ROBESON TWP., Pa. – Fresh fruit season is making a comeback at local farms across the area, a breath of fresh air after a rough couple of months from Mother Nature.

69 News Reporter Sydney Kay was live from Weaver’s Orchard, a family-owned farm in Berks County, with how they’ve worked through the seasons.

Owner Ed Greloch said the farm has seen weather extremes. Everything started to bloom when it got really hot with 90-degree temperatures, then when the temperatures swung the other way, with lows in the 20’s, it was too cold for a lot of the crops.

Farmers were able to protect the strawberries, which were slightly damaged, he said. The farm still had a light crop on apples and pears and will still be able to provide customers with good fruit. It will just be more limited this year than in other years, he said.

He said a lot of the tree fruit crops were severely damaged after the temperature swings. Farmers have learned to roll with the punches, he said.

Production Manager Andrew Greloch said the farm had come into the spring having had one of the coldest winters they’ve had in a long time.

Pick-your-own events will be held throughout the year. 

Megan Greloch, Events/Pick-Your Own Manager at Weaver’s Orchard, said the farm was excited to kick off a pick-your-own strawberry event Monday. The farm will be open Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“We’re super excited to get some fresh berries to our local community,” Megan said.

Ed said he is the third generation on the farm. His grandparents bought it in 1932. Since then, the orchard has expanded the number of crops that it grows.

Its farm market is open year-round.

Ed said he’s “thrilled” the next generation want to continue moving the business forward and continue to offer local, fresh produce and a chance to experience the farm to the community. 

Megan said the farm is holding a Taste of Weaver’s event Saturday. More than 20 vendors will be on hand to give out free samples to guests. For more information, people can go to the orchard’s website or call 610-856-7300.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.