Visalia, Calif., (February 17, 2017) – Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner released the current status today of Major crops in the most valued county in the California Ag portfolio. They report that Growers continue to wait for fields to dry out sufficiently that they can resume planting winter grain and field crops. The planted grains and field crops continue to mature at an excellent rate, reaping the benefit from all the recent rain, and a few sunny days.
Field work in vineyards and orchards continues with: pruning, tying, berm sanitation, and brush shredding. Some early varieties of stone fruit are beginning to bloom. Kiwifruit are being exported to El Salvador, Japan, and Taiwan. Some almond orchards are beginning to bloom, and bee colonies are being moved in for pollination. In drier locations the removal of older orchards and vineyards continues in preparation for replanting with new varieties.
The citrus harvest is continuing. All the recent rains are having some impact on overall quality. Navel oranges are being shipped to Australia, China, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates. Cara Cara oranges continue going to China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore. Mandarin oranges continue being shipped to Australia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Japan, and Korea. Tangleos are being harvested and exported to Japan, the Netherlands, and Puerto Rico. Grapefruit and pomelos are being exported to Japan. Lemons are being exported to Japan and Mexico. Removal of older orchards continues in preparation for replanting to new varieties this spring. The domestic market for citrus fruit remains steady at a good price. Olive groves are still being pruned.
Winter vegetables continue to mature ideally. The drier weather is allowing the harvest to resume. New fields are being prepared for spring planting. Strawberries fields continue to thrive. Blueberries continue to be planted, weather permitting.
Rangeland and dryland pasture quality continue to improve with all the recent rainfall. Condition is good to excellent.
Bare root rose nursery stock continues to be received, processed and shipped out. Shipments of wholesale nursery stock are picking up as spring approaches. Local bare root nurseries are busy digging stock as weather and soil conditions allow.
