Wet winter good for pears in southwest Oregon

MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) -- Orchardists in southwestern Oregon are benefiting from the wet winter but say all the water will result in a late season for pears.

The Mail Tribune reports (https://is.gd/cWIhzd) Medford has exceeded the 18-inch annual average precipitation total with more than 21 inches since the water year began Oct. 1. The city is also more than 8 inches above the normal count for this time of year.

Pear blossoms were already popping out around this time last year, but orchardist Ron Meyer says it's going to be a late season this year. He anticipates few orchards will be adorned in white for the city's 64th annual Pear Blossom Festival next month.

Meyer says the pears haven't been affected by all the rain but it's been more difficult to prune the trees.