Visalia, Calif., (January 12, 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. This week’s rain will reduce the need for irrigation. As always more rain is needed in the weeks to follow. Shipments of corn seed are being received in preparation for spring planting.
The last of the stored table grapes continue to be exported to China, Japan, Mexico, and Thailand. Persimmon harvest was hampered by this week’s rain, with export demand primarily to Mexico. Kiwifruit exports slowed drastically, with some periodic shipments 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. Walnuts are being exported to China. Pruning continues in vineyards, and the brush is being shredded. Dormant sprays are being applied as the weather allows. Some field activities in fruit and nut orchards have been put on hold as rain makes accessibility difficult.
Citrus harvest was slowed due to the rain and damp weather. Navel oranges continue to be exported to Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, and Peru. Mandarins are still be exported. 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. Finger limes are still in high demand, 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 benefitted from the recent rain and growth looks ideal. Strawberries are growing well at roadside stands.
This week’s rainfall will be beneficial for rangeland forage, but conditions remain poor until more growth is seen. 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 conditions.
