As June comes to a close, many local farmers are facing a tough reality: the 2025 growing season is off to a slow — and in some cases, catastrophic — start. Cooler temperatures and dry weather throughout May, including several frosty nights, have created real setbacks for crops across the region. Among the hardest hit? Strawberries.
For many farmers, the season had looked promising. But then came the cold snaps. Those chilly nights didn’t just delay the growth of some crops — they effectively wiped out the first wave of strawberry harvests in several parts of the province.
Strawberry farms often grow a range of varieties, each ripening at slightly different times. Ideally, one type is harvested in mid-June, followed by a fresh batch of berries from a new variety the following week. But this year, the rhythm is off.
The result? Plenty of berries on the plants — but they’re ripening slowly. The yields aren’t coming in fast enough, and farms that rely on a steady turnover each week are struggling to keep up with demand.
In the Pontiac, the situation is especially noticeable. After losing our beloved U-pick strawberry farm, Picard’s, and following the death of long-time local berry grower André “Doc” Chrétien last summer, local berry lovers have been eagerly watching for signs of McGregor’s farm stand at the Shawville Giant Tiger. But as of late June, it still hasn’t arrived. Reports suggest that McGregor’s is having trouble keeping its farm stands stocked even in nearby towns like Renfrew and Pembroke. Their U-pick field only officially opened on June 23 — nearly two weeks later than usual.
To add to the challenges, Hugli’s Blueberry Ranch has just announced that it will not be opening for fruit picking this season. The loss of another key pick-your-own destination leaves local families with even fewer options for summer berry outings.
A few roadside stands have popped up here and there, and small quantities of berries have begun to appear at local farmers’ markets. But supplies remain limited. And the demand is real — especially for families hoping to keep their summer traditions alive with fresh strawberry shortcakes, jam-making afternoons, or sunny mornings picking berries by the basketful.
So, what does the rest of the season hold? With warmer temperatures finally settling in, there’s hope that the season can still rebound. But it will require patience — and a little help from Mother Nature.
In the meantime, if you spot a roadside stand or a market vendor offering local berries, be sure to stop and support them. Every pint purchased helps support a grower who’s been working hard to bring their crop to your table despite a challenging start.
And let’s all keep our fingers crossed for a strong second half of the season — one filled with baskets of fresh, juicy strawberries right here in the Pontiac. 🍓
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