The first of Orange's apples will soon be coming into season after this year's crops were given a much needed drink this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
On Ophir Road, the Pearce family's apples will be picked in the next 10 days, with the region's 15 commercial apple orchardists soon to follow.
Peter West, his sister-in-law Jane and brother Tim West have 110 acres at Nashdale and 60 acres on Canobolas Road.
The Nashdale apples got about 45-millimetres of rain from the last showers and the Canobolas trees received almost 60-millimetres.
The rain has improved things a lot
- Peter West
The Wests grow Gala, Red Delicious, Pink Lady, Granny Smith and Bravo apples which will be shipped off to independent grocers and supermarkets across NSW and Queensland.
From Valentines Day to May around 20-25 pickers will make their way to the properties to strip the trees.
At present, it is likely earlier season apples from Victoria are showing up on our shelves, mixed with the last of the previous season.
Mr West said the 10 days of rain helped substantially ahead of this harvest.
"We're reasonably happy now," he said.
"The rain has improved things a lot."
The West's Westcastle Partnership hope to be done with the marketing of their apples in early October.
"Then we get ready for the cherries," Mr West said.
It has been Australia's lost summer. Drought, hail, floods and, worst of all, bushfires have ravaged communities all over the nation. But the selfless actions of friends, family, neighbours, strangers, local groups and volunteer organisations have inspired us and strengthened the bonds of community. Please join us in saying thanks to the heroes of the home front by sharing your stories of gratitude. To salute a person or a group, please use the form below.