FISHERS, NY (AP) -- The New York Apple Association says most orchards in central and western New York bloomed early because of the warm spring, but it's not expected to have much impact on the drop.
Orchards along Lake Champlain are expected to bloom in the coming days.
Apple Association President Jim Allen says the warm, sunny temperatures this spring have been good for bees, which means better pollination. He said the early bloom may mean an earlier fall harvest, but that's a long way off and there's still a danger of possible damaging chilly weather to deal with.
New York had one of the biggest crops in history last year, with more than 30 million bushels picked.
New York has 697 commercial orchards on approximately 42,000 acres.
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