Local fruit growers battle drought with optimism

Apples are not hanging from the trees at Wilson's Orchard in Johnson County the way they usually do in August.  A spring freeze mixed with the drought has taken a toll on the popular apple orchard.

"Instead of people going out and (picking) 40 pounds, you may see 10 (pounds) or so," said Paul Rasch, owner of Wilson's Orchard.  Rasch said this is the worst August he has experienced in his five years of ownership.  "We've had our share of struggles this year, but it's always something different, but the great thing about fruit growers is we're always looking forward to next year."

The sluggish start hasn't slowed down customers who are starting to hit the fields a bit early.  Saturday afternoon dozens of pickers were in the orchard looking through the trees.  The orchard also offers free children's games and tractor rides, which keeps attendance up during difficult times.

"It's been better in years past, but we managed to find a couple things, we came out here for some baking apples, and he pointed us in the right direction and we found something," said Calvin Schnucker, a customer who has been coming to the orchard for several years.  "Just have to look pretty hard."

This weekend Rasch received a shipment of fresh Michigan peaches, something he's arranged for several times this summer.  The peaches are helping to fill the shelves inside the on-site bakery, although they are in short supply as well.

"I had to arm wrestle for them," Rasch said jokingly.  "But I have a family connection."

One crop that doesn't appear to be a victim of the weather, the pumpkins. Pumpkin patches at the orchard are already starting to produce a rather large supply.

"We look forward to a really good pumpkin crop," said Rasch.

The drought also helped keep bugs and pests away, making the pumpkins and apples very fresh, Rasch said.