Orchard News

We’re excited to welcome families back to the orchard for our annual U-Pick weekends from September 20–21 and 27–28! Spend the day picking your own Montana-grown apples, enjoy the views of the Bitterroot Valley, and don’t miss our new apple cider donut trailer debuting this season.

Get all the details here and mark your calendars. Fall fun is just around the corner!

This season brought both challenges and triumphs at Swanson’s Mountain View Orchard. A spring freeze that reduced the king bloom, which produces the largest apple in the cluster, by 60-70% led to medium-sized apples. Still, by delaying harvest by about 10 days, we achieved peak sugar levels, resulting in exceptional apple and cider quality. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many customers saying the cider is reminiscent of the Swanson family’s traditional techniques.

Overall Season Totals

• Gallons of Cider Sold (Storefront + Retail): 9,241.25 gallons
• Total Pounds of Apples Sold (Storefront + Retail + Cider Production): 301,710 lbs

Montana Retail Stores

• Gallons of Cider: 8,065.5 gallons
• 3 lb. Bags Sold: 7,148 bags
• Total Pounds of Apples: 254,370 lbs

Storefront

• Pounds of Apples Sold: 47,340 lbs
• Gallons of Cider Sold: 1,176 gallons

Montana Apple Cider Production Highlights

Blending heirloom McIntosh apples with Golden Delicious created a perfectly balanced cider that honors the Swanson legacy. This season’s cider production totaled about 9,200 gallons, surpassing last year’s numbers and reflecting the tremendous effort and attention to quality this year.

Orchard Challenges & Harvest Wins

Despite early challenges, including a spring freeze and heavy windstorms, the season ended on a high note. Perfect fall weather — three weeks of no rain during harvest and U-Pick events — helped create optimum harvest conditions and excellent community turnout.

As we reflect on a successful 2024 season, we’re grateful for our customers and the community supporting Swanson’s Mountain View Orchard. We look forward to continuing this momentum, delivering the same quality apples and cider that our orchard is known for!

We’re now accepting sign-ups for our second season of premium apple and grass-fed beef, raised on the pastures of Swanson’s Mountain View Orchard!

This locally raised, sustainable beef is perfect for stocking your freezer with food you can feel good about. Reserve your quarter or half cow for spring 2026 — spots are limited! Learn more. Learn More.

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We’re looking for recipes to include in our 2025 season newsletters! Submit yours here: Apple Recipe Submission

Swanson’s is proud to be featured in the 2025 Local Food Guide by Abundant Montana! Check out our listing on page 48 and explore the guide to discover other local farms, producers, and food businesses across the state.

We’re honored to be featured in the Bitterroot Star! The article highlights our vision for the future of Swanson’s Mountain View Orchard, including plans for expanded community events, new product offerings, and continued focus on sustainable farming. Read the full article here.

Kendall Mouw shared a crop update and upcoming events with KPAX TV in Missoula County. Watch below, or click here!

Manager Kendall Mouw met with the American Dream TV’s production team to share our orchard’s history and what’s happening today! Skip to 6:20 (6 minutes and 2o seconds) to watch Swanson’s segment.