When it comes to cherry cultivation, ensuring the quality of the final product is paramount. This is especially true during the crucial final weeks of the cherry season. The ideal conditions for cherry growth involve clear, sunny skies and warm, dry days. However, the unpredictable spring and early summer weather in regions like the Pacific Northwest can bring unexpected rain, posing a significant threat to the cherry crops.
Why Cherry Drying is Essential
Once cherries begin to ripen and turn red, they become susceptible to water damage. If these fruits absorb water, especially in their bowl-like tops, they can expand rapidly. This swift growth can be too much for the cherry’s delicate skin, causing it to split, crack, or even burst. The result is not just a visual blemish; the excess water can lead to soft, mushy cherries, particularly in those meant for export.
The Role of Helicopters in Cherry Drying
Given the risks associated with rain during the cherry harvest season, growers have sought innovative solutions to protect their crops. This is where helicopters come into play. These powerful machines serve as a form of insurance for cherry growers. When deployed, helicopters fly over cherry orchards, using the force of their rotors to shake the trees. This action causes the accumulated water to fall off the fruit, preventing potential damage.
Growers who can dry their cherries quickly often produce fruit of a higher quality than their competitors. Recognizing the importance of rapid drying, some growers have even invested in their own helicopters. This allows them to act immediately, often starting the drying process even before the rain has ceased.
Choosing the Right Helicopter for the Job
Ensuring the cherries are dried effectively requires skilled pilots and the right kind of helicopter. The industry employs a range of helicopters, from small, agile models to larger crafts that can cover vast ground quickly. The choice of helicopter often depends on its weight, as heavier helicopters can exert more downward force. This increased force translates to stronger winds, enhancing the cherry drying power and ensuring a larger area is covered in a single pass.
The Impact on the Cherry Industry
Helicopters have become an integral part of the cherry industry, helping maintain the quality and price of the fruit, especially during unexpected rain events. By ensuring the cherries remain dry, growers can harvest and pack their fruit promptly, ensuring customers receive the best possible product.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
Using helicopters for cherry drying is not only beneficial for the quality of the fruit but also has environmental and economic advantages. By preventing crop loss due to rain, growers can maximize their yield, leading to increased profits. Additionally, the use of helicopters reduces the need for chemical treatments that might otherwise be used to combat the effects of water damage, promoting a more organic and eco-friendly approach to cherry farming.
Future of Helicopter Cherry Drying
As technology advances, we can expect even more efficient and effective methods of cherry drying. Innovations in helicopter design and technology may lead to quieter, more energy-efficient models that can cover larger areas in less time. Furthermore, with the increasing emphasis on sustainable farming practices, the integration of renewable energy sources into helicopter operations could be a game-changer for the industry.
Call The Experts
While the hum of helicopters might seem out of place in the serene environment of a cherry orchard, their role is undeniable. These machines, with their impressive drying capabilities, ensure that cherries reach consumers in the best possible condition. Whether it’s safeguarding against the unpredictable weather or ensuring a competitive edge in the market, helicopters have proven to be an invaluable asset in the cherry industry.
Are you considering helicopter cherry drying for your orchard? Our team at Fair Lifts Helicopter Services specializes in the rapid mobilization of helicopters on short notice. Call one of our project managers at 1-800-318-8940 today for a free quote on your cherry drying project.