In Massachusetts, the onset of the season at Clarkdale Fruit Farms has been marked by colder and wetter conditions than usual. According to Ben Clark, the proprietor of the Deerfield-based farm, the cooler temperatures are not entirely detrimental as they decelerate the growth of fruit trees, thereby reducing the risk of frost damage. So Clark is not worried about cold weather just yet.
However, excessive rainfall introduces significant obstacles, notably in delaying early-season agricultural tasks and increasing the susceptibility of crops to diseases. Clark highlighted that the farm's diverse produce, including apples, peaches, pears, plums, and grapes, faces threats from fungal pathogens due to prolonged soil saturation.
The previous year's record rainfall in Massachusetts inflicted considerable damage on local agriculture, with Clarkdale Fruit Farms experiencing severe losses from late-season frost events. These conditions resulted in the destruction of all peach buds and a substantial decrease in apple and pear yields. Despite these challenges, the farm remained operational, aided by disaster relief funds from the state. Looking ahead, Clark maintains a hopeful outlook for the upcoming harvest, notwithstanding ongoing concerns about wet weather.
Source: spectrumnews1.com