Light rain hit Central Otago yesterday and growers are hoping that it doesn't have any affects on the crops. Showers fell intermittently in the Alexandra-Clyde area throughout the day but had not affected the fruit, Dunstan Hills orchard manager Ian Nicholls, of Earnscleugh, said. Helicopters were used at Dunstan Hills in the morning to dry cherries on trees. Light rain also fell in the Teviot Valley and Cromwell district, but would hopefully not affect crops in those areas, although some orchardists said they would not be able to make an accurate assessment until today. Peak harvest is just beginning in most areas and cherries and apricots are being picked. Cooler weather has slowed ripening in some areas. Nectarines, peaches and plums are also being picked at some orchards. While quality seems to be good this year, farmers were hesitant to remark on the cherries as it is too soon to say if the rain has caused any damage. Source - odt.co.nz