BBC News Reports: Fruit Farms Flourish in Unseasonable Heat
A warm and sunny spell has brought forward the strawberry harvest at Clive’s Fruit Farm in Upton-upon-Severn, Worcestershire, with the first pick of the season taking place on Wednesday. According to the farm’s owner, Charlie Clive, the hot weather has helped the strawberries flourish nearly a month ahead of schedule.
Speaking to BBC News, Mr Clive said: "It could be a bumper crop. It’s perfect weather for a fruit farm. This year has been so much easier and better. Last year we were still in mud and puddles at this time." The farm, which has been in operation for 35 years, also produces raspberries, cherries, plums, apples, and pears.
The unseasonable heat has allowed the farm to bring forward its fruit picking schedule, with the possibility of opening for pick-your-own weekends as early as May. Typically, fruit picking starts at the beginning of June, but Mr Clive hopes to be able to open to visitors for a couple of weekends in May.
Farmers’ fortunes can be heavily influenced by the weather, and Mr Clive is keen not to jinx the season. However, he is optimistic about the prospects for this year’s harvest. "I’d love to tell you how [the first strawberry] tasted but I can’t because my colleague got in there first!" he said.
The farm’s fields are covered to protect the crops from extreme weather conditions, and it is "absolutely sweltering" under the covers, according to BBC News.
The hot weather is a welcome change for farmers in the region, who have experienced difficult conditions in recent years. As BBC News reported, last year’s weather was particularly challenging, with many farms affected by flooding and cold temperatures.
Charlie Clive and his team at Clive’s Fruit Farm are now eagerly anticipating the start of the picking season, which they hope will be a successful one. With the hot weather set to continue in the coming weeks, it looks like it could be a fruitful summer for the farm.
The farm’s early start to the season is a positive sign for the local economy, with many rural businesses relying on tourism and agricultural production to generate income. As the summer months approach, BBC News will continue to monitor the progress of Clive’s Fruit Farm and other rural businesses in the region.
In related news, many farmers are experiencing an early start to the growing season, with some reporting increased yields and improved crop quality. According to industry experts, the warm weather is likely to continue, bringing benefits to farmers and the wider economy.
The story was first reported by the BBC and is continuing to generate interest among farmers and rural communities.
