2008 Crop Highlights
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- As a state, we are currently forecasting a 15-million bushel crop. That is a lesser quantity than average due to severe weather over the course of the spring and early summer throughout several regions of the state.
- Weather, without question, has been an issue. Last month Governor Jennifer Granholm officially requested federal disaster assistance from the USDA for fruit growers in 55 counties due to frosts and freezes in April.
- Specifically, Michigan apple growers experienced severe cold weather in April followed by another unexpected cold snap just before Memorial Day. Heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorms have also been reported this summer.
- It is fair to say that some growers are hurt more than others, while some managed to emerge unscathed. Some growers in different pockets throughout the state are forecasting a normal to slightly higher than normal crop.
- There definitely appears to be a silver lining to all of the weather activity. In recent weeks, growers have experienced the heat units they need and rainfall they desire to produce good-size, flavorful fruit.
- Despite the adverse conditions earlier this spring, Michigan apple growers remain confident the apples that come across the grader this fall will be of high quality.
- Disease control also appears to be effective with reports from the field of virtually no secondary scab infections at this time.
- Despite setbacks related to weather, Michigan apple growers anticipate producing a flavorful crop that will continue to meet the escalating standards of consumers everywhere.