In the 2023 season peach and nectarine shipments in the United States fell to its lowest level since the early ’80s, with colder temperatures delaying bloom and later freezes damaging the fruit.
The USDA reports the downward trend started in 2011-12, when production fell below a million tons in 2013-14 for the first time in decades, where it has since remained. U.S. output declined 30% between 2013-14 and 2022-23, with volumes dropping 300,000 tons to 650,000.
Higher temperatures in Georgia and South Carolina could improve yields for those states. However, IMP News reports in southern Illinois, some orchards continue struggling.
Rendleman Orchards in Alto Pass and Flamm Orchards, southeast of St. Louis, are seeing better volume.
Flamm Orchard’s reports is pleased is with the crop’s current condition, adding they are seeing good production levels.
However, Eckert’s Inc. in Belleville, had another off year, with about 50% production. The area saw subzero temperatures in mid-January, leading to a dip in production.