USDA cherry production estimates

Editor’s note: This article is from the archives of the MSU Crop Advisory Team Alerts. Check the label of any pesticide referenced to ensure your use is included.

National Agriculture Statistics Service, 6/21/07. For the full length version please visit: http://www.ipm.msu.edu/cat07fruit/pdf/6-26cherryproduction.pdf

United States tart cherry production is forecast at 294 million pounds, 11 percent above the 2006 production and 9 percent above production in 2005.

Michigan, the largest producing state, expects a crop of 230 million pounds, up 21 percent from the 2006 crop and 11 percent above 2005. A severe freeze on April 7-8 destroyed the majority of the tart cherry flower buds in the southwest portion of the State, while there was less damage in west central Michigan. Conditions in the northwest were excellent during bloom and pollination, leading to high yield potential.

United States sweet cherry production is forecast at 317 thousand tons, up 8 percent from 2006 and 27 percent above 2005. If realized, this will be the highest production on record.

The Michigan crop is forecast at 26.0 thousand tons, 21 percent above the 2006 production, but 4 percent lower than the 2005 crop. Michigan growers reported that sweet cherry crop potential is very good.

The Washington forecast of 155 thousand tons is unchanged from the June Crop Production report. The forecast is 9 percent below 2006 but 13 percent above the production in 2005. If realized, this will be the second highest sweet cherry production on record. Eastern Washington experienced some damaging frosts in early spring, but growing conditions during June have been good. Fruit size and quality are expected to be very good.

Production in California is forecast at 92.0 thousand tons, 119 percent higher than 2006 and 75 percent above 2005. The California forecast is carried forward from the June 1 forecast. Favorable spring weather with no extended rain was ideal for pollination. Acreage increases and good-sized fruit have increased California’s sweet cherry production potential.

Oregon production is forecast at 40.0 thousand tons, unchanged from the June Crop Production report. The forecast is 20 percent below 2006, but 40 percent above the production in 2005. Many growers along the Columbia River and in the Willamette Valley experienced a damaging late frost.

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