Freestone, Cling peach crops estimate unchanged
Jun 15, 2007 9:55 AM
California Freestone peach crop forecast is 390,000 tons, unchanged from the May forecast, and up 10 percent from the 2006 crop, according to USDA/NASS California field office.
Bearing acreage is estimated at 36,000 thousand, resulting in a yield of 10.8 tons per acre.
California experienced an adequate number of chilling hours over the winter, benefiting the Freestone crop. The bloom period was fairly quick, with above average temperatures and no rain. The crop was reported to be of excellent quality, with good sizes.
Harvest continued during May with Super Rich, Snow Angel, and Spring Snow the major varieties picked.
The ‘07 California Clingstone peach crop forecast is 450,000 tons, unchanged from the May forecast and up 25 percent from the 2006 crop. Bearing acreage is estimated at 26,300 acres, resulting in a yield of 17.1 tons per acre. The Clingstone crop also benefited from an adequate number of chilling hours last winter. Overall, the bloom was reported to be good on all varieties. Thinning was progressing slowly due to labor shortages and heavy fruit sets. Fruit size appeared to be small at this point, but the fruit appeared very clean.
Growers were applying worm sprays. Harvest was expected to begin in Kingsburg the week of June 10, about a week earlier than last year.
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