Most fruit development was behind schedule this season due to cold temperatures late into spring, leading to a decrease in production from 2013 for all non - citrus fruits except strawberries and sweet cherries, according to the USDA, NASS, Great Lakes Regional Office. Michigan apple product ion was 1.00 billion pounds, down from a record 1.26 billion pounds in 2013 . The preliminary farm level value of production was $228 million. Though production decreased from 2013 due to late development and winter injury in some areas, fruit quality was g enerally excellent throughout the State.
Michigan tart cherry production was 203 million pounds, compared with 219 million pounds in 2013. The average yield was 7,280 pounds per acre. The preliminary farm level value was $72.9 million. Despite the decrea se in production from 2013, both yields and the fruit quality were very good this year. 2014 was an excellent year for sweet cherries in Michigan. Sweet cherry production was 29,860 tons, a 30.5% increase from 22,900 tons produced in 2013. The average yiel d was 4.33 tons per acre. The preliminary farm level value was $25.8 million.
Cultivated blueberry production in Michigan was 92.0 million pounds. Michigan growers harvested 19,000 acres in 2014. The farm level value was $114 million. Strawberry producti on in Michigan was 4.50 million pounds on 750 harvested acres. The farm level value was $7.26 million. Michigan grape production was 63,300 tons. The farm level value was $19.3 million. There were 44,500 tons of Concords and 20,000 tons of Niagara grapes processed. There was significant winter injury to grapes in some vineyards, especially to vinifera grape varieties. Milder summer conditions slowed development, which negatively affected the crop. Michigan peach production was 8,540 tons, down from 20,600 tons in 2014. Bearing acres were 2,900, and the farm level value was $6.61 million. Peach production was much lower than 2013 due to slow development and significant winter injury to trees throughout the State. Pear production in Michigan was 2,520 tons on 700 acres. The farm level value was $935,000. Michigan plum production was 1,700 tons on 400 acres. The farm level value was $862,000
Source:usda.gov