Michigan apple crop to be down and pricey

DETROIT, Sept. 3 (UPI) -- Michigan apple growers are looking forward to fall picking despite a late spring that may lead to smaller than average crops, say industry experts.

Yields could be down about 35 percent for Michigan's leading fruit crop, the Detroit Free Press reported Wednesday.

"The National Agriculture Statistics Services released the number for Michigan as 12.85 millions bushels," said Dennis Yockey of the Michigan Apple Committee. "Our five-year average is about 19.5 million."

Yockey blamed late April snow for crop damage along with other weather-related losses.

"We had a cold snap before Memorial Day and had the run-of-the-mill thunderstorms that can cause crop damage, and hail was an issue in some areas," Yockey told the Free Press, noting however that Michigan is still the third-largest apple producer in the nation and will command high prices.