We have been collecting damage data from orchards across the state this week, and the news is generally not good. It does seem like we have three classes of damage: near-complete crop loss inland and Connecticut Valley, some degree of … Continue reading →

The devastating freeze event that nearly all of us saw on May 18 will have a massive impact on the 2023 Vermont apple and grape crops. I have met with Vermont Secretary of Agriculture Anson Tebbetts and representatives from our … Continue reading →

I spent a bit of the day fielding calls and assessing trees from a few counties after last night’s freeze event. Growers in the Champlain Valley largely escaped extensive freeze damage; I doubt Grand Isle County even saw a light … Continue reading →

As I scan the temperatures around the state on Weather Underground this morning, it looks as I expected, that most orchards are likely fine (no damage) or okay (a little tolerable damage) after the freeze event we’re in. Some orchards … Continue reading →

Vermont orchards and vineyards are in varying states of vulnerability and likelihood of frost damage going into tonight’s expected cold event. At UVM orchard in South Burlington, we are at about 50% petal fall on McIntosh and the vineyard is … Continue reading →

Good afternoon. UVM Fruit Program M.S. student Bethany Pelletier has written this week’s message. -TB For many of us, bud break came up quick here in the Champlain valley. This means a real push to make sure your pruning has … Continue reading →

We are expecting a slight warmup later this week that may push levels of fire blight bacteria high enough to be concerned about infection in blooming orchards. While this event does not look like a ‘high alert’ scenario, and chance … Continue reading →

Buds have been breaking in Vermont vineyards in the past week, which signifies the real start of the growing season. This brings up a few pest management considerations for your vineyards. Most cold-climate cultivars will not need disease protection until … Continue reading →

With orchards in the Champlain and Connecticut valleys heading into bloom now and even inland/upland orchards expected to show some blossoms later this week, it’s ‘go-time’ for setting up the 2023 Vermont apple crop. We are thankfully looking at an … Continue reading →

Good afternoon: I returned very tired from my conference in Spain with a realization I that I needed to get into the orchard to get a scab spray on, as it had been ten days since I treated the orchard … Continue reading →