If the crops are growing and not yet ready for hravest, then the farmers will sometimes "water the crops" rather than forage or fish (if you have level 3...) If you are watching the game "live" you need to watch for this and redirect their work efforts either by moving them to the berry bush or ocean, or changing their "preferred" job.
I believe I saw mentioned somewhere that when the game is turned off, the framers won't "water the crops" so sometimes it might just be better not playing during the growing season, or switch to a faster speed if playing at a lower one (or both.)
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Isola is a magic island! All sorts of strange things can happen, and often do happen. -- arnie