Washington apple growers expect to harvest 124 million boxes of fresh-market apples this fall, returning to a more average crop size after last year’s high of 136 million boxes.
The August crop estimate released this week by the Washington State Tree Fruit Association is the first estimate of the season and is subject to change as harvest progresses.
Gala will be the top variety for the 2024 harvest, estimated at 23 million 40-pound boxes, followed by Granny Smith at 18 million boxes, Red Delicious at 16 million boxes and then Honeycrisp at nearly 15 million boxes, which is down 25 percent from last year’s record-setting 20 million boxes.
Production of WA 38, the apple marketed as Cosmic Crisp, continues to climb. The crop forecast predicts 11.3 million boxes, up 40 percent from last year’s crop and double the 2022 harvest.
The organic crop is estimated at almost 20 million boxes, which is included in the overall estimate of 124 million boxes.
This annual crop estimate stems from reports from about 50 packers and shippers statewide, according to WSTFA.
—by Kate Prengaman
Better yields build long-term value. The decisions made during the growing season become part of the farm’s performance story. Over time, consistent production records can support operational planning, inform investment decisions, and help demonstrate the value of the land. Important metrics to watch for crop yields are crop moisture content and overall crop health, including… Crop Yield Improvement
The wrong starting price can shape every decision that follows. Without the right information, landowners may enter the market with expectations that do not reflect the property’s performance, position, or current buyer demand. Our five-day Step-by-Step Guide to Unlocking Farmland Value helps you understand what informs farmland pricing before a sale begins. Start the guide… Cost of Information Gaps
Root Agricultural Advisory
2670 S. Eagle Rd. Meridian ID 83642
(208) 753-2333 info@rootagadvisory.com
