Many orchards in the district have begun picking early varieties of stonefruit, especially apricots.
Earnscleugh orchardist Harry Roberts said it had been a cool summer so far, and warm weather would be welcome to hasten the fruit along.
"Every season is a new one. When we fill the boxes, we'll know then how things have gone.''
His orchard had been picking apricots for about two weeks. The stonefruit season could continue for about two months, he said.
The area had been hit by showers in recent weeks.
"Apricots can still be damaged by rain; a heavy one can cause a disaster. But things are still looking pretty good at the moment.''
Roxburgh orchardist Sid Birtles said workers there began picking apricots a few days ago.
The picking of other stonefruit, such as peaches and nectarines, would mostly begin in February.
"It's going OK at the moment. We've been dodging showers, but luckily the apricots are a bit more user-friendly than the cherries.
"The problem is we can't pick in the rain because it can bruise the apricots. Even with the cherries it's not a good idea.''
This year's crop was looking "beautiful''.
"We put a fair bit of effort into making them good quality.''
The trees were "slightly lighter'' with fruit than he would have liked.
"We've had some horrendous winds, so we lost a few on the ground.''
The season started about the same time as last year, perhaps slightly later, Mr Birtles said.
"It's challenging every year. We always need a bit of luck with the weather.''
Cromwell orchardist Simon Webb said his workers began picking apricots, peaches and nectarines in the past few days.
"We could do with a bit more hot weather. Although we haven't had rain up here, which is good.''
The orchard had a "nice crop'' and it seemed there would be a good supply.
"I would imagine consumers will pay fair prices.''
About half of the apricots would be exported, he said.
