Spring Freeze Impacts Apple Yield at Patterson Orchards in New Berlin
NEW BERLIN, Wis. – Patterson Orchards in New Berlin is anticipating a significantly smaller apple harvest this year, a result of a damaging spring freeze. While pollinators like honeybees and monarchs have been active,the orchard’s yield will be considerably less than last fall’s abundant crop.
Third-generation owner Jay Patterson explained that apple trees naturally experience cycles of heavy and lighter harvests. However, this year’s reduced yield is due in part to a hard freeze in April. ”it’s somewhat normal to have some cold temps right then. But we just think it was just a little bit too cold, especially that 21 degrees,” Patterson said, referring to the temperature that damaged developing buds before they could flower.
The orchard expects to harvest around 50 to 60% of a normal crop. A typical harvest yields between 14,000 and 15,000 bushels, meaning this year’s production is projected to be approximately 7,000 bushels.
Despite the lower yield, Patterson noted that recent record rainfall in August didn’t negatively impact the crop, thanks to the orchard’s sloping land which allowed for effective water runoff.orchard manager Armando laxcano emphasized that even with fewer apples, maintaining quality remains a priority. “We start thinning as some of the trees had too many apples on it. And we had to take some of them because otherwise it won’t produce anything. It will be all small apples,” Laxcano explained. This process, known as thinning, allows the trees to concentrate their energy on developing fewer, larger, and higher-quality apples for customers.
Laxcano also shared a simple method for determining apple ripeness: “A ready apple will come off the branch easily. with a gentle lift and twist, it should separate cleanly from the tree. If it resists, it’s not quite ready.”
Patterson Orchards assures customers that despite the smaller harvest, there will still be “plenty for families to enjoy throughout the season.”