One final regional update from Elizabeth Wahle.
And the cycle begins again for 2026. Asparagus harvest is ongoing and a good crop overall is being reported. Plasticulture strawberries are in week two of harvest and as usual for early berries, could benefit from some heat and sunshine to maximize the flavor potential.
Several Calhoun County peach growers are reporting a heavier than expected April drop, suggesting the past freeze events had more of an effect than hoped. Some cultivars dropped their entire crop, some dropped to a light crop, some have an excess of button fruit, while other cultivars and/or blocks have a full crop. Blocks in low elevations were most affected, as well as blocks that experienced just slightly colder temps relative to blocks with a full crop. The peach crop south of I-70 is overall looking good.
Apple thinning is ongoing, and the crop looks good as welll. Blackberries are in bloom, and looking good. Grapes are at the pre-bloom stage. Of the minor crops, currants are at the green berry stage and sizing, and paw paws are in bloom. High tunnel tomatoes and like are well established, and field planted tomatoes are just starting.
Soils have warmed, with temperatures ranging from the low 60s at night and the mid 70’s during the day, so field operations will ramp up for warmer-seasoned crops like tomatoes and main season sweet corn. The entire region is drought-free at the soil surface, though some areas still need more rain to recharge the deep soil moisture needed to carry a crop through periods of drought. Temperatures are still variable, with highs ranging in the 60s to low 90s. There have been few days where plant surfaces were dry in the morning, meaning slow drying times for pesticide applications, and in apples, this can increase the incidence of russetting, especially yellow cultivars.