Fresno, Calif., (January 8, 2018) – Barley, triticale, and dry land wheat emergence has been slow due to lack of rain. Forcing some growers to irrigate fields. Early planted fields continued to mature and were treated with herbicides.
Alfalfa went dormant, fields were treated with herbicides or grazed by sheep. Every District reported that, all cotton was disced and in compliance with plow down regulations. Due to lack of rain, ground prep and field fumigations continued for 2018 rotational crops. Alfalfa was exported to Argentina, Germany, Italy, and Qatar.
Pruning in dormant stone fruit and nut orchards started to wrap up. Orchards were irrigated, disced, treated for weeds and had dormant sprays applied. Mummy shaking continued in lmond orchards. Older almond orchards were pushed out, for replanting later. Grapes were pruned and tied, along with having herbicides applied. Vineyards continued to be removed for planting of nut trees. Almonds, Asian pear, grape, kiwi, pecan, persimmon, pistachio, pomegranate, raisins, and walnut were exported to, Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Chili, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Latvia, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and Viet Nam.
Garlic and onion planting continued. Earlier planting had emerged and showed good growth. Fields were treated for weeds. Harvesting for winter greens such as, bok choy, cabbage, chard, collard greens, kale, parsley and daikon continued. In Firebaugh District, the broccoli harvest ended as temperatures dropped, fields were staring to be prepared for a spring crop. Head and leaf lettuce has been planted for the spring 2018 crop. Organic broccoli, celery and spinach are growing nicely in the Huron District. As well as next season’s tomato and garbanzo bean fields being worked prior to planting. In Sanger District, eggplant and strawberry fields were fumigated with Chloropicrin in preparation of planting. Asparagus fields were shredded in preparation for the spring growth. With the lack of rain, fields underwent discing, forming rows and irrigation line replacement in much of the County. Lettuce and arugula seed was exported to Brazil, Netherlands, Philippines, and South Korea.
Grapefruit, lemon, mandarin, navel orange, and pomelo harvesting continued throughout December. Mandarin and navel harvests are approximately 1/3 completed in the Sanger District. Citrus is showing good color. The County experienced some low temperatures towards the end of the month but no freeze damage reported. Growers used fans, running water, and small fires to keep temperature up. Citrus is being exported to Australia, Dominican Republic, French Polynesia, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, in addition to the Philippines. Olive groves underwent discing and herbicide applications.
Lack of rain in December kept rangeland very dry. Sheep with their new lambs continued to be grazed in alfalfa and fallow fields. Beehives are overwintering around the County and being given supplemental feedings.
