesel, we charged it using the power of the sun.

2. Battery-Powered Equipment 🔋

Harvesting cherries requires a lot more than just a tractor. This season, our battery-powered forklift was essential for moving pallets of cherries, and our electric sprayers and pruning tools made orchard maintenance seamless. No noisy engines, no fuel costs—just clean, efficient power.

3. Solar & Battery Storage

One of the biggest advantages of running an off-grid, solar-powered farm is that our energy costs during harvest stay low—no matter how much work needs to be done. Our solar panels and 300kW battery system kept everything running, even during peak harvest when energy demand was highest.

4. Transporting Cherries Without Fossil Fuels

Even getting our cherries to market was done sustainably. With electric vehicles and partnerships that support low-emission transport, we ensured that the entire journey—from orchard to consumer—was as carbon-free as possible.

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What We Learned This Season 💡

Every harvest comes with its challenges and lessons, and 2024/25 was no different. Here are some of our key takeaways:

1. Battery Tech is Game-Changing

Having reliable, high-capacity battery storage was crucial for keeping everything running smoothly. This season proved that investing in solar and battery storage isn’t just good for sustainability—it’s essential for operational efficiency in the long run.

2. Electric Equipment is Ready for the Big Leagues

There’s always been skepticism around whether electric tractors and machinery can handle the demanding nature of farming. This season, our Monarch tractor and battery-powered equipment proved beyond doubt that they’re not only capable, but can outperform traditional diesel gear in many ways.

3. Consumers Care About Sustainable Food

We’re seeing more and more demand from consumers who want to know their food is being produced in an environmentally responsible way. People love our cherries, but they also love that they’re grown in a way that’s better for the planet.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we wrap up another harvest, we’re already planning for the next season. Our goal remains the same: keep improving, keep innovating, and keep proving that electric farming is the way forward. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved, and we’re even more excited about what’s next.

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A massive thank you to our team, partners, and customers for supporting us on this journey. Here’s to another year of delicious cherries, smart farming, and a cleaner future! 🍒⚡

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