By Blake Jackson
The Wisconsin Cranberry Research Station is a unique public/private partnership between Wisconsin’s cranberry growers, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service and UW-Madison Extension. The station is used to research all aspects of cranberry growing, with a focus on helping growers grow a better crop.
The station is managed by Wade Brockman, a third-generation cranberry grower. Brockman said that the biggest misconception about cranberries is that they grow in water. While water management is an important aspect of cranberry growing, cranberries are not aquatic plants.
The cranberry harvest process has changed significantly since Brockman was a child. In the past, cranberries were picked by hand and then floated to a central location. Today, cranberries are harvested by machine and then pumped to a processing plant.
This year's drought has had a positive impact on the cranberry crop. Brockman said that the dry weather has allowed growers to control their moisture levels and produce a high-quality crop.
The Wisconsin Cranberry Research Station is a hub for innovation in the cranberry industry. The station is helping growers to grow better crops and to stay ahead of the curve.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-eugenesergeev
Categories: Wisconsin, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables