US(MI): Cold snap means smaller apple crop

Michigan, one of America's top apple producing states is expecting a smaller than usual apple crop this year. This is due to a period of cold weather in May.

According to the Michigan Apple Committee there were area of frost damage through out the whole state when the temperatures dropped the mid 20s.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates Michigan's annual harvest at 19.3 million bushels. The Michigan Apple Committee says a consensus of state growers and shippers finds the 2010 crop is expected to be about three-quarters of that size, reports Business Week today.

Last year, the USDA estimated Michigan's crop to be 28.6 million bushels.