Michigan is preparing to begin cherry harvest for 2026, but the crop is expected to be smaller than last year. While one grower, Trish Taylor of Riveridge Produce, says her orchards are tracking similar to last year's volume, she notes other operations could be down by as much as 50%. Quality and sizing are still described as good.
This is a fresh development distinct from recently covered Pacific Northwest cherry news. Michigan is a major domestic tart and sweet cherry producing state, and a significant volume reduction there adds another layer of tightness to a cherry supply picture already complicated by a smaller-than-forecast Northwest crop and early season timing disruptions.
Watch the overall domestic cherry supply balance heading into late summer — with both the Northwest and Michigan coming in below historical norms, buyers managing stone fruit programs may need to adjust promotional timelines and volume commitments.