Mother Nature Report for 2011:

ANOTHER GOOD CROP

Mother Nature has again given us a full good crop of apples. She has not frowned on our orchards in over six years, very unusual as farmers expect to balance between bumper crops and lean years. Unlike last year, bloom was “on time”, not too early. The spring rains came and went perfectly, providing enough water for our deep rooted trees – we do not irrigate - but not so much wetness as to stimulate disease. The summer was very hot, but the apples didn’t mind. They appear healthy and happy.

A new pest, that stink bug, has invaded New Jersey over the past few years. This uninvited Asian visitor annoys the crops as much as we people, if not more. We ask our customers to tell their legislator that Rutger’s research into controlling this growing pest is urgent if want our NJ farm fields to stay green and viable.

At this early season writing, we believe we have just the right amount of apples to have a good supply for your apple picking through the end of the season without too much waste. It is difficult to impossible to “manage inventory” in the apple biz, and Mother Nature’s weekend weather decisions influence whether our customers flock to Riamede to enjoy glorious harvest days, or whether they stay home to avoid the wet and cold. Mother Nature keeps her harvest time secrets, so each harvest season is a surprise.

As always, we offer our thanks to Mother Nature for her bounty and plead with her to smile brightly on your fall apple and pumpkin harvest visits to Riamede Farm.