With full bloom behind us in all but the latest regions, it's hard not to be anxious for the sweet Northwest cherry crop to come. The weather has turned ideal across the region, with blue skies and 70-degree days being the norm. That hasn't always been the case these past several weeks, which can make growers and retailers nervous. Wind and rain typically reduces bee activity, which is an absolute necessity for a successful Northwest crop. Fortunately, the low temperatures and high moisture levels in the air seemed to prolong the bloom and pollen viability, which allowed the most industrious and tolerant of the bees to get their jobs done. Across every region of the Northwest, growers reported at least several hours of bee activity each day.
Every tree is different, but there are several trends noted across varieties and growing areas. In general, bloom this season was well spread throughout the trees. "Snowball" bloom, or heavy clusters of flowers, were less prevalent. The flower count per bud has also been closer to normal, 2-to-3 flowers, as compared to last year's 4-to-6 flowers. Fewer flowers per bud typically translates into more energy distributed into fewer cherries per tree.
After bloom finishes, the next stage of the estimate waiting game begins. Growers driving through their orchards today, from Rainiers in the Orondo area to Chelans in Pasco, all report early cherries "poking out". However, it takes several weeks after bloom finishes before growers can determine what will "stick" on the trees…in other words, which flowers were pollinated and will turn into cherries. Most commercial varieties will drop what they're going to by the pit hardening stage, typically two to three weeks after bloom, but some cherries like the Chelan can "drop" all the way up to harvest. So while we continue to gather field data for our Round One crop estimate, which we expect to have soon, we're monitoring a few other data points to help give us all a better idea of what's to come.
Cool weather slowed the accumulation of Growing Degree Day units a bit across the Northwest, but in comparison to past seasons we're still on pace to have a strong June start to the 2018 crop. The chart below shows a similar accumulation in the Yakima Valley (Harrah) and Tri-Cities growing districts. In 2015 and 2016, we shipped for at least a week in the month of May. Last season (2017) we didn't begin shipping until the eighth of June. Based on individual grower records of bloom timing in the Tri-Cities district, one of our earliest producing areas, they expect some early fruit during the first week of June with Chelan volume ramping up during the second week. There is a lot of weather and time yet to happen between now and the start of harvest, but if all of these patterns continue we will still expect to see significant volumes available to retailers in time for their June ads…especially the June 27th break prior to the Holiday.
The 2018 crop on the trees gives every indication of a fantastic season to come for growers and retailers alike. Make sure your departments are ready for the arrival of the Northwest crop to take advantage of the "Light" cherry shopper. While they may typically buy only 1 bag per season, their impact results in a 65% increase in cherry dollar sales when they begin to buy. Unfortunately for most retailers, those light buyers are the impulse buyers who may or may not know Northwest cherries are available. So to expand that dollar boost back into June, make sure your cherry customers know that the Northwest crop has arrived! If you'd like help promoting that message, contact your Northwest Cherries representative today.
Source: Northwest Cherry Growers
