05/01/2026
๐ข Market Update ๐ข
Hi, folks. Normally we'd be preparing to return to market about this time, but sadly Mother Nature can be unpredictable and threw us a curveball. ๐๐
A hard freeze in the early morning hours of April 21st brought dangerously low temperatures to the Eastern Panhandle and Shenandoah Valley resulting in catastrophic damage to fruit crops in the region. The damage was made worse by the 80-90 degree heat wave we had earlier in April.
Twin Ridge Orchard was not spared. We recorded sustained temperatures in the mid-20s. Weโre estimating a near 100% loss of our stone fruits โ no cherries, plums, nectarines or peaches this year. Luckily, the blackberries seem to be okay! Apples also got hit hard. Most early varieties were lost, but maybe 20% of the late ones will make it. Those will go to commercial canneries.
Because of this, we wonโt be a regular presence at the Charles Town Farmers Market, WV and Shepherdstown Farmers Market this year - although we may โdrop inโ a day or two if we have enough blackberries to sell.
We always look forward to the markets and are bummed that we wonโt be around this year. We will miss this community and, most of all, our customers!
Please continue supporting your local farmers and farmersโ markets! Weโll be back in 2027! ๐๐๐
