A recent federal report says Wisconsin's cranberry crop is doing well and an industry spokesperson says the crop does look good even with a prolonged winter
. The Executive Director of the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association, Tom Lochner says he agrees with the federal assessment of the crop....
"...We did get a late start to the season because of some snow in late April and early May that held back the vines from coming out of the dormancy. Once it warmed up they recovered quickly and now we're a little bit ahead of where we normally are in terms of growth...."
Lochner says as he spoke with farmers and industry experts they both agreed that there was good pollination and fruit set. He says there was some winter damage in the Tomah and Warrens areas, but even with that setback he says the crop is shaping up to be good for the year.
But an oversupply of fruit could lead to lower prices for farmers. He says the industry is waiting a response from the USDA on a proposal by their federal marketing committee to limit production to 75 percent of a normal crop. Last year the USDA cut production levels 15 percent going to market. Lochner hopes those two actions will bring supply back closer to demand.
Lochner says most growers are in a wait and see mode for a few more weeks.
