- Farmers across the Northeast US are grappling with significant challenges due to abrupt temperature swings, experiencing an unusually warm early April followed by a sharp drop to freezing conditions.
- The fluctuating weather has already led to crop damage, with one variety of peach ruined at Apple Hill Orchards in Ohio after trees budded prematurely due to the initial warmth.
- While some crops, such as apples, are currently faring better, farmers remain concerned about potential losses from the unpredictable cold snap.
- Flower growers, including Understory Farm in Vermont, have seen tulips bloom much earlier than expected, necessitating early harvesting and extended cold storage.
- Farmers are increasingly adopting flexible strategies and protective measures, such as row covers and heaters, to adapt to and mitigate the impact of these volatile weather patterns on their produce.
IN FULL
Abrupt weather swing threatens flower farms ahead of Mother’s Day rush
