Estimates Put 2019 Cherry Crop Around 249K Tons

Cherries Northwest is out with its first crop estimate of the season.  The Round 1 estimate places the local cherry crop at 24.9 million 20 pound boxes.  B.J. Thurlby, President of Cherries Northwest said after a delayed start because of late winter storms, Mother Nature has been very kind to area growers.

“[It] Has just been perfect for growing cherries.  We’re exciting great sugars, good size, and right now, we’re not seeing winter damage to speak of across the board.  So, right now, it looks like we have all systems go, and a nice crop on the trees.”

In a typical year, growers would start to harvest early varieties in late May, but Thurlby says that has been pushed back.  He said they are still hopeful to have an ample amount of cherries in the hands of consumers by the 4^th of July.

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