If you support local consider this article a clarion call to take action. The 2021 apple season could best be described as the culmination of many unwelcome circumstances.

50%, that is the total percentage of apple crops viable this year as reported by every orchard in the state according to Anna Maennar, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Apple Growers Association (WAGA.) How did the orchard crop get so stunted? Every new apple season begins at the end of the previous. In the case of 2021 the fate of the apple crop was determined early on by a dryer than normal winter. Add that misfortune to a series of other climatic events, and the fate of apple growers was sealed this year. In April a frost hit, not unusual for Wisconsin but detrimental to early season apples. Then in May during the height the apple blossom season winds and rain hit the region, inhospitable for anyone but for bees especially annoying. Bees just don't fly when it's windy according Maennar. Then surprise of all surprises a very late season frost hit during the Memorial Day weekend impacting the future yield of late season apples. The apple season is not lost but orchard growers need help. Do not be surprised if the orchard you visited last year for apple picking is not offering the popular family activity this year. It comes down to economics. Maennar encourages everyone that enjoys the apple season to get out their and visit their local orchard but call ahead to make sure your favorite apple is still available, some farms end their season early.

The convergence of climatic events that impacted the apple growers this year has really changed thinking says The WAGA Executive Director. At the end of the season the association's board as well as orchard owners will get to get together to discuss how to adjust to impacts of climate change. One idea under consideration is the use of cover crops, growing fruit bushes or other edibles between the apple trees.

Now is your time to act. If you believe in mom and pop businesses, and fresh local produce you need to get out there buy up those apples. And it's a great place for your family to be on a warm fall weekend.

"Visiting an apple orchard is a great outdoor experience for the family, picking apples, getting some cider or donuts. It's about the best activity you can do as a family," says Anna Maenner.

AN APPLE A DAY

Southern Wisconsin is blessed with several great orchards all within a close driving distance from most major towns in the region and the Wisconsin/Illinois border.