Sweet

Sweet cherry production is up to record levels. From the USDA report today.


U.S. sweet cherry production is forecast at 317 thousand tons, up 8 percent from 2006 and 27 percent above 2005. If realized, this will be the highest production on record.The Washington crop forecast of 155 thousand tons is unchanged from the June Crop Production report. The forecast is 9 percent below 2006 but 13 percent above the production in 2005. If realized,this will be the second highest sweet cherry production on record. Eastern Washington experienced some damaging frosts in early spring, but growing conditions during June have been good. Fruit size and quality are expected to be very good.Production in California is forecast at 92.0 thousand tons,119 percent higher than 2006 and 75 percent above 2005. The California forecast is carried forward from the June 1 forecast. Favorable spring weather with no extended rain was ideal for pollination. Acreage increases and good-sized fruit have increased California's sweet cherry production potential.Oregon production is forecast at 40.0 thousand tons, unchanged from the June Crop Production report. The forecast is 20 percent below2006 but 40 percent above the production in 2005. Many growers along the Columbia River and in the Willamette Valley experienced a damaging late frost.The Michigan crop is forecast at 26.0 thousand tons, 21 percent above the 2006 production but 4 percent lower than the 2005 crop. Michigan growers reported that sweet cherry crop potential is very good.Idaho is expecting a sweet cherry crop of 2.00 thousand tons, down 47 percent from last year but 18 percent higher than 2005. Idaho sweet cherry growers experienced several freezes during the bloom period, reducing the crop's yield potential.Utah production is expected to total 1.40 thousand tons, down 22 percent from both 2006 and 2005. Cool temperatures were reported during bloom which hampered pollination and decreased production potential.New York production is forecast at 970 tons, 1 percent above the 2006 crop and 21 percent higher than 2005. Some growers in the Lake Ontario region reported spotty frost damage, but overall, growers across New York are optimistic about this year's sweet cherry crop.