By Callum Ludwig
The heavy rainfall we are continuing to see across the Yarra Ranges is posing a risk to some of our freshest fruits and juiciest berries.
Some of the early harvest varieties of berries have had to be pushed back due to the recent weather conditions, with pickers unable to pick the wet fruit at the risk of damaging it.
Owner of Jay Berries Jon Stewart said from every farmer’s point of view, most of the challenges this year have been related to the wet season.
“We’ve got issues with wet soils, which are creating rots and delaying harvests. For example, I might decide that this week I need to start picking red currants, but at the moment I can’t be sure if they will be ready this week or the week after, whereas previously it has been far more predictable,” he said.
“At least this year, we haven’t got problems with casual workers, we find that with the influx of tourists looking for visa extensions then I’m getting plenty of inquiries which is welcome after the last two years. Only problem is I can’t now guarantee them a full week’s work.”
Jay Berries also offers U-Pick, where visitors can visit the farm and pick their own fruit off of the trees, which is also slowed down by poor weather as people stay inside or seek shelter.
Mr Stewart said his crops can suffer a day or so of rain before problems start to develop.
“This week we’ve had fine weather, then a few showers coming through which is not a big issue, but some fruit can’t be picked wet, definitely strawberries. After one day, you might notice chip damage which downgrades them from first-grade to second-grade fruit,” he said.
“With strawberries, you notice two things happen. The direct contact of the rain on the soft flesh makes the flesh break down and just go to pulp. Secondly, the flavour is not there when it rains, even the fruit that ripens we need the sunshine to increase the sugars.”
