Traverse City area hit hard: tart cherry production down by 45%. Excellent fruit quality, but low volumes are pushing prices up.
In northern Michigan, the cherry harvest is expected to be significantly lower than in previous years. A spring frost, following a sudden temperature rise at the end of April, severely damaged the developing buds.
Ben LaCross, a grower in the Traverse City area — the cherry heartland of the state — explains: “The sudden warmth pushed the buds forward, making them vulnerable. The following frost compromised much of the bloom. We expect to harvest between 30% and 40% of the crop.”
Michigan, the top U.S. producer of tart cherries and fourth for sweet cherries, is facing an unusual season. The good news is the quality of the fruit, which LaCross describes as “beautiful,” thanks to well-timed rains and a lower incidence of fruit cracking.
However, the lack of supply will also impact the market. “With yields this low, prices will be very strong across the region,” the grower predicts.
According to official estimates from the Cherry Industry Administrative Board, Michigan’s tart cherry production will be 97 million pounds (about 44,000 tons), down 45% from 2024. Total U.S. production is expected to exceed 171 million pounds (about 77,500 tons). Sweet cherries are also down significantly, with an estimated 33% drop and total production of 14,000 pounds (about 6,350 kg).
Text and image source: brownfieldagnews.com
06 Jan 2026
A new study proves the effectiveness of nanostructured coatings made with chitosan and alginate enriched with pomegranate peel extract. Treated cherries stay fresh for up to 20 days, with reduced spoilage and improved nutritional and commercial quality.
09 Jul 2024
The Agricultural Climate Resiliency Program, launched by the Michigan Plant Coalition together with Michigan State University and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, aims to address the long-term climate and water challenges affecting the state.
15 Sep 2026
Australian cherry production is forecast to fall 15% in 2026/27, to 17,000 metric tons after a winter with fewer chill hours. Exports are expected at 4,000 MT, while dry conditions and high irrigation costs could add pressure for growers in Victoria and New South Wales.
15 Sep 2026
A three-year survey of 222 orchards in O’Higgins, Chile, validates a rapid Leaf Disc Assay to identify sweet cherry cultivars with lower susceptibility to bacterial canker caused by Pseudomonas syringae, supporting faster and more sustainable breeding decisions today.
