US: New England apples big this year
"The size of the apples this year is terrific," said Mark Parlee, owner of Parlee Farms in Tyngsboro. "That rain does a really nice job to size the apples."
Industry insiders say that this year's apple crop volumes are reasonable, but certainly not excellent.
Parlee, for example, said he expects to have about 70 percent of his usual crop this year, after frosts reduced volume across much of the region.
"We're fortunate though, the majority of our varieties came through in good shape," said Parlee.
Oliver Levick, who with his father manages the Westford Hill Orchard for the Town of Westford, said he knows of some farmers whose crops have suffered big losses.
"I've heard of some farms losing a great amount," he said. "Some got hit, some weren't."
He reports damage to two varieties in particular, while others were untouched. Those that are OK have come into fruit earlier than usual.
Source: sentinelandenterprise.com
