Despite a few challenges from Mother Nature, Wisconsin's cranberry producers nearly saw another record harvest during the past year. The state's agriculture department issued its annual fruit production summary this week, which showed total cranberry output at 3.96 million barrels. That's up 10,000 barrels from 2009 and is the second highest on record.
Crop reporters say the growing season started early with a warmer than average April, followed by many hot and humid summer days. But rain hindered pollination for some as an abundant water supply brought too much moisture throughout the season. Some reports stated beds were not able to drain, and the excess water throughout caused rot for many growers.
State cranberry producers harvested 18,000 acres last year, the same as in 2009. Yields rose 0.6 barrel per acre to 220.0 barrels per acre. The 80,000 barrels sold on the fresh market brought a price of $79.30 per barrel. Prices for processing cranberries rose from $46.70 to $47.20 per barrel. Wisconsin producers accounted for 58 percent of the U.S. crop in 2010.
Meanwhile, Wisconsin's apple season also got off to an early start with warm temperatures in April, only to be followed by freezing temperatures during blossom time. This resulted in the dropping of many blossoms. Apple production in 2010 totaled 37.0 million pounds, with 31.9 million pounds of utilized production. Production and utilization were down 14.9 percent and 12.6 percent, respectively, from 2009. Bearing acres were down 100 acres to 4,100. Yields decreased 1,380 pounds per acre to 9,020. Prices rose 25 percent from 2009 to $0.516 per pound in 2010.
And tart cherry production in the Badger State was at 5.7 million pounds, down 48 percent from 2009. Yields were also down 48 percent to 3,170 pounds per acre. Moisture and freezing temperatures in May were also the cause of the lower output. Prices increased from $0.280 to $0.293 per pound in 2010.
Source: Wisconsin Ag Connection