Northwest Cherry Harvest Underway

The 2026 Northwest cherry season is officially underway, with harvest beginning across early growing districts.

Growers report excellent fruit quality and strong sizing thanks to favorable spring weather conditions.  Northwest Cherries says warm temperatures throughout May accelerated crop development, pushing the season slightly ahead of normal.

Industry estimates place the Northwest crop between 18.4-19.2 million boxes, which is right in line with the five-year average of 19.2 million 20-pound boxes.

Northwest Cherries says promotable volumes are expected to build steadily through early June, with major shipping peaks projected June 18th-25th, and again during the second week of July.  The predication is harvest will run into early August. 

As of May 26th, California cherry shipments have now topped 5.3 million boxes, exceeding earlier expectations.  However, supplies in the Golden state are starting to wind down for the season.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com