Michigan’s cherry production is making a significant impact on national totals this year, according to Lance Honing from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA/NASS). The nationwide production forecast for this year stands at 222 million pounds, with Michigan contributing a substantial 182 million pounds to this figure. Honing highlighted that Michigan is on track to achieve its largest crop since 2018, despite facing challenges from freezes. The state, known for producing about 75 percent of the nation’s tart cherries, experienced a notable 37.7% increase in production compared to the previous year.
In addition to its dominance in tart cherries, Michigan is playing a crucial role in bolstering national sweet cherry production figures. Honing pointed out that the total national sweet cherry production is recorded at 355,000 tons, showing a marginal increase of 3/10 of a percent from the previous year. However, excluding Michigan from last year’s total, there is actually a 5.9% decrease in production among the other leading states.
Michigan’s re-entry into the sweet cherry production statistics comes after being excluded in previous years due to low yields. Conversely, traditional leaders in sweet cherry production like California and Washington are expected to see reduced outputs this season, further emphasizing Michigan’s growing influence in the cherry industry.
This adjustment in production estimates underscores Michigan’s resurgence as a major player in both tart and sweet cherry production, significantly impacting national agricultural statistics for the current season.