Apple growers have been affected by the state's weather problems this year, but not as much as might be expected.
Officials say the quality of the apple crop is in "pretty good shape", despite the weather patterns in Georgia this year. This despite production down to about 50-percent in 2007.
Michael Wheeler with the University of Georgia Extension Service in Gilmer County says the Easter freeze was somewhat good to cut-down the apple load on trees. Concerning the lack of rainfall in north Georgia, it's not necessarily a bad thing.
"Rainfall is a double-edged sword because we need rain for adequate-size production on the individual apples, but with rain comes moisture and tendency to have a lot of disease pressure on the crop".
Wheeler said the 'Rome', and 'Golden' and'Red' Delicious varieties look to be the best this year.
Apples are center-stage the next two weekends, with the Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay getting underway.
Officials say the quality of the apple crop is in "pretty good shape", despite the weather patterns in Georgia this year. This despite production down to about 50-percent in 2007.
Michael Wheeler with the University of Georgia Extension Service in Gilmer County says the Easter freeze was somewhat good to cut-down the apple load on trees. Concerning the lack of rainfall in north Georgia, it's not necessarily a bad thing.
"Rainfall is a double-edged sword because we need rain for adequate-size production on the individual apples, but with rain comes moisture and tendency to have a lot of disease pressure on the crop".
Wheeler said the 'Rome', and 'Golden' and'Red' Delicious varieties look to be the best this year.
Apples are center-stage the next two weekends, with the Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay getting underway.
