NORTH East cherry crops have held up well this week after freak storms lashed the region and cut the Hume Freeway.
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Chiltern producer Hotson’s Cherries said the crop was in good shape despite the 75-millimetre downpour on Thursday.
Mr Hotson said there was little splitting in the cherries but the biggest challenge was changed local traffic conditions, resulting from closure of sections of the Hume Freeway.
“Traffic has been diverted away from us and it’s pretty hard to find your way from Albury to Chiltern,” he said.
“There should be more consideration given to local traffic conditions.
“It’s difficult for our customers who have ordered cherries and difficult for our staff coming out from Wodonga.”
Mr Hotson said it had been a quality cherry season with a big crop.
He said they were down to picking their last two varieties of 18, which would be on offer until Christmas.
“We’ve had very few interruptions this season until the rain yesterday,” Mr Hotson said.
“But now the creeks are running nicely and the rain will promote the perennial grasses.”
Hotson’s Cherries farmgate shop is open seven days until Christmas Eve.
Eldorado Orchards will offer cherry picking this weekend with the Wangaratta-Eldorado Road open.
It is picking its final variety, Lapins.
It will be at the Albury-Wodonga Farmers Market at Gateway Village in Wodonga and Bright Markets on Saturday.
The Chambeyron Road orchard opens 4.30-7.30pm.
