Cranberry crop estimates down slightly for 2023

The USDA 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.