On Wednesday May 17th, over 75 growers, shippers and field team leaders from across the Northwest Cherry industry met to discuss the 2017 cherry crop. This collective group meets annually to discuss the developing crop potential across the growing districts within each of the 5 member states, and formulates a crop estimate based on attendee input. The 5-State estimate is often the most accurate look at the crop as it is in real time, provided by growers who have walked out of their orchards and into this meeting. It does not, however, take into account the annual field team data model and historical algorithms with which we project the NWC’s 4 rounds of estimates.
Today’s round table estimate for the Northwest 2017 sweet cherry crop is 227,000 metric tons or 22.7 million 20 lb. equivalent boxes. That estimate would put the coming crop 8% larger than last year’s 20.9 million box season. This crop projection allows for substantial promotional opportunities all season long – late June through August!
Extended bloom and cool spring weather indicate a longer season, stretching from mid-June through the end of August. The 2017 selling season should last between 90 and 100 days! Significant volume into the month of August is anticipated.
To read the rest of the story, please go to: Northwest Cherry Growers
