Massachusetts farmers expect record cranberry harvest despite climate challenges

Cranberry farmers in the US state Massachusetts Despite facing weather-related difficulties, a strong harvest is expected this year. As the second-largest cranberry-producing state after Wisconsin, Massachusetts is projected to yield 2.2 million barrels this year, up 12% from last year.
Farmers are currently harvesting cranberries by flooding their bogs and using machines to loosen the berries from the vines. The floating berries will then be collected and sent to processing plants.
Massachusetts has about 300 cranberry bogs covering about 14,000 acres.
Steve Ward, a second-generation cranberry grower, expects to harvest 15,000 to 20,000 barrels this year, his best yield in three years. “The season has been very good this year. We’ve had a pretty good crop,” said Ward. It supplies about 80% of its crops to Ocean Spray.
However, farmers are facing the effects of climate change, including extended dry periods and higher temperatures. “We’ve had some challenges with some hot weather and the longest dry spell we’ve ever had,” explained Ward. “We’re stringing together more 90-degree (32 degrees Celsius) days. Cranberry plants don’t like that kind of weather. Our average temperature, especially at night, is high. Cranberries need cooler temperatures at night.”
Despite these challenges, the industry continues to adapt. Some farmers have diversified by installing solar panels, and Ward is considering adding floating solar installations to his water sources. The cranberry industry in Massachusetts, which dates back to the 19th century, has faced challenges in the past such as trade wars and price fluctuations.