Aug 21, 2023

Another large Michigan apple crop expected

This fall should another large crop of Michigan apples.

Michigan’s official crop estimate is 32 million bushels or 1.34 billion pounds, similar to last season.

The estimate was released on Aug. 18 during the USApple Outlook meeting in Chicago. The 2023 estimate is above average for the Michigan Apple industry, according to a news release from the Michigan Apple Committee.

“Michigan had mostly favorable weather conditions for growing apples during spring and summer 2023,” Diane Smith, the Michigan Apple Committee’s executive director, said in the release. “While some regionalized losses occurred due to frost and hail, overall our state’s growers report a very healthy crop with great looking fruit.”

Smith noted how modern production methods are helping produce the large crop.

“This fall brings the second large Michigan Apple crop in a row for our industry,” Smith said in the release. “As growers continue to plant high-density orchards and adopt other innovative growing practices, Michigan’s apple crop will continue to grow.”

According to the USDA, Michigan harvested a record 32.38 million bushels of apples in 2022. Average annual crop size is approximately 24 million bushels. There are more than 14.9 million apple trees in commercial production, covering 34,500 acres on 775 family-run farms in
Michigan, according to the release.

Many factors contribute to the size of an apple crop, including weather, bloom conditions and tree health. To make the estimate, growers and other industry experts report on what they are seeing in various regions of the state, then come to a consensus on the crop size estimate.

Michigan apples are available nearly year-round from August to June. The largest and most valuable fruit crop in the state can be found at about 150 farm markets and cider mills in Michigan as well as more than 12,000 retail groceries across the U.S., Smith said in the release.

“Michigan Apple growers share a common goal of producing flavorful, high-quality apples,” Smith said in the release. “They work with tree fruit researchers to implement the latest growing techniques and use new technology to monitor growing conditions. Michigan growers are committed to bringing the best quality fruit to the consumer.”

The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to marketing, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption in Michigan and around the world.