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MISSISSIPPI STATE – Mississippi’s blueberry growers have found their thrill this spring as ideal weather conditions resulted in abundant, high quality fruit.
Mississippi growers saw blooms as early as January and fruit in February due to the warmer-than-usual winter, Porter said.
Typically, Florida and Georgia lead the nation in the production of early blueberries. This year’s crop losses in both states due to freezing temperatures provided an opportunity for Mississippi growers, said Eric Stafne, MSU Extension Service fruit and nut specialist.
Stafne said Southern highbush harvest began in early April and is now complete, and rabbiteye harvest began in late April to early May.
One challenge facing the state’s growers is finding enough labor to pick the crop.
Porter said several commercial blueberry growers in the southern half of the state account for the bulk of the acreage recorded.
Stafne has started a quarterly newsletter, a blog and a Twitter account to reach growers with timely information, including the discovery of an emerging disease issue affecting a few growers.
“The blueberry industry is strong, and with all of the research showing how good these berries are for humans, it’s an exciting time to part of the industry. Prices are strong for all markets right now, and I don’t see that stopping anytime soon,” Stafne said.
The seventh annual Red, White and Blueberry Festival will be in Ocean Springs on June 2. The fourth annual Blueberry Jubilee in Poplarville takes place June 9.