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State Analyses 2

(The Tart Cherry Industry - continued)

Colorado

Colorado's tart cherries are located in Mesa and Delta counties on the western slopes of the Rocky Mountains. Superior air drainage due to the sloping terrain provides a measure of protection against late spring frosts, making this area adapted for fruit production. All of Colorado's cherry acreage is irrigated. The majority of the orchards are equipped with permanent sprinkler systems. Cherry harvesting in Colorado takes place from early July through the first week of August.

Cherry producers in Colorado are highly diversified with other fruits, especially apples, peaches, and pears. Producers rely on small, locally-owned companies to process their fruit.

Winter temperature extremes are a major peril to tart cherry production in Colorado (Gaus). Air temperatures can change from moderate to extremely cold in a matter of hours in western Colorado. The cherry trees break dormancy during extended periods of warm weather, reducing their resistance to cold temperatures. Extreme cold following such warm periods can kill the fruit buds and damage the branches, limbs, and the trunk.

Hail damage is also a major production peril in Colorado. Yield losses from hail are spotty, as storms tend to affect relatively small areas. Hail can cause scarring on the fruit and open wounds that serve as an entryway for fungal diseases.

New York

An estimated 5-10 percent of New York’s tart cherries are irrigated, depending on moisture conditions. A higher proportion of the cherry acreage is irrigated during dry seasons than during wet years. Growers primarily use portable irrigation systems to supplement natural rainfall as needed.

although harvesting may begin as early as July 10, the most active harvesting extends from about July 15 through the first of August. Virtually all of New York’s production is mechanically harvested. Production averaged 26 million pounds annually from 1991-95.

The most serious production peril affecting New York cherry growers is frost during the bloom period (Silsby). Being in the more humid eastern part of the country, leaf spot and brown rot also are a constant threat in New York orchards, especially during periods of extended wet weather. Leaf spot can develop rapidly during wet spells, causing early defoliation and weakening the trees. Hail and “wind whip” are other perils for which tart cherry producers in New York would likely seek crop insurance.