New Jersey farmers anticipate a strong apple and pumpkin harvest after a great growing season.
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00:00Everyone is going to have a great crop this year, pumpkins, apples, we're all looking forward to the business we're coming, everyone coming out enjoying our farms and other farms in the area.
00:09Despite the calendar technically reading summer, Johnson's Corner Farm in Medford, New Jersey is ready to welcome guests back for fall activities.
00:17It's all thanks to a good growing season.
00:20This year has been great for us, especially for pumpkins. Pumpkins like it hot and dry in the summer.
00:25We've been able to dodge some storms throughout the summer, not get as much rain as some farms around us, so we've been very fortunate.
00:33It's clear the weather has been kind to the pumpkins this year, but the good news doesn't stop there.
00:38Farmers have been keeping a close eye on the conditions for apple crops, too.
00:43We started looking at the weather in the spring. We were able to dodge some frost when the apple trees were in bloom, and we had pretty good weather throughout the summer for them, too.
00:52It's cooler weather now. Not getting a heat wave after Labor Day is a big deal for apples, so we're lining up to have a great crop.
00:59A mild and consistent climate in New Jersey has been a welcome change from last year's heat wave, which caused quite a few issues.
01:07Last year, this week, we saw up to 94 degrees here on our farm, which wasn't the best. A lot of apples hit the ground.
01:14But this year, having it be nice and cool, this moderate temperature has helped a lot.
01:18And it's not just about individual success. The farming community in New Jersey is a close-knit group.
01:24Johnson says they're all friends who help each other out, ensuring that everyone benefits from a good season.
01:30We all communicate all the time. So, you know, in years past when I haven't had as good of a pumpkin crop, there's other farms that have kicked in and been able to give us pumpkins so we can get through and vice versa.
01:40While the fall might not officially be here just yet, the harvest is well underway. So grab your baskets and head out to enjoy the season while it lasts.
01:49For AccuWeather, I'm Allie Reed.