HDR1012000140020701971500Cherry Production Cherry Production National Agricultural Statistics Service USDA Washington, D.C. Released July 1, 1997, 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 Down 10 Percent U.S. tart cherry production is forecast at 242.2 million pounds, down 10 percent from 1996 and down 39 percent from 1995. This level is the lowest since 1991 when 189.9 million pounds were produced. Michigan, the largest producing state, expects a crop of 180 million pounds, a decline of 8 percent from last year and 42 percent below the 1995 crop. The season progressed slowly due to unseasonably cool weather during the spring. A prolonged bloom in the Southwest caused above normal disparity in maturity, therefore lowering yield potential. The expected yield in the Northwest is average. The crop looks very good in the West Central region, and harvest will begin about July 20. Production in New York is forecast at 14.5 million pounds, down 24 percent from 1996, and down 55 percent from two years ago. Some areas along Lake Ontario suffered frost damage. New York experienced below average temperatures statewide, which hampered fruit development. Utah and Washington both forecast 14 million pounds. Both states expect a decline from last year. Tart Cherries: Total Production by State and United States, 1995-96 and Forecasted 1997 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Total Production State :-------------------------------------------------------------------- : 1995 : 1996 : 1997 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Million Pounds : CO : 1.2 1.0 .7 MI : 310.0 195.0 180.0 NY : 32.0 19.0 14.5 OR : 1.6 2.5 3.2 PA : 9.5 7.5 5.0 UT : 22.0 25.0 14.0 WA : 11.6 14.2 14.0 WI : 7.7 6.1 10.8 : Total : 395.6 270.3 242.2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fr Nt 2-4 (7-97) Sweet Cherry Production Up 24 Percent U.S. sweet cherry production is forecast at 191,250 tons, up 24 percent from 1996 and 16 percent above 1995. The three largest states, California, Oregon, and Washington expect an increase in production from last year. The Washington crop, at 85,000 tons, is 23 percent more than last year. All major areas forecasted an increase from last year, and a good quality crop is expected. Weather was favorable for growing conditions in Washington and Oregon. Production in Oregon is forecast at 43,000 tons, up 34 percent from last year. The sweet cherry crop in California is forecast at 35,000 tons, up 42 percent from 1996. Good weather throughout the growing season resulted in better yields. The Michigan sweet cherry crop is forecast at 24,000 tons, up 9 percent from 1996, but down 11 percent from 1995. Bloom population was adequate, but cold weather hampered pollination. Cooler than normal temperatures also affected crop development in New York and Pennsylvania. Both states expect slight declines from a year ago. Sweet Cherries: Total Production by State and United States, 1995-96 and Forecasted 1997 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Total Production 1/ State :-------------------------------------------------------------------- : 1995 : 1996 : 1997 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Tons : CA : 19,800 24,600 35,000 ID : 700 2,200 1,300 MI : 27,000 22,000 24,000 MT : 900 700 1,000 NY : 1,100 700 650 OR : 38,000 32,000 43,000 PA : 1,000 800 700 UT : 2,000 2,300 600 WA : 75,000 69,000 85,000 : Total : 165,500 154,300 191,250 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ Estimates for current year carried forward from earlier forecast. The next "Cherry Production" report will be in 1998. * * * * * * * * The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, and marital or familial status. 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, write the Secretary of Agriculture, USDA, Washington, D.C., 20250, or call 1-800-245-6340 (voice) or (202) 720-1127 (TDD). USDA is an equal employment opportunity employer.