Washington state cherry harvest avoids anticipated delay

YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) — Washington state cherry growers have not seen significant weather damage during the harvest season that began earlier this month.
The Yakima Herald reported Thursday that warm temperatures in late May eliminated an anticipated delay for growers in the Yakima Valley and the Pacific Northwest.
The Northwest Cherry Growers estimates in an update released Thursday that this year's crop is expected to be 23.85 million boxes of 20 pounds (9.07 kilograms) each.
Growers say they were concerned the harvest would begin late due to cold and snowy conditions earlier this year.
Windy and rainy conditions in recent weeks also have not hurt the outlook for the crop.
The Yakima-based cherry growers organization estimates June shipments will be 9.4 million boxes.
The group represents growers in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Utah.
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Information from: Yakima Herald-Republic, http://www.yakimaherald.com