APPLE PICKIN': CROP APPEARS EXCELLENT, GROWERS SAY

Apple-picking time started earlier than normal this year, thanks to good growing weather, say area growers.

"We started picking about two weeks ago," said Stan Beggs of Pioneer Orchards, Highway 72 West in Jackson. "We've had ideal growing conditions this year adequate rainfall and plenty of cool weather, so the quality and variety of the crop is very exceptional this fall."

David Diebold of Diebold Orchards at Benton and Kelso said cooler weather this month put a lot of color in the first apples that were picked.

Said Diebold, "We got off to a really great start about two weeks earlier than normal, but we could sure use some more of that cool weather to finish up the coloring process in the rest of the apples."

Both said excellent growing conditions have made this year's apple crop one of the best in several years, despite last year's early-November freeze the damaged or killed some peach and apple trees in the area and killed thousands of apple trees in northern Missouri.

"We have a better quality and variety this year than we've had in several years, although the quantity is not what we would have liked," Diebold said. He said a late frost last spring damaged some of the early, green leaves of the trees.

"But the retail customer will not notice anything at all," he said. "All of our varieties Jonathan and red and golden delicious will be plentiful and of good quality."

Other non-conventional varieties such as granny Smith, York imperial, Rome beauty, Arkansas black and winesaps have produced a bumper crop this year, Diebold said.

Growers in Southern Illinois, which is widely-known for its apple orchards, say they also had an early start to the picking season this year.

James Hartline of Hartline Orchards, situated two miles north of Alto Pass on Route 127, said this year's crop is one of the best in several years despite the November freeze. Hartline said all of the popular varieties, including Jonathan and red and golden delicious, will be plentiful this year.

Hartline and Diebold orchards will have apples for sale at their retail stands. Beggs said apples may be purchased at the Pioneer Orchard Market next to the orchard or they can be picked in the orchard.

"Those who would like to pick their own apples can do so seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.," Beggs said. "Look for the road and the sign one-half mile west of the market.

In addition, Beggs said the orchard is now conducting tours of the orchard for school-age children. He said anyone wanting more information about picking apples or arranging a tour should call 243-2292.