Much warmer temperatures than usual in February and March led to early ripening of produce in Ohio, presenting challenges for growers. Martha Mora, a member of the Fulton County Farm Bureau and proprietor of Johnston Fruit Farms in Swanton, noted that strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries were ready for harvest sooner than expected, disrupting the traditional timing for u-pick customers. Mora emphasized the critical timing for harvesting to ensure the freshness of fruits, indicating the need to pick ripe strawberries immediately. Despite the early season challenges, Mora remains optimistic about the potential to salvage a good crop due to ongoing favorable weather and an abundance of green berries.
To address the early ripening, Mora leveraged social media to inform the community, which led to a significant increase in customer turnout. This response was crucial for the farm's sustainability, given the reliance on u-pick customers for harvesting and income.
Megan Perry of Carter's Produce and Farm Market in Wauseon also commented on the benefits of an early harvest, allowing for an extended season, though it poses challenges in managing planting schedules amid varying weather conditions. Mora further mentioned the potential impact of abnormal weather on crops still in development, such as apples, and advised consumers to stay in touch with local farmers for any necessary adjustments to picking schedules.
Source: ofbf.org