The A.D. Makepeace Company, based in Wareham, is the world’s largest cranberry grower, the largest private property owner in eastern Massachusetts, and a recognized leader in environmentally responsible real estate development and stewardship. Cranberries are our heritage and our livelihood. Our 160-year history in the cranberry industry affects the way we do business, and it strengthens the communities we build.
LIFE on the BOG
Once the harvest is completed in late fall, the cranberry vines are given time to dry out and become dormant. You’ll see the color of the bog change to a deep burgundy. Winter flood, typically applied during the later winter months, protects the vines from extreme cold and harsh winter winds. The bud for the 2021 fall crop is already on the vine, and protecting it from the winter elements is a priority.
While the cranberry bogs are flooded, an opportunity for tending the vines presents itself. Growers typically use two methods of sanding: ice sanding and barge (water) sanding. Thick ice allows for the use of buggies to scamper over the ice, dropping a thin layer of sand. When ice sanding is not an option, a water barge is used to accomplish the same goal on the flooded bog. Watch our video here.
Both methods allow sand to filter down to the bog surface. The sand provides nutrients, helps with insect control, and prunes long vines. When the sand lands on a long running vine, roots and a new plant will form. It is not uncommon for a single long vine to create several new plants after being sanded. The practice of sanding is generally performed every three to five years, per bog. The A.D. Makepeace Company sands 500 to 600 acres of bog annually.
The small size of the cranberry industry means the major manufacturers don’t cater to our specialized equipment needs. Therefore, our maintenance team creates, builds, and maintains most of our machinery including picking machines, pumps, harvesting equipment, and some farm vehicles. While the manufacturing of equipment happens throughout the year, the winter allows for additional attention to be paid to such efforts.
In addition, the winter months allow for spring renovation planning, forestry management, skills/management training, and educational classes and certifications for our team.
Wareham, Massachusetts
January, 2021
Fall on the Bog
/in General /by Linda BurkeSome say fall is the most beautiful time of year in New England, as the forests show their brilliant colors and the crisp air brings with it everything pumpkin and apple. This quintessential New England scene is not to be outdone by the imagery in Southeastern Massachusetts of crimson cranberries floating against the backdrop of […]
Rosebrook Blood Drives: More Than Pints
/in Events, General, Real Estate /by Linda BurkeWAREHAM – Beginning in May, the A.D. Makepeace Company partnered with the American Red Cross and Southcoast Health to host a monthly blood drive series at Rosebrook Place. Over 130 donations have been collected, with plans to continue the series monthly through the balance of the year. One recent blood drives included a challenge between […]
NACD New England Chapter Announces 2020 Director of the Year Award Recipients
/in General, Real Estate /by Linda BurkeThe National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) New England Chapter announced today the recipients of its 14th annual Director of the Year Awards.