Unusually warm temperatures in February are one of the causes of an early blueberry harvest in Georgia this year. While there were two separate frost events in March, temperatures did not drop too low and producers were able to run irrigation for frost protection effectively. The quality is also expected to be very good. You can read more at Georgia Blueberries Expected Sooner Than Normal – Specialty Crop Industry.
Unfortunately, the frost hit Alabama producers harder, resulting in significant losses. Commercial growers in SW Alabama lost nearly all of their crop to the cold temperatures. Satsumas there also took a hard hit, resulting in up to 60% loss. You can read more at Freeze Aftermath: Alabama’s Blueberry Crop Devastated by March Event – Specialty Crop Industry.
