ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture says farmers across the state are expecting a bumper crop of blueberries and raspberries following favorable weather conditions this spring.

The department said in a news release Wednesday that Minnesota berry patches are expected to open on time this year.

According to the department, raspberry patches in southern Minnesota and the Twin Cities area are ready for picking, while blueberries should be ready in July’s second and third weeks. Farms in northern Minnesota anticipate harvesting in late July.