MIDDLEBORO, Mass. — The vibrant cranberry harvest is upon us, with workers splashing about the Rocky Meadow bogs of southeastern Massachusetts. This picturesque scene, where cranberries float atop shimmering water, marks the beginning of the seasonal rituals leading up to Thanksgiving.
Weeks before families gather to feast, the red gems are harvested from their wetland homes, calling to mind the deep traditions of this beloved fruit. The photos show these berries almost swimmingly bobbing, their bright color contrasting with the surrounding lush greenery. Farmers like Steve Ward have been laboring to bring them from the bush to the table, and the bounty looks good this year.
The cranberry plants, which take root and thrive in the wetlands, begin their life cycles around May. When October rolls around, it’s harvest time. Farmers flood their fields, coaxing the berries from their vines with machinery. The ripe cranberries float to the top—easy picking for those waist-deep in water guiding them toward waiting trucks.
“The season has been pretty good this year. We’ve had quite the crop,” said Ward, who has been tending to these bogs for generations. He expects to yield between 15,000 and 20,000 barrels this harvest, his best outing in three years. About 80% of these berries will wind their way to Ocean Spray, the cooperative that's become synonymous with cranberry products across the U.S.
Across Massachusetts, nearly 300 cranberry bogs are strategically located over 14,000 acres. Collectively, they’re projected to produce about 2.2 million barrels of cranberries this year. That’s up 12% from the previous year, allowing the Bay State to maintain its position as the second-largest producer of cranberries after Wisconsin.
But it’s not all smooth sailing. Farmers face numerous challenges, from trade wars affecting export prices to unpredictable weather patterns. Even with this year’s strong harvest, industry professionals like Ward have diversified their operations, incorporating solar panels near their bogs to reduce costs and environmental impact.
“We have had some challenges with some of the hot weather and had one of the longest dry spells we have ever had,” Ward mentioned. He pointed out how cranberries thrive under cooler nighttime temperatures, saying they “just don’t like” the rising heat of recent summers. The Massachusetts Cranberries group has expressed concerns about how climate change might threaten production as higher temperatures and inconsistent weather patterns become the norm.
Meanwhile, Ocean Spray, which has been around since 1930, continues to evolve. The company has positioned itself as both a cooperative and community of around 700 cranberry growers. Known as the largest cranberry supplier worldwide, Ocean Spray emphasizes quality and sustainability, leading to innovative practices and product expansions beyond juice and sauce. They are already considering ideas beyond the Thanksgiving table and exploring new product developments.
Despite the origin of their success, the cooperative faces stiff competition both domestically and internationally. While they dominate the cranberry market, challenges from global suppliers and market fluctuations are ever-present. Interestingly, even as they prepare for the challenges of tomorrow, their historical roots are firmly planted.
The cranberry industry has deep ties to Massachusetts history, dating back to the 1800s. Their unique flavor and tartness have made them cherished additions to many tables, especially during the Thanksgiving holiday, as they transform from bog to kitchen product—be it cranberry juice or the often-loved cranberry sauce.
This year, as families across the U.S. prepare to gather and give thanks, many will find Ocean Spray products seated proudly on their tables, celebrating not just the harvest but the legacy of the cranberry industry and the families behind it.
