Jan 9, 2017

USApple: Jan. 1 apple holdings up from last year

Fresh apple holdings on Jan. 1, 2017, totaled 103.2 million bushels, 14 percent more than the Jan. 1, 2016, inventories of 90.5 million bushels and 11 percent more than the five-year average for that date of 93.3 million bushels, according to the U.S. Apple Association.

Total processing holdings as of Jan. 1 were 40.2 million bushels, 3 percent more than 2016 and 8 percent more than the five-year average for that date.

The total number of apples in storage on Jan. 1 was 143.3 million bushels, 11 percent more than last January’s total of 129.7 million bushels.

USApple’s storage report continues to reflect the distinct regional differences experienced by growers in 2016. The Northeast was hit with cold weather at blossom time and drought during the growing season. Appalachian and Southeast growers were also affected by the tough growing conditions, but to a lesser degree than New York.

Michigan growers experienced more favorable growing conditions, reflected by inventories 15 percent higher than those of Jan. 1, 2016.

Western growers also experienced more favorable growing conditions. Jan. 1, 2017, Western holdings, led by Washington state, were 19 percent higher than those reported on Jan. 1, 2016, according to USApple.