Southwest region embarks on cherry picking season - Southwestern region's cherry gathering season
Current Southwest Cherry Harvest Commences
Fruit growers in the southwest, particularly in the Baden region around Offenburg, have initiated the cherry harvest. While some frost damage has been reported in specific areas, the overall sentiment remains positive.
Kathrin Walter-Zeller, managing director of the Baden-Württemberg Association of Fruit Growers, expressed satisfaction with the ongoing cherry harvest. Regions such as Ortenau, Neckar Valley, and Lake Constance are expected to follow suit.
Last year, the southwest celebrated a bountiful cherry harvest, with 17,800 tons of sweet cherries and 3,900 tons of sour cherries. This marked an increase of over 30 percent for sweet cherries compared to 2023.
As harvest season approaches, some areas are preparing for the U-Pick cherry harvest, which is slated to begin as early as June 14th.
The Baden region has been affected by frost damage in certain areas, but the extent of this damage varies across the region. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on the cherry harvest, residents and visitors are encouraged to consult local agricultural reports or extension services.
Data on the 2023 cherry harvest is not comparable to the 2022 harvest, as specific production numbers were not provided. However, broader trends in the U.S. cherry market may provide some context, such as the California cherry crop, which has been impacted by rain damage during bloom, resulting in reduced yields. Conversely, the Washington cherry crop is expected to increase this year.
In Northwest Michigan, the cooler and wetter weather conditions might affect cherry production across the region. While similar conditions might be expected in Southwest Michigan, specific forecasts are not yet available.
- To ensure a harmonious coexistence during the cherry harvest, the community policy should emphasize road safety, considering the increased agricultural traffic in the Baden region.
- As homeowners welcome the U-Pick cherry harvest, they might want to modify their home-and-garden lifestyle to accommodate the seasonal increase in visitors.
