READY, … [fruit] SET, … GO [ing] to be a good year for Mich. Apples
With the first day of summer just past, Riveridge is calling the 2014 apple crop:  Much like last year in all respects.

King Bloom.  We have another “king bloom” apple crop!
“King blooms” are the first blossom to open in a cluster of apple blossoms.    The king has the genetic potential to create the largest, most vigorous apple.  King-boss, if you will.

Other blossoms higher up in the cluster are “plan B” for the apple tree, in case the king bloom doesn’t pollinate or set a fruit.

Warm temps at blossom.  Michigan had warm weather at blossom, which is important for at least three reasons:  First, it encourages bees to be active and pollinate the crop.

Warm weather also ensures a rapid blossom, which means most blossoms of each apple variety pollinate at about the same time – and this supports superior and uniform fruit quality at harvest.

Thirdly, warm temps right after pollination favor rapid cell development in the tiny fruitlets.  The more cells in the early weeks, the larger the apple at season’s end, all other factors being normal.

At this point, the 2014 apple crop is very clean and has the potential for a very high rate of pack-out.  This sets Riveridge up for the same great quality we shipped in 2013-14.

Forecast of harvest date.  We anticipate harvest will begin 7 days later than in 2013.  (Trivia note:  In 2013, our first ship date was for Paula Reds on August 22.)
 
Premium varieties increase acreage
Michigan growers – and our own RIveridge Land Company – continue to re-invest in the industry.  Not surprisingly, the varieties they’re planting most are what consumers want:  Gala, Honeycrisp and Fuji.

We’re also upgrading with new, improved strains of popular varieties such as Gala and MacIntosh.  Riveridge Land Company is also planting more trees and new varieties, and implementing cutting-edge growing techniques.
 
Done shipping
Although Michigan had a nearly record crop last year, all seven Riveridge packing houses emptied their storages and will finish the 2013-14 shipping season by early July.  Time to clean up, paint and enjoy summer in the orchard.
 
In memoriam – a founding partner
It is with sadness that we report the sudden death of Dan Rock, our CFO and a founding partner of Riveridge Produce nearly 25 years ago.  Dan passed away early on Memorial Day, leaving a sad spot in our hearts and an empty seat in our office.

Our condolences to his widow, Kathy, and his children including Dan, Jr., who also works in our financial department.
 
Top Tweets.  For updates on how Riveridge’s crop of Michigan apples is progressing, follow us at https://twitter.com/RiveridgeProduc.

Sincerely,
 
Don Armock                       Dawn Geers                       Rog Geers           Brian Johnson
                Melissa Dubridge             Russell Comport