During the entire growing season, it is critical to protect the plants from frost. For that reason, temperature alarm systems are installed at each property to alert marsh managers of impending frost conditions. Frost protection is accomplished by engaging the irrigation systems so that a constant stream of water runs over the plants. This action will protect the plant and fruit from freezing. The annual harvest begins in late September, when the fruit has matured in size and color, and continues for about six weeks.
Harvesting is accomplished by flooding the beds with water and using mechanical harvesters.
Process fruit, which is fruit to be used in juice, sauce and other processed food products, is harvested with machines equipped with rotating water reels called beaters. The churning action of the beaters knocks the fruit from the vines allowing the berries to float to the top of the water. The floating berries are then corralled by wooden float boards at one end of the bed and conveyed onto waiting trucks to be taken directly to Northland's receiving station. At the receiving station, process fruit arrives in bulk 40,000 pound truckloads and is unloaded into water-filled concrete pits. The cranberries are then conveyed inside the receiving station where they are thoroughly cleaned, graded and placed in 1000-pound wooden bins for frozen storage.