Iowa City, Iowa (KCRG) — Drought has had a major impact on Iowa’s crops this year, but not all impacts are negative.
Wilson Orchard & Farms in Iowa City said the weather this season has been great for apples.
“That combination of warm days and cool nights, which we love as an apple grower, longs for days where, you know, the heat during the day makes sugary, cooler colors at night. Builds,” said Paul Rash, Wilson’s owner.
Wilson now has over 100 different types of apples as of the end of October.
“We actually ended up with probably the best crop we’ve grown here in Wilson,” Rasch said.
Drought is not only having a positive effect on apples this season, pumpkins are also able to thrive under the conditions.
“Pumpkins actually somewhat prefer it versus a wet year. I mean, obviously, in a wet year they’re going to rot,” said Dean Colony, owner of the Colony Pumpkin Patch in North Liberty.
“It’s been perfect. And you see the color on them is really strong. The shape is really nice. The pumpkin yields really good. So we’re looking forward to a really good pumpkin harvest,” Rush said.
Rash said the support from the community this season has been very encouraging.
“People are coming up to me and other people on the farm and saying, you know, how the drought is affecting, you know, you’re seriously concerned and I think it’s really a matter of our time. Signs that people are actually starting to reconnect with local foods and saying, does this weather not only affect me and my commute to work, but how does it affect local food production? ” Rash said.
Wilson and Colony will both celebrate fall activities during October.
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