Heat wave good for some crops, not others
Prepare to pay more for produce
CAPE CORAL, Fla. - The Southwest Florida heat wave over the past few days is making some crops sweeter and others, more troublesome.
At Farmer Mike's U-Pick, owner Mike Clevinger says the hot sun has helped his crop.
"The production in Florida is up for sure this season because of the warm temps," he said.
Clevinger says the recent heat, coupled with a cold snap awhile back, made the plants grow quicker and produce more berries.
"We haven't seen much ill-effect from it," he said. "The berries are sweeter than ever."
But the heat is producing headaches for some citrus farmers.
Orange trees have started blossoming in some places, which doesn't normally happen until March. The fear is that if we get a freeze, those crops will be damaged or destroyed.
Even if you're buying berries, farmers say you'll pay more this winter. They say blame supply and demand nationwide, just don't blame the Florida sun.
"California's having a tough time right now with their growing season, so that will affect the market price for strawberries," he said.
Colleen Hogan, reporter
chogan@jrn.com
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