BOTETOURT CO. (WSLS 10) - An early warm up followed by a freeze could mean high prices at the grocery store.
If you're in the market for locally grown apples and peaches, it may cost you a little extra this year.
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"Our business is totally dependent on Mother Nature," said Jennifer Ikenberry of Ikenberry Orchards in Boteourt County.
This year, mother nature hasn't been too kind to local farmers like the Ikenberry's.
"She rules and we just kind of have to go with the flow. Whatever she does, we have to tend to," Ikenberry said.
This year spring weather came in early March, tricking fruit to bud a month before it should have.
It's a major loss for James Bryant, owner of Bryant Orchards in Botetourt.
He says roughly 60%Â of his apple blossoms were killed after the big frost two weeks ago.
"It's probably the worst I've seen in my career," Bryant said.
Worse yet, roughly 80% of his peach blossoms were damaged. Although it's still early, best case scenario he estimates his overall harvest will be cut in half.
"We are still subject to all of the variables of the growing season that could impact what we think we have now," Bryant said.
An impact that not only effect prices, but lowers the number of employees he hires this year, maybe even next.
Back at Ikenberry's, if their own crop isn't enough to supply local demand , they will bring in more crop from another Virginia farm.
"So if we have to do that, we will. That of course will make prices go up if we are having to pay for things then re-sell it," Ikenberry said.
Both farmers say they will definitely have enough to supply local farmers markets. The question is; how much?
Still early to tell. Farmers and consumers won't know exactly what to expect until harvest.