Apples early, pumpkins late in Northeast Wisconsin due to summer weather

Harvest season in Northeast Wisconsin has farmers adjusting to the unique growing conditions brought on by the summer's extreme heat and lack of rain.

Apples are ripening early, while pumpkins are lagging behind, creating a challenge for farmers who rely on the fall harvest to supplement their income.

One farmer, John Smith, said he has been picking apples for weeks. "This is the earliest I've ever started picking apples," he said. "Usually, I don't start until the end of September, but this year they're ripening so fast that I had to start early."

In contrast, pumpkins are still green and small at Smith's farm. "The pumpkins are way behind," he said. "I don't think they're going to be ready for Halloween. It's been so dry and hot that they haven't been able to grow properly."

The extreme weather conditions this summer have caused problems for farmers across the Northeast.

The heat and lack of rain have stunted the growth of crops, and in some cases, have caused them to fail completely. Farmers are now hoping for a mild fall to help their crops recover.

"If we get a good fall, the apples will still be good," Smith said. "But the pumpkins, I'm not so sure about. We'll just have to wait and see."

Here are some additional details about the impact of the summer weather on the apple and pumpkin crops in Northeast Wisconsin:

• Apples are ripening about two weeks early this year due to the heat.
• Pumpkins are still green and small, and farmers are concerned that they will not be ready for Halloween.
• The extreme weather conditions have also caused problems for other crops, including corn and soybeans, which are also ripening early.
• Farmers are hoping for a mild fall to help their crops recover, but there is no guarantee that the weather will cooperate.