Low Temps, Record Snowfall Mark 2022 Northwest Cherry Bloom

Recent severe weather in the Northwest has raised concerns over the 2022 cherry crop; however, growers remain optimistic. Low temperatures have been recorded across all cherry-growing regions with some districts reporting lower than 30 degrees fahrenheit. Wenatchee, WA, tied a 1986 record of 26 degrees for April as well as a record 16 inches snowfall for April, obliterating the previous record of half an inch. While the unseasonable snow is shocking to say the least, low night temperatures are the major concern.

Industry experts agree that it’s too early for an accurate assessment of how the overnight lows may affect the cherry crop, given the fact that several cold nights are still expected through the weekend. “We know it will have some effect on cherries because areas that harvest in the June timing were in bloom during this time and pollination conditions were not ideal,” said Brianna Shales, marketing director for Stemilt Growers.

“We won’t understand the full effects until bloom finishes and the cherries set for this timeframe,” Shales said, adding that they expect the cold to delay bloom and subsequent harvest timing at orchards in higher elevations that are not in bloom at this time. These ranches will take longer to break out of dormancy and bloom.

Northwest cherry growers are a tenacious crew, however, and have been well prepared for the recent weather. “It seems we go a few years without a major frost event that covers the whole state and everyone forgets,” said Dan Davis, director of business development for Starr Ranch Growers. “This is why we have wind machines on all sites, and under-tree and over-tree watering systems deployed as needed.”

Davis reported that the company would be evaluating the full effects of cold temperatures toward the end of next week. “We’ll see what was damaged and what remained viable, and eventually we’ll see what pollinates when the bees get back to flying in the sun.”  

Of greater concern may be the additional costs required to keep cherry blooms warm this year. “Right now a big concern is that growers may be in the situation where they are able to save their crop with countermeasures, which are always expensive. Add to that other growing expenses, the cost of which have already drastically increased,” said James Michael, vice president of marketing for Northwest Cherry Growers.

“A weather incident of only a couple degrees can mean the difference between a successful season and a loss of the crop. You never wish to lose it, but if you’re an early season grower that's your one chance — your ability to keep going is being able to get a return. With record inflation at the grocery store challenging American consumers' decision making process, this puts serious pressure on growers.”

It’s a long season, however, and cold temperatures are “just the first challenge we face. We will have cherries, apples and pears,” Davis concluded. “This is just what we do, we will still grow a crop.”

Article by Adam Campbell, The Produce News