Flat out in the fields

The Gisborne district is pumping with harvesters, packhouses and processors working around the clock as tonnes and tonnes of sun-ripened produce are harvested.

The harvest of squash, corn and tomatoes for export, the local market and processing is in full swing and this week the first machine-harvesting of grapes in the country started.

The maize harvest is expected to get under way next week taking the district to its harvesting peak.

Grape growers in Gisborne have breathed a sigh of relief as hot dry windy weather over the past 10 days has replaced damp humid conditions just in time to halt botrytis developing in many vineyards.

“At last the weather has been good for us. We hope the rain stays away,” says Margot Brodie, whose reichensteiner grapes were among the first to be harvested.

Pernod Ricard’s national viticulture manager Mike Insley says the first harvest in the Gisborne district was on Tuesday, a normal start time for this region, unlike other regions which appear to be running three to 10 days later than last year because of a very cool spring in southern regions.

“Fine, sunny weather over the past week as the grapes have been coming close to harvest has been perfect after the high January rainfall experienced in Gisborne,” he says.

Hawke’s Bay might start towards the end of next week while some sparkling wine grapes could be harvested in Marlborough during the following week. Montana Marlborough sauvignon blanc is not expected to start until at least the last week of March at this stage, he says.

Corson Grain’s Richard Hyland says with the maize harvest just around the corner, everything is looking good.

“There is plenty of moisture in the soil and the maize is enjoying the hot sunny spell we have had lately.”

Yields and quality are expected to be variable due to weather extremes during the season, but on the whole, should be average to above-average.

If the fine weather continues the harvest is expected to start next week.