Blueberries Have Strong Showing; Poor Weather Hurts All Others



Heavy spring rains, frost and hail hurt crops throughout the country, as reported by the 53rd annual Fruit Crop Guesstimate, sponsored by the Michigan Frozen Food Packers Association. Much of the disappointment stems from the Midwest region, which is forecasted to see losses due to unexpected weather conditions throughout the first half of the year. Blueberries are the exception, with the estimated U.S. crop at a record 386.8 million pounds, up 8 percent from 356.8 million last year.

Michigan remains the top blueberry producing state and will have a record crop of 97.6 million pounds, up from 93 million last year and a five-year average of 78.2 million. Production in Michigan is growing, as it is elsewhere.

With other fruits, however, Michigan seemed to take the brunt of the impact on its summer crops. The state, which usually produces nearly three-fourths of the country’s tart cherry crop, saw a 30 percent decline from 2007. Michigan produced 193 million pounds last year, while only producing 128.5 million this year. Much of the decline came from the northwest part of the lower peninsula, which only produced 70 million pounds.

Wisconsin also saw a decline in tart cherries, being reduced to 200,000 pounds. Last year’s 10.4 million-pound crop declined 98 percent this summer. Sweet cherries also saw lower numbers in the Midwest.

Apples are expected to produce less than average numbers due to early summer storms. The top state, Washington, will only produce 118 million bushels. Michigan is expected to get 17.6 million at the very most.

Michigan’s peach crop seems to be larger than last year due to rain, but is estimated to still not be on track with the three-year average. Berries, on the other hand, are seeing an increase, especially in Northwestern states, due to higher interest and the ability to grow more crops from the spring’s cold weather.

Outside of the country, Ontario has reported an increase in crops, with the exception of sweet cherries. Plums are expected to be up as much as 136 percent to 2,600 tons, while pears are expected to increase 81 percent.


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