‘Near Total Loss’: Spring Freeze Damages Fruit Crops At NJ Farm

FREEHOLD, NJ — An “extreme fluctuation in temperature” toward the end of April has led to the loss of a local pick-your-own farm’s fruit crops in Freehold.

Battleview Orchards, located on 91 Wemrock Road, said in an online post that they lost most of their fruit crops due to the recent temperature change.

While they were hoping that some of the fruit would survive, the Applegate Family said their sour cherry, peach, nectarine and apple crops have suffered a “near total loss.”

The announcement comes after Governor Mikie Sherrill sent a letter to Secretary Rollins of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, seeking to unlock federal relief for New Jersey growers facing “devastating losses following an unprecedented April freeze event.”

According to Sherrill, the state experienced an “unusual weather sequence that devastated the agricultural sector” in mid-April.

A prolonged warm spell was followed by a “sharp temperature drop,” with lows in the 20s recorded across parts of New Jersey between April 19 and April 22.

This timing was particularly destructive, as crops were in a critical development stage when the freeze hit, Sherrill said.

This resulted in “severe injury to blossoms and newly forming fruit.”

Loss assessments reviewed by the NJ Department of Agriculture confirm damage exceeded the 30 percent crop loss disaster threshold required to qualify for federal assistance, Sherrill said.

• Read More: Sherrill Declares NJ State Of Emergency As Farm Industry Reels From $300M In Losses

Despite the loss suffered by many of Battleview’s fruit crops, the farm said they were fortunate enough to save their strawberry crop, which is currently in season.

Starting in mid-July, the orchard will also have its sweet corn and tomatoes, alongside other vegetables planted this season. Pumpkins will be planted in June.

“We truly appreciate your continued support, patience, and understanding as we navigate this challenging season,” the farm said in an online post. “Please stay tuned and follow along for updates – we’re looking forward to making the best of this year together at Battleview Orchards.”

On Friday, the farm posted another update, thanking their customers for supporting them through both good and bad times.

“We are truly blessed to be a part of such an amazing community,” the farm said. “All of your beautiful words have been read. We are now filled with optimism for the challenging season ahead!”

Battleview went on to thank customers who already came to support them during the season, as well as those who plan to in the future, as strawberry season is currently in “full swing” and the farm’s Country Store is open year-round.

“Again, we thank you, we hope you continue supporting not only our farm, but all local farmers during this incredibly difficult season,” the farm said. “Family farming comes with many highs and lows, and your support truly means the world to us.”

To learn more about Battleview Orchards, you can visit their website.

Battleview Orchards is located at 91 Wemrock Road, Freehold.

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