News

Michigan cherry crop expected to be average

USDA has lowered its estimate for Michigan’s cherry production this year.

Tart cherry production was cut by 26 percent from last year’s large crop after a May freeze in the Great Lakes state.

Sweet cherry production was reduced by 11 percent. The USDA says while both are lower, the smaller crop sizes are about average for Michigan growers.

National tart cherry production is expected to drop 23 percent because of freeze and frost events during the spring. Sweet cherry production is forecast 36 percent higher with increased moisture in California and moderate spring conditions benefiting major production regions.

Michigan is the nation’s largest producer of tart cherries and fourth largest producer of sweet cherries.