Initial projections for the Northwest cherry 2026 season have been revised downward, but not that much.
Early-season estimates predicted between 22 and 23 million boxes have been adjusted to 21.5 million boxes.
This represents a roughly seven percent reduction from initial projections. This is due to the natural and highly expected agronomic stress on cherry trees after 2025’s bumper season; and on the other, there was freeze damage.
Low temperatures hit Washington’s Yakima Valley and parts of Oregon during the first half of April, which cut volume projections for early varieties, such as Rainier, Yellow cherry, or Early Robbins. For example, Chelan, whose yield usually sits at six tons per acre, is projected to decrease to between three and four tons per acre.
The shipping season is expected to start at the end of May, with a light harvest before volumes ramp up significantly during the first week of June.
By the end of that first week of June, volumes would ramp up pretty hard and be available into August with heavier volumes. The peak shipping season is projected to fall between June 15 and July 20.
CMI Orchards of Wenatchee, WA reports similar information to the Northwest Cherry Association and is looking forward to a crop with good quality.