As we approach the peak of strawberry season, Springfield strawberry farmer, Trey Harris said it’s been a tough year so far weather-wise. He said production is down from this time last year, but the current unseasonably warm temps are speeding things up.
“But I see a lot of blooms, a lot of green fruit coming really strong right now. We’ve just to go put everything in God’s hands and hope that we can get some really sunny days like today and cold nights so we don’t just get overflooded with berries right now,” said Harris.
Harris said highs in the 80s and lows in the 70s are causing a growth spurt among strawberries.
And while you might assume strawberry farmers welcome rain, Harris said they are able to control water consumption, and too much water and fog at this point can affect the taste of strawberries.
“We really don’t want rain at all, we don’t want any rain on the strawberries because it’s going to make them taste like water,” said Harris.
Harris said inflation has impacted farmers with increased labor, plant, and fertilizer costs. He said its vital residents support locally grown berries now more than ever.
“That’s why it’s very important that the people in Louisiana buy strawberries from all of us local farmers. We only have a few Louisiana strawberry… maybe 15 farmers left,” said Harris.
The peak of Louisiana strawberry season is March, April, and May. Harris said in addition to buying locally grown berries, residents should support the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival April 14-16, 2023.
Comments