Spring frost hit more than 90% of the crop in some orchards in 2026 and cost one U-pick farm about $1 million. Here is the weather backup plan that keeps visitors coming when the trees come up empty.

A Tough Fall Season for Pumpkin Patches Everywhere This has been one of the most challenging fall seasons many farmers can remember. Across North America, pumpkin patches that were normally buzzing with families, laughter, and full wheelbarrows suddenly found themselves facing something unexpected — a sharp drop in agritourism sales, even when farm visitor traffic seemed strong. Farmers reported smaller pumpkins, unpredictable weather, reduced spending, and more visitors choo