CHILTON COUNTY, Ala. (WSFA) – Alabama’s peach crop is rebounding after a rough year in 2023.
Lynn Harrison and his family have been farming in Chilton County since 1945. He’s the third generation to be in charge since his father passed away in 2022.
That legacy is continuing strong this year after an abundant peach crop. While they grow a variety of crops, Harrison estimates peaches make up about 90% of his business.
”Last year, the whole summer, we picked maybe 500 baskets, and we’ve probably already picked 1,500 to 2,000 baskets already this year,” Harrison said.
The success of this year’s crop comes at the perfect time. Last year, cold spring temperatures caused a freeze that destroyed more than half of most farmers crops in the area. This year’s crop is helping farmers recover.
“It means everything,” said Harrison. “Another year like last year, I’d have to be out of business. I couldn’t afford it another year.”
Harrison said that each peach tree produces about 15 baskets each valued around $20. That means that each tree produces about $300 of peaches.
He went on to say he has over 4,000 trees, which means a good peach crop can bring him around $1,200,000.
Harrison is just one of hundreds of peach farmers in the state, meaning this crop could be a significant boost for Alabama’s economy.
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