The Cornell University Institute for Climate Smart Solutions has developed a new Apple Freeze Risk decision tool to help growers assess precarious temperatures in turbulent springs.
Climate Smart Farming (CSF) has developed this and other tools in order to promote, through useful information, proactive responses to extreme events such as freeze and drought. Navigate to the CSF website (www.climatesmartfarming.org/tools/) to view the Apple Freeze Risk tool, and others such as: a Grape Hardiness and Freeze Risk Tool, a Growing Degree Day Calculator, and a Water Deficit Calculator.
All of the CSF tools are free to use, and are accurate throughout the entire Northeast, from West Virginia to Maine. Each CSF tool uses gridded weather data at approximately a 2.5 x 2.5 mile resolution, allowing users to put in a specific zip code, address, or latitude/longitude in order to zoom to their chosen location. Contact your local Cooperative Extension Specialist or the Cornell CSF Extension Team (www.climatesmartfarming.org/climate-smart-farming-extension-team/) for specific questions about on-farm or crop-specific best management practices and strategies as well.
