The forecast for the 1998 cranberry crop is 5.62 million barrels, up 2 percent from 1997's record large production and 20 percent more than 1996. Wisconsin, Oregon, and Washington forecasted increases from a year ago, Massachusetts remained unchanged, and New Jersey decreased. Increased production is expected due to more acres for harvest.
Water supply is adequate and berry set ranged from good to excellent.
However, some growers reported damage from unfavorable winter conditions and hail. The Massachusetts crop is forecast at 2.1 million barrels, unchanged from the previous year but up 22 percent from 1996. Mild conditions last winter followed by beneficial rains throughout the spring helped the crop, except in areas where water sat in the fields too long and where heavy flooding in June and July wiped out blossoms. Growers reported bloom and set as average, with berry size reported as mostly medium, but more rain is needed to maintain size. Insect and disease damage has been relatively low.