2013 Washington Sweet Cherry Production Down 36%

Sweet cherry production in Washington totaled 169,000 tons in 2013, according to USDA statistics, down 36% from 2012. Bearing acreage is estimated at 35,000 acres, an increase of 1,000 acres from the prior year. Yield was 4.83 tons per acre, down 2.93 tons from 2012.

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Oregon sweet cherry production was 52,000 total tons, down 7% from 2012. Bearing acreage is estimated at 13,000 acres, an increase of 500 from the previous year. Yield was 4.00 tons per acres, down 0.48 tons from 2012.

Idaho sweet cherry production was 2,300 tons, down 36% from the previous year. Bearing acreage is estimated at 600 acres, down 300 acres from 2012. Yield was 3.83 tons per acre, down 0.17 tons from the prior year.

The cherry crop in the Northwest region experienced cold, blustery weather during the first part of the bloom period that adversely affected pollination. Late April and early May freezes also took a toll on the crop. The Washington and Oregon crops were also adversely affected by heavy rains during early June and again in July causing splitting of the fruit for many producers.

Nationally, sweet cherry production totaled 332,000 tons, down 22% from 2012. Bearing acreage is estimated at 89,900 acres, up 3,110 acres from the previous year. Yield was 3.69 tons per acres, down 1.20 tons from 2012.

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Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service

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