Cold spring weather has affected New York's cherry orchards. An early bloom period followed by freezing temperatures has affected buds and threatened this year's crop.Because of unusual weather, this year's harvest will be 10 days early. But growers fear the early harvest might not yield much fruit because of freezing temperatures that affected buds.
Growers in Wayne Country reported several freezes, including one on April 28th that subjected orchards to temperatures in the mid to low-20's. Because some of the affected acreage has the potential to recover in time for picking, the extent of the damage is not known, but growers fear it could be extensive. One western New York grower noted that this year's cherry season might be the worst in the state since 1945.
Additionally, because of an early season, availability of fruit will not extend as far as the season's usual end which normally falls around the third week in July.