Vermont's apple industry is poised for a productive harvest this season, a notable improvement from the previous year marred by a late-spring frost. Terence Bradshaw, a professor and fruit specialist at the University of Vermont, confirmed the positive outlook, noting that most orchards are reporting yields above the average.
A significant frost event in May 2023 saw temperatures drop into the 20s, adversely affecting apples, blueberries, and grapes in bloom at the time. This event impacted 80% to 85% of Vermont's orchards, with half suffering considerable damage and reduced yields. However, the cycle of apple production, which relies on branch wood aged two years or older, has allowed for a robust recovery this year. Orchards that experienced low yields last year had the potential for a larger crop this year due to the saved resources directed towards bud growth for the forthcoming season.
For example, Peck Farm Orchard in East Montpelier, which lost 60% of its crop to the 2023 freeze, is anticipating one of its largest harvests. Daniel Bair, co-owner of the orchard, reflected on the resilience required in agriculture, noting the stark improvement in this year's fruit quality compared to the last.
Vermont orchards annually produce about 1 million bushels of apples, equivalent to roughly 40 million pounds, with the pick-your-own orchards attracting visitors to collect about 200,000 bushels each year. The U.S. Apple Association forecasts a productive year for apples nationwide, despite a slight 2% decrease from the previous year's record-breaking production, estimating nearly 282 million bushels for the 2024-25 crop year.
Orchards in proximity to Lake Champlain, such as Hackett's Orchard in South Hero, benefited from the lake's microclimate, which provided some protection from the frost. Similarly, Yates Family Orchard in Hinesburg, spared from last year's freeze, anticipates a successful pick-your-own season.
While Vermont's orchards have remained resilient against flooding, Bradshaw cautions that the bumper crops experienced this year may not be replicated next year, though a good crop is still expected barring extreme conditions. Both Peck Farm Orchard and Hackett's Orchard have adjusted their seasonal timelines due to the early arrival of this year's crop and the delayed bloom, respectively.
Hackett's Orchard, in particular, is extending the development time for its apples to enhance flavor and color, a decision influenced by the recent cooler nighttime temperatures. The orchard looks forward to welcoming generations of families back for the apple-picking season, emphasizing the enjoyment of fall weather and the selection of favorite apple varieties.
Source: Mountain Times