Michigan apples growers this year are expected to harvest fewer bushels of apples than last year's big haul.
The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) on Friday, Aug. 21 released its annual Industry Outlook 2026 report, forecasting this year's apple crop across the country.
Michigan's crop is estimated at 25 million bushels this year, down 1% from last year's 30 million bushels.According to U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates cited in the report, the top three apple producing states, are all down in production this year. Michigan ranks third this year. The top apple producing state is Washington, which is estimated to produce 176 million bushels – down 2% from last season. New York is No. 2, down 10% this year at an estimate of 32 million bushels.
Across the country, the Gala apple variety is expected to account for 16% or 42 million bushels of U.S. apple production, USApple says, making it the top produced type of apple.
Estimates of others top 5 varieties:
Gala – 42 million bushels (16%)
Red Delicious – 30 million bushels (12%)
Granny Smith – 30 million bushels (11%)
Honeycrisp – 27 million bushels (10%)
Other varieties – 25 million bushels (9%)
Fuji – 23 million bushels (9%)
Across our mitten state, there are nearly 18 million apple trees. Michigan grows more than a dozen varieties of apples with a harvest that starts in August. The Michigan Apple Committee lists Paula Red, Ginger Gold and Gala as early apple varieties in season now.
Harvesting by the end of August is Michigan's darling Honeycrisp apple variety. Honeycrisp checks the box not only for flavor but in juiciness and size. In September, favorites like Red, Golden Delicious and McIntosh are among the varieties expected to be harvested.
Michigan ranks as one of the top three U.S. apple producing states. Washington is No. 1 and Michigan and New York often toggle for the No. 2 spot.
An average Michigan crop is 27.2 million bushels of apples. In pounds, that translates to more than 1 billion pounds.
Apples are Michigan's most valuable fruit crop.
Michigan apples are about evenly split in what goes to be sold fresh (51%) and what goes to processing (49%).
850 family-run farms, many fourth and fifth generation operators, grow Michigan apples.
Source: Michigan Apple Committee
Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: [email protected]. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @SusanMariecooks. Subscribe to the Eat Drink Freep newsletter for insider scoops on food and dining in metro Detroit.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan apple growers expect smaller harvest after 2025 surge