Michigan Apple Growers to Harvest 32 Million Bushels in 2023
Official Crop Size Estimate for 2023 Announced
CHICAGO – Michigan’s official crop estimate of 32 million bushels (1.344 billion lbs.) of apples was announced this afternoon as part of the USApple Outlook meeting which is held in Chicago. The 2023 estimate is above average for the Michigan Apple industry.
“This fall brings the second large Michigan Apple crop in a row for our industry,” said Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee. “As growers continue to plant high-density orchards and adopt other innovative growing practices, Michigan’s apple crop will continue to grow.”
According to the USDA, Michigan harvested a record 32.38 million bushels of apples in 2022. Average annual crop size is approximately 24 million bushels. There are more than 14.9 million apple trees in commercial production, covering 34,500 acres on 775 family-run farms in Michigan.
Many factors contribute to the size of an apple crop, including weather, bloom conditions and tree health. 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.
“Michigan had mostly favorable weather conditions for growing apples during spring and summer 2023. While some regionalized losses occurred due to frost and hail, overall our state’s growers report a very healthy crop with great looking fruit,” said Smith.
Michigan Apples are available nearly year-round from August to June. The largest and most valuable fruit crop in the state can be found at about 150 farm markets and cider mills in Michigan as well as more than 12,000 retail groceries across the U.S., according to Smith.
“Michigan Apple growers share a common goal of producing flavorful, high-quality apples,” said Smith. “They work with tree fruit researchers to implement the latest growing techniques and use new technology to monitor growing conditions. Michigan growers are committed to bringing the best quality fruit to the consumer.”
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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