You know how Ellen Degeneres always gives a "Holla" Award out to people? Well, I'd like to give a "Holla" out to our area growers.
Believe it or not, this city girl actually has a bit of country in her. My father grew up on a farm in Oberlin, OH (about 45 mins. west of Cleveland). It's the same farm that his father, and his father's father grew up on. Me? I grew up in the burbs...but I visited the farm frequently as a child, and it's still in the fam. We grow corn. Exciting, I know.
Anywho, back to my original point (yes, I do have one).
I headed down to Biglerville, Adams County, today to check in on the workers at Hollabaugh Brothers, Inc. - a beautiful 500+ acre orchard filled with apricot, plum, peach, and apple trees (just to name a few).
The story was - "How much are these crazy up-and-down temps affecting your crops?" In short, the answer is: "A lot!!"
The warmer (70 degree) temps on Monday and Tuesday told these trees "It's spring, open up your blooms and get ready to grow fruit!" Well, the temps are going to drop into the 20's tonight and into the weekend. But the blooms are already open (especially on the apricot and plum trees), and there's no turning back. The cold temps could either severely thin the crops, or completely wipe them out. If only the trees could shout back at Mother Nature, right?
Once again, I found myself completely in awe of what growers do, and how much they are at the mercy of the weather.
HOOOOOLLLAAAAAAAA! You guys rock.
The Hollabaugh's should know how much damage they'll have to deal with by mid-week next week. For their sake, and ours (who doesn't love a nice ripe peach in July?), let's say a prayer that Mother Nature goes easy on them.
And I will be back at Hollabaugh Bros. in the summer for a fun "you pick" day!!! Can't wait!!
