Fruit Crop Recovering After Unusual Spring

Manitoba's fruit crop is recovering after an unusual spring that featured both frost and heat warnings in a short period of time.

Anthony Mintenko, a fruit crop specialist with Manitoba Agriculture says there was frost damage on some of the strawberry crop.

He notes strawberry growers have irrigation, adding the recent rain was also welcome.

"Any rain we can get is welcome and a rain is always good for to help incorporate fertilizer. It was definitely needed."

Mintenko says the heat wave we're seeing now isn't usually seen until July.

He notes insects are starting to show up with the warmer weather, and control measures are underway.

Strawberry picking normally gets underway in late June/early July. Raspberries are early to mid-July, as are saskatoons.

Amy Hagerman, OSU Extension agricultural policy specialist, shares details about the upcoming application deadline for the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program. Hagerman explains who may be eligible for the program and encourages producers to review the requirements and submit their applications before the deadline to take advantage of available assistance.