Strawberry season starts as drought challenges NC farmers, some businesses
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Strawberry picking season is underway, but ongoing drought conditions are creating challenges for North Carolina farmers working to protect their crops.
Families flocked to Page Farms over the weekend, eager to fill buckets with bright red berries despite the heat.
"It's a good day to come out and pick fresh strawberries," said Danny Page of Page Farms. "We are loaded with strawberries - best pick of the year for y'all." The centuryold farm is known for its pumpkins in the fall and strawberries in the spring, but Page said this year's weather has been far from ideal.
"Any time the heat gets up and there's not a breeze, strawberries don't like that," he said. "So we pump water underneath the plastic to cool them down. That protects the bloom."
Visitors said they were grateful the farm was still able to produce a strong harvest. "There are so many red strawberries," said Raleigh resident Esha Solanki. "It's a little hot out here, but worth it. I think I'll make a smoothie out of it."
The drought has become so severe that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated 82 North Carolina counties as natural disaster areas. The designation makes farmers eligible for emergency loans and other relief programs.
Page Farms has its own water source, which has helped them stay afloat. "We're OK for right now if the drought stays," Page said. "But when it comes to this spring and summer, that's when we start worrying about water, when we start irrigating our corn and pumpkins."
Solanki said many families are hoping for relief soon.
"We're going to have to hope for some kind of big rain coming through," she said.
For now, the berries remain big, juicy and sweet - ready for parfaits, smoothies or snacking straight from the field.
Page encourages visitors to enjoy the season while it lasts.
"Put some sunscreen on and enjoy yourself," he said. "
