Solid Drop in U.S. Apple Crop

WASHINGTON - Aug 10/07 - SNS -- The U.S. apple forecast for the 2007 crop year is 9.28 billion pounds, down 7% from last year and 4% below 2005, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

Extreme weather conditions across most of the United States, from spring freezes to summer drought, have had a significant impact on apple production.

Production in the Western States (AZ, CA, CO, ID, OR, UT, and WA) is forecast at 5.99 billion pounds, down 4% from last year and 6% below 2005. Washington production, which makes up 58% of the U.S. total, is forecast at 5.40 billion pounds, down 4% from last year and 5% below 2005. Hard frosts during October and November 2006 followed by a cold spring were factors that contributed to the reduced apple crop. Many growers experienced a poor return bloom this spring, particularly on Red and Golden Delicious varieties.

California apple production is forecast at 340 million pounds, 4% below the past two years. The crop received adequate chilling hours over the winter and the weather was favorable during bloom. Harvesting of Gala apples began in late July, slightly earlier than last year.

Subscribers can read the full text of the article by Clicking here