Apple Farmers Loving the "Normal" Winter

3/18/2013 (Updated 10:37:54 PM)

(Source: Kate Thornton)

Apple Hills Farm looks completely different compared to last year.  For example, the buds on the trees this time last year they were already blooming.  But now, they look normal, just how Co-Owner David Johnson likes it.

"This time last year I already had my winter farmer's tan!" said Johnson.

Johnson is happy his orchard at apple hill farms doesn't look like it did a year ago when apple trees were blooming a month ahead of schedule.

Last years early warm up followed by a spring freeze damaged up to 40 percent of the apples according to Johnson.

"I don't want things to start growing, breaking dormancy until it's supposed to.  This is good," said Johnson.

The lack of apples last year meant more twigs and leaves this year.

So, since Thanksgiving, when it hasn't been too unbearably cold, Johnson has been busy pruning the trees.  Ridding them of the extra wood; this is good for the birds, but not so good for farmers trying to make a living off of fruit.

"I'm expecting a great, great year.  I can't imagine anything better weather wise than it has been so far this year," said Johnson.

And with no real significant warm-ups expected in the near future, Johnson will continue to brave the cold and try to grow the best apples possible.


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