U.S. cranberry production down slightly

The forecast for Wisconsin's 2012 cranberry crop is 4.50 million barrels, up two percent from last year.

If realized, this will be the largest production level on record for Wisconsin.

According to reports, winter damage was limited throughout the Wisconsin cranberry growing region. The warm spring and late frost made growing conditions difficult for farmers to navigate. However, despite the early hurdle, most farmers experienced good pollination.

U.S. cranberry production is forecast at 7.68 million barrels, down less than one percent from 2011.

Wisconsin, the largest producer, is expected to grow 59 percent of the national crop in 2012.

The second largest-producing state, Massachusetts, is forecast to produce 2.1 million barrels in 2012. This is nine percent lower than last year. Growers in Massachusetts said an early spring caused growth to progress ahead of normal and growers in some areas experienced frost damage.

New Jersey is anticipating a cranberry crop of 542,500 barrels, up six percent from 2011. In New Jersey, growers reported an average crop that required more irrigation than normal due to hot, dry weather.

Oregon is forecast to produce 400,000 barrels in 2012, up 11 percent from 2011. Growers reported cool, wet growing conditions that delayed some crop progress in some areas of Oregon and Washington.

The Washington cranberry crop is forecast at 142,000 barrels, an increase of 23 percent from last year.