Weather extremes challenging for orchardists
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Weather events continue to challenge orchardists in the Okanagan; from last summer’s heat dome, an unusual cold snap this winter, and a very wet spring. All events have impacted this years cherry harvest.
“There is some thought that the heat dome caused some damage, and then cold weather in the winter did some of the buds in. There is still crop out there, but it is later,” B.C. Fruit Growers General Manager Glen Lucas said. “The rains have been challenging for sure, so people are spending extra dollars on that.”
Okanagan residents near orchards couldn’t miss helicopters make low passes to blow water off the fruit. This is done to prevent splitting from excess moisture being absorbed by the fruit. According to the B.C. Cherry Association, helicopter use for this purpose can cost over $1,000 per hour. For detailed information on the use of helicopters in orcharding view the report at this link.
Images courtesy of B.C. Cherry Association
