Early harvest for Conn. sweet corn

Preston, Connecticut (WTNH) - The first crop of sweet corn is being harvested in the Hartford area where the state says farmers cover the crops to speed things up.

Joe LoPresti's Preston farm will be harvesting a little later but earlier than ever for him. The unseasonably warm spring and rainfalls hitting at just the right time have meant a record-early harvest statewide.

“Yeah, it's been a little bit warmer. We finally had a good spring,” LoPresti said. “We haven't had a good spring in what, six, seven, eight years?

“So the warm weather makes a difference for you?” asked News 8’s Tina Detelj.

“It makes a lot of difference. It will be about a week ahead,” he replied. “Normally you pick between the 21st and 25th of July. This year I hope to pick between the 15th and the 18th.

With his corn popping early and his tomatoes filling their vines, it's a better summer than usual so far for this farmer who did get an early taste of what's soon to come in these fields.

LoPresti and others in the Eastern Connecticut region sell Harford area native corn until theirs is ready to pick.

Just because the corn came in early doesn't mean it will end early. These farmers are going to be planting until July 4h so the corn will keep coming in throughout the summer.

Click here for a farm guide to Connecticut-grown produce.