Apples are in the ‘EverCrisp’ window, and the pumpkin crop looks great. The corn and soybean harvest has been in full swing since the third full week of September, and most of those days have been rain free.

According to the US drought monitor, the St Louis Metro east is running abnormally dry.  There may be a chance of rain at the end of the month as well as the first possibility of light frost, but for now conditions, have been very conducive to fall-related agritourism activities, u-picks, and farmers markets. Daytime temperatures have cooled significantly, but still quite pleasant during the day with temperatures reaching the upper 60s and low 70s and night temperatures dropping to the upper 30s to low 50s.

From Food to Flowers

As a reminder to Illinois cider producers, the From Food to Flowers: Everything Local conference will be hosting the annual Illinois State cider contest again this year. If you intend to enter the contest, make sure to reserve some of your product now by freezing. The 2024 From Food to Flowers: Everything Local is being held at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Springfield Jan. 17 through 19.

The cider contest will be held Thursday, Jan. 18 and awards will be presented at the evening banquet that same day. Cider contest details will be coming soon or you can contact ISHS Cider Contest coordinator Ken Johnson at 217-243-7424.

Photo: 'EverCrisp' apple grown in Southern Illinois may not develop as much red coloration compared to northern growing regions, but the crisp, juicy sweetness makes it a standout none the less. Photo: Illinois Extension, E. Wahle,