Wisconsin Ag Connection - USDA Lowers Wisconsin's Cranberry Harvest Expectations

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USDA Lowers Wisconsin's Cranberry Harvest Expectations
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 08/15/2014

The USDA has released its latest forecast for the 2014 cranberry crop and it shows that Wisconsin's output has been negatively affected by several factors.

State growers say yields will be lower than last year because of smaller berries and cool weather earlier in the summer. A hail storm that hit several areas of central Wisconsin in late-July has also caused damage to the crop. However, many growers are still optimistic that they will have a pretty good harvest.

By the numbers, Wisconsin cranberry operations expect to rake in 5.3 million barrels of the tart fruit, down 10 percent from the 2013 crop.

Nationally, about 57 million barrels are forecast to be harvested, down four percent from 2013.

In Massachusetts, grower comments were mixed. Some indicated above average yields due to good pollination, excellent weather; while others reported lower production due to factors such as heat stress. Oregon and Washington growers were expecting higher yields due to favorable weather conditions.

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