Cherry Picking

Since strawberries are coming in, it will not be long before the cherries are ready to be picked.  Cherry picking is generally more fun than harvesting other fruit.  This could be because the trees are larger so there is a lot more shade when we are working.  I personally like picking cherries because we are usually high in the tree and not on the ground.  For picking we use what we call “diving boards” which are ladders on wheels with a platform about 12 feet in the air.  These are great for getting cherries on the outside of the trees, but for the inside I feel that there is no better way than to just climb up and get what you can.  I have been climbing these trees on the farm since I can ever remember and can get up or down (especially when I slip) rather quickly.  It is almost comfortable to lean against the trunk and pick like you are sitting down.  It is also a lot easier on your feet at the end of the day because we do not have to stand.  I also look forward to cherry season because it is very easy to put three in your bucket, and four in your mouth.