Recent hail storms as well as the effects of spring rain look likely to reduce US apple volumes in the north-west and east of the country.
An early estimate ahead of the traditional August 1 forecast, was planned in Washington state as FPJ went to press following damage from hail in north-eastern parts of the state - particularly the Wentchee Valley - last week. In May, the forecast was for a potentially record-breaking crop from the state, but that has following hail damage later that month and again last week. Some 1,500 acres of pear orchards have also been affected to varying degrees in the upper Wenatchee Valley and losses are estimated to be above $10 million. Fruit in the Wenatchee area is also showing incidence of russet.
Now growers are talking of how much below 100 million boxes the apple harvest is likely to be with informal estimates ranging from 85m field boxes to 92m for the entire state of Washington. Last season 100m boxes were cropped in the state.
In Vermont, the apple crop is forecast to be down some 15 to 30 per cent, with Empire apples one of the worst affected varieties. A wet spring kept bees from pollinating and some farms are reporting volumes 50 per cent down. The forecast as a result is for larger sizes.
In New York state the weather has been similar and growers are forecasting large sizes although lower sugars because of the wet weather.
Meanwhile, in Michigan a freeze in April is now forecast to have damaged some 70 per cent of the state’s apple crop.
No comments yet