Oct 7, 2024

Outlook strong for apple production practices in 2024 – 25 crop year

Following lat year’s record harvest, apple growers expect another strong year for apple production practices and overall crop quality, even though national volume is forecast to be lower. Growers are expected to pack 259.5 million 42-pound bushels for the 2024-25 crop year, a 10% decrease from the 2023-24 288.8 million bushels and below the five-year average of 269 bushels, according to the U.S. Apple Association (USApple).

The USDA predicts 282.2 million bushels, 2% less than last year. The Outlook Report, released during USApple’s annual conference in Chicago, is based on USDA estimates and additional state data not included in federal analysis.

“Growers from across the U.S. are reporting crop quality is excellent,” said Chris Gerlach, vice president of insights and analytics for USApple. “Despite various challenges, the resilience and dedication of our growers have led to another promising year for apple production.”

Among the Top 10 apple varieties, Granny Smith, Cosmic Crisp, Pink Lady/Cripps Pink and Evny posted production gains, while Gala, Red Delicious, Honeycrisp, Fuji, Golden Delicious and Rome declined. Cortland, Mutsu/Crispin and Spartan, in the lower Top 20, also increased.

Washington apple forecast

USApple forecasts Washington to harvest 155 million 42-pound bushel boxes, lower than USDA’s 178.5 million box estimate. Both fall the 2023-24 181 million bushels and the state’s five-year average of 167 million bushels but exceeded 2022’s historically small crop.

The Washington State Tree Fruit Association (WSTFA) projects 124 million 40-pound fresh packed box equivalents, based on surveys of member shippers. Harvesting began August 1 and should run through late November.

“Producers are optimistic that this will lead to more orderly marketing conditions of the 2024 crop,” said Jon DeVaney, president of WSTFA. He noted that freezing temperatures reduced output in some districts, particularly north central Washington, but less severely than for cherries and pears.

Drought also stressed water supplies, but irrigation districts managed carefully and transferred water from annually cropped land to perennial orchard. Conditions improved in late August with cooler temperatures and increased precipitation.

Brianna Shales, communications manager with Stemilt Growers, reported WSTFA’s forecast is down 9% from 2023-24, aligning with USApple’s 10% national decline. “Overall, we’ve had great weather during the growing season,” Shales said. “The size of the crop aligns well with current apple demand. There is a good mix of core apples for promotion, and we’re especially excited about the increase in Cosmic Crisp apples, both conventionally and organically, compared to last year.”

Stemilt’s practices included overhead cooling during a July heatwave. Early varieties showed average size, good color and limited sunburn issues.

Michigan apple production

USApple projects Michigan to harvest 30.5 million bushels, above USDA’s 28.6 million bushel forecast. Both are down from 31.9 million in 2023-24 but exceeded the state’s five-year average of 26.1 million.

Riveridge Produce Marketing in Sparta began harvest in late August, about 10 days early. “With the exception of some isolated areas of hail, quality looks to be good,” said Justin Finkler, operations manager. “It’s not quite as large as last year’s crop, but all in all, I think we’re looking forward to a good season.”

Brian Coates, vice president of Applewood Fresh Growers in Sparta, said spring frosts and hail will cut volumes about 20%. Still, he expects high quality.

“We have had favorable growing conditions during the summer months,” Coates said. “We expect the size profile on our apples to be on the larger side of this year.”

New York apple forecast

USApple predicts New York will harvest 31 million bushels, close to USDA’s estimate and slightly higher than 2024 but below the state’s five-year average of 32.4 million.

“Overall, New York State (NYS) is in good shape for a promotable crop with many touting this is one of the most beautiful crops in recent years,” said Cynthia Haskins, president and CEO of the New York Apple Association.

New York State Apple Sales in Glenmont began harvesting in early August. “New York has a very plentiful, good quality crop,” said Chelsea Van Acker, food safety and grower relations for New York Apple Sales. “We are excited about the quality, size expectations and volume we have to market this season. Although there was a freeze in Western New York, we see no impact in volume. We are very optimistic and energized about the 2024 – 2025 marketing season.”

Pennsylvania and other regions

Pennsylvania expects an average harvest. Frecon Farms in Boyertown reported favorable spring weather and adequate summer rains after a June drought.

“We’ve had gentle weather for the most part other than that June drought,” said co-owner Steve Frecon. “The quality is excellent. I’m very pleased with the quality of the crop.”

Other major producing states — California, Oregon and Virginia — anticipate crops larger than their five-year averages.