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BY MARK BOSHNACK
STAFF WRITER
Lovers of fresh apples may expect an early surprise this year, according to an industry spokesman.
Record warm weather in April, and a hot, sunny summer, are responsible for an apple growingseason that is about two weeks ahead of schedule across the state, according to the New York Apple Association. “It’s unprecedented,” said
Peter Gregg, a spokesman for the organization. The orchards started blooming in April, a couple of weeks earlier than usual, he said.
A frost the following month killed off some of the crop, but growers are expecting about 27 million bushels, easily keeping the state second in the national ranking for apple production, behind only Washington, he said.
At Fly Creek Cider Mill, Vice President and co-owner Bill Michaels said he was looking forward to a “fresh apple” season that is on track to start about two weeks early.
The mill lost its small orchard of Cortland apples, which mostly go into hard cider and apple wine, because of the frost.
“We are in a good position in the state to pick the best of what is available” from sources in Onondaga and Columbia counties, he said.
Because of the weather, “the apples will be larger and sweeter than usual,” he said. He expects the first of the crop, Paula Reds and Ginger Gold, by Aug. 19. The McIntosh should be coming in the following week.
Michaels said he was hopeful the Macoun’s will come during the week of Sept. 19.
“It’s good for business,” he said. “People want fresh apples.”
When he starts making cider in September, the early crop will allow for more types in the blend. This will make for a sweeter and “more balanced,” product, he said.
At Annutto’s Farm Stand in Oneonta, Vice President Debbie Annutto said that earlier-than-usual produce has already been good for business this season.
The warm weather has been responsible for an early crop in such locally grown produce as corn, tomatoes and peaches, she said.
Whether people buy the apples or the cider that the firm will make by late August or early September, they will need to “adjust their clock” to enjoy the early arrivals, she said.
IF YOU HAVE GOOD NEWS you’d like to share, call Associate Managing Editor Emily Popek at 432-1000 or (800) 721- 1000, ext. 217; fax her at 432- 5707; e-mail her at epopek@ thedailystar.com; or write to her at P.O. Box 250, Oneonta, NY 13820
