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Washington
May brought a warm, mostly dry start to the season across Washington, with temperatures running above normal and limited precipitation. Forecasts heading into June continue to favor warmer-than-normal conditions with rainfall predicted to be limited.
Vineyard growth is advancing well, with rapid shoot growth and vineyards moving through the bloom window, with Area 4 tracking roughly 12 to 15 days ahead of the 10-year average in growing degree days this spring. While temperatures dipped into the 30s after budbreak, cold damage appears minimal so far, though impacts may become more visible later in the growing season as vine growth, cluster development, and fruit set continue. Growers are reminded to enter all spray applications into Vineyard Link and contact Kody or Adam with any questions.
Michigan
Several additional cold nights in May increased frost damage across Michigan. National staff currently estimate approximately 75% of Area 3 experienced significant frost damage, though we need to wait for the secondary buds to see how fruitful the grapes are. Vineyards are currently around six flat leaves, with warmer temperatures accelerating growth and bloom is expected earlier than the historical average of June 6. Growers are actively applying cover sprays and herbicides, while staff continue counting clusters as most secondaries have pushed out. EBDC (Mancozeb) may be applied post-bloom but must follow label restrictions (typically 66-day PHI). Captan may be used post bloom but must follow label restrictions AND National policy of a 90-day PHI and limit of 2 applications per season.
Long-term forecasts call for warm, dry weather during bloom period. The Michigan Viticulture Field Day will be held July 29-30, hosted by the Michigan Grape Society.
Tri-States
May conditions across the Tri-States remained wet, with temperatures near average and roughly 4 inches of rainfall recorded, similar to last year’s wetter-than-average season. Current lake temperatures remain slightly above average, supporting Dr. Terry Bates prediction for bloom to begin around June 9. Staff is also receiving reports of the start of wild grape bloom in many areas throughout the growing region.
Disease pressure is elevated due to frequent rainfall, particularly for Phomopsis and powdery mildew, making strong pre- and post-bloom spray programs especially important. It is important to remember that the use of products containing EBDC (manzate, mancozeb, penncozeb etc.) is no longer restricted to pre-bloom only. Please use those materials according to the state, federal and label specifications. Having effective materials in your pre-bloom and immediate post-bloom sprays will help protect your crop from this strong disease pressure. In addition, growers should also monitor insect pressure from pests such as leafhoppers, Japanese beetles, or rose chafers, with pre- and post-bloom sprays where needed. Growers are reminded to enter all spray applications into Vineyard Link.
Finally, local field staff will be out and about flying drones around bloom timing throughout the region. If you see one of us, or the drone, feel free to stop by and say hello.
Key Dates (All Regions)
• Learning Series on Building Financial Acumen with TJ Gordon, CFO: June 1
• Post Board Meetings:
– Washington: June 4
– Michigan: June 8
– Tri-States: June 9
• Crop estimates due: July 20, 2026
• Marketing Agreement changes deadline: August 1, 2026
• Grower picnics:
– Washington: June 18
– Pennsylvania: July 21
– New York: July 28
– Michigan: August 10
• Spray records due: August 15, 2026
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