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US: Cool, wet spring delays Washington strawberry crop
As this cold, wet spring continues to deprive Whatcom County residents of much-desired sunlight, local farmers are becoming increasingly concerned about what this is doing to the crops. At this point Whatcom County berry farmers could get a decent - albeit smaller - harvest if the skies clear and temperatures rise in the coming weeks. "This is definitely a year for the record books," said Mike Boxx, who operates Boxx Berry Farms on Northwest Drive. He said they would normally be harvesting strawberries these days, but instead the berries are still green. "We believe we'll start getting a few ripe strawberries between June 15 and June 20."
Already feeling the impacts of a cold, damp spring are dairy and seed potatoes farmers. Many Whatcom dairy farmers haven't been able to get in a first cut of grass or silage, typically done in April. That may force farmers to pay for feed, which can be triple the cost of cutting grass. Since the ground has been so muddy, seed potato farmers haven't been able to use their equipment to plant, making it possible some varieties will be skipped this year.
Already feeling the impacts of a cold, damp spring are dairy and seed potatoes farmers. Many Whatcom dairy farmers haven't been able to get in a first cut of grass or silage, typically done in April. That may force farmers to pay for feed, which can be triple the cost of cutting grass. Since the ground has been so muddy, seed potato farmers haven't been able to use their equipment to plant, making it possible some varieties will be skipped this year.