Aug 15, 2006
Wisconsin Cranberry Crop Expected to Break Record

The forecast for the 2006 cranberry crop is 6.64 million barrels, up 6 percent from 2005 and 7 percent above 2004, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Production is
forecast to be up in Massachusetts, Oregon and Wisconsin but down in New Jersey and Washington.

Production in Wisconsin is forecast at 3.75 million barrels, 2 percent above 2005 and 14 percent above 2004. If realized, this will be a record-high production for Wisconsin cranberries. Vines
experienced only minor damage this winter. Conditions allowed for a good bloom and fruit set. Most producers are expecting a good crop with average to above average yields. Growers have had to irrigate regularly due to dry weather.

The Massachusetts crop is forecast at 1.75 million barrels, up 23 percent from 2005 but 3 percent below 2004. The winter was fairly mild, with few producers reporting winterkill or damage to
their bogs. Early spring was dry but above average rainfall was recorded during May and into June. The potential size of this year’s crop was reduced as rainfall limited bee activity and knocked petals off in some bogs during the pollination stage.

New Jersey expects a crop of 490,000 barrels, down 8 percent from 2005 but 22 percent above 2004. Growers reported bloom and fruit set as average to heavy, with average fruit size this season. No
significant weather damage was reported.

The Oregon crop is forecast at 485,000 barrels, 10 percent above last year but 2 percent below 2004. Most growers reported a good bloom, but it was one to three weeks later in the season compared to recent years. Most producers reported the condition of this year’s crop is better than last year but fruit sizing may be an issue.

The Washington crop is forecast at 160,000 barrels, 14 percent below last year and down 6 percent from 2004. Some damage was reported from a fall hailstorm, with additional damage reported over the winter. The spring was cool and damp with poor conditions during bloom. These conditions limited bee activity and did not allow for a good fruit set.




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