By Scout Nelson
The University of Minnesota (UMN) Extension has released its September 2026 Fruit Update, providing apple and grape growers with insights on weather-related challenges, educational resources, upcoming events, and industry support programs. The update, prepared by UMN Extension Fruit Production Educator Madeline Wimmer, focuses on helping growers navigate production risks while improving farm resilience.
Apple growers across the Upper Midwest continue to face weather-related challenges throughout the growing season. Winter temperature fluctuations, spring frosts, drought conditions, and pest pressures have all affected fruit production, while storms, strong winds, and hail remain significant risks as harvest approaches.
Recent storms in southeastern Minnesota demonstrated the impact of extreme weather on orchards. At Sekapp Orchard near Rochester, strong winds damaged 50 to 100 apple trees and caused considerable fruit loss, particularly in the First Kiss apple crop. Minor damage was also reported to farm market infrastructure and outdoor sales equipment.
UMN Extension encourages growers to strengthen farm resilience through measures such as crop insurance, protective infrastructure investments, diversified marketing strategies, and weather-related safety planning. These approaches can help producers better manage risks and recover more effectively from weather-related losses.
The update also highlights educational apple resource cards available for orchards and farm markets. These materials provide customers with practical information on apple handling, storage, and preservation to help maintain fruit quality after purchase.
Hail protection remains a key consideration for orchard operators. Hailstorms can reduce fruit marketability and increase disease risks such as fire blight, while preventive solutions like hail netting can help minimize damage and protect harvests.
For grape growers, UMN announced that the 2026 Annual Grape Field Day will be held on September 12 at the UMN Horticultural Research Center. The event will feature research updates, vineyard management discussions, and opportunities to sample a wide variety of table and wine grapes.
The update also outlines resources available through Superior Fruit Innovations (SFI), which manages licensing for several University of Minnesota-developed apple and grape varieties. Featured cultivars include First Kiss®, Big Flirt™, SuperSnap™, and the Northern Glo grape series.
UMN Extension is also encouraging growers and industry stakeholders to participate in its annual Fruit and Vegetable Survey. Feedback from the survey will help guide future educational programs, research initiatives, and outreach efforts that support fruit and vegetable producers across the region.
Photo Credit: university-of-minnesota.jpg
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables, Weather