WENATCHEE, Wash. (RFD News) — Apple harvest is underway with growers preparing for a slightly smaller crop this year.
However, Washington Apple Commission President Michael Schadler said growers are feeling more optimistic than in recent years.
“Since the beginning of the year, beginning of 2026, we’ve seen prices steadily increasing. Prices are probably still not as high as many growers need, especially for sustainability over the long term, and debt servicing, and continued increases in input costs and inflation, and all of that. Compared to how we felt last year at this time and two years ago at this time, there is a little bit more optimism.”
An official apple crop estimate is expected by early December.
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