Many U-Pick berry fields will be open for business soon.

Last year frost was an issue for saskatoons, and this year winterkill effected strawberry fields in the area.

Johan Krahn is the owner of JAK Berries in Gnadenthal, along the 201 Highway.

"We planted one acre last year, and a little over half is probably pretty good. We have some winterkill in some areas and the rest is not bad at all," said Krahn. "We irrigated just a little bit, not much so far."

Meanwhile, Angie Cormier, Executive Director of the Prairie Fruit Growers Association, said saskatoon growers are having a better season than last year.

"A lot of farms are looking at opening this week for strawberry picking. The Saskatoon orchards are very excited about their picking season this year. Last year was a tough season, they got hit by frost, but this year they are very excited and they are hoping to open in the next week to ten days."

She explained things generally look good for U-Pick operations throughout the province.

"All in all, it's looking like it's going to be a great berry-picking season this year. Yes, there are some farms that did experience some winterkill. But what they have is still very good. There are lots of berries that are coming," said Cormier.

Cromier added the biggest berries are always right at the start of the season. She notes members are saying the strawberries are juicy and tasty this year.