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
Crop protection Tech management
05 Sep 2023
In conclusion, the results indicate that 60 kg of nitrogen per hectare is the best dose to provide adequate nutrition for sour cherry trees. Nitrogen supply increased its presence in leaves, while it decreased phosphorus and potassium concentrations.
13 Feb 2026
A joint study by Turkish institutes and the Islamia University of Bahawalpur (Pakistan) compares three sweet cherry drying technologies: MWD, MWHAD and Solar Tunnel Drying. Drying time, color, sugars, organic acids and phenolic compounds were evaluated for quality.
06 Mar 2026
In Chile, the world leader in cherry exports, an INIA study analyzes the evolution of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae in commercial orchards. The research highlights local adaptation and copper resistance as key factors for integrated management and sustainable production.
06 Mar 2026
Tart cherries, rich in melatonin, tryptophan and polyphenols, may improve sleep and reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. A review of seven clinical studies analyzed effects on sleep duration, efficiency and biomarkers, with promising but not consistent results.
