Apple farmers face harvesting challenges due to lack of rain, warmer weather

Erie, PA ( WJET/WFXP )– Local apple farmers are enjoying a better-than-average crop, but recent hot, dry conditions have made harvesting more challenging.

The owner of Burch Farms in North East said his apples are ripening more quickly than usual due to the weather.

Tim Burch said there are a lot of small apples on the trees so instead of clearing whole trees, workers are spot picking.

He said cooler temperatures and rain would be helpful right now to help the apples reach their full size and enable his team to keep up.

“The crops are ripening very very quickly and at the present time, it’s all we can do to keep up with it. We all like sunshine. We all love heat but right now Mother Nature can take a bit of a break and give us time to catch up,” said Burch.

Local children on school field trips have been visiting the orchard daily to pick apples and understand where their food comes from.

Burch said with the harvest season running 12 to 14 days ahead, he expects all the apples to be picked by October 20.

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