Jun 22, 2006

Tart Cherry Production Down 5 Percent

U.S. tart cherry production is forecast at 256 million pounds, 5 percent below 2005 production but 20 percent above production in 2004, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Beginning with the 2005 forecast, Colorado was discontinued from the tart cherry estimating program.

Michigan, the largest producing state, expects a crop of 185 million pounds, a decrease of 11 percent from the 2005 crop but 24 percent above 2004. A severe freeze occurred May 6 in northwest Michigan while the tart cherries were mostly in late bloom. While yield potential remains high in some areas, other localities will have reduced yield. An average crop is expected in central Michigan while the crop in the southwest part of the state is very good.

Utah production is forecast at 28.0 million pounds, equal to 2005 production but 27 percent above 2004. More bearing age trees are coming into production and frost was not a problem this year.

Washington expects to produce 21.5 million pounds of tart cherries in 2006, up 30 percent from 2005 and 23 percent more than 2004. Some problems are reported from scattered frost but overall growing conditions have been very good. If realized, this would be the second largest crop on record, surpassed only by the 26.5 million pounds produced in 2001.

New York is expected to produce 9.5 million pounds, 27 percent more than the 2005 crop but 11 percent below 2004. Some winter damage and spring frost problems are reported, but the Lake Ontario and central regions of the state report a good crop.

Wisconsin production is forecast at 4.5 million pounds, 40 percent below 2005 and 33 percent below the 2004 production. Rain and windy weather during the pollination period adversely affected yield potential.

Pennsylvania expects to produce 4.2 million pounds of tart cherries, 62 percent above 2005 and up 40 percent from 2004. The trees wintered well and favorable weather during pollination contributed to a very good set and fruit sizing.

Oregon’s crop forecast of 3 million pounds is up significantly from last year’s weather-devastated crop of 0.3 million pounds but is 23 percent below the production in 2004. Ideal spring weather in most tart cherry producing areas is expected to help return production to a typical crop size after last year’s record low output.