Although a late frost in the spring has damaged a large portion of the area’s apple crops, local growers are still urging families to keep their annual tradition of visiting an apple farm this fall.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, apple production is down by 54 percent this year due to an unseasonably warm March, which caused early blooming. A frost that hit several weeks later, along with hail, then killed off a good portion of the state’s apple production.
Molly Golden, director of marketing for the New York State Apple Association, said the Hudson Valley was one of the hardest hit regions due to elevation. The decrease in product means many farms do not have a large enough crop to allow customers to pick their own apples.
“Orchards do have apples, but some hit harder than others,” said Golden. “We suggest calling ahead before visiting your favorite farm to see (what their situation) is.”
This year’s state apple crop has produced 14 million bushels of apples, down from the five-year average of 30.7 million bushels. Countrywide, production is off 15 percent from the five-year average. Although the spring’s unusual weather does mean crops are available several weeks earlier than usual, the loss will mean higher prices at the grocery store for items like apple juice and apple sauce.
“This year puts a spotlight on the kinds of pressures that our growers have to deal with year in, year out,” said NYAA President Jim Allen in a statement. “They deserve our respect and support, don’t you think?”
Jim Abbruzzese, owner of Altamont Orchards on Dunnsville Road, said the farm will not have pick-your-own apples available, but they will have apples to purchase and all of the usual family-friendly activities will be offered.
“We do have apples out in the field, but they’re not in reach of the public and it’s too dangerous to have them on ladders,” he said, estimating a loss of 90 percent of his crop this year. “But we still have all the fun stuff.”
Apple cider, donuts and pies will be available at Altamont Orchards, with activities for the kids. The 19th annual Apple and Wine Festival will also take place on Sept. 17 and 18.
Peter Ten Eyck, owner of Indian Ladder Farms in Altamont, said the farm will offer limited pick-your-own apple weekends on Sept. 1 and 2, Sept. 22 and 23 and Oct. 20 and 21. The variety of apples available will depend on the date. To supplement the need for additional apples to purchase in the store, some will be provided by other growers from New York and New England participating in the ECO Apple Growers group.
“We’re in our 97th year and I want to find a way to dig us out of this hole so we can be around long enough to be a century farm,” he said.
Ten Eyck added he knows the decision to bring in apples from other growers is bound to be controversial, but he will label the apples to identify the farm providing the produce so there is no confusion. He is sorry the farm cannot provide enough of its own apples for customers, but wants to make sure the tradition of visiting Indian Ladders continues. The market, gift shop, bakery and café will all remain open throughout the season.
Golden said many farms have crop insurance, but it often doesn’t cover the cost of the entire loss.
Ten Eyck said his farm has insurance but it will only cover a third of the losses. Plus, many pickers across the state will be losing out on jobs.
“We took a big hit two years ago when we were in a similar situation, but it was nothing compared to this,” he said. “This is the worst we’ve ever had.”
Saratoga Apple in Schuylerville will also have limited “pick-your-own” day — owners there estimate 70 percent of the crop is gone — while Goold Orchards in Castleton-on-Hudson has canceled its “pick-your-own” all together.
However, some growers in other parts of the greater Capital District are fairing better.
Kevin Bowman, owner of Bowman Orchards in Rexford, said his farm’s crop is at 100 percent because of the orchard’s high elevation. They’ve already been picking apples for several weeks.
“We started out very busy. We’ve been going fast and furious,” he said.
It is still not known if apple growers will be receiving state aid, while the federal government has announced 28 counties in New York are eligible for relief loans and benefits after being declared natural disaster areas. Any relief would help farms get back on their feet to prepare for next year.
“I’ve been doing this 45 years and I can say this experience is foreign to me,” said Abbruzzese. “At least business is never boring.”
