Oct 16, 2018

Vermont apple producers report an excellent crop

One bad apple crop is to be expected occasionally, given Vermont’s frigid northerly climate – but not this year.

According to a report in the Rutland Herald, apple growers across Vermont are reporting a brisk early fall harvest due to the unusually warm and dry summer this year.

“This looks to be another solid year for the state’s apple crop,” said Terence Bradshaw, University of Vermont tree fruit specialist.

“Apples are a pretty resilient crop and the recent rains and outlook for cool nights” in the days ahead should “really advance ripening and fruit size,” he said.

At family-owned Liberty Orchard in Brookfield, Ginny and Dwayne Brees said their apple crop “is about like last year” — excellent.

The pick-your-own orchard specializes in Liberty and six other new disease-resistant varieties that reduce the use of agricultural chemicals.

“Some apples may be a bit smaller due to the dry weather this past summer. Flavor (is) excellent, and with sunshine the next few days (it) should be a good weekend to pick apples,” the couple said.

Greg Burtt, owner of Burtt’s Apple Orchard in Cabot, said the fall 2018 apple harvest season has been “going well so far.”

“We have a slightly larger crop than last year — 1,000 bushels per acre is what we shoot for yield,” he said.

The orchard produces 40 varieties of “U-Pick” apples, cider, pumpkins, squash, maple syrup, cider vinegar and other products.

For more on the Vermont apple story, visit here.