Visalia, Calif., (January 5, 2018) – 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 Winter forage crops, such as wheat, barley, other cereal grains and forage mixes, continue to be planted and seed shipments received. Irrigation is still necessary to maintain growth of those plantings that have germinated. Rain is still desperately needed.
Stored table grapes continue to be exported to China, Japan, Mexico, Thailand, and Vietnam. Persimmons harvest continues steady, with export demand primarily to Mexico. Kiwifruit exports are slow but steady, with some going to Mexico and Taiwan. Pistachio nuts are being exported to Austria, Hong Kong, India, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Turkey, and Vietnam. Almonds are being shipped to Argentina, Belgium, Chile, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Sweden, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Pruning continues in vineyards, stone fruit and nut orchards.
Navel oranges continue to be exported to Australia, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, and New Zealand. Pomelos are being harvested and sold domestically, as well as exported to China and Japan. Melogold hybrid grapefruit continue being exported to Japan. Lemons are primarily going to China, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, and New Zealand. The demand for Finger limes is steady, with exports going to France, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. Olive growers continue to prune groves.
Fields are being prepared and planted with winter vegetable crops. Lettuce continues to grow. Strawberries are growing at roadside stands.
The lack of rainfall has left rangeland forage conditions poor. More rain is needed to help with germination and growth of rangeland forage. Supplemental feeding has been required. The fed cattle market price is holding at $120.00 per hundred weight this week.
Bare-root roses are being received and processed for reshipment out-of-state, mostly to Texas. Bare-root berries are being received at wholesale nurseries Nursery shipments have slowed due to the winter weather and time of year.
