Wisconsin's strawberry season is in full swing, coinciding with a statewide drought that has divided the region into abnormally and moderately dry areas. Despite the challenging conditions, Laura Skelly, co-owner of Skelly Farm Market in Janesville, reports a bountiful harvest and overwhelming demand for their strawberries.
Skelly attributes the surge in popularity to the increased interest in u-pick experiences following the pandemic. However, the dry weather has necessitated extensive efforts from her family to maintain the crops. With little rainfall over the past month and a half, they have resorted to diligent irrigation, watering the fields every four to five days. Remarkably, this routine aligns with their standard practices even during more favorable seasons.
Skelly's confidence stems from their well-equipped farm, boasting a reliable irrigation system that alleviates concerns about the water scarcity. However, for farmers without such infrastructure, the ongoing drought poses a threat to the strawberry season, potentially resulting in a shorter harvest period or reduced crop yields.
The Skelly family's experience sheds light on the inherent challenges of strawberry farming. From uncovering the plants in spring to meticulous maintenance, cultivating picture-perfect rows of strawberries requires dedicated effort. Nonetheless, with proper irrigation, farmers like Skelly can mitigate the adverse effects of drought and ensure a successful season.
As Wisconsin's strawberry farmers navigate the unpredictable weather patterns, the divergent outcomes highlight the importance of investing in irrigation systems for sustainable agriculture. While some prosper due to their preparedness, others grapple with the implications of water scarcity.
As the strawberry season progresses, farmers across the state are relying on innovative techniques and resilient practices to deliver the beloved fruits to market shelves and satisfy the growing demand from eager consumers.
Categories: Wisconsin, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables