Celebrate Fall At A Minnesota Apple Farm

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Our thoughts on farming are often limited to the cornfields of Minnesota. But, on a farm in Webster, Minn., Ross Nelson grows a different kind of crop.

"We grow a specialty crop," Ross Nelson, owner of Nelson's Apple Farm, said.

On 15 acres, he produces 25 varieties of apples.

This year marks his 40th year as an orchard owner and over time, Nelson has picked up tricks to try to produce the best yield.

"A good apple crop is where the apple tree is full but not overburdened. If it's overburdened you get small apples," Nelson said. "Around June 20th, we pick off excess apples."

No matter the preparation, the harvest is ultimately at the mercy of a Minnesota climate.

"Two years ago, we had a freeze out of the apples and had a small crop. And last year the crop wasn't super good either," he said.

But every farmer looks to that one good year, when the crop grows beyond expectations.

"This year the apple crop is very good.  We are experiencing great sales and the crop looks really good," Nelson said.

It's a story that's playing out at the more than 100 orchards around the state.

Despite a harsh winter, rainy June and dry July, tree after tree at Nelson's Apple farm is full of fruit.

That translates into more variety which leads to more visitors during the apple picking season.

"This year, it's been ideal for that," Nelson said.

And in the midst of this year's harvest, Nelson is already looking to next year.  Every farmer knows the work is never done.

"If you like what you're doing, you never spend a day working and I just love it," he said.

Nelson said that honey crisp are in season right now.

For a list of orchards around the state that allow you to pick your own, go to Minnesota Grown online.