Washington’s Pear Crop Yield Increases by 60% Year-Over-Year

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.

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.

Related Stories
In this behind-the-scenes look at the newest episode of Where the Food Comes From, “A Day Without Sunshine” written by show producer and script supervisor Donna Sanders — find out what Florida citrus growers Dundee Citrus did when life handed them some lemons.
In today’s production update, Total Acre Farming’s David Hula has an enlightening conversation with Jeremy Rountree about a new, industry-disrupting product from Brandt Fungicide.
Explore the culinary wonders of Camino’s Apple Hill, where tradition meets delicious innovation at community institutions like Larsen Apple Barn.
The USDA’s latest crop forecast for corn and soybean production will impact U.S. producers as well as make an impact on global trade.
RFD-TV had the privilege to speak with Susan Littlefield, Farm Director at KRVN in Lexington, Nebraska, who shared her unique perspective covering the event over the last 25 years in her work as a dedicated broadcasting professional.
Save this list to have on hand when you hit your local grocery store, farmerfarmers market, or CSA all season long!

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The USDA’s February WASDE report looms as the CME Ag Economy Barometer shows declining farmer confidence, and more ag industry groups calling for swift policy action.
San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo Association’s Trenton Priddy preview this year’s event, which is now streaming on RFD+
Dr. Peter Beetham, interim CEO of Cibus, joined us to discuss the status of EU gene-editing deregulation and its potential implications for agriculture.
Danny Munch of the American Farm Bureau joined us to discuss USDA’s latest farm income forecast, revisions to prior estimates, and what the updated data means for farmers heading into 2026.
HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy calls on cattle producers to retain breeding cows while Ivomec receives emergency authorization to prevent New World screwworm.
SharkFarmer host Rob Sharkey takes us on a tour of the John Deere showcase on the trade show floor of CattleCon 2026 in Nashville.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.