Mt. Ridge Farms Joins Statewide Discussion Following April Frost

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From the Orchard to the Roundtable: Sharing Our Experience

Two weeks ago, we were right in the heart of bloom here at Mt. Ridge Farms. Our orchards were full of life, with rows of apple trees covered in blossoms and all the promise that comes with a new growing season. That all changed overnight. Temperatures dropped to as low as 25°F across our region. For anyone outside of agriculture, that might just sound like a cold night. But for us, in the middle of bloom, it was one of the most critical and vulnerable moments of the entire growing season. What had been vibrant blossoms just days before now showed signs of severe stress.

What Happens During a Frost Event?

When temperatures drop below freezing during bloom, apple blossoms and early fruitlets are at their most vulnerable. Even a few degrees below freezing can damage the center of the blossom, the part that develops into fruit. Frost settles across the orchard overnight, coating the ground, leaves, and flowers. While it may look harmless at first, the real damage often appears in the days that follow. We begin checking blossoms for signs of injury, like darkened centers, and watching for leaves that curl or wilt from stress. Some damage is immediate, while other effects take time to show. That’s why we carefully monitor conditions and document what we see, from frost-covered rows to close-up images of affected blossoms, to better understand the impact and share that reality with others.

A Statewide Conversation

Shortly after the event, we were invited by Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding to take part in a Specialty Crop Round Table Discussion. The goal was to bring growers and industry leaders together to talk through what happened and share what we were seeing firsthand. We had the opportunity to share our experience, our photos, and the real impact this freeze had, not just on our farm, but across the apple industry.

Growers from different regions joined the conversation, each bringing their own perspective based on their orchards, varieties, and conditions. While every farm is unique, the overall message was clear: this was a widespread event that reached far beyond any single operation.

Looking Ahead

Being part of that discussion mattered. It was a reminder that agriculture is bigger than any one farm, and that the challenges we face are often shared across an entire community. It also gave growers a voice in helping shape the broader understanding of this event and what it means moving forward.

As we continue through the season, we’re monitoring our orchards closely and taking things one step at a time. While this event has had its impact, there is still reason to stay encouraged as the season continues to develop.