Cranberry forecast down from 2016
The U.S. Department of Agriculture forecasts the cranberry crop at 9.05 million 100-pound barrels, down 6% from 2016.
Wisconsin production is estimated at 5.6 million barrels, about 8.5% off from the previous crop, but it still leads the nation in production. Growers there are anticipating a good season — thanks in part to sufficient rain — but not as good as last season, according to a National Agricultural Statistics Service report.
Massachusetts is expected to hit 2.2 million barrels, down about 3%.
The forecast shows New Jersey on track for 590,000 barrels, which is a decrease of about 9.5% from 2016.
Washington production is expected to go from 175,400 barrels to 180,000 (up about 2.5%), and Oregon projects to jump from 401,000 barrels to 480,000 (up about 20%).
Oregon growers have reported ideal weather and above-average yields, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service.
