News

Processing vegetable production down

USDA forecasts contracted processing vegetable production lower this year.

Total production for snap beans, sweet corn, green peas and tomatoes in the U.S. is estimated at 17 million tons, a seven percent decrease from 2015. Processing tomato production is expected to drop nine percent, snap beans up one percent, sweet corn up seven percent and green pea production dropped 23 percent.  The ag department says contracted area for harvest is down six percent.

The 2016 asparagus crop increased by 20 percent with slightly less acres than last year. Strawberry production is estimated seven percent lower with less acreage.  Onion growers expect an eight percent increase in production.

In Michigan, snap bean production is expected to increase almost 10 percent, tomato production up 26 percent, and asparagus production was up one percent.

Indiana processing tomato growers contracted less acres this year but expect an increase in production. Snap bean production is also forecasted higher with slightly less acres.  Ohio processing tomato growers increased acreage and anticipate a 30 percent increase in yield.

Wisconsin growers expect higher snap bean yields due to lower insect and disease pressure. The USDA says despite a record high yield, processing green pea production is predicted to drop 17 percent because of less acres.  Minnesota and Wisconsin sweet corn processors are anticipating above average yields, with Minnesota expecting the highest production in four years.  Minnesota green pea production is anticipated to drop nine percent.