Minnesota Berries Survive Spring

ST. PAUL - Jun 16/08 - SNS -- Berry crops in southern Minnesota and the Twin Cities Metro area have survived the spring and will soon be ready to open for pick-your-own berry customers, with farms in the northern part of the state expected to be open one to two weeks later than their southern Minnesota counterparts.

Although Minnesota's cool spring weather means that most berry farms are opening a week or two later than usual, early indications are that the strawberry crop is a very good one, according to Thaddeus McCamant, specialty crop instructor at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls.

"Strawberries like cool weather,” said McCamant. "So while this weather has delayed the bloom, it is the best crop I've seen in a long time and pretty uniform across the regions."

Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) marketing specialist Paul Hugunin emphasizes that the late start means the season will likely extend later than usual.

"In most years, metro area strawberry picking is winding down by July 4, but this year that will be peak picking time, with excellent strawberry picking after the holiday as well. The best advice is always to call the farm or visit its website to verify picking conditions and hours," Hugunin said. "Picking conditions can vary from farm to farm and change from day to day depending on the weather, field conditions, and varieties."

Hugunin says blueberries and summer-bearing raspberries typically ripen near the end of strawberry season.