Farmers in New Hampshire are navigating the challenges brought on by one of the wettest Mays on record, causing disruptions in their planting schedules as the strawberry harvesting season approaches. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, this past May was the fourth-wettest in the state’s history, leading to a tough transition for many growers.
Olivia Saunders, a Fruit and Vegetable Production Field Specialist at the University of New Hampshire, reported that farmers are struggling to move their plants from greenhouses to the fields. “The plants aren’t thriving as much as they should and aren’t growing as much as we’d like them to at this point of the year,” she noted.
The weather’s impact has made farmers more cautious, with many realizing the extent to which conditions can rapidly shift, both year to year and day to day. Bob Frizzell, owner of Peachblow Farm, mentioned that while he’s managed the rainfall relatively well, the heavy precipitation has delayed some of his usual activities. The delayed start to cutting straw and the challenge of applying fungicides due to rain washing them away are fresh hurdles this year.
Reflecting on previous years, some farmers still recall the heavy storms of 2023 that resulted in significant crop losses. James Beaver, co-owner of Generation Farm, expressed concerns that another series of storms could lead to severe failures in their crops. However, not all farmers are troubled by the rain; Luke Mahoney from Brookford Farm has sandy soil that thrives with moisture, and despite acknowledging limits to the rain, he has generally welcomed it.
Liza DeGenring, a specialist in food and agriculture at the University of New Hampshire, also pointed out that damp conditions foster plant diseases like apple scab. She encouraged the community to support local farms more than ever, especially as rainy weekends have hampered sales from markets and stands.
Despite the challenging weather, positive developments are evident. At Sunnycrest Farm, owner Danny Hicks celebrated a bountiful strawberry season, noting that many bright-red strawberries were ripe and ready for picking. Visitors like Katie Johnson shared their joyful traditions, making strawberry shortcakes, which adds a delightful atmosphere to the farm, promoting family connections and community support.
The overall sentiment among local farmers reflects a mix of cautious optimism and determination. With ongoing community support and resilience against the weather, there’s still potential for a fruitful season despite the rainfall. The importance of local farms in providing fresh produce and fostering community engagement cannot be overstated, especially during these weather-affected times.