Chile friends across the county might be happy to know that the first chile harvesting in Do-a Ana County is expected to begin this week – earlier than usual, some experts said. Even so, much of the crop is slightly behind schedule.
And though the chile quality appears stellar so far, despite a slew of problems plaguing growers this year, some experts are predicting the farming woes to translate into higher retail prices for fresh-pepper eaters.
Problems abounded
Dona Ana County’s chile crop wasn’t hurt by a severe, multi-day freeze that hit the region in early February because it wasn’t yet planted.
After that, however, it faced other problems.
For instance, a cool spring and prolonged high winds battered plants, putting the crop slightly behind schedule, growers and experts said.
“Most of our chile is late with the other growers because the wind just kept growing and beating the plants up,” said Jerry Franzoy, who farms in the Hatch area.
Stephanie Walker, extension vegetable specialist at New Mexico State University, too, said weather was a challenge at the start of the growing season.
“It just seemed the wind never stopped,” she said.
via Chile harvesting time – Las Cruces Sun-News.
