FOND DU LAC – Sun, berries and jam — what could be better? Strawberry season is back throughout Wisconsin, but only for a short time.
Because of hot and humid weather the state has experienced of late, the crop has come in quickly and will go just as quickly.
“The weather is quickly ripening strawberries, which could mean a shorter-than-expected season,” Nature's Finest Foods of Oshkosh said on its website this week.
It's time again to head to the farm and pick those plump, red berries — filling the apartment to the absolute brim with strawberries.
“Last year's crop was OK. We faced a huge demand for strawberries due to a number of factors,” said Maggie Sudbrink, owner of Cuff Farms in Hortonville. “One is COVID-19 and people were looking for things to do and because there are fewer berry farms around.”
Strawberry picking rules — where to go and when
Whether you are a beginner or an old pro, the rules of strawberry picking are easy to follow.
Check the berry farm's social media or call them to make sure they haven't been picked or picked for the day. Hours may vary on different farms.
Once out at a local berry farm, head towards the marked strawberry areas. Be prepared to walk a bit to get to the field — although some farms include a hayride to the fields. Also, be prepared to get a little dirty and dress accordingly.
At the strawberry field, the staff will guide you through a row of the best strawberries for the whole family to pick. Be sure to stick to your row or rows.
After filling the strawberry to the brim, head back to the entrance to weigh your apartment. Then, before you know it, you'll have fresh strawberries to do anything from, like making decadent treats or thousands of jars of jam.
“Even with the COVID-19 pandemic last year, we're still seeing tremendous business and crops even after the mid-May freeze,” said Jason Fideler, the youngest son of the Kewaskum-area Fideler family. “This year's crop looks just as amazing, with the hot and humid weather opening a week earlier than last year.”
Strawberry picking can get pretty messy and time-consuming, but several farms offer pre-picked options.
“We have over 20 acres of strawberries ready for picking, we offer pick your own as well as pre-picked and wholesale strawberries,” said Blaser's Acres in Green Bay.
Prices and any other instructions related to COVID-19 may vary at different strawberry farms.
Nine places to pick strawberries this season
While there are dozens of farms in the state that offer pick-your-own or pre-picked berries, here are nine Northeast Wisconsin locations to consider when planning for strawberry season:
Fideler Farm, 2863 Ridge Road in Kewaskum, will reopen at 8 a.m. June 10. For more information, call 262-338-0494 or visit thefidelerfarm.com.
Nature's best foods, at 4902 County S in Oshkosh, opened limited strawberries June 7. Visit the farm by phone at 920-710-1325 or visit naturesfinestfoods.com.
Meuer Farm LLC, at N2564 US 151 in Chilton, you can be reached by email meuerfam@gmail.com.
Cuff Farms, in the N2299 Ledge Hill Road in Hortonville had severe frost damage to its crop resulting in very limited strawberry stock, but is open for picking. Contact the farm by phone at 920-779-4788 or visit cuffarms.com.
Blaser's Acres, in the 2556 School Lane in Green Bay, is now open and has strawberries, peas and many other treats. Contact the farm at 920-655-0483 or visit blasersacres.com/stawberries.
Kraynik's Berry Farm, at N3545 Church Road in Kewaunee, has not yet set the first day for strawberry picking season. For more information, call 920-606-6239 or find them on Facebook at facebook.com/krayniksbfg.
Berry Land, at 5810 Heimke Lane in Abrams, has asparagus and rhubarb, as well as strawberries in season. For updates, call 920-826-7297 or visit pickberryland.com/contact-us.
Roehrborn's Berry Patch, in the 10389 Pine Lane in Marshfield, has not yet set a date for the first day of strawberry picking season. For more information, call the farm at 715-384-4847 or follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/Roehrborns-berry-patch-473425032731990.
Engelberry Farm, in the N2591 State 107 in Merrill, open mornings only. Before heading to the farm, call 715-536-9091. For more information, visit 2berryfarms.com.
Is your favorite berry farm missing from this list? Contact Samantha Geiger at sgeiger@gannett.com to suggest additions. Follow her on Instagram at @Samantha.Geiger.
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