Nationally, the production outlook for this year stands at 222 million pounds, with Michigan contributing significantly to this figure. According to Lance Honing of the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA/NASS), Michigan is responsible for 182 million pounds of the total production. “Out of those 222,000,000 pounds, they account for 182 million pounds of that total. In Michigan in particular, they’re looking at their largest crop since 2018,” stated Honing. Michigan, producing approximately 75 percent of the nation’s tart cherries, witnessed a 37.7% increase in production compared to the previous year despite facing freeze challenges.

Moreover, Michigan’s role is crucial in bolstering the national sweet cherry production figures, especially as other leading states experience declines. “The total national number, 355,000 tons, technically you could say is up 3/10 of a percent from last year’s production. But if you take Michigan out of the mix since they weren’t counted in the total last year, we’re actually looking at a 5.9% decrease from last year for those remaining three states that we’ve measured both seasons,” Honing elaborated.

This adjustment in production estimates marks Michigan’s re-entry into the sweet cherry production figures after being excluded in previous years due to low yields. California and Washington, traditionally dominant in sweet cherry production, are projected to see reduced outputs this season.

Source: AG Net West – Via Fresh Plaza