YAKIMA, Wash. (RFD News) — Washington apple growers are beginning harvest with a strong crop despite historic drought conditions.
Washington State Tree Fruit Association President Jon DeVaney joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report to discuss this year’s outlook.
DeVaney said growers are expecting an average-sized crop with strong quality after using water management and irrigation improvements to navigate the drought. Meanwhile, USDA forecasts the overall U.S. apple crop will fall about 7% following weather-related losses in other states.
Washington typically supplies about two-thirds of the nation’s apples, and DeVaney said tighter supplies elsewhere could lead to stronger prices for growers.
Harvest runs through the end of November.
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