Posted at: 09/16/2012 10:49 PM
By: Katie Eldred

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Local Farmers Gear up for Busy Fall Season

(ABC 6 News) -- Farmers with apple orchards or corn mazes have just a few weeks to do all their business for the whole year. But this year’s early spring had some farmers questioning if they'd even be able to open this year.

One local farm in Rochester says this year may be sweeter than ever.

Whether it be a nice long hay ride, the fresh bite of an apple, or picking out the perfect pumpkin, there is much to love about Fall.

"We like to come out and go in the maze we look forward to that every year, and getting pumpkins and apples," said Deb Dukart.

But for those that depend on fall for business, like Sekapp Orchard in Rochester, the season can have them on pins and needles.

"You've got the window of about two months to make your money for the  year," said worker Doug Hamiester.

This year with the crazy spring many orchards have slim pickings, but not at Sekapp's. They' managed to save much of their crop and the combination has been good for business.

"People have come from quite a ways actually, from all the way up north saying that the apple trees the blossoms were frozen and they didn't have any apples or very few," said Hamiester.

With hay rides filled to the brim, and store so packed you barely move it's clear business is booming.

"It's been one of our best years so far," said Hamiester.

Now the hope is that the weather will continue to cooperate, the rest of the short season because for Fall lovers there’s nothing better.

At many orchards the apple crop was almost three weeks early. So for those that do plan on heading out to pick their own apples, they may want to head out a little be earlier this year.

Sekapp Orchard’s pick your own apples is open every weekend, Thursday through Sunday.