Smaller Tart Cherry Crop Expected

WASHINGTON - Jun 22/06 - SNS -- Tart cherry production in the United States will likely fall 5% below last year to a forecast 256 million pounds, according to the USDA. If achieved, output would be 20% above 2004.

Michigan, the largest producing State, expects a crop of 185 million pounds, a decrease of 11% from the 2005 crop but 24% above 2004. A severe freeze occurred May 6 in northwest Michigan while the tart cherries were mostly in late bloom. While yield potential remains high in some areas, other localities will have reduced yield. An average crop is expected in central Michigan while the crop in the southwest part of the State is very good.

Utah production is forecast at 28.0 million pounds, equal to 2005 production but 27% above 2004. More bearing age trees are coming into production and frost was not a problem this year.

Washington expects to produce 21.5 million pounds of tart cherries in 2006, up 30% from 2005 and 23% more than 2004. Some problems are reported from scattered frost but overall growing conditions have been very good. If realized, this would be the second largest crop on record, surpassed only by the 26.5 million pounds produced in 2001.

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