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Strawberry growers look toward excellent season despite drynessEau ClaireAn excellent crop of strawberries is expected this year, according to Hunter Van Alstyne, president of the Wisconsin Berry Growers Association (WBGA).A long growing season last year encouraged strong healthy plants which should produce a bumper crop said Mr. Van Alstyne. He said new strawberry varieties enable growers to choose berries with larger size, good color, freezing qualities, and most important great flavor.Myra Hann. secretary of the WBGA, said most growers haveFair books available for Pepin exhibitorsDurandPepin County Junior Fair books and Open Class Fair books arc now available to the public.Exhibitors can pick up fair books and entry blanks at the L'W-Ex-tension Office in the Pepin Countyirrigation for frost protection, so have not had to worry about the dry weather She said the biggest fear was that the recent unseasonably hot weather would continue and cause the berries to ripen before they had reached their proper size. Ms. Hann said, however, the break in the heat last week had saved the crop.The strawberry season usually begins in early to mid-June depending on the weather, and may last anywhere from three to six weeks. Most growers in the surrounding counties say the crop will be ready for harvest by the weekend.The following are WBGA strawberry growers in the area surrounding Eau Claire:• Barbara and Richard Doane in Dunn County began picking last Friday and are now gearing up to full swing. The Doane’s have one acre of berries and do their own picking Barbara Doane said they are harvesting “the nicest berrieswe have ever had.”• Wally and Mary Schultz o' Menomonie, raise 10 acres of pick your-ownstrawberries. Mary Schultz said, “the crop is looking just fabulous,” and anticipates ripe her ries bv the weekend• Gary Becker of Elk Lake has a berry operation of close to two acres. The Beckers also predict their pick-your-own patch will be gin to ripen for the weekend• I amoine Heimstead of Eau Claire will have three acres of pick your-own berries this season, and are looking for the weekend to begin picking The Heimsteads are expanding their operation and plan for six acres next year.•John Weber of Durand has one acre of pick-your-own strawberries available• Charlotte s Bern Farm is pre dieting June 15. a later ripening date, for their strawberries. It is also a pick-your-own business.
Newspaper Details
Country Today
Eau Claire, Wisconsin, US
Wed, Jun 08, 1988
Page 67
Full Page
Clipped by
Jennifer P.
USA 28 Feb 2024
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Eau Claire Daily Argus
