Crop maturity is making normal progress. Fruit size is expected to be large and of good quality due to excellent weather conditions since pollination. Production in Utah is forecast at 14 million pounds, down 58 percent from 1998 and down 20 percent from two years ago. Most growing areas were severely hit by freezing weather this spring which reduced bud counts. In New York production is up 36 percent from last year because of excellent growing conditions.
Growers expect large fruit size and excellent quality.
Oregon and Washington both expect smaller crops than last year. Oregon's forecast is down 11 percent and Washington's is down 6 percent. A long cool winter followed by heavy rains during pollination have reduced crop expectations for both states. Pennsylvania growers expect their crop to more than double from last year and increase 39 percent from 1997. Most growers experienced excellent growing conditions.