Palisade Fruit Update 2026: Setting the Record Straight

Mike Scofield – Scofield Fruits

May 2, 2026

Following reports of crop loss, we have a vital Palisade Peach Update for 2026 to set the record straight. We’ve seen a “storm of concern” over the past 48 hours following a social media post from the Boulder County Farmers Market and a subsequent article in the Denver Post. The reports stated that “3 of 5 growers” had reported complete crop loss, leading many to believe that the 2026 Colorado fruit season was over before it began.

At Scofield Fruits, we spent yesterday afternoon on the phone with our partners on the Western Slope to get the facts. Here is what we know first-hand.

Setting the Record Straight

Since this firestorm of concern began, the Denver Post has corrected their initial information. After receiving the early reports from the BCFM post, the Post reached out to us directly, and to several Western Slope and Palisade growers, to obtain known, first-hand information.

As a fresh produce market that has worked grower-direct for more than four decades, we were able to help provide the Post with the ground-level context needed for their correction and a clearer explanation regarding the specific growing regions involved.

The Good News: Palisade is Thriving

After speaking with our growers in Palisade yesterday, we are happy to report that the area is doing well. While there was a recent cold snap, the Palisade peach crop is in great shape and remains mostly unharmed. Our main grower also confirms that the Palisade sweet cherry crop is looking healthy and strong.

In short: We will have Colorado Peaches, sweet cherries, and other delicious fruits from Palisade this season!

Understanding the Misinformation

The reports circulating on Thursday were based on a very specific group of growers, primarily located in the North Fork Valley (Delta County area). While our hearts go out to any farmer facing a difficult year, it is important to understand that their situation is not representative of the Palisade region. As the updated reports now show, while Delta County was hit hard, Palisade was largely unscathed.

A History of Resilience

Spring freezes are a part of life on the Western Slope, but Palisade has a secret weapon: the “Million Dollar Breeze.” This unique down-valley wind pulls warmer air from the canyons, preventing frost from settling in the orchards. Fortunately, he growers we work with are experts in “frost fighting”, using everything from wind machines to all-night temperature monitoring, to protect the blossoms we all love.

Palisade Peach Season: What to Expect

Because of the unseasonably warm winter, the fruit is developing rapidly. Here is the “ground truth” for your 2026 planning:

Earlier Harvest: We expect the first Palisade peaches to arrive significantly earlier than their typical late-June debut.
A Shorter Window: An early start usually means an early finish. The season will likely wrap up sooner than normal.
Peak Canning Shift: If you usually wait until August 1st for canning and freezing, you will be too late. “Peak season” will likely hit in mid-to-late July.

Our Advice: Don’t rely on the “traditional” dates this year. Most importantly, follow our updates closely so you don’t miss the window for your favorite varieties.

Looking Ahead

We normally refrain from posting peach crop updates until after Mother’s Day, but given the confusing information released on Thursday, we felt it was necessary to share the facts early. Having dealt directly with Colorado growers for over 40 years, we know the “miracle” of the Palisade peach is still very much alive for 2026.

Thank you for joining with us to support our local growers! We will keep you posted with “known” updates as we get closer to the first pick. Follow our socials (most importantly, Facebook and Instagram) for the most up-to-date information.