Steep Hill Farm in Fayette is open for picking. Over the next few weeks the fields will often appear as they do in this picture taken a few years ago. Livermore Falls Advertiser file photo

FAYETTE — Steep Hill Farm at 26 Clyde Wells Road opened for picking Saturday, July 16, and expects to be open four or five weeks.

George and Brenda Joseph own the farm.

“The picking is very good,” George Joseph said Monday morning, July 18. “It is absolutely different timing this year. We have four different varieties. The earlier varieties are a few days earlier this year, the later varieties have ripe berries too.”

The farm has an irrigation system. “We have been watering for quite a while now,” Joseph said.

Much of Maine is in a moderate drought. An article in the Sun Journal Monday, July 18, reports there is good news for fans of Maine’s high-bush blueberries: They’re ready now, about a week ahead of schedule. More sun and more stress – in the form of scant rainfall – speed the ripening process, according to David Handley, small fruit specialist with the UMaine Cooperative Extension.

Joseph said while some later fruit is already ripening, the berries “hold up” and expects there will be the usual “four to five weeks of good picking.”

Pickers are encouraged to call 207-685-4155 or visit the farm’s Facebook page Steep Hill Farm Blueberries before visiting. While the farm aims to be open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week, there are times it must be closed for maintenance or if weather conditions are too severe, Joseph said.

Berries are $5 a quart again this year. Pickers may bring their own quart boxes or purchase them for $0.25 each. Maple syrup, honey and T-shirts with the farm logo are also sold. Cash or checks are the only payment options due to lack of consistent internet service.

The number of youth at area summer camps plays a part in the lack of high-speed internet access, Joseph said.

Supervised children are welcome but pets may not enter the fields, according to the Facebook page.

“We welcome people to come and enjoy the picking,” Joseph said.