Dressel Farms Fears “Catastrophic Loss” After Hudson Valley Freeze

Drastic Temperature Drop Threatens Hudson Valley Crops

In the early morning hours on Tuesday April 21st, 2026, you may have heard low flying helicopters over the Hudson Valley.

Those helicopters were being used to stir up heat in hopes to save Hudson Valley crops. After enjoying temperatures in the 80s across the region, the temps dropped to below freezing.

We learned from Fishkill Farms that "every degree below 28°F can cause significant damage to the crop, up to complete crop loss in the low 20's."

READ MORE: Cold Front Hits HV, Helicopters Used to Protect Fruit Crops

Local farms and orchards were taking precautions.

Some used helicopters, others (like Barton Orchards and Fjord Trail) lit hay bales and wood, then used heavy duty fans to blow the warm air around, in hopes to save their crops.

Farmers are now sharing how the frost and cold has affected their crops for the rest of the season.

Ulster County Farm Predicts "Catastrophic Loss" of Crops

Dressel Farms in New Paltz, New York, gave an update days following the brutal overnight freeze.

In a statement shared on social media Dressel Farm writes "Every year growers are worried about frosty nights that endanger the delicate buds and blossoms in our orchards."

Temperatures dipped near 21° in Ulster County on Tuesday, April 21st. Dressel explains "We have NEVER seen temperatures like this during bloom."

In the statement Dressel explains that the frost prevention measures "were essentially useless" at those temps. They add:

 And while the full extent of the damage won't be fully known for weeks or even months, we assume catastrophic loss of our entire apple crop.

Currently, Dressel Farms is working with "scouts, Cornell scientists and other growers to come up with some sort of contingency plan to mitigate the damage but right now we're all just a bit lost. "

We're still in shock, to be honest. This has never happened before.

How To Help Your Local Hudson Valley Farmers

Obviously this is a devastating blow for local farmers across the region.

We will make sure to update this story with any more information that comes. In the meantime, the best way to help our local farmers is to support their businesses any way you can.

Buy local produce, visit their farms if they're open to visitors and spread the word about your favorite farm. Any bit helps!