First estimate points to larger Northwest cherry crop
In the first production estimate of the year, the Northwest Cherries Field Estimate team projects a crop 21.8 million 20-pound boxes, up from 20.9 million boxes last year but short of the 2014 record crop of 23.2 million boxes.
The first of four cherry crop estimates being released this season, the May 4 crop estimate covers all Northwest growing districts, according to a news release.
Harvest will begin later than last year, pushing more of the crop into July and August than a year ago.
The estimate predicts 5.2 million boxes of cherries will be shipped in June, 13.3 million boxes in July and 3.3 million boxes in August. Last year, the Northwest shipped 500,000 boxes in May, 10 million boxes in June, 7.9 million boxes in July and very limited volume in August.
The 2017 estimate includes a strong rainier crop, exceeding the nearly identical 1.7 million box (15-pound) crops of 2015 and 2016, according to the release.
“If the good blooms we see in yellow cherries stay on the trees, then it is shaping up to be a year for strong rainier exposure, with promotable volume stretching through National Rainier Cherry Day (July 11th),” according to the release.
With bloom running very late this, the estimate said consistent warm weather produced a great bloom across all regions. The earliest growers expect to begin harvest during the second week, with volume extending through August.
