Frost and freezing temperatures tonight could mean trouble at area orchards. and some growers say they are preparing for a battle to fight the effects of the cold.
Frost and freezing temperatures tonight could mean trouble at area orchards. and some growers say they are preparing for a battle to fight the effects of the cold.
While cold overnight temperatures might be uncomfortable for many of us, they could be a nightmare for area farmers.
"28 degrees or colder could be very scary for us," said Friske Farms farmer Richard Friske. A temperature in the forecast tonight that could wipe out some growing crops.
"The longer it's cold the more damage would occur and every degree below that would make a big difference," said Friske.
In a few weeks the blossoms are supposed to turn into fruits, but freezing temperatures could stop the process in its tracks. "They go from a green live healthy tissue and they they would be black in about 24 hours and they're dead," said Friske.
So area growers are doing everything they can to protect their crops. At Friske Orchards they are pulling out all the stops to battle the cold. "There could be damage so it does help," said Friske.
The plan is to first, turn on the wind machines. "Those wind machines can bring that warmer air and move it around to lower elevations," said Friske.
The next step, turn on water irrigation systems. "It's freezing and coating the plants so the heat given off in the freezing process will never get below 32 degrees inside that ice," said Friske.
Last, they're planning to use burning brush piles."That air that's heated by burning a big brush pile could affect that low cold area," said Friske.
It's an effort they hope will pay off until mother nature doesn't need any help.
