x
Breaking News
More () »

'They're on their own to survive': Future uncertain for apple picking as drought continues

The primary irrigation pond pumps water to several others to provide what Mother Nature hasn't.

GUILFORD, Conn. — Connecticut's farms and orchards are already being impacted by the dry drought conditions the state is facing.

The crispy conditions have resulted in the waterline in the primary irrigation pond for Bishop's Orchards in Guilford being down approximately four to five feet from where it typically is.

"In my recollection of 40 years being here on our family farm, this is the most prolonged drought situation that we've had," said Keith Bishop, the President and CEO of Bishop's Orchards. 

Sign up for the FOX61 newsletters: Morning Forecast, Morning Headlines, Evening Headlines

Perhaps impacted most was the peach crop, which includes 15 varieties. Up to 25% of the yield has fallen to the ground, all due to the drought. 

"Because of food safety rules, we can't pick up and harvest this fruit for any use whatsoever," he added.

The dry conditions greatly reduced the size of the eight acres of blueberries. The circumference is perhaps one-third of normal. 

"So instead of having something that would be the size of a dime now we're talking about a very small button size instead," said Bishop.

RELATED: Local landscaping crews see revenue drop due to worsening drought conditions

The primary irrigation pond pumps water to several others to provide what Mother Nature hasn't.

Next up for picking: apples, in a couple of weeks.

"They're on their own to survive," Bishop said of the apples. "We are not able to supplement them [with water] on our farm."

RELATED: Eastern Connecticut farm feeling impacts of drought

Most of what they grow is sold in their pick-your-own fields and their farm market, which also sells delicious fruit wines, which can be enjoyed on-site at their red barn. 

"There's live entertainment and bands on Friday and Saturday nights from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m., trivia nights on Thursday nights, and free movie night on Wednesdays," Bishop said.

He wants to stress that, despite the yield and size of the fruit is down due to the drought, what customers purchase will still be delicious. 

Gov. Ned Lamont declared stage three drought conditions for Windham and New London Counties on Thursday. New Haven County is considered to be in stage two.

Tony Terzi is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at tterzi@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

---

Have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com

---

HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS

Download the FOX61 News APP

iTunes: Click here to download

Google Play: Click here to download

Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.

Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.

FOLLOW US ON TWITTERFACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM

Before You Leave, Check This Out