According to the U.S. Agriculture Department's National Agricultural Statistics Service, New York office, 2012 tart cherry production is forecast at 1.10 million pounds.
The forecast is 81 percent less than last year's production of 5.9 million pounds and 86 percent less than the 2010 crop. All areas of New York were hit extremely hard with freezing temperatures that followed warm March weather. The weather sequence resulted in a record low production forecast.
U.S. tart cherry production is forecast at 73.1 million pounds, 68 percent less than the 2011 production and 62 percent less than 2010. In Michigan, normally the largest-producing state, record high temperatures in early spring led to premature development of trees. This was followed by below normal temperatures and continual frost events throughout the state.
Additionally, pollination conditions were poor. The majority of growers lost all of their harvestable crop this year.
Sweet cherry production in New York is forecast at 250 tons, 64 percent less than the 2011 crop of 700 tons, and 75 percent less than the 2010 crop. Growers reported warm temperatures in March followed by freezing temperatures in April drastically reduced their production potential.
U.S. sweet cherry production is forecast at 382,150 tons, increased 11 percent from 2011 and is 22 percent more than 2010. The Washington crop forecast of 235,000 tons increased 18 percent from 2011. Winter conditions were moderate and warm spring conditions allowed for an excellent bloom and resulted in good pollination levels. The Michigan crop is forecast at 3,300 tons, 82 percent less than the 2011 production.
Record-high temperatures early in the spring caused premature development of trees. This was followed by below normal temperatures and continual frost events later in the season, leading to a significantly smaller crop than normal.