LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The Michigan Apple Committee estimates that the state will produce 30.5 million bushels, or nearly 1.3 billion pounds, of apples this year. That’s more than 4 million bushels above average.

Experts say this could mark the third above-average season in a row. That’s good news for farmers and consumers since Michigan is the nation’s second-largest producer of apples, according to the committee.

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In addition, Michigan boasts more than 17.6 million apple trees covering 38,000 acres on 850 family-run farms. Michigan produces many apple varieties.