AN unseasonably wet winter and dry spring last year produced a bumper season for many of the North East's cherry farmers, however, this year has proven to be a rocky start with late frosts putting some cherry farmers on the back burner.
Eldorado Orchards owner Paul Dahlenburg said the local crop was running behind by two weeks as early varieties have been hit hard by October frosts causing delays.
Overnight temperatures dropped below zero up to mid-October and created crop damage to the Eldorado orchard.
A lack of rainfall compounded delays, however, Paul is optimistic cherries will make it on time for the Christmas dinner table.
He first planted cherries in the region 20 years ago and now runs the business with daughter Jessee.
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Paul said he was pleased with how the orchard's six cherry varieties are progressing with a strong yield set to be harvested this season that will extend into early next year.
His crop, situated along Eldorado–Wangaratta Road near Londrigan, is one of a number of local orchards gearing up for Christmas with picking to commence in a couple of weeks.
Jessee, who manages the orchard, is also highly optimistic for a good season despite delays due to unseasonal weather.
“This year has proven to be a very different season in comparison to last year,” she said.
“Our season will be starting later than usual due to our loss of early fruit and will end up being a shorter season than usual as a reflection of the months leading up to now.
“The later varieties are looking very good, and we will have plenty of fruit on offer for those preparing for Christmas time.
“We have small amounts left of early fruit, however, other varieties will ramp up for picking by late November to early December.
“Cherries are only a couple of weeks away from picking which means they'll arrive on time at the Christmas dinner table or just a summer treat.
“We have a new variety of cherry called Earlise which is an early variety that still produces a large, sweet fruit.
“The other variety we have is called Merchant which is picked in early December."
Cherries at Christmas time is a unique Southern Hemisphere tradition as the Australian cherry season coincides with the holiday season, so cherries feature in Australian Christmas desserts and on many Christmas tables.
Cherries are not only delicious, they are packed with vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds with powerful health effects.
“From now on in, the quality and size of the fruit comes down to rainfall which is heavily relied on to produce the highest quality for the consumer,” Jessee said.
“Everything comes down to timing, this industry can swing either way, however, we remain optimistic that the run home to Christmas will be a good one.”
The Australian cherry season lasts for about 100 days in spring and summer.
In Victoria, most cherries are harvested between mid-November and the end of January.
