Michigan apple growers anticipate a strong crop. Volume may be slightly smaller than in 2023 when 32 million bushels or 1.34 billion pounds were harvested.

Harvest began early this, around August 1, and continues until Halloween.

BelleHarvest Sales Inc. starts its season about ten days ahead of last year with early varieties like paula reds and golden delicious. Nick Teriaca, vice president of sales and marketing, explained that it was an extremely warm spring and trees woke up a little earlier this year. BelleHarvest expects to have a slightly larger crop than last year on most of its 15 varieties

Warm weather and rain caused North Bay Produce’s harvest to begin two weeks early. They report good quality but slightly lower volume. Riveridge Produce Marketing also reports an early harvest with standard quality and volume. Despite inflation, apple prices remain stable, offering good value to consumers, though grower margins have decreased.

Read more on the Michigan apple crop here.