Past Harsh Winter Affects Northern Indiana Peach Growers

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — Some peach growers in northern Indiana are taking a hit from the past winter.

The Journal & Courier reports that a number of fruit growers in the Greater Lafayette area see a lack of peaches this season due to the low temperatures in the past winter.

The growers said stone fruits such as peaches, cherries and plums are sensitive. Purdue University horticulture professor Peter Hirst says nearly all buds will be killed once temperatures react about 16 degrees below zero. Around the first few days in January, the area encountered temperatures about 20 degree below zero.

Yet the southern parts of the state should have full peach crops, which would help out growers in the north to provide peaches to customers.