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.
Brooks York with Agri-Sompo joined us to discuss this year’s harvest price calculations and what they could mean for producers nationwide.
October 22, 2025 03:05 PM
·
In the meantime, Senate Majority Leader John Thune is asking that farmers be allowed to use marketing assistance loans to help stay afloat.
October 21, 2025 11:57 AM
·
Harvest Pace, Logistics, and Input Costs Drive Fall Decisions
October 20, 2025 04:19 PM
·
The Louisiana cotton crop is the smallest on record, but strong yields are a silver lining. LSU AgCenter’s Craig Gautreaux reports from northeast Louisiana.
October 17, 2025 04:48 PM
·
NEFB President Mark McHargue provides an update from the Husker State, where farmers are working hard to bring in one of the largest harvests in recent years.
October 17, 2025 04:06 PM
·
Todd Miller, CEO of Head Honchos, shares about his business offering to ease agricultural labor shortages.
October 17, 2025 04:02 PM
·
Having a good read on fuel prices is a must during harvest, but one analyst says grain farmers should also be watching the crude oil markets.
October 17, 2025 01:26 PM
·
Record crops are increasing grain storage needs, prompting safety experts to remind producers of the risk of grain bin entrapment during harvest.
October 16, 2025 01:26 PM
·
U.S. Farmers Face Shifting Harvest Pace, Basis, and Input Costs
October 15, 2025 10:47 AM
·
