STAT Communications Ag Market News

Peach Crop Jumps 13%

WASHINGTON - Aug 12/19 - SNS -- United States peach production is forecast at 733,500 tons, up 13% from 2018, according to the USDA's latest crop production report.

In California, rain and plenty of chilling hours benefited the Freestone crop with a very good bloom reported. Favorable growing conditions continued after bloom as warm days and cool evenings helped with color and sizing. California Clingstone full bloom occurred on March 18, a few days later than last year.

In Georgia, trees received plenty of chill hours with little frost damage and natural thinning from a couple of light March freezes. Growers reported an abundant crop and attributed it to plentiful rains and cool spring temperatures. Harvest began in early-May. In South Carolina, some growers reported their best crop in several years. There were plenty of early chill hours, adequate moisture, and trees full of blooms. In South Carolina, harvest is expected to continue through mid-September.

In New Jersey, growers reported good quantity and excellent size and color. Michigan growers in the Southwest area reported most of their crop was destroyed by harsh winter conditions. Peaches in West Central, Northwest, and Southeast Michigan were less affected by the cold snap. Colorado producers expect their largest crop since 2012.


Peach Production - States and United States: 2018 and Forecasted August 1, 2019
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                    :                     Total production
        State       :-----------------------------------------------------------
                    :            2018             :            2019
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                    :                           tons
                    :
California .........:           479,000                       510,000
  Freestone ........:           220,000                       240,000
  Clingstone .......:           259,000                       270,000
Colorado ...........:            15,000                        17,000
Georgia ............:            26,000                        50,000
Michigan ...........:            12,000                         6,000
New Jersey .........:            23,000                        25,000
Pennsylvania .......:            17,400                        16,500
South Carolina .....:            65,800                        93,000
Washington .........:            13,300                        16,000
                    :
United States ......:           651,500                       733,500
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