In southeastern Massachusetts, the cranberry harvest is in full swing as farmers work diligently to gather the vibrant pinkish crimson berries from their bogs. The process involves workers wading through the water, guiding the cranberries towards a pump that collects them for transportation to a processing plant. There, the berries are sorted from leaves and vines to be made into various products like sauce, juice, and dried berries.
The cranberry plants, native to wetland areas, begin growing in May and are ready for harvest by September. Farmers flood the bogs, use picking machines to shake the berries loose, and then add more water to allow the cranberries to float to the surface for collection.
This year has been a successful one for cranberry growers, with an expected production of 2.2 million barrels in Massachusetts alone. Despite challenges such as trade wars and fluctuating prices, farmers have persevered, with some diversifying their operations by incorporating solar panels around their bogs.
Climate change poses a new obstacle for cranberry farmers, as rising temperatures and prolonged heatwaves impact the plants' growth. The Massachusetts Cranberries group has warned of a potentially lower harvest due to the changing climate conditions, with hotter days and warmer nights affecting the cranberry plants' development.
Massachusetts, the second-largest cranberry producing region in the U.S. after Wisconsin, has a rich history in cranberry cultivation dating back to the 1800s. Despite the industry's challenges, farmers like Steve Ward remain committed to adapting to the evolving landscape and ensuring the continued success of cranberry production in the region.
