PRO*ACT Crop Update: Cherries, stone fruit lighter than last year
By
Tim Lynch
PRO*ACT Crop Update: Cherries, stone fruit lighter than last year
Moderate high pressure remains in place out West, keeping storm systems to the north and bringing warmer temperatures to Central California fields into next week. The Salinas, Santa Maria and Oxnard regions will continue to increase harvests weekly in the nice weather pattern with generally good quality reported in these harvests. 
California cherries are expected to begin light harvests around late April with stone fruit to follow around mid-May. The San Joaquin Valley received good precipitation and chill hours with approximately 960 chilling hours recorded giving the orchards a solid rest period. The early cherry varieties are showing a strong full set having avoided the recent weather impacts. Later varieties have been impacted by weather and temperature fluctuations impacting the bloom and fruit sets. The industry is projecting a crop of 7-9 million cases, down from the 11 million produced last year.
The apricot bloom has concluded with heavy sets across all varieties being reported. This should provide excellent size and quality this season. Plum, peach and nectarine assessments are also showing a good bloom; however, it is a bit too early for accurate projections to be completed. Overall the stone fruit crop, while lighter than last year, is shaping up to provide ample supplies and good quality barring any late season weather disruptions.
With over 30 years in the produce industry, Tim Lynch started as an inspector and advanced into quality control and food safety. Beyond work, he's an avid sports fan, relishing in activities like boating, fishing, and diving. Originally from Hollywood, California, Tim attended Cal Poly SLO before making Marina his home since 1994.