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Weekend freeze poses threat to specialty crops

USDA’s meteorologist says the upcoming late-season freeze headed for the Great Lakes and northeastern states poses the biggest threat to specialty crops.

“The bigger story is going to be specialty crops like fruit trees and vine fruits. There we have really significant concern for freeze injury.”

Brad Rippey says the majority of row crops in the ground should pull through.

“A lot of the corn in the areas that will be affected by freezes has not yet emerged or id just barely starting to emerge and should be able to withstand temperatures into the upper 20’s and lower 30’s without the need for replanting.”

Rippey says freezing temperatures could reach as far south as the Ohio Valley and Appalachians. He says a freeze this late in the season only happens about once every ten years.