WASHINGTON (RFD-TV) — The USDA’s latest fruit and nut reports show both gains and setbacks for 2025 crops.
Apple production is forecast at 11.5 billion pounds, up six percent from last year, with Washington expected to hit a record 8 billion pounds.
Pears are also rebounding, rising 22 percent from 2024’s historic low. Even so, pear output remains among the smallest on record.
In contrast, peaches are expected to reach 682,500 tons, a four-percent decrease from last year. California, South Carolina, and Georgia all project smaller crops. U.S. grape production is forecast at 5.59 million tons, up 3 percent, with stronger wine grape harvests in California and Oregon offsetting declines in Washington.
Other highlights include a nine-percent decrease in cranberry production to 8.13 million barrels, a 10 percent decline in table olive production to 44,000 tons, and an 18 percent increase in walnut production to 710,000 tons. Tight almond supplies and firm nut prices are expected to persist into the fall.
Tony’s Farm-Level Takeaway: While apples, pears, grapes, and walnuts show strength, peaches, cranberries, and olives are weaker. Crop-specific shifts and strong prices highlight the variability of this year’s harvest.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University’s
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute found human sewage, not fertilizer, is mainly responsible for dangerous nitrogen levels in Florida’s Indian River Lagoon.
RFD-TV’s own Tammi Arender was down on Broadway covering all the action at CMA Fest when she stumbled upon some apple farmers from North-Central Washington selling a new, must-try apple variety.
Posterity Cider Works is focusing on quality with their ciders. In this clip, Brendan Barnard and Trevor chat about developing flavors with different apples and how older varieties of apples change over time.
Idaho Farm Bureau is taking it one step further and creating a competition for students to grow the largest and best strawberry based on the children’s book.
Save this list to have on hand when you hit your local grocery store, farmerfarmers market, or CSA all season long!
Save this list to have on hand when you hit your local grocery store, farmer’s market, or CSA all season long!
April 28, 2023 04:41 PM
·
