In the renowned strawberry capital, local farmers are navigating the aftermath of a recent snow event that enveloped the region. Rachael Harris, proprietor of Harris Strawberry Farm, reported a substantial loss, with approximately 80% of their crop affected, translating to around 500 cases of strawberries. Contrary to expectations, the snow served as an insulating blanket, safeguarding the plants in an igloo-like fashion. However, the severe cold and wind were detrimental, leading to the loss of a majority of the crop. It took the farm about four days to remove the damaged berries, potentially delaying operations by a month.
Following the snowfall, the farm faced the task of discarding the damaged new growth, including white flowers, blooms, and green fruit. Despite these challenges, the current state of the berries surpasses that of the previous year, when a disease named pestilence impacted the crops. Harris remains optimistic about the recovery and potential of the plants, attributing their resilience to favorable conditions. With an eye towards future cold events, the farm has implemented protective measures, such as covering the plants with cloth, to mitigate potential damage and ensure a productive strawberry season.
Source: WGNO