Michigan Apple Growers Expect Average-Sized Harvest
Industry announces harvest estimate of 25.25 million bushels in 2019
CHICAGO – The official crop estimate of 25.25 million bushels (1.06 billion pounds) of apples was announced today at the USApple Outlook meeting in Chicago. The 2019 crop estimate is on par with the average Michigan Apple harvest of about 25.2 million bushels per year.
“Many factors contribute to the size of an apple crop, including weather and the size of the previous year’s crop. To make the estimate, growers and other industry experts report on what they are seeing in various regions of the state, then come to a consensus on the crop size estimate. Reports have been consistently indicating a clean crop with good sized apples,” said Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee.
According to the USDA, Michigan harvested 25 million bushels of apples in 2018. There are more than 11.3 million apple trees in commercial production, covering 35,500 acres on 825 family-run farms in Michigan.
“July was the hottest month this summer, and paired with the cool, rainy spring, both seasons provided favorable weather conditions for growing apples,” said Smith. “Good quality, size, and the anticipation of a full crop point to numerous retail opportunities this year.”
Michigan Apples are typically shipped from mid-August all the way through the following June. Michigan Apple packers and shippers work throughout the year to bring Michigan Apples to more than 30 states and 18 countries worldwide, according to Smith.
“Michigan Apple growers dedicate their lives to producing fresh, flavorful, high-quality apples. As always, they have been working hard to produce this year’s crop and are excited to share their great-tasting apples with consumers this fall” said Smith.
The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to marketing, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption in Michigan and around the world. For more information, visit MichiganApples.com.
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