We're a few days from the official start of summer and this is the time of the year that all those summertime activities get pushed to the forefront.

From going on vacations, to spending more time outdoors, it's easy to have this be your favorite time of the year.

Mid-June is also the start of one of the most cherished food seasons in the state...strawberries.

The start of strawberry season never gets old. Yes, strawberries can be had year-round due to other warm-weather states carrying the slack, but there is absolutely nothing that compares to locally-grown strawberries in New York.

They're generally smaller but juicier. They pack a ton of flavor and locals can help out their local farmers across the state with sales.

Big Frog 104 logo
Get our free mobile app

Unfortunately, 2023 will be a much different year for strawberry growers and lovers in New York State.

Due to the recent drought, which outside of a few days has lasted since the middle of May, along with rising prices of materials that it takes to grow strawberries, 2023 will be a down year for locally-grown berries in New York.

Spectrum News 1 says that irrigation costs due to the long-standing drought, along with huge increases in fertilizer, has caused problems for strawberry season in New York.

Not only that, but Spectrum News reports that because of that May "freeze," that will also cause the strawberry season to be cut short.

Farmers suggest visit the U-pick strawberry farms as early as possible. They do have strawberries, but the season is expected to be very short. It's probably a good idea to go in the next few days to get your hands on some.

Hopefully, this doesn't happen again in 2024.

Great Strawberry Picking Destinations in Upstate New York

Berry picking in Upstate New York has been around for generations. Strawberry (currently), blueberry, raspberry and more are the targets of families, young and old alike, who descend on the 100+ "U-Pick" farms in the region for some personal berry "shopping." Here are a dozen that are really great!

Go Strawberry Picking at These Capital Region Orchards & Farms

The strawberry picking season doesn't last long so get out there and pick your own! Here are a few places in and around the Capital Region where you can pick your own delicious strawberries. Check with each orchard to see if the berries are ready for picking.

29 Beautiful Backyard Birds of New York State

These are 29 of the most common birds found in New York.

More From Big Frog 104