Conn. Apple Crop Down 16 Percent

HARTFORD (AP) — Connecticut apple growers say their crops are down about 16 percent because of an April freeze that damaged early blossoms.

Growers told The Hartford Courant that blossoms opened early this year because of the mild winter and warm spring. But they say the freeze that hit in late April warmed a degree or two when it moved into Connecticut, which spared state orchards from larger losses seen in other states.

The frost wiped out up to 80 percent of Michigan’s crop, 70 percent of North Carolina’s crop, and about 50 percent of western New York’s crop. The US Apple Association projects a nationwide yield of 202 million bushels, down about 10 percent.

Growers say they will have to find other ways to make ends meet and probably shorten pick-your-own seasons.