Frost and hail spoil strawberry harvest in the Ulm area!

Frost and hail spoil strawberry harvest in the Ulm area!

In the district of Neu-Ulm, the current harvest Situation ensures concerned faces. Alexandra Zott, the operator of the Zott Obsthof in Senden-Hittistetten, has commented on the situation. "2023 is not a strawberry year" is her sobering judgment. On about 40 hectares of strawberry fields, which are managed to pick themselves at eleven locations, two frost nights in May and a storm with hail of the harvest made a lot of creating. Zott does not want to give any concrete figures for losses, but the losses are considerable [Augsburg general reported] (https://www.augsburger-allgemeine.de/neu-ulm/landkreis-neu-ulm-ist-kein-erdbeer-Hagel-und-frost -zerstoeren-felder-im-kreis-neu-ulm-109213221).

But not only in the Neu-Ulm district, the harvest in the current season is affected by the weather conditions. The situation is better in other regions, but there are also challenges here. Carmen Stefanie Kaps, Managing Director of the Saxony & Saxony-Anhalt fruit building association, describes that frost and hail damage in her region can only be recorded to a small extent. It sees a positive effect on the fruit harvest in the rainy days. Kaps expresses the desire for optimal weather: "We need both sunshine as well as occasional rain and moderate temperatures," she explains. Extreme weather events such as hail or heavy rain should be avoided, because these can quickly harm the harvest. This year, the association expects a harvest of around 80,000 tons of fruit-a clear increase compared to the previous year, when only 10,000 tons could be harvested MDR reported.

A look at the harvesting conditions

In the fields of the cistern courtyard Zott, the concern for harvesting becomes noticeable. The failures not only affect the Zott family, but also the regional customers: inside, which are often dependent on fresh fruit from the surrounding area. "It is important that the prices are fair and the customers come from the region," emphasizes Kaps, because the regional fruit growers know about the value of their work and the quality of their products. This is particularly important in times like this.

The desire for a stable weather climate runs through all producers. While Kaps speaks of optimal conditions, Zott's experiences show how fragile the situation actually is. A good knack in choosing the right varieties and trust in the weather are central factors that can decide on success or failure.

Overall, it should be noted that 2023 is characterized by challenges for fruit growing in the Neu-Ulm district. While some hope for better weather, others have to deal with the losses already suffered. It remains to be seen how the rest of the season will go and whether the weather conditions turn for the positive.