Most everything is past ripe in the "Land of Oceana!" Most harvests are completed, with a few growers finishing up apples. Soybeans are done, and corn is still standing in many fields awaiting harvest. Squash is still being collected, and carrot growers are anxiously awaiting a go-ahead from processors to let the pulling proceed at full speed.
The apple crop has picked out short overall. Handlers are witnessing this, opening the gates and accepting most varieties. Prices for juice apples now exceed what good apples are bringing. It has been reported that CA (controlled atmosphere) rooms of Galas are being graded, packed and marketed at a rate unseen in many years.
As 2025 fades into the sunset, we now turn to wrapping up the year. Equipment is being repaired, winterized and stored awaiting the 2026 crop year. Appointments with tax planners are being scheduled, and tree trimming will commence once leaves fall. Auction calendars are filling up with retirement sales and replacing used and tired equipment with newer models. Please keep in mind that fall and winter is meeting time, and several major events are just around the corner. Any farmer will tell you that the only certain thing is that next year will be different.
