Shuh Orchards in West Montrose, Ontario, is tightening the reins after experiencing a frustrating—and frankly shocking—wave of apple theft. Known for its friendly U-pick setup and picturesque orchard rows, the farm is now changing policies due to people sneaking apples out in strollers, backpacks, and wagons.
In a social media post, farmer Tim Shuh shared that nearly 500 pounds of apples had been stolen in just one week. That’s not someone “sampling a few”—that’s enough to stock a fruit stand. These aren’t isolated incidents either. People have been loading up on apples and hiding them in baby strollers, large totes, and anything else they could get their hands on.
To stop the loss, the orchard is making some big changes. Let’s walk through what happened—and what’s different now.
Table of Contents
Theft
Imagine working all year to grow your crops, only to have hundreds of pounds stolen in a matter of days. That’s exactly what happened to Shuh Orchards.
In a heartfelt video posted online, Tim Shuh said they’ve had both wonderful visitors and others who clearly crossed the line. Some came not just to pick apples—but to take them. And not just a few.
According to the farmer, more than 200 pounds of apples were stolen using strollers, wagons, and backpacks. By the end of the week, that number climbed closer to 500 pounds. To put that in perspective: that’s enough apples to fill a small truck bed or supply a bakery for a week.
This wasn’t a case of a couple of extra apples in the bag—it was blatant theft, disguised under baby blankets and tucked behind picnic gear.
Policy
So how do you stop an apple thief? You tighten the rules. Shuh Orchards announced that starting immediately, strollers, wagons, and backpacks are banned from the orchard picking rows.
Instead, all visitors must use the bags provided by the farm. These pre-approved bags are not just easier to monitor—they’re designed to stop the sneaky stashing that’s been happening.
Here’s a breakdown of the before and after:
| Old Policy | New Policy |
|---|---|
| Bring your own bags, strollers, wagons | Only farm-provided bags are allowed |
| Strollers/wagons allowed in orchard | No strollers, wagons, or backpacks in rows |
| No consistent bag checks | Bags are monitored and limited per person |
The goal here isn’t to make things difficult—it’s to protect the harvest. Farming isn’t a hobby for these folks. It’s their livelihood, and every apple counts.
Response
As expected, the news has stirred up plenty of reactions. Supporters say the move makes total sense. After all, nobody wants to pay higher prices just because someone else is stealing. Others—especially parents with young kids—are frustrated by the no-stroller rule.
Still, many customers have shared encouraging comments, thanking the Shuh family for being transparent and standing up for their business.
Let’s be honest: farms already operate on thin profit margins. When 500 pounds of produce walks out unpaid, that’s not just annoying—it’s devastating.
Community
Shuh Orchards has been part of the local community for years. They’re not some faceless corporation—they’re a family-run farm inviting people to enjoy the fruits of the season, literally.
The new rules might seem strict, but they come from a place of care. Care for the crop, the land, and the experience for future guests. As Tim Shuh put it, they still love welcoming families, friends, and first-time pickers. They just want to make sure everyone plays fair.
So yes, the orchard is still open. Yes, you can still pick apples. But no, you can’t bring your own mega-bag or wagon anymore.
Lessons
This is also a bit of a cautionary tale for other U-pick farms. With theft becoming a real issue, it might be time to rethink visitor policies, staffing, and how produce is monitored.
Prevention doesn’t have to mean armed guards and locked gates. Sometimes, it just means clear rules, clear bags, and clear communication.
And for the rest of us? Just be a decent human. If you want 20 pounds of apples, pay for them. Stealing from a family farm isn’t just wrong—it’s like biting the hand that feeds you.
FAQs
Why are strollers banned at Shuh Orchards?
They were used to steal apples from the orchard.
How many apples were stolen recently?
Nearly 500 pounds were stolen in one week.
Can I use my own bag to pick apples?
No, only farm-issued bags are now allowed.
Are wagons still allowed in the orchard rows?
No, wagons are now completely banned from picking rows.
Is apple picking still open at Shuh Orchards?
Yes, the orchard remains open with new policies.
