Michigan cherry production down from previous yearMichigan cherry production down from previous year

Michigan tart cherry production is forecast is 164.5 million pounds, 26% less than the 2016 June cherry production forecast, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service’s Great Lakes Regional Office. Growers forecasted an average crop this year, with the crop looking good despite an early May freeze that caused crop damage.

Michigan sweet cherry production is forecast is 18,760 tons. This is an 11% decrease from the 2016 June cherry production forecast. Growers expect a smaller crop than in 2016, but still at an average level for the state.

U.S. tart cherry production is forecast at 238 million pounds, down 23% from the 2016 production. Utah growers reported a less-than-average crop this year. Some growers reporting low production cited freeze and frost at bloom.

In Wisconsin, the season has been wet and cool, which may have hurt pollination. There was a frost in early May, but it appears to have only caused modest damage. New York growers anticipate a less-than-average crop this year, with widely varied yields. In Washington, growers reported moderate spring temperatures and moisture, and expect harvest to begin later than normal.

U.S. sweet cherry production is forecast at 432,760 tons, up 36% from 2016. In California, growers expect the best crop in recent years following several seasons of droughts and low yields. Harvest began near the normal late-April time frame after two years of early crops. Growers in Oregon and Washington reported a good crop due to a moderate spring with warm temperatures. 

Source: USDA NASS.