American peach harvest down 5%

The July 2005 forecast of U.S. peach production is 1.24 million tons, down 5% from 2004 and 2% below two years ago, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

Twenty of the 28 peach estimating States expect declines in production from last year, while 8 States increased their production from the previous season.

The California Clingstone crop is forecast at 530,000 tons, up 4% from the June 1 forecast but 2% below the 2004 crop. California experienced ideal weather conditions during bloom period. Full bloom was about a week ahead of last year but harvest was delayed due to cooler than average temperatures during April.

Fruit set is lighter than a year ago but size is excellent throughout the State. Good growing conditions were observed during June. Harvest began during late June.

The California Freestone crop is forecast at 410,000 tons, unchanged from the June 1 forecast but 6% below the 2004 crop. The State experienced an adequate number of chilling hours which benefitted the Freestone crop. Bloom was delayed due to cool weather. Cool temperatures during spring allowed the fruit to size better than last year's crop. Harvest continued with Brittney Lane, Country Sweet, Fancy Lady, Rich Lady, and Earli Rich the primary varieties picked. Quality is reported to be very good for the Freestone crop.

The South Carolina peach crop is forecast at 75,000 tons, down 6% from the June 1 forecast but 7% above 2004. Crop maturity is behind schedule due to cool weather during spring and early summer. North Carolina's peach crop, forecast at 6,000 tons, is up 71% from last year and double the 2003 season. This is the State's best peach crop since 1999. Quality is reported to be good.

Georgia 's peach crop is forecast at 40,000 tons, down 11% from the June 1 forecast and 24% from 2004. An unusually cool spring delayed peach maturity until mid-May when several weeks of warm sunny weather provided near ideal conditions. However, frequent showers, and excessive rain, along with high humidity throughout June, provided for frequent disease problems. Heavy hail damage in several areas also reduced production. Harvest reached 51% complete in early July. Fruit quality is considered good.

In New Jersey, production is forecast at 30,000 tons, down 8% from 2004 and 14% below 2003. Severe winter damage was reported in the southwest part of the State. An average to good bloom was observed but a cold snap in May caused some damage. Some manual thinning was necessary due to insufficient June drop. Peaches are sizing well and crop prospects may improve if growing conditions continue to be favorable.

Production in Pennsylvania is forecast at 20,500 tons, down 11% from last year and 44% below 2003. Thinning is progressing well and is nearly complete. Many growers in Adams and Franklin counties reported the need for rain.

Production in New York is forecast at 5,300 tons, down 12% from 2004 and 18% below two years ago. Many growers in the Lake Ontario region reported winter damage due to cold temperatures in late December and early January. A widespread frost on May 13 decreased fruit potential. In the spring, hail storms were reported across the eastern part of the State and the Hudson Valley Fruit Region.

Production in Connecticut is forecast at 800 tons, a 6% decrease from last year. A cold winter with plenty of snow lasted long into the spring. Wet and cold weather in May contributed to an unfavorable spring which resulted in late peach development. Average full bloom was reached the first week in May. Peaches were rated in good to fair condition by the end of June.

Production in Massachusetts is forecast at 1,050 tons, up 9% from the small 2004 crop. In parts of the State, a record amount of snow fell. Some areas experienced significant winterkill due to extended periods of below zero temperatures. In April, warm weather arrived early and conditions became dry; however, a cold wet May followed which hindered bloom.

Areas hit by frost and freeze conditions during bloom suffered severe or total losses, while orchards that escaped the frigid temperatures reported significant increases from last year's unusually low output. By June, sunny weather arrived to the region and improved peach conditions. Average date of full bloom in the State was May 5. The peach crop was rated fair to good by the end of June.

Michigan 's peach crop is forecast at 19,000 tons, up 2% from 2004 but 19% below 2003. Above normal temperatures during early spring put fruit development ahead of average this year.

However, a late April cold snap damaged some orchards, especially in the southwest region. Overall, the peach crop seemed to recover nicely. Pollination was a concern for producers as cold temperatures negatively affected bees. In the southeast, peaches are continuing to size well. Thinning was underway in the west central region where the crop looks very good. Overall, the crop should be similar in size to last year.

Peach production in Missouri and Ohio are down 67% and 61%, respectively, from last year. Peach production in Kentucky is forecast at 550 tons, down 31% from last season. Illinois' production, at 6,500 tons, is down 39% from 2004. Weather conditions during winter and spring were detrimental to this season's peach crop. A hard freeze in January and a late frost in May combined to lower crop potential. Spring hail storms also caused fruit loss.

Production in West Virginia is down 8% from 2004; however, production is up 2% in Maryland. Both Alabama and Texas decreased production by 18% from the previous season due to hail storms and other untimely weather related conditions.

Production in Arkansas and Tennessee is down 4% and 3%, respectively. However, production has doubled in Oklahoma. Washington peach crop is forecast at 22,000 tons, up 2% from last year and 13% above 2003. Production is down from 2004 in Oregon, Idaho, and Utah. In Colorado, production is forecast at 12,000 tons, down 8% from the 2004 crop. Hail and wind damage was reported in some areas of the West Slope.

Source