Last year, growers said, hot, dry weather caused the crop to ripen early. This year is on the late side. Many said they expect to be picking at least until July 4.
A sunny Father's Day weekend could look something like this. HADLEY — Everything was rosy at Lakeside Pick Your Own Farm in Hadley on Thursday. That is, until about quarter past 10. That’s when the skies began to open up, sending eager strawberry pickers packing.
“They picked about eight quarts,” said owner John Czjakowski.
Although the rain has kept U-pickers away for much of the week, sunny weather on Father's Day weekend would be a boon for growers.
“Last weekend was wonderful,” said Czajkowski. “The strawberry crop is actually very nice this year, as long as we can stay on top of it.”
If the forecast holds, Father's Day weekend will be perfect for worried strawberry growers. Richard LeBlanc, of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, said too much rain can damage the fruit, but it’s too early to panic.
“The skins are very sensitive,” he said. “They appreciate a combination of heat and water. With some warm days we’ll have some great strawberries coming in.”
Growers throughout the area echo LeBlanc’s sentiments.
“It’s an excellent crop,” said Gene Kosinski of Kosinski Farms in Westfield. “What we do need is for it to stop raining.”
Last year, growers said, hot, dry weather caused the crop to ripen early. This year is on the late side. Many said they expect to be picking at least until July 4.
“We’ve been kind of lucky,” said Michael Laflamme of Dickinson Farm in Granby. “The berries are on the green side, so we won’t lose so many.”