Cranberry farm operations
Farm Operations

The Cranberry Year

From the first thaw of spring to the deep freeze of winter, cranberry farming follows nature's calendar.

Growing Cranberries in Wisconsin

Central Wisconsin provides the perfect conditions for cranberry cultivation: sandy, acidic soils, abundant freshwater, and cold winters that help control pests and diseases. Our marshes have been producing premium cranberries for over a century.

Seasonal Rhythm

A Year on the Marsh

Spring

Spring

March - May

  • Ice melts and floods drain
  • Assess vine condition and winter damage
  • Prepare irrigation systems
  • Frost protection
  • Begin pest monitoring programs
Summer

Summer

June - August

  • Pollination period (June)
  • Intensive pest and disease scouting
  • Nutrient management
  • Irrigation management
  • Monitor fruit development
Fall

Fall

September - November

  • Wet harvest begins (September)
  • Deliver fruit to Ocean Spray
  • Prepare beds for winter
  • Equipment maintenance
Winter

Winter

December - February

  • Apply protective winter floods
  • Ice sanding for vine protection
  • Plan for upcoming season
  • Equipment repairs and upgrades
  • Research and education
Critical Operations

Frost Protection

Spring and fall frosts can devastate a cranberry crop within hours. Our frost protection system is our first line of defense against unpredictable weather.

When temperatures approach the danger zone, sprinkler systems run to coat the vines with water, which releases heat as it freezes and keeps the plant tissue just above the critical damage point. For more extreme cold, we can flood entire beds with warmer reservoir water.

Key Capabilities

  • 24/7 temperature monitoring across all beds
  • Remote-controlled sprinkler systems
  • Automated weather alerts
  • Strategic reservoir management
Sprinklers for frost protection
Cranberry harvest scene
The Main Event

Wet Harvest

The iconic images of cranberry harvest—flooded bogs with berries floating on crimson seas—come from wet harvesting. This is how most of Wisconsin's cranberries are gathered each fall.

1

Flood the Beds

Beds are flooded with water, typically 6-8 inches deep.

2

Pick the Berries

Specialized machines gently knock the fruit off the vine to allow it to float to the surface.

3

Raise the Water

The flood is raised to booming height so the floating berries can be corralled.

4

Corral & Collect

Floating berries are corralled with booms and pumped into trucks for delivery.

Winter Management

The Winter Flood

As temperatures drop and ice begins to form, we apply winter floods—protective layers of water that freeze solid over the cranberry vines.

This ice blanket shields the vines from desiccating winter winds and extreme cold. After each ice layer forms, we drain the water to give the vines more oxygen underneath. When spring arrives, the ice melts hopefully revealing healthy vines ready for another growing season.

Winter flood protecting cranberry vines
Location Matters

Why Wisconsin?

Perfect Soils

Central Wisconsin's sandy, acidic soils are ideal for cranberry cultivation, providing excellent drainage and the right pH.

Abundant Water

The region's abundant groundwater and surface water resources support the intensive water needs of cranberry production.

Climate

Cold winters help control pests and diseases naturally, while warm summers provide ideal growing conditions.

Community

A strong network of growers, researchers, and industry partners creates a collaborative environment for innovation.

Interested in Our Technology?

Discover how we're using drones, sensors, and custom software to optimize every aspect of cranberry production.

Explore Our Technology