Apple Estimates for 2024 Pt 2
From the Ag Information Network, this is today’s Fruit Grower Report. With Washington forecast to come in at about 124-million 40-pound boxes, growers seem to be pleased with the size and quality of the crop.
Jon DeVaney, President of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association, says a “normal-sized” crop is a good thing …
DeVANEY … “Normal sounds boring until you have excitement. So, having a crop that’s a little more normal, easier to manage and market over the course of the season is good news for growers.”
This year’s weather, DeVaney says has been manageable …
DeVANEY … “We had some warm days, but that’s typical in Central Washington. It was challenging because we had a declared drought condition. Our irrigation districts and individual growers were able to manage that with enough advanced warning, but it has created a little bit of concern for the later harvested varieties and how quickly irrigation districts are going to have to shut off water.”
But, DeVaney says it’s still early …
DeVANEY … “We get a lot of interest in the start of harvest around August 1st, but of course we have varieties that don’t get picked until mid to late November. So, there’s still some weather ahead of us.”
As for the quality …
DeVANEY … “It’s looking good and I can tell as someone who likes to sample as many of our apples early in the season as possible, they’re tasting great too. So, I think consumers are going to be experiencing great quality as well.”
Washington’s most grown apple variety is Gala, followed by
Granny Smith and Red Delicious.
