There is good news for Minnesota apple lovers this fall despite a tricky growing season that featured spring frosts. While the difficult spring conditions led to a smaller crop this year for many orchards, some growers are reporting an early and great crop.
               
Ralph Yates owns Fruit Acres in La Crescent and also serves as Secretary of the Minnesota Apple Growers Association. He says that while the spring frost took a toll across the Midwest, Minnesota orchards are open for business with high-quality apples available.
              
According to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Yates says while the overall apple harvest in the Midwest will be smaller than normal, consumers need to know that there are local apples available at orchards across Minnesota
     
The Ag Department's Paul Hugunin reminds Minnesotans it's an early season and consumers should be out visiting farms now.  Western Wisconsin orchards have also begun selling their apple crop