SOUTHEAST REGION CROPS HIT WITH HEAVY LOSSES FROM FREEZING TEMPERATURES EASTER WEEKEND

Preliminary reports show that most Southern crops were damaged from the freezing temperatures over Easter weekend.   Apples, peaches, blueberries, strawberries and nuts are among the crops that have suffered.  Many fruit and vegetable growers are reporting that what little plants were in the ground are now black from frost damage instead of green.  Growers from West Virginia to North Carolina to Texas spend last weekend trying to protect their crops from temperatures in the mid 20s.

One reason for the extensive damage is early warm temperatures caused crops to blossom prematurely, leaving them vulnerable to the cold weather. 

Georgia Agricultural Commissioner, Tommy Irvin said, “ The apple and peach crops in North Georgia are wiped out and middle to South Georgia may have 50 percent or less of the peach crop left.”

It will be later in the week before the extent of the damage is tallied.  We will keep you updated as information comes in to us.

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