Raspberry harvest is underway in the Pacific Northwest. The crop looks to be about average, but the concern is focused on the predicted heat wave to hit our area. There is also concern over the lack of rain the last 3 weeks, and no rain predicted for the next 7-10 days. These two factors will put strain on the canes, and greatly reduce yields. Some berries were already beginning to look shriveled up before the latest round of extreme weather. Excessive heat causes the berries to lose moisture and stick to the inside core of the berry. This makes machine picking very difficult, as the berry will stay stuck on the plant, and not end up being harvested.
