USDA: Apple production rises, cranberry crop down

The USDA has forecast U.S. apple total production for 2023 at 9.91 billion pounds, up 1% from 2022.

In Washington state, better growing conditions are leading to an expected 9% increase in production from the previous year, according to the USDA’s August production report. Washington’s apple output is estimated at 6.7 billion pounds, up from 6.14 billion pounds last season.

In New York state, a mild winter that weakened the cold hardiness of the apple crop followed by a very warm spring has caused the expected production to be the lowest since 2012, according to the USDA. New York apple production is estimated at 1.1 billion pounds, down 19% from 1.355 billion pounds a year ago.

In Michigan, there were no widespread spring frost damage events, and July precipitation enhanced fruit sizing, according to the USDA. Michigan apple production is estimated by the USDA at 1.15 billion pounds, 15% less than 1.36 billion pounds in 2022.

Early-season variety harvesting has begun in southern Michigan, according to the report.

Cranberry crop down

The USDA also estimated the U.S. national cranberry crop for 2023 at 7.62 million barrels, down 5% from the 2022 crop year. In Wisconsin, the largest growing state, the USDA forecast production at 4.6 million barrels, down 5% from last year.

Production in Massachusetts, forecast at 2 million barrels, is down 12% from last year, the USDA said.

Cranberry growers experienced cold temperatures, with below-normal precipitation and above-normal snowfall during the winter months.

In Wisconsin and Massachusetts, the winter freeze and early snow affected plant dormancy and froze out buds, the release said.

In the spring and early summer months, numerous frosts and hailstorms occurred during the growing season.

Growers in some areas reported severe frost damage, resulting in reduced crop growth and yield loss, according to the USDA.

In Oregon, the crop faced threats from the intensive heat and extreme weather in late June and mid to late July, and growers are concerned about fruit size. With good management practices, cranberry growers expect a good to average season despite the challenging weather during the bloom period, the USDA said.