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 by the U.S. Department Agriculture at 25+ million bushels this year, down 1% from last their last year’s estimate. However, in 2025, Michigan projected 30 million bushels.
“We know it’s above 25 million bushels this year,” Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee to the Free Press. “The quality is amazing and the size is larger leading to more bushels.”
While there was some spring weather issues and return bloom on some apple, Smith said there will be “plenty of apples for people to go out an enjoy at the farm markets and everywhere else.
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:
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.
5 Michigan apple industry facts
Source: Michigan Apple Committee
This story has been updated with new information.
Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: sselasky@freepress.com. 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
Reporting by Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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By Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press | USA TODAY Network
