Cranberry production in the largest growing state of Wisconsin is forecast to decline by five per cent on last season although the total US crop is likely to be slightly above 2002-03.
According to the Wisconsin Agricultural Statistics Service cranberry production in the state is likely to reach 3.05million barrels. Growers report an average growing season and good berry set, although crop maturity is about a week behind normal.
The service reports that rainfall has been adequate on the whole, although some growing areas still require more rainfall before harvest. There has also been some damage to crops in northern and central parts of the state because of weather conditions last winter.
Total US production which includes the states of Massachusetts and smaller volumes in New Jersey, Oregon and Washington is forecast at 5.8m barrels. Massachusetts is expecting a 17 per cent increase in production, while New Jersey's, Oregon's and Washington's crops are forecast to rise nine, two and five per cent respectively.
Like last year, there is no restrictive marketing order in place on this season's crop. In 2001, a restrictive order meant that growers could sell only 65 per cent of their historic average sales to processors during that growing season because of oversupply.
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