Sullivan, IL (WAND TV) It’s been a year of ups and downs for apple farmers in central Illinois. On top of an early bloom, many trees were devastated by the influx in cicadas this spring and summer.

Mike Mitchell, who owns Okaw Valley Orchards, said his yield has dropped by about 60% since last year. Because the cicadas laid their eggs on the key branches apples grow on, the trees weren’t able to provide the necessary nutrients for fruit to thrive.

“They pretty much devastated a lot of the branches that the apples had to hang on so it knocked off a bunch of the apples,” said Mitchell. “So, they have to repair themselves rather than put the effort into the apple product.”

The early bloom also means an early harvest. Mitchell said typically apples are picked until the end of October, but he plans to finish harvesting this week. On top of the decrease in revenue from sellable apples, the farm also had to close their self-pick area earlier than normal.

But Mitchell says it’s all part of the business, and they always have other ways to stay afloat until the next harvest.

“We’ve got a good customer base that supports us, and we do a lot of tours and other things that kind of supplement for losses,” said Mitchell. “Some people will come in and buy a bunch of items and not even buy any fruit. They’ll just come in for the baked goods and donuts and and all the pies and the apple cider and that kind of stuff.”

Mitchell is hoping the trees heal and bring in a better crop next year.