Local farmers are benefiting from this year's weather patterns with bigger crops and bigger produce.

Eddie Richard, manager at Richards Fruit Market, explained, "Well, it's so unpredictable. Right now, we're early September, and we don't brag about this year's apple crop until we can get them in the boxes and harvested."

He said this year's weather has been a blessing.

"We've had an incredible rainfall for the month of August, which has produced normal-sized fruit," Richard continued.

Compared to last year, this fruit is better off in terms of quality and quantity, though, farmers like Richard keep their eyes on the future.

"Last year's history," he added. "We move forward. In farming, you move forward. You don't move backwards."

It's a similar story at a Frederick County Winery.

Tyler Newcome, one of the owners at Valerie Hill Winery, said, "Compared to last year, this year is phenomenal. Last year was one of the worst in the past decade or two."

Newcome has been sharing wine at Valerie Hill since this spring. He says wines can vary greatly year to year.

"As long as we don't get a whole lot of rain, the reds are going to be fantastic this year," he continued

With the fruit coming in here instead of the west, here's something to consider.

Richard concluded, "Next year's prices are going to be what's more affected than what's happening today."

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor nearly the entire northern valley is out of drought conditions and headed toward normal rainfall for this time of year while areas just over the blue ridge are in a moderate drought.

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