Cherry Outlook Pt 2

From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with today’s Fruit Grower Report. Northwest cherries were hit hard by April’s snow and freezing temps, but while there might be fewer cherries this year, the quality is expected to be outstanding.

Now, Northwest Cherry Growers president BJ Thurlby says they’re waiting to see how much later harvest might be …

THURLBY … “When you don’t have cherries, they don’t go on the shelves and you lose shelf space. So, that’s got us a little focused and a little nervous. On top of that, we’ve been pleasantly surprised with the quality of the California cherries we’re seeing in the market. So, overall, that’s a big positive. Their fruit is really eating good this year and we like to see that.”

So, Thurlby says with any luck …

THURLBY … “The hope is that we’re able to come in without too much loss of shelf space and then the Northwest Cherry season will begin in earnest and we’ll kind of slide right in behind where California is and get consumers Northwest Cherries. So, we’ll get that upgrade for June and July.”

And again, the quality …

THURLBY … “Yeah, anytime we see these little bit lighter crops we always have great fruit. So, that’s a positive and that’s something that we hope has a positive impact on the market.”

Thurlby says another benefit may be down the road …

THURLBY … “So, this year, based on kind of our historical view of when we get these late starts, you know, there’s a real chance we’ll be picking in September the last cherries.”

The bulk of the cherries are expected to be harvest in July and August.