The sound of helicopters early in the morning in Central Okanagan is usually intended for late spring, when they are used to blow water from the cherries to prevent the fruit from splitting. This year the helicopters started earlier than usual, but the cold is to blame despite the rain. “Around 6:00 on Sunday morning, it sounded like he was going to land on the roof of the house. He was so loud that he woke my wife from a deep sleep and said it was scary. My wife and I talked to several neighbors and they heard the same thing, “a Kelowna resident said in a recent email to Castanet. BC Sukhpaul Bal, President of the Cherry Growers’ Association, says the helicopters are being used to push warmer air down the orchards. Cherry buds have begun to emerge, but lower temperatures could damage vulnerable buds, so cherry farmers do all the steps to save the valuable crop. “The buds are starting to come out and are in danger of being killed by the frost. So we are in a strange area now where it is hot, followed by cold, not ideal condition,” says Bal. This is a critical time of year, especially for soft fruits such as apricots, peaches and cherries. Bal says even raising the temperature a few degrees can help. “This season, it’s about calming the frost, trying to get rid of that frost. If there is a reversal, it is a few degrees warmer, higher. The helicopter pushes the hot air down and expels the cold air sitting next to it. “Only a little can help.” Residents may not enjoy waking up to the sound of helicopters, but rest assured that farmers do not like to use them either – especially with the high cost of fuel. “It’s not something we look forward to. We would rather have positive temperatures (in the morning) right now and not have to worry about helicopters, but it is an emergency where you have the potential to lose crops,” says Bal. For those who love life in Okanagan but do not like the sound of helicopters early in the morning, Bal says, “Look at the bright side. We love the cherries and fresh crops grown in this area are some of the best quality, in the world”. “And this is a small price we have to pay, an inconvenience so that we can bring these beautiful crops to market when it is time to harvest.”
