Gail Wild’s photos from the orchard at Mogood capture just how close the hail was to damaging the berry crop.

Sharon, who owns Clyde River Berry Farm, said four bouts of hail hit the property on Thursday, December 20.

“One lasted about 20 minutes and three last 15 minutes,” she said.

Sharon estimated the hailstones were about half the size of a golf ball, big enough to be caught in their birdnetting. 

The owners were thankful the hailstones were that size.

“We were lucky they were that big, they would have gone through the netting if they were any smaller,” Sharon said.

Over the past few weeks the wet weather had been an issue as berries had been coming on, Sharon said.

“We’re going strong, but the rain has been problematic,” she said.

“We’re hoping there won’t be too much more rain. It can damage berries, it splits berries like cherries.”

The berry traders will be at the Milton Produce Markets on Saturday, December 22. The markets are held at Milton Showground from 8.30am to 11.30am.