Visalia, Calif., (December 15, 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 Cotton fields are being shredded and disked to comply with Cotton Plow down Regulations. All fields must be brought into compliance prior to December 20th. Seed is being shipped in and planted to winter forage crops such as wheat, barley, and other cereal grains and forage mixes. Irrigation is going to be needed to maintain growth without rain. Alfalfa has received its final cutting prior to winter dormancy. Dry beans are being exported to Guadeloupe.
Table grape are being exported to China, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. Kiwifruit are being shipped to Mexico. Persimmons are being harvested and sold domestically and exported to Mexico. Pistachio nuts are being exported to China, the European Union, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. Almonds are being shipped to Belgium, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Jordan, Korea, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, South Africa, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. Pecans are being exported to Australia. Pruning continues in some stone fruit and nut orchards. Some older, poorly producing orchards and vineyards are being removed and prepared for replanting.
The navel orange harvest is in full swing, with exports of early varieties to Australia, Chile, China, El Salvador, French Polynesia, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Peru, and Singapore. Pomelos are being harvested and sold domestically, as well as exported to Hong Kong, Japan and Korea. Melogold hybrid grapefruit are being exported to Japan and Korea. Lemons are being exported to Mexico. Finger limes are being exported to France, Japan, and the Netherlands. Due to drops in overnight temperatures freeze prevention has become a priority.
Fall vegetable harvest is coming to a close. Fields are being prepared for winter and spring plantings. Strawberries are growing at roadside stands.
Rangeland forage conditions are fair to poor. More rain is needed to help with germination and growth of rangeland forage. Some supplemental feeding is required. The fed cattle market price fell slightly this week to $119.00 per hundred weight.
Bare-root roses are being received and processed for reshipment out-of-state. Sales of Christmas Trees and other decorative plants continue to ramp up for the holiday season.
