Hudson Valley Farm Gives Update on Damaged Crops

Cold Front Threatens Hudson Valley Crops

The weather since spring began has been all over the place in the Hudson Valley.

One week it's hot, reaching temperatures in the 80s, and then cold again dropping under 30 degrees.

That's exactly what happened in late April 2026. On April 20th, Frost Warnings were issued across the Hudson Valley and local farmers were scrambling to protect their crops.

Unfortunately, drastic temperature drops and temperatures under 27 degrees can be harmful to local New York crops.

READ MORE: Cold Front Hits HV, Helicopters Used to Protect Fruit Crops

Farmers were getting help from low flying helicopters to stir up the warm air to keep the crops warm. Others started large fires and used industrial fans to blow the warm air around.

Hudson Valley Farmers Report Crop Loss After April Freeze

While local farmers did what they could to keep their crops safe, mother nature had other plans.

Following the temperature drop on April 21st, Dressel Farms in New Paltz took to social media to update the community on the status of their crops.

At the time Dressel Farms were predicting a "catastrophic loss." In a statement on social media they explained that local growers always worry about frosty nights, adding they "have NEVER seen temperatures like this during bloom."

Dressel reported that temperatures by them dropped to 21 degrees. The New Paltz farm then shared:

while the full extent of the damage won't be fully known for weeks or even months, we assume catastrophic loss of our entire apple crop.

Dressel Farms in New Paltz Updates Community on Crop Loss

On May 20th, 2026, Dressel Farm shared a video update regarding their crops.

Sarah explains in the video that while it's not a total loss, it's close. Dressel writes "We're expecting about 15% of an apple crop." Watch below and get all the details:

They explain that "morality rates vary drastically by variety because different varieties bloom at different times."

Besides their apples, the peaches at Dressel "also took a big hit." Their strawberries however, are looking good for the season and "seem to be in the best shape of anything."

The Dressel Farm road stand will open sometime around June 6th with their berries, keep an eye on their social media accounts for more details.

Many of our local farms were hit hard in April, the best way to show your support is get out and visit your local farm and orchards to purchase fresh produce.