By Andi Anderson
Unpredictable weather conditions in Michigan are creating serious challenges for cherry farmers. Recent reports from Michigan State University Extension show that fluctuating temperatures, frost, and rainfall may harm this year’s cherry crop.
In recent weeks, temperatures in northwest Michigan have varied greatly, ranging from the mid-80s to below freezing. These sudden changes can damage cherry blossoms and reduce the time available for pollination, which is essential for fruit development.
Nikki Rothwell from MSU Extension explained that weather plays a key role in bee activity. "Bees like to fly when it's above 60 degrees and it's sunny," Rothwell said. "It's just been really hard for those stars to align and to get that right temperature for bees." Rainstorms and strong winds have further limited bee movement, making pollination even more difficult.
In addition to weather challenges, the timing of bloom is important. Flowers must be at the right stage to successfully receive pollen. Rothwell noted that this year has been unusual. "This year it seems really like a start and stop or kind of a mishmash of temperatures," Rothwell said. "So, the bees are playing catch up or the flowers are moving through that, senescence process really quickly because it's so hot."
Farmers are also working hard to protect their crops from frost. In Antrim County, growers have used frost fans to protect blossoms. These machines mix warm and cold air to prevent damage. Juliette McAvoy from King Orchards said the fans were used much more often this year. "Last year we only ran it one night," McAvoy said. "It's really tough on my brother and Dad and uncle who are up in the middle of the night turning on those fans and then refueling them every few hours."
Running these fans is costly, with expenses reaching up to $400 per hour. While early frost did not hit trees at full bloom in some areas, repeated cold events could still reduce the final crop. "That's a really good thing," McAvoy said. "However, just the number of those cold events could really chip away at the final crop."
The full impact will only be known after pollination and fruit set. Some regions, especially in southern Michigan, may experience more damage. "We think that west central and southwest Michigan have a lot more damage, a lot more crop loss than we do here in northern Michigan," McAvoy said.
In recent years, cherry farmers have already faced challenges such as rising costs and changing weather. "The returns to growers has been very low," McAvoy said. "That's what we're hoping for, good pollination and then that the fruit actually sets."
Overall, the future of this season’s cherry crop remains uncertain, as farmers wait for better weather and successful pollination.
Photo Credit: pixabay-couleur
Categories: Michigan, Crops