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Published on 10/14/04

Tropical storms left apple crop largely unharmed

By Chowning Johnson
University of Georgia

Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne caused major damage to many crops in the Southeast. But they didn't take a big bite out of north Georgia apples.

The storms uprooted a few trees, said Eddie Ayers, the University of Georgia Extension Service coordinator in Fannin County. But most trees were unharmed. And most of the apples stayed on their branches.

Gilmer and Fannin counties are north Georgia's largest apple producers, followed by Habersham, Hall and Rabun counties. Despite the weather, farmers in these counties are optimistic about this fall's crop. And they're happy to have escaped the brunt of the tropical storms.

"Every year is unique in the fruit business, and farmers have different challenges," Ayers said. "But the farmers ... have put together a good quality crop."

Apple time

Apple harvesting began in late August, Ayers said. It's expected to continue until mid- to late November.

"We're just getting into harvesting the very popular varieties," he said. "People really enjoy picking up Golden Delicious, Fuji, Granny Smith and others and taking a bite out of them."

With the top choices now in harvest, many people venture to the north Georgia mountains to enjoy the fall leaves, cool weather and fresh apples. They shouldn't have any problem, Ayers said, finding ripe, juicy apples to sink their teeth into.

Some growers will let you pick your own apples. Others set up roadside stands full of fresh apples for sale. Freshly made apple turnovers, cider and other products only add to sightseeing shoppers' seasonal sensations.

(Chowning Johnson is a student writer with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. CAES news editor John Harrell also contributed to this article.)

Chowning Johnson is a student writer with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

Experts/Sources:
Eddie Ayers
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