Cherry Production National Agricultural Statistics Service USDA Washington, D.C. Released June 18, 1998, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department of Agriculture. For information on "Cherry Production" call Howard Hill at (202) 720-7235, office hours 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET. Tart Cherry Production Up 1 Percent U.S. tart cherry production is forecast at 293 million pounds, up 1 percent from 1997 and 8 percent from 1996. This level is the highest since 1995 when 396 million pounds were produced. Michigan, the largest producing state, expects a crop of 225 million pounds, unchanged from last year but 15 percent above the 1996 crop. The season progressed two to three weeks ahead of normal due to warmer than normal temperatures. Yield prospects in the Northwest region are excellent. However, size is expected to be smaller than average because of dry conditions. The crop looks average in the West Central region but fair in the Southwest region. Production in Utah is forecast at 24 million pounds, up 37 percent from 1997 but down 9 percent from two years ago. Some areas experienced wind and hail damage. In New York, production is down 38 percent from last year. The season began with above normal temperatures in March and April causing trees to bud early and make them vulnerable to frost damage. The frost came during the last week of April and hit the four leading counties along Lake Ontario. The surviving trees were hit by high wind and hail from tornadoes. In addition, many producers reported trees lost to brown rot. Oregon and Washington both expect larger crops than last year. Oregon's forecast is up 41 percent and Washington's is up 9 percent. Pennsylvania, with an 8 percent increase from last year, is still below average. Many growers experienced the same type of spring as New York, receiving frost, hail, and high winds. Tart Cherries: Total Production by State and United States, 1996-97 and Forecasted 1998 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Total Production State :-------------------------------------------------------------------- : 1996 : 1997 : 1998 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Million Pounds : CO : 1.0 0.7 1.0 MI : 195.0 225.0 225.0 NY : 19.0 14.5 9.0 OR : 2.5 3.2 4.5 PA : 7.5 6.5 7.0 UT : 26.5 17.5 24.0 WA : 14.2 11.0 12.0 WI : 6.1 10.5 10.0 : Total : 271.8 288.9 292.5 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fr Nt 2-4 (6-98) Sweet Cherry Production down 13 Percent U.S. sweet cherry production is forecast at 192,900 tons, down 13 percent from 1997 but 25 percent above 1996. California and Washington expect declines, but Oregon will stay even with a year ago. The Washington crop, at 91,000 tons, is 1 percent less than last year but unchanged from the previous forecast. A large crop is expected this year along with good quality. Weather was favorable for growing conditions in Washington. Growing conditions in Oregon were also favorable during bloom and pollination this year. Production in Oregon is forecast at 50,000 tons, unchanged from last year and the previous forecast. The sweet cherry crop in California is forecast at 15,000 tons, down 70 percent from 1997 and down 39 percent from 1996. Rains over a large portion of the State during the bloom period, and continuing through the production period, resulted in less fruit produced and very poor quality for much of that which was produced. The Michigan sweet cherry crop is forecast at 30,000 tons, up 11 percent from 1997 and 36 percent from 1996. Pollination conditions were very good, and spring temperatures were above normal. Dry conditions could lead to smaller fruit but population counts are high. Harvest will start around June 25. Idaho, Montana, and Utah are forecasting larger crops than a year ago, but New York expects a decline due to frost damage and poor weather conditions during the spring. Pennsylvania's forecast is unchanged from last year despite poor weather similar to New York's. Sweet Cherries: Total Production by State and United States, 1996-97 and Forecasted 1998 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Total Production State :-------------------------------------------------------------------- : 1996 : 1997 : 1998 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Tons : CA 1/ : 24,600 49,200 15,000 ID : 2,200 1,300 2,000 MI : 22,000 27,000 30,000 MT : 700 1,300 1,500 NY : 700 650 500 OR : 32,000 50,000 50,000 PA : 800 700 700 UT : 2,300 600 2,200 WA : 69,000 92,000 91,000 : Total : 154,300 222,750 192,900 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ Estimates for current year carried forward from earlier forecast. The next "Cherry Production" report will be released in 1999. * * * * * * * * The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the USDA's TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC, 20250-9410, or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.