News

Apple production outlook mixed

The U.S. Apple Association is calling for a slight bump in production this year, but heat stress in Michigan could put a drag on expectations.

West Michigan grower Chris Kropf tells Brownfield a lack of moisture has reduced fruit size somewhat.

“If we’ve got a slightly smaller crop or same size as last year, there won’t be an oversupply of apples here locally,” he says. “I think processing will be good, but the fresh side is going to be a little bit tougher because Washington is coming in with a big crop.”

USApple’s crop estimate calls for U.S. production to hit 278.5 million bushels, about a one percent increase from last year and four percent above the five-year average.

Michigan’s production was forecast to be about 10 percent higher than its previous forecast at 30 million bushels, while local estimates are much smaller.

The Michigan Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Association says 25.5 million bushels are more likely, 15 percent lower than what USApple is forecasting and a decline of six percent from USDA’s final 2024 production number.

The largest growing region in the state where Kropf farms is currently in moderate drought, and rainfall has been below the five-year average for the season.

Michigan State University Extension educators have also been reporting increased pest and disease pressures like apple maggot, apple scab, and powdery mildew because of the humidity this summer.