Massachusetts farmers expect strong apple harvest

Massachusetts apple growers say they expect a strong harvest this fall thanks to the hot and wet weather in August.

Diane Fay, owner of the six-acre Fay Farm in Haverhill, says alternating heat and rain was "perfect" for apples. She says the rain also helped the farm save money because it did not have to use its irrigation system.

Bob Connors of Connors Farm in Danvers says this year's apples are "bigger and brighter."

Mary Jordan, director of the state's agricultural development division, said Massachusetts' apple inspector has reported that this year's crop is especially colorful and bountiful.

Jordan says the predicted yield is about 1 million bushels, slightly more than last year.

The bumper harvest will inject anywhere from $12 million to $15 million into the economy.

The Associated Press reported this story citing information from the Boston Herald.