WASHINGTON - Aug 12/14 SNS -- United States peach production is forecast at 863,900 tons, down 4% from 2013, according to the USDA's latest crop production forecast.
In California, Clingstone full bloom occurred in early-March, slightly earlier than last year. Growers completed spraying and pruning by the end of March. The drought situation in California remained a concern for peach growers. However, some growers reported they expected to utilize wells to pump groundwater in order to offset the impact. Freestone full bloom occurred approximately a week ahead of schedule and lasted longer than usual, with fruit set reported as variable.
In South Carolina, harvest started during the week ending May 25 and by the week ending on August 3, eighty-one% had been picked. The crop has been rated mostly fair and good. Georgia's harvest began the week ending May 18 and was 93% complete by August 3. The crop was rated in mostly good condition, with some reports of frost and excessive rains hindering the early varieties.
In New Jersey and Pennsylvania, peach trees experienced a cold and harsh winter, with spring frosts damaging blossoms. In Michigan, a severe ice storm during late-December, followed by extended sub-zero temperatures throughout January and repeated spring frosts, damaged or killed some less tolerant varieties. Conditions during the growing season have been wet and cool causing harvest to be late.
Peach Production - States and United States: 2013 and Forecasted August 1, 2014 [Current year estimates are for the full 2014 crop year] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Total production State :----------------------------------------------------------- : 2013 : 2014 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : tons : Alabama ............: 4,140 3,800 Arkansas ...........: 1,300 1,200 California .........: 648,000 625,000 Clingstone 1/ ....: 368,000 325,000 Freestone ........: 280,000 300,000 Colorado ...........: 7,330 12,000 Connecticut ........: 1,350 1,400 Georgia ............: 35,250 38,000 Idaho ..............: 6,100 5,700 Illinois ...........: 2,627 3,600 : Maryland ...........: 3,870 3,720 Massachusetts ......: 1,400 1,700 Michigan ...........: 20,600 10,240 Missouri ...........: 3,170 4,800 New Jersey .........: 18,120 22,500 New York ...........: 7,740 6,400 North Carolina .....: 6,000 4,000 Ohio ...............: 5,370 200 Pennsylvania .......: 19,500 12,400 South Carolina .....: 69,650 76,000 : Texas ..............: 8,250 1,495 Utah ...............: 5,421 5,400 Virginia ...........: 7,740 5,100 Washington .........: 13,100 13,700 West Virginia ......: 5,700 5,500 : United States ......: 901,728 863,855 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ California Clingstone is over-the-scale tonnage and includes culls and cannery diversions.
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