Get Your Apples Before They’re Gone

Orchard employees are busy all season long maintaining production and harvesting apples.

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The apple season is almost over. Connell’s Family Orchard in Chippewa Falls is picking some of its last varieties this week. Rick Connell says a small crew is out right now harvesting that last 2 percent of the crop — Connell reds, honey golds, and red and golden delicious are some of those late season varieties.

Unfortunately, while the orchard will be open through mid-November, their apple supply is tight due to poor weather this year. Connell says they’ve lost 40 percent of their crop this year due to the late spring frost. While that’s bad, it’s better than what they thought in May, he says.

The orchard sells everything through its retail store and agri-tourism business. At the end of the season, the orchard sells to small grocery stores and schools. Leftovers go toward making jams, jellies, sauces and butters for the next year. But the trees don’t need prepped for winter. The trees are meant for the cold Wisconsin winter. It’s another late frost in the spring that could determine the 2022 crop.

The orchard is looking into purchasing a frost buster. It’s a large expense, but would be worth it for years like this one, Connell says.

On Saturday, the orchard will host a classic car show. Later this month, the orchard will host Field of Screams for the fifth year.

Get Your Apples Before They’re Gone

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