Larger Cranberry Harvest

WASHINGTON - Aug 15/06 - SNS -- Cranberry production in the United States is expected to rise 6% over last year to a forecast 6.64 million 100 pound barrels, according to the USDA.

Production in Wisconsin is forecast at 3.75 million barrels, 2% above 2005 and 14% above 2004. If realized, this will be a record high production for Wisconsin cranberries. Vines experienced only minor damage this winter. Conditions allowed for a good bloom and fruit set. Most producers are expecting a good crop with average to above average yields. Growers have had to irrigate on a regular basis due to the dry weather.

The Massachusetts crop is forecast at 1.75 million barrels, up 23% from 2005 but 3% below 2004. The winter was fairly mild, with few producers reporting winter kill or damage to their bogs. Early spring was dry but above average rainfall was recorded during May and into June. The potential size of this year's crop was reduced as rainfall limited bee activity and knocked petals off in some bogs during the pollination stage.

New Jersey expects a crop of 490,000 barrels, down 8% from 2005 but 22% above 2004. Growers reported bloom and fruit set as average to heavy, with average fruit size this season. No significant weather damage was reported.

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