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Erwin's Orchards and Cider Mill has had the worst year since it began nearly 100 years ago. Three acres of sweet cherries and 50,000 apple trees across 175 acres were damaged by severe frosts that wrecked flower buds in March. 

 

Owners Bill and Linda Erwin are having to but apples from elsewhere so as to be able to continue making their cider. As for the cherries, there is no pick your own available this year – anyone who calls in just hears a taped message from Linda explaining that there is no fruit available. 

 

"It’s a different year," Bill said. "I wake up in the morning and wonder what I’m going to do instead of how I’m going to get it all done."

 

Linda points out though that the farm will still be offering its fall crops later in the year. They will be open for pumpkin and raspberry picking. 

 

This is the first time in the farm's history that it has not been open for apple picking. 

 

Apples make-up between half to three quarters of the orchard’s income and the loss will be devastating.

 

"We’re going to be in business, but it will be difficult," Bill said. "We are looking for apples to keep our cider mill going. The only way we can sell cider or apples is if I can find apples. There’s lots of other little orchards who are looking for apples. Everyone is beating the bushes and trying to find something to work with in the fall."

 

Source: hometownlife.com