A Tale Of Two Cherry Crops
July 2, 2012 
U.S. sweet cherry production is forecast at 382,150 tons, up 11% from 2011, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). And, as expected after a freakish late winter/early spring in the Midwest, U.S. tart cherry production is forecast by the NASS at 73.1 million pounds, down 68% from the 2011 crop.
In Michigan, normally the largest tart cherry producing state, record high temperatures in early spring led to premature development of trees. This was followed by below normal temperatures and continual frost events throughout the state. Additionally, pollination conditions were poor. The majority of growers lost their entire harvestable crop this year.
It’s been a different story out West, where Washington growers reported excellent weather. Winter conditions were moderate and warm spring conditions allowed for an excellent bloom and resulted in good pollination.
California growers also reported a good growing season, with little adverse weather during the critical bloom and developmental periods. Idaho growers reported favorable growing conditions for their crop. Oregon growers reported a very good bloom and good pollination levels. The Utah crop is rebounding from last year’s frost damaged season.
In Michigan, the record high temperatures early in the spring also caused a premature development of sweet cherry trees. This was followed by below normal temperatures and continual frost events later in the season, leading to a significantly smaller crop than normal. New York growers reported that warm temperatures in March followed by freezing temperatures in April drastically reduced their production potential.
The temperature fluctuations also led to a reduction of the New York tart cherry crop. Production prospects in Pennsylvania are below last year due to spring frost. In Wisconsin, early warm spring temperatures caused trees to bud, followed by several days with temperatures below freezing at night.
In Washington, winter conditions were moderate and warm spring conditions allowed for an excellent tart cherry bloom. Weather during the bloom period was mild, allowing for good pollination. Production in Utah is expected to be similar to last year’s level. Oregon growers reported a good blossom set and pollination levels.
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