Finger Lakes Farmers Battle Frost to Save Spring Crops

Schutt's Apple Mill uses specialized equipment to protect budding fruits from unseasonably cold temperatures.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 3:20am

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of grey, blue, and green, depicting a sprawling orchard scene obscured by heavy fog and mist, with the budding fruit trees dwarfed by the overwhelming scale of the natural environment.As Finger Lakes farmers battle unseasonable frost to protect their spring crops, the natural world's raw power looms large over their orchards.Rochester Today

The Finger Lakes region of New York experienced unusually cold temperatures and a mix of rain and snow over the weekend, posing challenges for local farmers preparing for the spring season. Schutt's Apple Mill, a family-owned orchard, is utilizing specialized frost prevention machinery to protect their crops of cherries, apples, peaches, and other budding fruits from potential damage.

Why it matters

Frost events can cause significant losses for fruit growers in the Finger Lakes, a vital agricultural region. Schutt's Apple Mill, a longstanding local business, is taking proactive measures to safeguard their crops and ensure a successful spring harvest, which is crucial for their operations and the broader regional economy.

The details

To combat the threat of frost, Schutt's Apple Mill has invested in two specialized frost prevention machines that they tow behind tractors. These units blow warm air underneath the orchards, creating a protective barrier around the budding fruits. The farm will be running these machines around the clock over the next two nights to ensure their crops stay safe.

  • Temperatures in the Finger Lakes region are forecasted to dip to 25-26°F on Sunday and Monday nights.
  • Schutt's Apple Mill will be operating their frost prevention equipment through Sunday and Monday nights.

The players

Schutt's Apple Mill

A family-owned apple orchard and farm in the Finger Lakes region of New York that has been in operation for decades, selling a variety of fruits, baked goods, and other products.

Evan Schutt

A co-owner of Schutt's Apple Mill who oversees the farm's operations and spoke with local media about their efforts to protect their crops from the recent frost.

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What they’re saying

“With the temperatures dipping to 25, 26, it won't matter what type of fruit you have, you're going to have to do some type of prevention over these next two days.”

— Evan Schutt, Co-owner, Schutt's Apple Mill

“Protecting this year's crop is a critical around-the-clock job, and we'll be working through the night to ensure our trees stay safe.”

— Evan Schutt, Co-owner, Schutt's Apple Mill

What’s next

Schutt's Apple Mill will continue to monitor the weather and operate their frost prevention equipment as needed over the coming nights to protect their crops. The farm's spring hours and operations will continue as scheduled, with the goal of a successful harvest later in the year.

The takeaway

This story highlights the challenges that unexpected weather patterns can pose for farmers, especially in regions like the Finger Lakes that rely heavily on fruit production. Schutt's Apple Mill's proactive approach to protecting their crops through specialized equipment demonstrates the innovative measures growers must take to safeguard their livelihoods and the local food supply.