Jun 12, 2018

US tart cherry forecast up 48 percent

U.S. 2018 tart cherry production is forecast at 353 million pounds, up 48 percent from the 2017 production.

Michigan tart cherry production in 2018 is forecast to be 264 million pounds, 60 percent larger than the 2017 June cherry production forecast, according to the Great Lakes region office of the USDA’s National Agriculture Statistics Service. Despite reports of delayed bud burst due to cooler than normal April temperatures, growers are optimistic about the tart cherry crop. High temperatures in May promoted a quick bloom period, and no major damage has been reported thus far from weather, insects, or disease.

Utah growers reported an above average crop this year. Warmer weather conditions were favorable for an early bloom. In New York, weather conditions were also favorable and the crop was off to a good start. Growers reported a good crop with an average bloom. In Washington, growers reported moderate spring temperatures and moisture and expected harvest to begin later than normal. In Wisconsin, snow storms and cool temperatures lead to a delay in the crop this year. Growers reported that they expected a good crop, although there was some concern about potential damage from invasive flies.

United States sweet cherry production is forecast at 319,900 tons, down 26 percent from 2017. In Washington and Oregon, cool and wet weather and an extended bloom hampered pollination and led to a lighter fruit set of early varieties. Growers were concerned about the extent of fruit drop in early varieties through harvest. In California, growers reported a warm winter across the State and damaging frost over several days in late February, followed by heavy rains in March that impacted much of the crop.

Michigan sweet cherry production is forecast is 23,900 tons. This would be a 27 percent increase from the 2017 June cherry production forecast. Growers throughout the state are generally optimistic about this year’s sweet cherry crop, despite the slower development due to cooler April temperatures.