The state's apple crop is expected to do a little better than predicted earlier this year, but it remains down from the previous year's production level, according to new data released by the state's Agricultural Statistics Service.

On Oct. 1, New York apple production was forecast at 1.2 billion pounds, 4 percent more than August's prediction but down 8 percent from 1.31 billion pounds in 2007.

The 2008 grape crop was unchanged from August's forecast of 165,000 tons but down 8 percent from last year's levels.

Statewide apple production grew more than expected after June hail storms, the agency said.

Untouched apples had good quality, size, and color.

Apples with hail damage were processed.

A big hit to grape production was a spring frost that impacted acres of Lake Erie grapes.

Hail and disease also helped lower production this year.

Sunny Finger Lakes weather, warm days, and cool nights, helped the harvest in that region.

Hail damage hurt production for some growers, but grapes that were not hit by hail are good.

This year's national apple production is up slightly from August's forecast, 9.2 billion pounds, up 1 percent from 2007.

Grape production met the Aug. 1 forecast of 7.2 million tons but is up 3 percent from 2007.