U.S. sweet cherry total production for 2021 is forecast at 369,000 tons, up 14% from 2020, the National Agricultural Statistics Service predicts.

In California, most trees received adequate chilling hours, despite an unusually warm winter, the agency observes. The weather during the bloom was favorable, though the bloom was earlier than normal in some locations.

California anticipates producing 80,000 tons, up from 66,700 tons of production in 2020, according to NASS' Northwest Regional office in Olympia, Wash.

In Oregon, a relatively warm spring and low precipitation have weighed heavily on cherry growers, NASS reports. In Washington, several cold periods through the growing season forced growers to use smudge pots and other techniques to combat cold and winds in cherry orchards.

Washington's projected 240,000 tons produced in 2020 would top the 202,000 tons harvested last year, while Oregon's anticipated 49,000 tons would be below last year's 56,400 tons produced, according to the agency.

Tart cherries up 2%

Tart cherry production in the U.S. for 2021 is forecast at 142 million pounds, up 2% from the 2020 production.

In Washington, tart cherries have experienced a relatively warm spring. Production in the Evergreen State is projected at 23.1 million pounds, up from 21.4 million pounds in 2020, according to NASS.

In Utah, this year's production is expected to be 36.5 million pounds, up significantly from the 28.8 million pounds harvested last year, the agency reports.

In Michigan, the largest tart cherry producing state, frosts and freezing temperatures have reduced the crop to a projected 65.6 million pounds, down from 69.3 million pounds a year ago, according to NASS.. Additionally, all growing regions in Michigan are suffering from drought and growers are irrigating where available.

In Wisconsin, a Memorial Day weekend frost has reduced yields. Production there is projected at 8.5 million pounds, down from 10.1 million pounds in 2020.