USApple predicts 2017 crop to be lower mostly because of smaller Michigan, Washington crops.
Crop is down from last year’s record; new varieties drive consumption.
Could this be yet another insidious effect of the drought?
Yield is expected to average 2,270 pounds per acre, down 4.6 percent from the 2013 yield of 2,380 pounds per acre.
Drought, other planting considerations, may slightly slow explosive growth.
Nursery survey reveals that Chandler remains the top variety by a wide margin.