Fr Nt 4 (8-08) Cranberries National Agricultural Statistics Service USDA Washington, D.C. Released August 19, 2008, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department of Agriculture. For information on "Cranberries" call Mike Jacobsen at (202) 720-4288, office hours 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET. 2008 Cranberry Production Up 5 Percent The forecast for the 2008 cranberry crop is 6.89 million barrels, up 5 percent from 2007 and slightly below 2006. If realized, this will be the second largest production on record. Production is expected to be up in Massachusetts and Wisconsin but down in New Jersey, Oregon, and Washington. Production in Wisconsin is forecast at 3.85 million barrels, slightly above 2007 but 2 percent below from two years ago. This is the second largest production level on record. A cool, wet spring delayed bloom and extended the growing season. Vine growth during the summer months started poorly due to high amounts of rain but improved as temperatures and sunlight increased in July. Furthermore, new and renovated beds have come into production this year, resulting in improved yields. The Massachusetts cranberry forecast is 1.90 million barrels, up 25 percent from 2007 and slightly above 2006. This is the highest production level since 1999. Fewer bogs experienced winter kill, and in May berries were irrigated for frost protection. While growers were apprehensive that the extended hot weather in early summer would reduce production, later rains in July and August dispelled much of those concerns. Growers increased bog renovations this year, thereby tempering the production increase. New Jersey expects a crop of 500,000 barrels, down 6 percent from 2007 but 3 percent above 2006. Winter kill was minimal, with growers rating bloom and fruit set as average. However, poor weather during bloom has growers concerned about pollination. The Oregon cranberry forecast is 490,000 barrels, down 1 percent from last year and 5 percent above 2006. Cooler weather extended the bloom period and delayed berry maturity by two to three weeks. Disease pressure has increased slightly this year, while insect pressure remained at normal levels. The Washington crop is forecast at 145,000 barrels, 18 percent below last year but up 27 percent from 2006. Cool spring weather is expected to delay berry maturity and reduce berry size. Many bogs are being replanted or renovated. Cranberries: Production by State and United States, 2006-2007 and Forecasted 2008 1/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Total Production State :-------------------------------------------------------------------- : 2006 : 2007 : 2008 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Barrels : MA : 1,896,000 1,522,000 1,900,000 NJ : 485,000 531,000 500,000 OR : 465,000 495,000 490,000 WA : 114,000 176,000 145,000 WI : 3,940,000 3,830,000 3,850,000 : US : 6,900,000 6,554,000 6,885,000 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ A barrel weighs 100 lbs. ACCESS TO REPORTS!! For your convenience, there are several ways to obtain NASS reports, data products, and services: INTERNET ACCESS All NASS reports are available free of charge on the worldwide Internet. For access, connect to the Internet and go to the NASS Home Page at: www.nass.usda.gov. 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