OLYMPIA, Wash. (RFD-TV) — While farmers work to bring in this year’s haul, pear growers in the Pacific Northwest are enjoying a much better season this year.
Estimates show this year’s pear crop could see a 60-percent jump over last year, which was hit by freezing temperatures early on, but this year, they are dealing with production issues.
A lot of pear growers send their crops out for canning, but consumers in recent years have shied away from canned fruit, reaching instead for fresh products.
The Washington Tree Fruit Association says this is not surprising and notes the USDA has offered a lifeline to growers while they transition away from the cannery market.
“They have resources available to help cushion market shocks like that, and they did commit $20 million to do additional canned and fresh pear purchases, which will help smooth out that transition as some growers may pivot away from having as much of their fruit planned for the cannery market.”
Washington State is the nation’s largest pear producer by volume. There is deep history there, too, with some orchards dating back more than a century.
Last year was a busy year for pesticide litigation in the United States. At No. 10, it kicks off RFD-TV Legal Expert Roger McEowen’s list of the “Top 10” Agricultural Law and Tax Developments of 2025.
January 06, 2026 11:06 AM
·
Weather, Tight Supplies, and Planning Shape Farm Decisions
January 05, 2026 03:23 PM
·
A look at the legislative year ahead as lawmakers return to Washington with a slate of trade concerns to tackle in 2026—from new Chinese tariffs on beef imports to the USMCA review this summer.
January 05, 2026 12:20 PM
·
Smaller U.S. production and steady global demand could provide better pricing opportunities in 2026.
December 23, 2025 12:12 PM
·
Producers across the country balanced winter weather disruptions, shifting export demand, and tightening margins as year-end decisions come into focus.
December 22, 2025 03:50 PM
·
The U.S. has a bountiful corn supply, but markets are waiting for the January WASDE Report, which will include updated yield estimates.
December 15, 2025 11:34 AM
·
Freight Softens as Producers Plan 2026 Budgets Nationwide
December 15, 2025 10:48 AM
·
Rising beef supplies and lower cattle prices, weaker hog markets, and softening dairy prices will shape producer margins heading into 2026.
December 11, 2025 01:32 PM
·
Farm Journal Foundation Senior Policy Adviser Dr. Stephanie Mercier outlines new research on the top sixteen biosecurity threats in agriculture/
December 10, 2025 01:05 PM
·
