Wisconsin expected to produce smaller apple crop

That's according to U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates released this week.

The National Agricultural Statistics Service predicts Wisconsin will produce 55 million pounds of apples, or 7 percent less than last year.

It says growers in northern and east central Wisconsin have been troubled for few years by dry conditions that could hurt this year's crop. Also, growers in east central Wisconsin had hail damage this year.

NASS says Wisconsin's apple season is running late after a long, cool spring, but growers in western Wisconsin expect an excellent crop.

Nationally, apple growers are expected to produce 9.17 billion pounds this year, slightly more than last.