02/25/08 Looking Ahead

Looking Ahead. I'm Greg Martin with today's Fruit Grower Report. It's still early in the year but there seems to be quite a bit of optimism in the northwest fruit growers. Our old friend, Gip Redman who is Vice President of Field and Fresh Services for the Oregon Cherry Growers says things have been looking good. REDMAN: I have seen more optimism this year and it's very noticeable in the turnouts at a lot of the meetings. There were people that were smiling, there were more people that were attentive, there were more people attending. Mother Nature has been kind this winter and Redman says even though it's early, it looks like a good start. REDMAN: The fruit buds have had enough sleep and I think are beginning to make a move so that once they're started they won't stop. But if we can get some cooler weather in here or hold it the same they won't go too fast but if it gets balmy  60's or something like that which it can do, that will excite them pretty fast. There has been plenty of moisture over the winter to help out so that should be an issue. Gip cautions growers though to keep working even though you might think you are ahead. REDMAN: This is that time of year when growers feel pretty cocky they're ahead of things and things are looking good and they're probably starting some special programs  and tomorrow all of a sudden we're a month behind. So it's a weird transition period but it always happens. Tomorrow we talk to Gip about what issues growers will face and look into the future of the fruit industry. That's today's Fruit Grower Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Northwest Ag Information Network.