Based on conditions as of October 1, apple production in New York is forecast at 1.12 billion pounds, up 2 percent from the August forecast and 8 percent above the 2005 crop of 1.04 billion pounds. Across the state overall, the production harvested has increased from the August 1^st estimate, due mainly to the abundant rains received.  In most apple regions, apple sizes were larger than usual and there was an increase in apple quantity and quality.

In the Lake Ontario fruit region, growers reported apples to be ripening faster than usual.  Rain has aided in the large   of size of the apples.  Some growers had apple drops due to labor shortages and heavy rainstorms.  Yet, overall trees were full of large apples and abundant juice.

In the Hudson Valley fruit region, growers reported a good growing and harvest season.  Apples were five to seven days earlier this year.  A few more drops than usual this year due to some hail and rains, but otherwise color and quality are good.  A few growers stated that the lack of pickers have contributed to the apple drops.

Growers in the Lake Champlain fruit region reported hail, heavy winds, and rains lowering the apple crop.

U.S. apple production for the 2006 crop year is forecast at 9.84 billion pounds, up 2 percent from the August 1  forecast but down less than 1 percent from 2005.   

State

Production

Million pounds

1,000 42-pound equivalents

2004

2005

 2006

2004

2005

 2006

New York

1,280.0

1,040.0

1,120.0

30,476

24,762

26,666

California 1/

355.0

355.0

360.0

8,452

8,452

8,571

Michigan

730.0

780.0

800.0

17,381

18,571

19,048

New England 1/ 2/

182.7

130.6

138.2

4,350

3,110

3,290

Ohio 1/

90.0

99.0

104.0

2,143

2,357

2,476

Pennsylvania

405.0

515.0

450.0

9,643

12,262

10,714

Virginia

300.0

280.0

240.0

7,143

6,666

5,714

Washington

6,150.0

5,800.0

5,700.0

146,429

138,095

135,714

United States 3/

10,440.6

9,864.9

9,842.7

248,586

234,879

234,350

1/ Estimates for current year carried forward from earlier forecast.

2/ Includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont.

3/ National total includes amounts for other states not listed.

Based on conditions as of October 1, the 2006 New York all grape crop is forecast at 154 thousand tons, down 4 percent from the August forecast and down 14 percent from last year’s production of 178 thousand tons.  Overall, sugar content was low and Concord grape harvest was delayed due to the excessive rainfall and lack of sunshine.  Growers continue to look for favorable weather in hopes of bringing sugar contents to an acceptable level.

Lake Ontario growers reported some winter injury and spring frost damage.  Some growers stated that hybrids were heavier this year and Concords haven’t been picked yet.  Currently not enough sunshine and too much rain have been received.

Many growers in the Lake Erie region summed up conditions and progress of grape harvest in three key words:  frost, rain, and disease.  The April 24^th freeze and early May frosts caused many growers to lose their crop.  Later on, heavy rains in September have slowed

grape ripening, and therefore, Concord grape harvesting began later than usual.  Black rot and powdery mildew were also a problem. 

Growers in the Finger Lakes region, reported a very wet season.  Additional sprays were applied to help keep diseases down.  Molds appeared in some vineyards due to the wet weather received.  Farmers were harvesting at low sugar solids.  Farmers were also worried that if the cloudy and cool weather continued, causing the grapes not to ripen, frost may arrive before all the harvest is completed.

Long Island grape producers have reported low production due to bird damages and some deer problems.  Some vineyards have also experienced extended periods of rain in late August and early September causing crop lost.

U.S. grape production is forecast at 6.42 million tons, down 4 percent from the August 1 forecast and 18 percent below 2005.

State

Production

2004

2005

2006

Tons

New York

142,000

178,000

154,000

Arizona 1/

4,000

1,000

900

California 1/

5,623,000

6,978,000

5,750,000

Michigan

62,500

102,700

30,000

Ohio 1/

4,800

8,500

6,000

Oregon 1/

24,000

27,000

31,000

Pennsylvania

86,800

90,000

75,000

Washington

267,000

415,000

350,000

Other States 1/ 2/

25,930

28,500

26,100

United States

6,240,030

7,828,700

6,423,000

1/ Estimates for current year carried forward from earlier forecast.

2/ Includes Arkansas, Georgia, Missouri, North Carolina, Texas and Virginia.