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PAYSON — Tuesday’s winter storm made many Utah fruit growers nervous and left them monitoring the temperatures hour by hour last night.
A few degrees can mean the difference between a good crop and big losses.
In fact, cherries are Utah's top commercial fruit crop and the second-largest national producer of tart cherries.
But, with the trees already in bloom this year, last night was a nail biter as fruit growers kept an eye on the thermometer.
Last year, the Allreds and many fruit growers had record-breaking crops.
Allred first planted orchards in Payson more than a half-century ago, and works the farm with his daughters and grandsons.
But, he's never seen his tart cherry trees bloom so early, after such a warm winter.
"All the fruit trees knew that winter was over and spring was here," Rey Allred said. "We have just held our breath all spring."
Last night’s weather threw the Allreds for a loop.
"We all are anxious about it, and anxious to know how cold it really was. Then, the next day whether there was any damage from it," Debbie Allred said.
We all are anxious about it, and anxious to know how cold it really was. Then, the next day whether there was any damage from it.
–Debbie Allred
Hundreds of thousands of dollars are hanging on a couple of degrees' difference in temperature.
"If it drops to 25 degrees, it's disastrous," Debbie Allred said.
Many blossoms have already been pollinated.
"This fruit at this stage would have frozen, all of it," Rey Allred said, and thankfully the mercury only dipped to 29 degrees with 2 inches of snow. "We at this point still feel pretty good about it," Rey Allred said.
It will be another month before they know what the quantity of this year's cherry crop will look like. There are still many more weather factors in play over the next 10 weeks that will determine the quality.
"But, we are always hopeful and optimistic," Debbie Allred said.
They embrace the challenges the weather brings and know that Wednesday’s weather could be another risky situation.
"But, only if the storm moves out of the area and the skies clear, the temperature can drop fast."
Rey Allred's hoping for another 30 degrees night and clearing tomorrow.
"We'll just sit and be hopeful and listen to the weatherman."
