It's time to review what happened last season in order to implement management practices that will improve crop load, fruit quality and pack-out this season.
Factors to consider
Weather
There was less extreme heat during harvest in most cherry growing regions last season.
Excess rain at the wrong time was an issue leading to rain induced cracking; extreme winds led to the buffeting of cherries and bruising on the skin.
Pollination
Were there varieties that failed to crop last season?
Was that because of poor pollination, bad weather during critical blossom time, or a lack of bees?
Soil moisture
It is important to check soil moisture during the growing season, starting before flowering if conditions are dry, and monitoring right through to harvest and beyond.
Chill hours
Keeping track of the chill hours or chill units is important to help predict crop potential closer to fruit set.
If you do not have your own weather station, click onto the BOM website and find your nearest weather station, and search for chill hours in your district.
Some Landcare groups have weather stations that can be accessed by members, as do some Catchment Management Authorities for their constituents.
Pests
Is damage from pests a problem in your area?
Birds, deer and fruit bats like to share in your good work. If they are a constant problem consider taking action to minimize the damage.
Action
Identify affordable changes to your operation that could improve your production and pack out. For example:
Netting will reduce wind damage and pest damage. Think about covering a block and consider this: pack-outs may improve by a percentage that would fund the leasing of the net over a period of years.
Seek government funding if applicable.
Rain covers minimize cracking damage. If you are in an area that suffers regularly, seriously consider installing rain covers; and seek funding. However, if damage becomes untenable think about relocating or even retiring from growing cherries.
The technology involved with soil moisture monitoring and weather stations has improved and they are now cheaper and easier to operate.
Do some searching on-line or check if your state cherry body has a sponsor interested in your side of the industry and get on board.
Cherry quality and your bottom line
Remember that cherry quality is what drives customer satisfaction, and that any improvement in pack out will be reflected in your bottom line.
The above are worth considering while on the tractor, or sitting in your office on a wet day.
See this article in Tree Fruit May 2021
