Cherry Grower Estimate Slightly Smaller

Last week, cherry growers from the five Northwest states gathered for their annual meeting, discussing progress in the orchard.  Growers estimated the 2019 crop at 236,400 tons, slightly lower than the over 249,000 tons estimated in Round 1 a few weeks ago.  Growers stressed that variance is to be expected, but it strengthens the impression that while this year’s crop is nice, it will not set harvest records.

Despite the smaller crop size, growers say they have for the most part overcome the delayed start to the season thanks to favorable growing degree days.  Buds were in the two flower range, with almost more "ones" than "threes" (three  flowers per bud), and that led to overall lower crop volume in most orchards.  With few exceptions, most notably in young orchards due to their vigor and growth, crop loads are down noticeably in orchards through out the Northwest.  That's especially true for the Sweetheart and Early Robin varieties, which seem to have been in critical growing points during the few cold drops over winter and the warming shift during bloom.  That's resulted into expectations of a significantly reduced Sweetheart and Early Robin crop from the Northwest this year.

Drop is still progressing, as is usual, and will be reflected in the upcoming Round Two and Round Three projections.

Even with the reduction in the Early Robin contribution to the yellow cherry/Rainier crop, we are anticipating the ability to maintain extended Rainier retail promotions this season.  The Round 1 estimate projected a strong Rainier crop of over 2million boxes (15-pound), and that was taking the Early Robin impact into account.  If the Round 1 estimate and the weather patterns hold, promotable volume should easily stretch past National Rainier Cherry Day on the 11th of July.

What's clear, growers said, is that there is a worldwide opportunity fast approaching to make a success out of the summer with the Northwest cherry crop. When the pipeline opens, will your plans and programs be ready?  Our team of U.S. regional and export representatives are setting up their Pre-Season meetings, armed with the latest materials and information from our offices.  They are always amongst the first to know, and are primed with research-supported promotion plans.  Not only that, but they're getting regular updates of the buds we cut to test bloom in our office.  So in the meantime, please feel free to reach out with any questions or stone fruit-related topics you wish to discuss.  Together, we'll turn the 2019 Northwest crops into another success for both your shelves and our over 2,100 growers.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com