On 12 August 2020, the American National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released a report in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). It contains this year's crop estimates for apples, cranberries, grapes peaches, and pears. The predictions for grapes particularly bode well for Californian growers.
Apples
The American apple production for the 2020 harvesting year is estimated at 4,8 million tons. That's three percent lower than last year. This season, production is expected to be down in all states except Oregon. Michigan had a late, mild to cold winter. This delayed the development of the spring buds. This year, this state also experienced heavy frost at the beginning of May. So, apple production in Michigan should be three percent lower than last year.
Cranberries
Total cranberry production in the US is estimated at 8,97 million barrels. That 13% more than in 2019. Production in Wisconsin is expected to be 5,50 million barrels. That's 18% up on 2019, thanks to this year's improved weather conditions in that state. Record production - 2,40 million barrels - is expected in Massachusetts. That 11% more than last year. On 2 August, 60% of the cranberries in Massachusetts were in good to excellent condition.
Grapes
This year's grape production in America is estimated at 7,18 million tons. That's a four percent increase compared to 2019. Four million tons of wine grapes should be produced in California, which is unchanged from last year. That represents 59% of the state's total grape crop. Californian grape production for the raisin sector should be 1,4 million tons - an eight percent increase from last year.
Californian table grape production is estimated at 1,35 million tons, 14% higher than in 2019. If realized, that will be the highest grape production in that state's history.
Peaches
Peach production in the USA is estimated at 645,500 tons, down five percent compared to 2019. In Freestone, California, peach blossoms reached their peak on 3 March. That's 15 days earlier than last year. Harvesting of the smaller sizes began on 8 June in Kingsburg. Clingstone peaches had sufficient cold hours and favorable spring weather. Mid-season harvesting is going well.
South-Carolina experienced few cold hours as well as hail damage in certain areas. Despite this, 2020's crop is expected to be the largest since 2011. As a result, the market and demand were moderate and stable. Good quality fruit has also been reported. Harvesting started in mid-May. It was 90% completed by 2 August. Farmers in Georgia are expecting good crops. There, picking began in mid-May too and was 97% done by 2 August.
In Colorado, peaches growing in cultivation areas on that state's western slopes were severely frost damaged. In Michigan and New Jersey, this product was less affected by the spring freeze.
Pears
America's 2020 pear production is estimated at 800,000 tons. That's an increase of ten percent. In California, pear crops fared well. Growing conditions were ideal, which improved the fruit's size. Growers in Oregon and Washington reported favorable, mild spring and summer conditions. These are perfect for a healthy crop. The farmers are expecting good, improved quality harvested volumes.
Source: Crop Production