Researcher: Midwestern Growers Should Consider Adding Blackberries
August 20, 2013 With new production techniques and more winter-hardy varieties, blackberries have become an option for growers to add, says Gary Gao, Ohio State University Extension specialist and associate professor of small fruit crops at the Ohio State University South Centers.
Gao will speak on Sept. 18 during the Farm Science Review held Sept. 17-19 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London, OH.
“The demand for blackberries has exploded in recent years thanks to consumers who covet the tiny sweet fruits for their many health benefits,” Gao said.
Gao noted that the challenge to growing blackberries in the Midwest has been the lack of winter-hardy varieties.
“But in the last five to seven years, warming weather trends in Ohio have increased the potential for higher yields in blackberries, along with newer production systems that are allowing Ohio growers to grow them more effectively,” Gao said.
Gao noted that one method is using a rotatable cross-arm trellis. For more on this system, click here.
“According to the manufacturer, using a conservative estimate, growers can generate a gross revenue of $45,000 per acre using this system, although it can be costly to set up,” Gao said. “Overall, while yields are highly dependent on the type of production system growers use along with the varieties they chose, growers can earn $3 per pound or $5 per quart for blackberries. For growers, there is definitely profit to be made.”
For more on this story, click here and for information on the Farm Science Review, click here.
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