Helicopter Support for Frost Prevention in New York

Agricultural

New York Relies on Effective Frost Protection Options

The state of New York is one of the top apple producers in the United States. The state grows more apple varieties than all of its counterparts combined. Nearly 700 growers harvest from a combined total of over 10 million trees, making it easy to see how the apple industry contributes significantly to the state’s overall economic growth. Having access to reliable resources to maintain the integrity of harvests and quality of fruits is imperative for New York’s apple growers.

Rough Winters of New York

Winter temperatures in New York range from the upper 40 degrees Fahrenheit throughout November and December. This leaves January and February dipping down into the mid-’30s and on occasion even as far as March experiencing lows that can on occasion dip below freezing. With fruit-bearing trees, it’s important to understand that some fruits may be hardier than others and therefore will be able to withstand a seasonal dip in temperatures.

With apple crops, some variances in temperatures are a necessary part of the ripening process, for example, cold nights transitioning into sunny days serve to help the process along. However, frost damage or fruit freezing can result in the apple’s tissue breaking down thereby reducing the overall quality of the fruit.

A Proactive Approach is Key

The coldest temperatures experienced in New York range between below freezing and 30 degrees, ripe apple freeze at roughly 28 F, so it’s important to exact swift frost protections. In young or blossoming apple fruits, freezing can result in injury that persists throughout development and will appear as blemishes when the fruits are mature. Meaning a proactive approach is key.

In recent years many of New York’s fruit growers have implemented the use of helicopters into their frost prevention and protection protocols. Helicopters make use of the downdraft principle which results in a layering of warm air that can be circulated throughout orchards, keeping the ambient temperature above freezing. Helicopters have been known to effectively warm nearly 50 acres at a time.

In New York, apple growers are keenly aware of impending weather conditions that could result in having a harmful impact on fruits or the trees themselves prior to blooming. Not to say that on occasion, they wouldn’t be caught off guard by an unexpected spring frost. This is why having access to a trustworthy resource to turn to for scheduling on-demand helicopters on standby is such a valuable asset.

The FairLifts Solution

FairLifts, a leader in providing access to proficient helicopter support for New York’s fruit production and growth industries partners with local operators who have helicopters on standby that may be dispatched in less than a single day’s time. This level of on-demand accessibility is integral for crop warming applications being executed in a timely manner because ripe fruit that experiences freezing on the tree may still be able to be saved if it’s not harvested or picked.

Local operators and pilots are certified for night flights as most aerial frost protection applications take place after dark and have experience with low elevation flights and possess the know-how to avoid causing indirect harm to surrounding crops and fruit trees.

Our Helicopters Protect Your Crops in New York

Unfortunately, there is no remedy for frost damage, and trees damaged during spring growth may need to wait until the following year to be harvested so enforcing preventative measures is crucial. Effective frost prevention is key to producing a quality yield for New York’s fruit producers.

FairLifts is the answer to scheduling helicopter frost protection and prevention services as well as other Ag-centric applications like crop drying and aerial chemical application to keep crops pest-free.

Keep your crops marketable by applying the necessary frost protections via helicopter. The fastest most effective way to keep your fruit trees warm and maintain the quality of your harvest.

Call FairLifts today at 1-800-318-8940 to schedule a frost protection flight!