Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner released the current status today of major crops in the second most valued county in the California Ag portfolio. They report that Fields continue to be prepared and planted to winter wheat and barley forage. The growth of planted grains and field crops continue grow at an excellent rate, reaping the benefit from this past week’s ongoing precipitation. The forecast for optimal returns continues to look good. Sorghum seed continues to be received for future planting.
Table grapes from cold storage continue to be exported to Canada, China, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Vineyards continue being pruned. Pistachios are being exported Belgium, China, Egypt, France, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Vietnam. Almonds are being exported to Chile, China, Colombia, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, the Philippines, South Africa, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. Pecans are being shipped to Australia, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia. Pomegranates are primarily being exported to Mexico. Deciduous fruit and nut orchards continue to be pruned and the brush shredded as weather conditions allow. Tree fruit, nut orchards, and vineyards have halted most post-harvest field activities due to the recent rain. In drier locations the removal of older orchards continues in preparation for replanting new varieties.
Wet weather continues to slow citrus harvest. Navel and Mandarin oranges are being harvested as conditions allow. Exports of citrus fruit have slightly slowed down between Christmas and New Year. However, navel oranges continue to be exported to Australia, China, the Dominican Republic, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, and Singapore. Melogold grapefruit are being exported to Japan and Korea regularly. Lemons are being exported to Australia, China, Korea, and New Zealand. Growers continue to implement frost protection measures for new plantings. Removal of older orchards continues in preparation for replanting to new varieties in drier locations.
Winter vegetables continue to mature ideally. Strawberries fields continue to thrive. Blueberries continue to be planted, weather permitting.
Rangeland continues to improve with the recent rainfall. Rangeland quality is benefiting from this week’s rain at the lower elevations. The fed cattle market price held steady at about $112.00 per hundredweight.
Bare root rose nursery stock continues to be received, processed and shipped out. Potted roses are currently being shipped. Shipments of wholesale nursery stock have remained slow due to winter weather and a lack of demand.
