Observers of Michigan apples report the crop is looking good for 2020, but we haven’t heard any specifics as to how it compares to an average of 25 million bushels shipped in a normal season. That old crop will wrap up in July before the new season kicks off with early varieties in late August.
We should have a better idea when an official crop size estimate is released at USApple’s Outlook conference, Aug. 20-21, which will be online this year.
Many growers have signed on with managed varieties in Michigan, such as Smitten, Sweet Tango, Kiku, and more. In addition, EverCrisp has become exceedingly popular in the winter months, as it stores well.
There also are more traditional varieties such as Honeycrisp, Gala and Fuji . There is less volume due to lower demand for such varieties as
Jonathan and Romes, among others.
The Michigan Apple Commitee reports it is aiming toward expansion beyond the Great Lakes region. Michigan Apples are shipped to 32 states and exported to 18 countries.