The contrast between winter days in the valley is hard to miss. One day brings snow, rain, wind, and darkness. The next delivers clear skies and sunshine. For agriculture in a desert climate, both are welcome as winter storms bring much-needed snow and rain, cleaning the air and building snowpack in the mountains that feed the reservoirs later in the year.
Last season followed an unusual pattern. Snow arrived early, then stopped through late winter and early spring. Reservoir levels fell below half their normal levels, resulting in dry conditions and water rationing in some districts. While spring was moderate and summer strong, early fall heat caused added stress, including increased sunburn on certain apple varieties.
Despite these challenges, Washington harvested a large apple crop. High supply put pressure on pricing, forcing difficult economic decisions, including leaving some fruit unharvested. With leaves now off the trees, apples still visible in some orchards serve as a reminder of both the season’s challenges and the realities of today’s market.
As the year closes and snow returns to the mountains, reservoirs are beginning to refill. Looking ahead to 2026, there is cautious optimism that the market will get better and a reminder that apples remain an important part of Washington agriculture's future.
