Washington cherry shipments, which typically provide some of the better produce rates, should get underway in late May.
The first cherry harvest in the Northwest is expect around May 20-25 — which could possibly be the earliest harvest in 25-years. Washington state provides the bulk of cherry shipments, with lesser volume coming out Oregon and Idaho.
The early start for shipping should ensure heavy volume before traditional pre-Fourth of July deliveries.
The Washington crop is about seven days ahead of last year and 10 days ahead of the five-year average.
Northwest cherry shipments may hit 10 million cartons in June and possibly about the same amount in July. Though no official estimate has been released, overall Northwest 2015 cherry ahipments are expected near 20 million cartons, down from about 23 million cartons a year ago.
However, truck loadings will come on earlier than in 2014. This should result in heavy shipments throughout June leading up to the Independence Day holiday.
The Northwest cherry shipping season is typically about 85 days, and this year the shipping season will be closer to 80 days. The back end of the season in August will have a few less shipping days.
Washington Apple Shipments
Until cherry shipments take off, apples may be your best bet as a lot of product remains to be shipped this season.
Yakima and Wenatchee Valley apples – grossing about $4450 to Orlando.