As historical climate trends shift, Wisconsin fruit growers must also shift management practices to limit weather-related yield loss and impacts to established perennial systems. Many fruit growers are concerned with changes in climate patterns that lead to: longer growing seasons, heavier spring and fall precipitation, greater risk for spring freeze events, longer periods of drought during hot summer months, increased occurrence of extreme and damaging storms, e.g., wind/hail, higher disease/pest pressure stemming from warmer winter months, among others. See below for further information on current and future climate trends, including resources for fruit growers wanting more information on combating climate-related challenges.
Climate Change Impacts on Midwestern Region Tree Fruit and Viticulture
University of Wisconsin-Madison fruit researchers, Dr. Amaya Atucha, Dr. Christelle Guedot and Dr. Leslie Holland’s recent publication titled Climate Change Impacts on Midwestern Region Tree Fruit and Viticulture, provides a summary of climate change trends between 1979 and 2021, climate model projections for 2040-2059, and observed impacts and mitigation strategies for tree fruit and grape production. This publication was a collaborative effort between the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Midwest Climate Hub.
2025 Cold Climate Fruit Webinar Series
Want to learn more about current research and resources related to climate change impacts on fruit production? Check out the 2025 Cold Climate Fruit Webinar Series:
Grapevine Decline: A “New” Disease in the Midwest?
Dr. Suzanne Slack, Iowa State University
Navigating H-2A
Emily Klingbeil, Great Lakes Ag Labor Services
UPCOMING
April 10, 12:00PM: Insuring Grapes and Apples in Wisconsin
Amber Rhode, USDA Risk Management Agency
UPCOMING
April 15, 1:00PM: Advancing Cold-Climate Grapes: Research Innovations & Breeding Updates from UMN
Dr. Soon Li Teh, University of Minnesota