NEW JERSEY'S CRANBERRY HARVEST

     New Jersey consistently ranks third in the USA in cranberry production.  Even with this impressive distinction, and with cranberries being native to my hometown New Jersey Pinelands area, it took me decades to finally arrange to see an annual fall harvest.  Once I arrived that first October morning, however, I was amazed!  The sight of acres of brilliant crimson berries floating under a crisp blue autumn sky was more stunning than I had imagined.

     But, in spending more and more time around this particular Ocean Spray Co-op Grower's farm each succeeding year, I began to appreciate the further stories of farmers, family, tradition, and the hard work and long hours involved with agriculture.