Banner blueberry crop this year

BEAR CREEK - Crops around Wisconsin - from cherries to corn - have been in danger of failing this year because of bad weather conditions.

But blueberry growers say they're one of the few successes this year.

Moni and Duane Jarvis say they're in heaven at Blueberry Haven in Bear Creek. The berries are bursting off the branches, and the customers are harvesting them by the bucket full.

"People last year came out here and got two pails. This year they're walking away with four,” said Moni Jarvis.

The hot and generally dry summer hasn't been the greatest for people who grow other crops around the state but those who grow blueberries here say the warm weather has sealed in the juiciness of the fruit.

"The heat is a ripening tool. The only other bad factor of the heat is customers,” said Jarvis.

Now that cooler temperatures have come back to this part of the state, growers and pickers say they're excited to come out and reap the benefits.

"We are enjoying it. It's a beautiful day. The berries are abundant and I'm getting a pretty good bucketful,” said Donna Berven, her bucket, grandkids, daughter and husband in tow.

“They're a good size. Like, this one's pretty big,” said nine-year-old Theodore Kotchen, picking blueberries with Berven, his grandmother.

The Jarvises say the only thing they need to keep the crop going strong would be consistent rain.

"The best thing would be rain. We have an irrigation system, but nothing beats good old rain. They need one-and-a-quarter, one-and-a-half inches a week,” said Jarvis.

Jarvis says less rain this year would affect next year's crop more than the current berries.

And for the fruit that's out there right now?

"Ooh, are they good! You'll have to try them,” said Jarvis.

Blueberry picking season continues through the end of August.