Harvest season is here, and Randy Johns of Boreal Heartland took time to talk with MBC about what is ready and what they will be looking to purchase this season.
“Right now, there are a few things in season. The signs that you saw (on Highway #2) would have been from the mushroom buyers. They are buying chanterelle mushrooms, and they just started maybe last week. They are looking pretty good for chanterelles because we had a wet June, and now we have some more rain. So, the chanterelles are starting to come pretty good. It looks like it will be a good season for chanterelles. As well, we are buying fireweed and Labrador tea,” said Randy Johns, CEO of Boreal Heartland.
Johns says the prices for everything are generally the same as last year. This year, they are buying chanterelles for $10 a pound. The prices for the mushrooms are dictated by the mushroom buyers from outside of the province. There are usually different buyers set up at Pine Creek and Bear River.
“Later on, we will be buying cranberries. When they start to come up, that is usually later in August and into September, when those are ripe. Also, later on, we will be buying sarsaparilla root and juniper berries,” explained Johns.
Johns says that you can find juniper berries on rocks and around rocky areas. He says they are found around the lakes in La Ronge, Stanley Mission, Deschambeault Lake, Pelican Narrows, and Creighton.
Boreal Heartland will be having Northern Harvester Training sessions in Fon du Lac, Black Lake, Creighton, and Deschabeault Lake. The training shows people how to harvest sustainably by using the “rule of thirds” for plants. When harvesting in a specific area one third is left for the animals, one third for the plants to regenerate and one third can be harvested for human consumption. It will also cover wilderness safety, plant identification, product handling and care that aligns with the Herb, Spice and Specialty Agriculture Association of Saskatchewan (HSSA).
During the harvest season, harvesters need to always be aware for their safety.
Everything can look the same once you are out in mushroom country because of the short jack pine and caribou moss. Take extra care when planning your next trip out.
Here are some safety tips that harvesters should be aware of when getting ready to head out are:
– Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to the highway, which you can usually hear vehicles.
– Use the sun if it is out to help you know where you are.
– Use flagging, like a piece of cloth tied to a tree, and keep that visible when out harvesting.
– Use GPS, compasses, and maps; have and use your basic navigation devices.
– Bear bangers should be handy in case you come across a bear.
– Keep hydrated and have water on hand.
– Make a plan and share it with someone else, so they know when to expect you.
Follow Boreal Heartland on Facebook to stay up-to-date with trainings and where they will be set up to buy harvested goods like chanterelles, fireweed, Labrador tea, and many others.