September 24, 2026
We’ve officially welcomed the cool, crisp mornings of fall. Look up at the trees and you’ll see the early glimpses of the fall season with peeks of fiery reds, deep oranges, and golden autumn yellows starting to break through on the leaves.
The air smells richer, the mornings carry a sharp chill, but one that so many of us welcome at this time of year. And even with all these changes going on around us, there is this familiar rhythm setting in as the landscapes begin to transform around us.
Getting Every Last Drop Of Summer
Summer is hanging on by a thread, and we aren’t quite ready to cut that thread just yet! We like to get every last drop of summer that we can, which means we’re still out in the fields harvesting many of our summer favorites. The harvests continue with late season sweet corn, tomatoes, green beans, and even a few strawberries and raspberries. The last of the watermelon and cantaloupes are being harvested this week, but at the end of the day, we know it’s been a good run this season.
With shorter daylight hours and cooler temperatures both day and night, the time between harvests has gotten longer. We know the end of the summer crops is in sight, but we are going to hang on to them for just a little bit longer because we know the wait until next year always feels like forever.
The Fall Harvest: Blessings and Challenges
Meanwhile, fall is in full swing! Our fields are overflowing with winter squash, pumpkins, and all sorts of specialty gourds.
It hasn't all been smooth sailing, though. While last week’s rain was a welcome relief for dry soil, it made getting equipment into the mud-softened fields a real challenge this week. One day at a time, we’re working through the bumps and continuing to build up our fall inventory.
The apple crop took a particularly hard hit from last week's rain. After such a dry summer, the sudden deluge of water was too much for the fruit. When the trees finally got a drink, many of the apples absorbed water too quickly, turning to mush or bursting right on the branch.
In typical years, we would have far more apples harvested by now, but between unpredictable weather, a short-staffed crew, and time constantly slipping away, we are doing the best we can to get by and in a year like this year, we recognize that it’s ok to do just that: get by.
Looking Ahead: The Great Cleanup & Preparing for Next Year
As we look toward the next month, our to-do list is packed. The great end-of-season cleanup has officially begun:
- We’ve already begun to mow off some of the spent melon fields.
- Soon, we’ll begin cleaning out the high tunnels. This begins with removing old plants, pulling up drip tape, and finally we will take off the plastic coverings by mid-October, so the structures are prepped for winter and the impending snowfall.
- Combining corn and soybeans is on the agenda.
- Preparing and working the soil for next spring's planting season is being planned and will be underway soon.
The Impact Of Fuel Prices
Prepping ground for the next growing season is a major struggle for farmers this year due to skyrocketing fuel prices. Elevated diesel costs are hitting right during our most power-intensive period: the fall harvest and field-work season.
Heavy machinery such as combines, grain carts, semi-trucks, and tractors all run on diesel, which currently sits at a staggering $6.36 per gallon. Rather than operating for just 2–3 hours a day, these machines can run upwards of 18–20 hours per day during harvest season to harvest mature crops, haul grain to elevators, and prepare soil for next spring.
Working land takes roughly 1.25 gallons of diesel per acre, not including preceding tasks like combining, stalk chopping, and grain transportation to the elevator. While fall harvest season is critical, these high fuel costs are directly eating away the already razor-thin profit margins we are facing. It’s a season of tough choices as so many producers are making decisions to trim non-essential land preparation practices because plain and simple, it is no longer financially viable.
Every single one of us has seen our own fuel budgets increase this year due to the rising fuel costs. For us on the farm, our fuel costs have jumped roughly 40% so far this year, but that impact doesn’t stop at the fuel tank.
Rising fuel prices are leading to rising production costs because fuel prices directly drive up the cost of raw inputs like fertilizers, as well as manufacturing inputs such as boxes and plastic packaging. We have seen significant packaging increases over the past 3 years and each time they are getting more difficult to absorb.
Every single step of the supply chain is currently being affected by the higher fuel costs and unfortunately, most producers can no longer absorb the increases. Not only is it costing significantly more to grow food right now, but to package it and transport it from our fields to your table has also increased.
Thank You for Supporting Local
Farming is always a delicate balance of beauty and hardship; from basking in the cool, crisp autumn mornings to navigating unpredictable weather and economic pressures. We don’t share our challenges to complain, but rather to give you an honest look at what it truly takes to bring food from our fields to your family.
As families move away from farmland and rural areas, there is less connection to the land. We feel a deep responsibility to keep our community informed about the realities of growing local produce, whether those realities are good or bad. Please know, we are endlessly grateful for your continued support through every season.
Stop by the farm stand this week to pick up your autumn pumpkins, squashes, and the remaining tastes of summer before they're gone!
