Cherry Estimates 2024 Pt 2
From the Ag Information Network, this is today’s Fruit Grower Report. First round estimates for this year’s cherry crop stand at over 20,981,000 20-pound boxes, which is about 12% more than last year.
BJ Thurlby, president of Northwest Cherry Growers, says as long as the weather holds out, we should avoid a repeat of last year’s late start and early finish …
THURLBY … “I can tell you that based on degree days and kind of the weather pattern we’re seeing and the weather pattern we’re expecting over the next month, I just don’t see that happening this year. And, you know, as far as growers go, that would be a good thing.”
Northwest harvest, Thurlby says should begin in about two weeks …
THURLBY … “June 1st. Right around, maybe a day, maybe a tad bit ahead, 29th’ish, but June 1st is the time we think we’re going to start.”
They are working, Thurlby says on slowing things down three of four days, which could be significant …
THURLBY ... “It can make a big difference in the cherry business.”
But there are some growers, Thurlby says who are pretty excited …
THURLBY … “I just got off the phone with one of my bigger growers and he said, he couldn’t have painted a better crop on the trees. He said, this is, this thing looks perfect. He said, six to eight, nine tons to the acre, depending on what orchard you’re in. And he said the fruits going to size. He goes, this is lining up to be a really good one.”
So, Thurlby says, knock on wood and fingers crossed …
THURLBY … “Let’s hope his vision and his long understanding of the cherry business is spot-on.”
Thurlby says California’s harvest began on April 19th and is pretty much on schedule.
