The extended summer season in Estonia has resulted in a remarkable yield of cranberries, especially notable within the nation's numerous bogs. Experienced cranberry pickers have noted the exceptional nature of this year's crop, with some stating they have not seen anything comparable in their picking history.
The typical emergence of cranberries, usually in early June, has been delayed to early fall this year, possibly due to the unusually warm temperatures experienced in May. Additionally, the precipitation levels have been conducive to not only a larger quantity but also a larger size of cranberries.
Kristel Vilbaste, a nature writer with almost six decades of cranberry picking experience, expressed her astonishment at this year's bounty, remarking on the ubiquity of cranberries in every direction and the potential for picking to continue until the onset of frost, and possibly even into the next spring, energy permitting.
One picker highlighted the ease of this season's harvest, managing to fill a small bucket in roughly 10 minutes, a testament to the dense cranberry population in the bogs. Elli, another picker, reported collecting over 15 liters of cranberries, underscoring the abundance.
With the increase in people heading to the forests and bogs for cranberry picking, the Rescue Board has seen a rise in activity. Vilbaste recommends pickers to stay aware of their surroundings and wear appropriate footwear for the boggy conditions to ensure safety during their foraging activities. Raivo, picking at the Laeva bog, echoed the sentiment of abundance, inviting anyone interested to partake in the harvest.
Besides cranberries, the summer has been favorable for other agricultural yields as well, including potatoes, corn, and alfalfa, marking a successful season overall for Estonia's agriculture
Source: ERR