2016 Crop Update
"Fruit is clean with minimal defects. Sizing and conditions are good," said Justin Finkler, Riveridge farm manager. "Weather has been nearly ideal, not a lot of pressure - good heat, no hail."
These conditions have led to talk of a record crop - more than 30 million bushels with some estimates up to 32 million.
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| Gala nearly ready to be picked |
A good king bloom set this year helped contribute to overall fruit size that will be slightly above average. Fruit is still growing and with the recent moisture and upcoming heat in the forecast, the apples will continue to grow.
Honeycrisp are just starting to color. They will really turn when the nights turn cooler (50s) and the days remain sunny. The starches have converted to sugars nicely to add the sweet thanks to the heat. Anticipated Honeycrisp harvest will start September 15 - at the peak of ripeness.
Pink Lady apples will be available late fall, coming into harvest from a few local growers.
The labor outlook looks good. And if the weather continues to cooperate, we'll be picking at the ideal times, making for even better storage for a longer season.
Come out for a 2016 harvest visit! There is no time like fall on the Ridge. Apple trees as far as the eye can see and the packing houses are in full production.
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