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FRUIT REPORT
August 2007

Released August 13, 2007                                                                                                                                                                                            

Seasonal
No. 975-4-07

  GRAPES

Grape production in New York is expected to total 180 thousand tons, according to growers’ reports.  This represents a 16 percent increase from a year ago.  Overall, grape growers in Erie County were predicting an average crop, despite receiving an early frost and being hit hard with hail July 13th.  Some growers reported hail damage to their entire vineyards, while others stated that the hail damage varied from field to field.  The Chautauqua area of grapes unfortunately encountered an early frost and hail damage also, but not as severe as Erie County.  Growers reported perfect weather conditions during May, June, and most of July.  A heavy hailstorm occurred July 12th and 13th.  Drought conditions were present until recent rains relieved dry conditions in vineyards.  Berry sizes were below average because of months of below average precipitation.  Due to the dry weather, there has been very little mildew and therefore, minimal spray amounts needed.  One grower stated this season to be one of the most disease free seasons in years.  However, in addition to relatively low disease pressure, there has been a large infestation of Japanese beetles. The Japanese beetles have damaged many grape leaves.  One grower reported Japanese beetles to be the worst in his entire history of farming.  Overall, growers expect a more promising crop than last year.  Growers in the Finger Lakes region have predicted a better harvest than last year also.  Due to minimal insect and hail damage, the grape crop is experiencing average to above average growing conditions.  Drought like conditions occurred early on, but the conditions and growing season have improved.  Only a few growers reported severe drought damages to vineyards.  Long Island grape production is indicated to be above average for the August forecast. Growers reported no hail, and no other unfavorable weather condition.  Only periodic rainfalls and sunshine have kept the grape crop looking good.

U.S. grape production is forecast at 6.99 million tons, up 9 percent from 2006 but 11 percent below the 2005 season. California leads the U.S. in grape production with 88 percent of the total. Washington and New York are the next largest producing States, with 5 percent and 3 percent, respectively. California’s all grape forecast, at 6.18 million tons, is unchanged from the July forecast but up 7 percent from 2006. Washington growers expect to harvest 381,000 tons, up 21 percent from 2006.

                       TOTAL GRAPE PRODUCTION, SELECTED STATES

PEARS

Production prospects in New York on August 1 were for a crop of 14.0 thousand tons, down 13 percent from the production level in 2006.  U.S. production is forecast at 878 thousand tons, up 4 percent from last year and 7 percent above 2005.

TOTAL PEAR PRODUCTION, SELECTED STATES

PEACHES

New York's 2007 peach crop is forecast at 6,300 tons, down 10 percent from the 2006 total.  The  August  2007  forecast  of  U.S. peach production is 1.03 million tons, up fractionally from the July 1 forecast and 2 percent above 2006.  

TOTAL PEACH PRODUCTION, SELECTED STATES

APPLES

Apple production in New York is forecast at 1.29 billion pounds based on conditions as of August 1, according to the USDA, NASS, New York Field Office.  This is 3 percent above the 1.25 billion pounds produced last year.  Across the state, growers overall were experiencing average to above average fruit conditions despite the statewide hail received around July 12th and 13th. 

In the Lake Ontario fruit region, growers reported good growing conditions and an above average apple crop.  Most growers' orchards received hail, but only a few growers reported their orchards to be spotty because of the hail.  Currently, the lack of substantial rainfall and dry weather conditions have left some trees stressed and growers concerned about the fruit sizes.  In the Hudson Valley fruit region, growers reported a good year for apples.  Only a few growers' orchards were hit by hail storms, but the apples were not damaged too bad.  The dry weather which occurred in May and June, may have reduced the fruit sizes.  Currently, however growing conditions and sizes are looking good.  Most growers are hoping to get an average to above average crop.  Growers in the Lake Champlain fruit region reported a good apple crop also.  Growers stated the growing season to be favorable from the start.  The warm, dry weather in the month of June was followed by adequate rainfall in July.  As long as hail does not hit in the month of August, growers expect a crop of excellent quality.

The first U.S. apple production forecast for the 2007 crop year is 9.28 billion pounds, down 7 percent from last year and 4 percent below 2005. Extreme weather conditions across most of the United States, from spring freezes to summer drought, have had a significant impact on apple production.

TOTAL APPLE PRODUCTION:  Selected States and United States