Fruit Outlook

The quarterly outlook of crops in the northwest is out again. Northwest Farm Credit Services quarterly market snapshots show extreme summer heat throughout the Northwest adversely impacted yields and quality for most crops. Michael Stolp, Northwest Farm Credit Services, Vice President of Customer Insights give us a look at the apple crop.

STOLP: With the expectation of smaller Northwest and U.S. apple crops, the outlook for the Northwest apple industry has improved following last season's downturn in pricing. Early market sales and prices were positive. However, as supplies from competing regions are harvested markets will be pressured. Apple prices are likely to reach seasonal lows this winter and rebound in the first quarter of 2015. Due to extreme heat that damaged crops, lower than average packouts for some apple varieties will adversely impact producer profitability.

And he has the snapshot for the wine and vineyard season.

STOLP: Most Oregon and Washington wine grape producers began harvest earlier than normal due to above average growing season temperatures. Although the growing season was atypically hot, no material production or quality challenges are reported. Conversely, production is forecast lower in California due to drought. Overall, wine inventories are expected to remain balanced, supported by prior years' strong production. Demand remains strong for wine, supporting a positive market outlook.

That's today's Fruit Grower Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network of the West.