A cherry orchard located in Marlborough is managed through Caythorpe Family Estate, has been able to successfully weather a possible frosty weather event, providing that the outlook is positive for next harvest season. It was a cold day in Marlborough, with temperatures falling to 1.3C in the early hours of Friday. There was some areas of snow but the estate’s own cherry harvest was not affected. Simon Bishell, the estate’s proprietor, highlighted the absence of frost on the orchard that covers four hectares while he is preparing for the cherry harvest which is set to start in the coming week.

Bishell as the fifth generation of the Caythorpe Family Estate, acknowledged the difficulties that late-November cold snaps that have occurred in the past. Bishell outlined the emergency measures that are available to orchardists, such as using fans as well as helicopters to prevent damage from frost. This season has proven ideal for the cultivation of cherries despite the risks inherent to it including rain, high temperatures, and activity from birds which can affect the crop in a negative way.

The favorable climate in Marlborough for the growth of cherries reflects its success in wine production, benefiting from warm, hot and dry weather. Bishell stressed the significance of the weather during the time of flowering to ensure the best fruit set. The production of cherries is dependent on the pollination of honey bees. The blooming time in Caythorpe generally occurs from mid- into mid-September. The harvest about 75 days after and lasting about three or four weeks. The quality assessment includes examining the color, size, and the sugar content of cherries using a refractometer to ensure precision.

Caythorpe cherries range from ripe dark red to more ripe, yellow versions and the highest point of the trees producing the most ripe, largest fruit due to more sunlight exposure. measures like protecting the bird netting of the orchard is used to shield the fruits from damage caused by birds and rain. The production of the estate is primarily for wholesale markets. They account for 80percent of its sales and 20% of the cherries are sold directly to the consumer. Its workforce is comprised of six full-time employees. They are supplemented with as many as 10 seasonal employees during summer time, typically comprising university students during break.

Bishell was astonished by the dramatic decrease in the acreage of cherry orchards in Marlborough in the last three decades, which has reduced from more than hundred hectares, to presently no over 25-30 per cent. Bishell estimated the Marlborough share of the New Zealand’s cherries orchards at 3 percent which is a significant amount, with Otago leading the field with 95% as well as Hawke’s Bay accounting for the remaining 2.2%.

Source: Stuff