Cranberry Production in Coos and Curry County

Cranberries are an important source of farm income in the two county area. Beds along the South Coast produce 99% of Oregon's cranberry crop. Sandy, elevated, marine terraces provide a good foundation for cranberries.

Oregon-grown cranberries have consistently excellent red color content valued by processors for blending.

This high value industry occupies only 0.1% of the Coos County land area and much less than that in Curry. The average area planted in cranberries per farm is about 16 acres in the two-county area. Units range from one acre to more than 125 acres.

Cranberry farms are also a market for beekeepers who offer pollination services. About 3,500 Oregon hives are placed on cranberry farms during bloom. Cranberry farms also utilize the services of several custom operators who build, prune, and resand beds. Local fabricators and machinists help to build specialized equipment for cranberry farming.

About 1,670 acres were harvested in Coos County in 2005, producing a yield of 165 barrels per acre. One barrel equals 100 pounds of berries. U.S. cranberry yield in 1999 was 170 barrels per acre.

Cranberries in Curry County account for 25% of Oregon production. About 620 acres were harvested in 2005, with a yield per acre of 162 barrels. The cranberry beds are between Port Orford and Langlois in the northern part of the county.