An unusual bloom period in southern cherry-growing regions may affect early volumes of fruit. Although there are no concrete projections on state production, it's not anticipated overall volumes will be affected.The season is slated to begin in late April, but those volumes will most likely be a little light, according to Jim Hanson of Grower Direct Marketing. An erratic bloom in some areas is the reason for this, and it could also result in an unusual production curve.
"The first several days will bring lighter than normal volumes," he says, "but the crop should improve as it moves north." He believes Brooks varieties from southern districts could be half of what they were last year, but he also notes that last year's volumes were especially large.
Production should even out as the season progresses, but the timing of the season might be unusual. Hanson notes that although overall production won't be that far off from previous seasons, peak volumes might be blunted and production could be more spread out throughout the season.
"All districts will be producing at similar times," he says, "but because the bloom was scattered in some areas, there will be no discernible peak." The result would be a flatter production curve throughout the season as opposed to a traditional bell curve.
Despite the unusual production schedule, Hanson believes there will be good promotable volumes this year.
"When the numbers are accounted for in all districts," he adds, "I think some people will be surprised at how good the volumes will be."