Peach growers optimistic about harvest outlook if no more freezes occur

"The peach crop is in very good shape. We aren't out of the woods yet, but we remain hopeful there will be a good peach crop." - David Parker Clemson University Extension Agent Peach growers are optimistic about harvesting a full crop after surviving this spring's recent cold snap.

Peach farmers harvested only about 10 percent of their 2007 peach crop after a late Easter freeze damaged peach trees left exposed to the elements. This year's peach trees are still in good shape.

Cherokee County peach farmer Kline Cash has grown peaches on orchards near the Spartanburg/Cherokee county line since 1965. The peach trees were planted by his grandfather more than 80 years ago.

"Everything's looking good. We aren't showing any cold weather coming in from Canada," Cash said. "It looks like we are going to have a good peach crop this year."

Peaches require 600 to 1,100 chill hours of temperatures below 45 degrees to ensure a good crop. Peaches can be damaged by cold weather once the trees begin blooming.

Peach growers will know more about the health of their peach crops within the next month. Frost damage to peaches has occurred as late as April 23.

Cash, Dennis Jolly and James Cooley are among area growers that still work a significant amount of peach orchard land in Cherokee County. Peach growers will begin harvesting their crops in late May.

Local peach farmers could pick a full crop this year provided the county avoids cold weather the next couple of weeks, Clemson Extension Agent David Parker said.

"The peach crop is in very good shape," Parker said. "We aren't out of the woods yet, but we remain hopeful there will be a good peach crop. You are never in the clear until the fruit's in the basket."

The state's peach crop value has averaged between $20 million and $30 million in the past few years because of droughts and inclement weather, according to the South Carolina Peach Council.

Inclement weather has caused many farmers to reduce peach acreage and diversify over the years.

"I don't farm as many peach acres as I used to," Cash said.

Cooley also grows 75 acres of strawberries on his Strawberry Hill USA farm in Chesnee. Cash has grown strawberries for 20 years.

"I am very excited about the strawberry crop," Cash said. "This is one of the best looking strawberry crops I've had."