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Industry announces harvest estimate of 25.25 million bushels in 2019.

September 5, 2019

2 Min Read
closeup of apples on the tree
GOOD CROP: Michigan apple growers are expecting an above-average crop in 2019. Jennifer Kiel

The official 2019 apple crop estimate of 25.25 million bushels is slightly better than the average Michigan apple harvest of about 25.2 million bushels per year. The estimate was announced Aug. 23 at the USApple Outlook meeting in Chicago.

“Many factors contribute to the size of an apple crop, including weather and the size of the previous year’s crop,” says Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee. "To make the estimate, growers and other industry experts report on what they are seeing in various regions of the state, then come to a consensus on the crop-size estimate. Reports consistently have been indicating a clean crop with good-sized apples."

According to the USDA, Michigan harvested 25 million bushels of apples in 2018. There are more than 11.3 million apple trees in commercial production, covering 35,500 acres on 825 family-run farms in Michigan.

“July was the hottest month this summer, and paired with the cool, rainy spring, both seasons provided favorable weather conditions for growing apples,” Smith says. “Good quality, size and the anticipation of a full crop point to numerous retail opportunities this year.”

Michigan apples typically are shipped from mid-August all the way through the following June. Michigan apple packers and shippers work throughout the year to bring Michigan apples to more than 30 states and 18 countries worldwide, Smith says.

“Michigan apple growers dedicate their lives to producing fresh, flavorful, high-quality apples,” Smith adds. “As always, they have been working hard to produce this year’s crop and are excited to share their great-tasting apples with consumers this fall.”

The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to marketing, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption in Michigan and around the world. For information, visit michiganapples.com

Source: Michigan Apple Committee, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.

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