Orchards gearing up for apple-picking season

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It’s September. That means it’s apple season in the Capital Region. Many orchards in the area are beginning their “pick your own” this weekend.

New York is the second largest apple-producing state in the country. Washington is first, and Michigan ranks third.

With more than 11 million apple trees in New York, the industry contributes $1.3 billion in total economic output.

On average, about 29.5 million bushels of apples are harvested every year. That’s more than one billion pounds.

Over the summer, we went through heat waves, drought and heavy rainfalls. So, how will the weather impact the apple picking season?

The New York Apple Association President says despite some extremely adverse weather, we can expect a robust season for New York-grown apples. In fact, Cynthia Haskins with the New York Apple Association tells NewsChannel 13 more than 33 million bushels will be harvested this year.

Area orchards also posted on social media that they’re ready for the apple-picking season.