RICHLAND, Wash. – We’ve seen some wet days this spring, which may suit our lawns and plants, but it could be better for cherry farmers.
According to Washington State University, the rain can damage cherries and cause them to crack. Ray French Orchard is seeing the impact of this winter’s cold weather on their crops.
Robin French, the Orchard Manager, said the orchard grows mainly Rainier cherries, but they also have Benton cherries. The Rainier cherry is the most popular.
The size of the crops this year is average compared to last year. According to French, in 2023, the cherry crop was heavy, but last year’s harvest had less flavor than this year’s.
French said they started doing you-pick cherries back in the 1980s. Even though the crop is lighter, the orchard still sees quite a few people picking cherries.
“It’s been really good,” French said. “We get a lot of young families with little kids, and I like to see the little kids come out. They’re always chattering. They’re happy.”
The French family built the orchard in 1960, which was initially sagebrush, according to French. They grow cherries, peaches, and apples.
With summer starting today, the cherry harvest is in full swing, and so is fire season.
French tells me he’s got underground sprinklers that could hold the fire back for a time.
French said while fires are a concern, they are most worried about having enough water to last throughout the summer.
“The Trees, when they get older, can take some droughts somewhat,” said French. “The ones that don’t take it good are the little babies we plant.”
French said there have been times when he’s taken a sprayer and watered the younger cherry trees to keep them alive.
The Ray French Orchard, located at 921 Harvest Lane PR NE in Richland, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 in the morning until 5:30 in the evening.
