SPRING GREEN, Wis. — Fall is right around the corner which means apple picking, flannels and pumpkin patches are back.
If you are looking to pick your own apples this season, options could be limited as apple orchards across the state struggle with dry conditions.
Pat Harrington is the owner of Cardinal Ridge Orchard in Spring Green, Wis. He said the dry weather is causing apples to drop early, before they are ready this season.
“The better apples will be the late season and the Granny Smiths are usually good in late October but they might be early this year; they are starting to get there,” said Pat Harrington.
Environmental stressors such as high winds, hot-and-cold temperatures and drought conditions often cause apples to fall early.
Sauk County is currently experiencing extreme drought conditions.
Pat Harrington said he can’t remember the last time his farm experienced a good rain.
“We normally pick enough for what we are going to use,” said Pat Harrington. “They store better on the treesl they hold up better, but this year many of them fell early.”
Pat Harrington and his wife Kathy Harrington have owned over 100 acres of land in Spring Green since the 80s. They said their plan was to rely on income from the apple orchard during retirement. However, the drought has made that difficult this apple picking season.
“As long as we break even, that's about what we need I guess,” said Pat Harrington. “It's nice to make a little money but we haven't made much.”
Kathy Harrington said she does worry about the drop in income due to the drought. However, she said many people come to their orchard not just for the apples but for the experience.
“A lot of people just take a jar of jelly and walk around and that's fine because we like them to enjoy the land,” said Kathy Harrington.
Kathy Harrington said she often finds herself making — what she considers the best in the area — apple pies, jams and juice.
“It’s good, it is really tasty,” said Kathy Harrington.
On top of apples, the Cardinal Ridge Orchard gives customers the option to pick flowers and blackberries.