Frost and Freeze Hinder Michigan Apple Production in the Last Year

By Growing Produce Staff|May 9, 2022

Even in down years, the state of Michigan remains a major player in apple production. And when it comes to tart cherries, no state is more productive.

Michigan was the third-largest apple producer in the U.S. in 2021, according to Marlo D. Johnson, Director of the USDA NASS, Great Lakes Regional Office. The state produced 656 million pounds despite frost and freeze setbacks that reduced the total by 34% from 2020. The farm level value of utilized apple production was $213 million.

Meanwhile, Michigan’s tart cherry growers enjoyed an improved 2021 season, posting the country’s largest production. At 96.6 million pounds, production rose 39% from 2020. The farm level value of utilized production was $58.0 million. The 2021 marketing year average price of $0.601 per pound was up $0.13 from 2020.

Blueberry production in Michigan resulted in 72.9 million pounds, down 1% from 2020. Michigan growers harvested 16,200 acres in 2021, with a farm level value of utilized production of $82.5 million.

Michigan peach growers fared well in 2021, rising from 6 million pounds of production in 2020 to 8.4 million pounds last year.