Columbia Gorge Cherry Harvest Forecast: Better late than never
Some almost but not quite ripe cherries. Photo Credit: Northwest Cherry Growers
By Cole Goodwin
Early summer rains and cool temperatures in the pacific northwest region have set cherry growers in Oregon and Washington back a few weeks. But nevertheless, the Northwest cherry season has arrived. A number of growers have announced they began their first light picks on June 10th.
“We won’t start harvesting in our research blocks until the 22nd. Usually I would have harvested two weeks ago. It’s been a very strange year. Everything is a few weeks behind,” said Dr. Ashley A. Thompson, Oregon State University Horticulturist.
“The impacts of Mother Nature on this year's crop has resulted in such a variance from orchard to orchard,” said Northwest Cherry Growers.
A comparison of cherry harvest start dates from the year 2000 to the year 2022 from Northwest Cherry Growers.
According to experts this year orchardists are seeing some “gorgeous” cherries but a reduced crop overall.
Northwest Cherry Growers estimate that there will be 14,899,100 twenty pound boxes of cherries shipped this year.
However there is some debate about the estimate.
“Our estimators unanimously cited the fact that this has been the hardest crop to estimate because of the bizarre weather patterns we have seen this spring,” said Northwest Cherry Growers
“A common statement from the group was "this crop could be 13 million boxes or 15 million boxes". The reality is that many growers are looking at crops that will produce only a ton or two per acre; which will lead to growers making "game time decisions" whether they will harvest or not. Much will depend on labor, market and pack-out potential.”
“The unpredictable nature of fresh cherries is part of what makes them so beloved by consumers and bemoaned by retail buyers,” said Northwest Cherry Growers.
Because despite fierce competition, cherries still earn the most dollars per square foot in the summer produce section.
A graph from Northwest Cherry Growers showing the average dollars per square foot spent in the produce section of grocery stores.
Field reports project that cherry harvest peak will occur around July 1st-15th.
“Mother Nature is still the largest shareholder in our crop, and we will have to see how the rest of the growing season progresses,” said Northwest Cherry Growers. “As of today, there appear to remain promotable opportunities for what should be a crop of dessert-quality fruit.”
OSU Fruit Tree Horticulturist Ashley Thompson said that the The Dalles and Oregon growers specifically are seeing a decent crop this year despite the late start of harvest.
“I’ve seen a decent crop here in The Dalles overall,” said Thompson, Oregon State University Horticulturist. “It’s very variety dependent. The early flowering varieties didn't do as well because it was too cold for bees to be out pollinating. But we’re doing pretty well compared to our neighbors in Washington and California. I think California only shipped something like 3 million boxes of cherries this year. And Washington has struggled due to cold weather and hail damage.”
Cherries ripening. Photo Credit: Northwest Cherry Growers
“Unfortunately for Bing cherry lovers, the Bing yield is a little lower this year because of the pollination issues,” said Thompson.
“But there are lots of varieties that are doing really well this year. Folks have some very nice Chelan crops, Black Pearl and Burgundy Pearl are looking good to, and there are some good Sweetheart crops as well. Overall I think we’ll have a decent crop to harvest.”
