Strawberries are one of the first signs summer is just around the corner and they're usually one of the most welcomed signs.

Though strawberries are coming in season late this year, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) predicts a bumper crop that will make up for the berries' tardiness.

The MDA says blossom counts and plant conditions appear to be excellent and indicate a large crop can be expected.

John Ulland, a farmer from Freeborn County who sells berries and produce at the Austin Farmer's Market says the berries are "just starting, but they look really good. The recent rain has been good for them. Strawberries like a little rain, maybe an inch a week."

The MDA says farmers usually begin opening their fields for picking in early to mid-June in southern Minnesota. This year, they're opening just a little later.

Jim Stiles, manager of Super Fresh Produce, Bakery and Garden Center in Austin estimates the strawberries he sells (which come from Jolivette Farms in West Salem, Wis.) are "probably 10 days to two weeks later or so … I think they'll be around for a little later, though. We usually get berries for about three weeks."

Ulland says his berries are ripening about 10 days later, as well and says "I'd guess we'll be picking until after the Fourth of July."

Amanda L. Rohde can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail at :mailto:amanda.rohde@austindailyherald.com