The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council has published a special audio report on the state of the blueberry crop in several key growing areas as well as Peru and Mexico. It was recorded May 31, 2023.  Here’s a synopsis: 

Brittany Lee, Florida

Harvest is finished with a much lower yield than expected:  15.5 million lb. Hurricane damage from fall 2022 combined with cold weather at beginning of year has contributed to the result.

Derrin Wheeler, Georgia

Harvesting should be complete by July 10, with the late variety, Legacy. Minimal pest pressure has been experienced. The estimate is for 55 million lb. fresh and 20 million lb frozen.

Jody McPherson, North Carolina

Adverse weather has stalled harvest with cooler, showery conditions expected in early June. The forecast is for 20-25 million lb fresh harvest. 

Pat Goin, Indiana

Extremely warm, dry conditions will likely hinder the output of the crop. Harvest is expected to start June 22.

Elise Oliver, California

Cooler weather in the Central Valley means that the crop is three weeks behind in development. The estimate is for 55 million lb fresh and 25 million lb processing. 

TJ Hafner, Oregon

All varieties are in the petal fall stage. The crop looks good to excellent with minimal pest pressures to date. The exception is shock virus. Harvest is expected to start July 1.

Alan Schreiber, Washington

Warm, dry conditions are close to ideal for harvest expected to start July 20.  Some evidence of shock virus has been observed. Growers are not expecting a bin-buster crop but an average-sized crop. Because cherry growers are expecting a record crop, there will be competition for labour.  

Luis Vegas, Peru

Harvest is complete. For more detail, link here: https://www.freshfruitportal.com/news/2023/04/27/commercial-expansion-of-peruvian-blueberries-has-boosted-its-export-volumes/

Mario Ramirez, Mexico

Harvest is winding up with 3.7 million lb of fresh product, of which 90% is shipped to the U.S. 

Source: U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council May 31, 2023 audio report