Posted: 07.16.2010

Big drops being expected in Wisconsin tart cherry production for this year according to the Wisconsin Ag Statistical Service.

Most of Wisconsin’s tart cherry production is concentrated in the Door county area.  Because of a fast start to spring weather - and frost in April and May - the trees suffered some compromised pollination.  Now, WASS says the 2010 crop forecast is at 4.3 million pounds. That would be at least a 61 percent drop from last years production.

Wisconsin experienced a warm spring and tart cherry trees began to bloom in April. The early start to blossoming made the crop very susceptible to frosts that came in April and May. Cool, wet weather during the key pollination period also compromised yield.

Wisconsin's not alone. U.S. tart cherry production this year is forecast at 195.3 million pounds; that’s down 46 percent from last year’s revised numbers. The top producing state, Michigan, forecasts a 47 percent drop in its crop from last year.

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