Cherry Harvest Update Pt 1
With today’s Fruit Grower Report, I’m Bob Larson. Northwest cherry harvest is underway and things look pretty good … so far. The big question hanging over everyone right now is the record or near record high temps expected in many areas.
Northwest Cherry Grower’s President, BJ Thurlby says it’s concerning …
THURLBY … “We’re all nervous, for sure. And, we’re hoping we can keep the orchards cool and, you know, when it gets hot it’s really hard to even pick. I mean, you can’t really put much labor out there. And growers, if they are picking at all, it’s going to be four in the morning until eight in the morning, and then it’s done.”
But the fruit coming off the trees, Thurlby says looks really good …
THURLBY … “And, the fruit that’s coming out of the orchards right now, across Washington, Oregon, Utah, Idaho, Montana looks really good. So far, the growing weather overall, the fruit has got sugars and seems to have nice luster, and so the key will be trying to hold the line and keep the great fruit coming out of the orchards through this heat wave, and that’s going to be a challenge.”
As for consumers, Thurlby says it’s a good time for cherry lovers …
THURLBY … “Historically, as we roll into the Fourth of July window, pricing gets more favorable for the consumer and that’s just a trend. And, it’s because cherries are a big part of the Fourth of July holiday which is the number one produce sales holiday throughout the year. So, this is kind of our time to shine the next two weeks.”
Tune in tomorrow for more … on our tasty Northwest cherries.
