Strawberry farmers expecting lower crop yield because of extreme drought

CATAWBA, NC — Much needed rain starting on Wednesday will be a welcomed relief for farmers.

The drought has caused a lower yield for many and forced other farmers to hold off on planting. However, for the strawberry industry it’s caused a whole different problem.

This was Austin Hirsch’s first year growing strawberries at his family owned business in Catawba. He called it a trial by fire.

Peak picking should have been the last couple of weeks. But mother natures had other plans this season. Above average heat and extremely dry conditions sped up the timeline.

“We were picking April 8th or 9th. We came out 4 or 5 days later and I’m telling you, the whole field was a sea of red,” explained Hirsch.

That unexpected growth left Bumble Berry Farms with a supply they couldn’t keep up with. Instead of letting it go to waste, Hirsch and his family donated more than 1,500 pounds of fruit that went to 15 organizations in 6 counties.

The final wave of strawberries are coming through now.

“If we can continue to see some cool weather, get a little bit of break and a little bit of rain, these strawberries should continue to keep producing,” said Hirsch.

Hirsch said like other strawberry farmers in our area, this year’s yield will be much lower than expected. Yet, the small business has no intentions of raising prices to increase profits.

“Diesel costs are so high, fertilizer costs are so high, that coupled with lower yields could really, you know, mean disaster for a lot of farms,” explained Hirsch.

A spokesperson for the North Carolina Department of Agriculture tells WCCB that several farmers have delayed planting crops like tobacco and soybeans.

They say it’s too early to tell what impacts the drought will have on crop totals.