Not just luck: the specific strategy saving apple growers from a statewide shortage

For orchardist Bernard Hall, the start to this season was literally been rocky.

While farmers across NSW are scratching their heads over unexplained crop failures and shortages, Mr Hall was watching hail stones fly from the sky, threatening his 2025 crop.

Yet, despite the statewide gloom, Orange is bucking the trend.

Mass shortages of apples are being reported out of Bilpin, on the lower Blue Mountains, which is known for its apples and cider.

Apple production in the central west has been steady even though farmers across the state have been hit with an unknown block with their fruit.

Despite recent storms which brought hail and sleet, the apples in the central west area are flourishing.

The CWD has previously reported on the issues farmers face in an unequal battle against major s