Could You Be a Cranberry Farmer? Take this quiz to find out!

Have you ever wondered what it'd be like to be a cranberry farmer?  As with any job there are certain things you need to know in order to do it well. People are often amazed if not at least curious when they hear that we grow cranberries. They can't help but ask questions to see how well they know the industry. My favorite question is "so they grow in water right?" I thought it'd be fun to put together a little quiz (my teacher side of me is emerging) to see if you could be a cranberry farmer.  

1. Cranberries grow in water.  T or F
2. In order to protect the crop during winter months the vines have to be covered with ice.  T or F
3. Bees are brought out to the marsh to help with pollination. T or F
4. The Titan Beetle is a pest that damages the vines by destroying the foliage.  T or F
5. Sand is often spread over the cranberry beds. T or F
6. Farmers are currently getting paid record high prices. T or F
7. Chicken poop is an approved fertilizer for Organic Cranberries. T or F
8. Cranberry beds have to be flooded during harvest so that the vines go dormant.  T or F
9. There are different varieties of cranberries. T or F
10. The sun helps to turn the berries from green to red during late summer. T or F

Answers: 1 (F) cranberry vines would die if kept under water for too long  2 (T) when it gets very cold farmers flood the beds and build ice on top of the vines in order to protect them from the elements 3 (T) bees are a crucial part of the marsh during bloom 4 (F) The Titan Beetle is one of the largest beetles found in the rain forest 5 (T) sand is spread on during the winter by driving on the ice, the sand helps the vines grow 6 (F) farmers are unfortunately being paid at record low prices with some buyers paying less than what it costs to produce 7 (T) chicken poop is often used on organic cranberry farms 8 (F) while it's true that the beds are flooded during harvest it is because the berries need to get knocked off and float to the top in order to be picked up 9 (T) many varieties exist including Stevens, Hi-Reds & Sundance  10 (T) sunshine and cool nights help to turn berries into a beautiful red color

How'd you do? 
8 or more correct:  You should come work on our marsh!
5-7 correct: Not bad. Come on out to the marsh. You know you'd look good in waders.
​Less than 5 correct: Don't quit your day job.

Brag it up! Share your test results below. After all, we are always looking for good help.