June Crop Production Report

First look at summer fruit crop prospects, most are down from 2008.

Farm Progress News
By: Compiled by staff
Published: Jun 15, 2009

The USDA, NASS, California Field Office has released the crop production forecast for June. The
latest survey, which was conducted during the last week of May and the first week of June, includes the following commodities:

Apricots - The 2009 California apricot crop forecast is 66.0 thousand tons, down 14% from the 2008 crop. Bearing acreage is estimated at 10.7 thousand acres, resulting in a yield of 6.17 tons per acre. Despite frosts and water shortages, the production of California apricots is expected to be fairly normal, though down from the high production of recent years. Overall, bloom was reported to be good. Fruit set and quality are reported to be good. Harvest began in mid-May. The sensitivity of apricots to weather, economics, market demand and foreign competition continues to drive many apricot growers to pull trees to put in more profitable crops.

Cherries - The 2009 California sweet cherry crop forecast is 75.0 thousand tons, down 13% from the 2008 crop. Bearing acreage is estimated at 27.0 thousand acres, resulting in a yield of 2.78 tons per acre. Spring weather generated occasional rain and cool temperatures for California's sweet cherry crop. Storms early in the month produced some damage to Brooks and Burlat varieties. Brooks and Bing cherry harvests continued.

Peaches - The 2009 California Freestone peach crop forecast is 370 thousand tons, unchanged from the May forecast, but down 13% from the 2008 crop. Bearing acreage is estimated at 28.0 thousand, resulting in a yield of 13.2 tons per acre. California experienced an adequate number of chilling hours, thus benefiting the Freestone crop. Freezing temperatures hit California in early March, resulting in frost damage in some areas. Frost damage, along with a decrease in the bearing acres, has resulted in an estimated lower production for the 2009 crop. Harvest continued during May with Spring Flame, Super Rich and Snow Angel the major varieties harvested. Demand is reported to be good.

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