Farming Simulator 25 – Grapes & Olives Complete Guide

Grapes and olives might not be the first crops that come to mind when you’re mapping out your farm in Farming Simulator 25, but they’re more than just fancy additions to your fields. These specialty crops can turn into serious cash cows if you know how to handle them right. Whether you’re looking to dive into production chains, maximize your profits, or just try something new, I’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll explore everything from storing your harvest to deciding whether grapes and olives are worth the investment.

Grapes & Olives Complete Guide

In Farming Simulator 25, grapes and olives are specialty crops that add a layer of depth and strategy to your farming experience. Unlike traditional crops such as wheat or corn, these plants require specific equipment, maintenance, and field setups, offering a more hands-on and rewarding approach.

• Grapes: Grown on trellises, grapes are harvested to produce grape juice, raisins, or sold as raw produce. They are key in unlocking higher-value production chains, such as cereal production.
• Olives: Grown in neat rows of trees, olives are harvested and processed into olive oil, which can be sold for a premium price or used in various in-game production lines.

Both crops introduce unique challenges, such as pruning, proper spacing, and the need for specialized machinery. While they demand more attention and resources, their profitability and role in production chains make them a lucrative choice for farmers looking to diversify their income streams.

Planting and Placing Grapes & Olives

Good news—there’s no field preparation required when growing Grapes and Olives in Farmign Simulator 25! Whether you’re placing them on a designated field or open ground, it doesn’t matter. To start:

1. Open Build Mode.
2. Navigate to Productions > Cultivation.
3. Select Grapes or Olives from the menu.

You’re now ready to lay down your rows!

Placing Grapes and Olives

• Grapes: Cost $8,800 per row. Keep the rows straight for easier management and harvesting later.
• Olives: Cost $10,000 per row. While pricier, olives are a great long-term investment.

Pro Tip: Both crops snap neatly into place next to each other, which helps maintain a clean layout. Leave some space between rows for maneuvering if you prefer more flexibility.

Made a mistake? Don’t worry!

• Enter Demolition Mode by selecting the tool in Build Mode or pressing B.
• Highlight and remove specific sections if you need to clear out space or fix alignment issues.

If Seasonal Growth is enabled, planting and harvesting times are critical:

• Grapes:
  • Planting: March, April, May
  • Harvesting: September, October
• Olives:
  • Planting: March through June
  • Harvesting: October

For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, you can disable seasonal growth in Game Settings, allowing you to plant and harvest anytime.

Caring for Grapes & Olives

Vineyard work can be meticulous, but with the right tools and techniques, you’ll be maximizing your yields in no time. Here’s how to nurture your crops from placement to harvest.

Unlike other crops, grapes and olives don’t support AI workers. You’ll need to take the reins yourself, but GPS Guidance Systems can make your job easier by locking onto rows and ensuring straight lines.

Head to the store and pick up the right equipment:

• Vineyard Tractors: Narrow tractors are essential to navigate between the tight rows. Look for the smallest models in the Vineyard Tractors section to avoid damaging your crops.
• Specialized Grape & Olive Tools:
  • Mulcher: Removes grass between rows.
  • Cultivator/Subsoiler: Loosens soil after mulching for healthier roots.
  • Sprayer: Applies fertilizer, boosting yield.

Note: There are four tools for grapes and three for olives. One tool is specific to post-harvest grape maintenance.

Step-by-Step Care Process

A. Mulching

• After planting, wait for the grass between rows to grow.
• Use the mulcher to cut the grass and improve soil health. Lower the mulcher with V and start with B. If the grass isn’t tall enough, fast-forward a day and try again.

B. Cultivating

• Once mulching is done, follow up with the cultivator or subsoiler. This aerates the soil and ensures better water and nutrient absorption. Lower the tool and work between rows, focusing on soil texture.

C. Fertilization

• Apply liquid fertilizer twice:
  1. After initial mulching and cultivating.
  2. One month later.
• Fertilize using a sprayer designed for vineyards. A single pass down the middle of each row should suffice, thanks to the sprayer’s side extension.

Grass between rows will grow back, but don’t worry—there’s no need for herbicide. Regular mulching keeps weeds at bay and maintains a clean vineyard.

The Yield Boost Formula

To maximize your crop yield, follow this sequence:

1. Wait for grass to grow.
2. Mulch between rows.
3. Cultivate the soil.
4. Apply two layers of fertilizer over time.

If you follow these steps in order, your fields will show dark blue on the map, indicating maximum fertilizer levels.

Once your vineyard is mulched, cultivated, and fertilized, all that’s left is patience. Watch your crops thrive month by month until it’s time for harvest. Soon, you’ll be reaping the rewards of your hard work.

Harvesting Grapes & Olives

First things first—make sure your grapes and olives are ripe and ready to harvest. Open the in-game menu to confirm their status. Timing is crucial, especially if you’re playing with seasons on. Tip: Harvest outside of the correct season, and your crops will wither, forcing you to wait until next year.

Good News! Once planted, your orchards will regrow annually. With seasons off, they’ll start regenerating immediately after harvest, saving you time and effort.

Choosing the Right Harvester

Harvesting grapes and olives requires specialized equipment. Here’s a breakdown of your options:

• Multi-Function Harvesters:
  Some models can handle both crops but require customization at a repair shop or store. You’ll need to switch between grape and olive modes.
  • Capacity: 4,000 L (customizable)
  • Cost: Around $122,000 – ideal for those who value efficiency over budget.
• Grape-Specific Harvesters:
  If you’re starting small, these are budget-friendly and straightforward.
  • Entry-Level: Holds up to 3,000 L
  • Advanced Model: 3,100 L capacity, slightly pricier but worth the investment.
• Olive-Specific Harvesters:
  Great for those focusing solely on olives.
  • Cheapest Model: 4,000 L capacity at a lower cost than multi-functional harvesters.

Personal Tip: I prefer multi-function harvesters for their versatility. Spending a bit more upfront pays off with long-term convenience.

How to Harvest Efficiently

1. Unfold the Harvester: Press X to raise it off the ground.
2. Activate the Harvester: Hit B to start it. Position yourself over the vine, straddling it.
3. Use GPS or Steering Assist: Press H for steering assist, keeping you aligned with the rows. This feature locks your path, letting you focus on maintaining speed.

Pro Tip: Set cruise control for a smoother experience, especially on longer rows.

• Grapes: Require a specialized trailer. Available options include:
  • 6,000 L capacity
  • 2,000 L capacity for larger loads
• Olives: Can be loaded into any bulk trailer, making them easier to transport.

Unloading grapes requires precision:

• Grapes: Pull up behind the harvester at the end of a row and press I to transfer into a trailer. They can’t be dumped on the ground—unlike olives, which can be tested with bulk trailers.
• Olives: Similar process but less restrictive with trailers.

Don’t expect to become a farming mogul solely from grapes and olives. They’re more about the experience and variety. But if you’re passionate about Mediterranean vibes, this might just be your niche!

What to Do with Grapes & Olives

After a successful harvest of grapes and olives in Farming Simulator 25, you’re faced with an important question: What now? Let’s dive into the options available to make the most of your hard-earned crops.

Storage Options: Keep It Safe

You can store both grapes and olives in a railroad silo if your map supports it. For instance, on maps with locations like Goldcrest Valley, any railroad point that accepts specific products can store your crops. Keep in mind:

• Grapes & Olives: Railroad silos can safely store both, but check each map for unique storage options.
• Benefit: This is a great short-term solution if you’re waiting for better market prices or planning future production.

Selling for Profit: Cash Out at the Right Time

You can sell your grapes and olives just like any other crop. However, timing and location are key:

• Price Fluctuations: Monitor the in-game market closely. Selling at peak prices can significantly boost your profits.
• Transportation Tip: Use trailers that fit your specific crop—grape trailers for grapes and bulk trailers for olives.

Production Chains: Adding Value

If you’re in it for the long haul, converting your crops into higher-value products is the way to go:

• Grapes:
  • Take them to the Grape Processor to create grape juice or raisins.
  • Raisins can then be used to produce cereal, further increasing your income.
• Olives:
  • Convert them into olive oil using an oil processing facility. Olive oil commands a much higher market value than raw olives.

Personal Note: I’ve found that turning crops into processed goods is both rewarding and profitable, especially when paired with seasonal market surges.

Post-Harvest Care: Keeping Your Vineyard Thriving

Once your grapes are harvested, they’ll need pruning to prepare for the next season:

1. Look for Yellow Leaves: Fast-forward a day or a month in-game, and you’ll notice wilted, yellowing leaves.
2. Pruning Tool: Use the specialized pruner to remove dead leaves.
   • Unfold & Align: Hit X to unfold the pruner and B to start it. Align carefully over the vines, and it will auto-adjust as you go.
   • Purpose: Pruning isn’t about yield but rather prepping for regrowth. Without this step, your grapes won’t regrow properly.

Tip: It might be tricky to get the pruner aligned at first, but once it clicks, it’s smooth sailing. It’s satisfying to see those vines bounce back after a good prune!

Unlike grapes, olives don’t need pruning. They’ll regrow on their own after harvest, making them a low-maintenance but steady income source.

Are Grapes & Olives Worth It? My Take

If you’re a veteran farmer or someone who enjoys long-term planning and maximizing profits through production chains in Farming Simulator 25, then yes, grapes and olives are definitely worth it. The initial effort and costs pay off handsomely over time, especially when paired with value-added production.

However, if you’re new to the game or prefer a low-maintenance, quick turnaround crop, it might be wise to start with simpler crops before diving into the world of vineyards and olive groves.

Personally, I find the challenge rewarding. There’s something satisfying about seeing my carefully maintained grapevines flourish into a profitable vineyard, making all that pruning feel worth it. Plus, when those olive oil profits roll in? Chef’s kiss!