Peach Crop Down 4%

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]
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                    :                     Total production
        State       :-----------------------------------------------------------
                    :            2013             :            2014
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                    :                           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
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1/ California Clingstone is over-the-scale tonnage and includes culls and
   cannery diversions.