Visalia, Calif., (March 16, 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 Corn is being planted as weather allows. Winter wheat and oats are enjoying the latest rains. Ground preparation is continuing for spring row crops. Alfalfa fields need more time to fully develop before harvest begins.
Vineyards continue to be pruned and tied. Stone fruit orchards are continuing to bloom. Almond trees are blooming, with some leafing out. Bee colonies continue being moved into almond and stone fruit orchards to help with pollination. Orchards are being monitored for possible damage from the recent freeze to the bloom, but the extent (if any) is as yet unknown. Pomegranate and walnut orchards continue to be pruned. Pistachios are being exported to Germany, Hong Kong, Latvia, Poland, Spain, and Turkey. Almonds are being shipped to Belgium, Cambodia, Colombia, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Korea, the Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, and Sweden.
Navel oranges, Mandarins, and lemons continue to be harvested, but at a slower rate. Late variety navel oranges are showing some grading issues. The extent of freeze damage to citrus fruit is still being determined. Some pruning and skirting of orange groves is still occurring. Navel oranges and Mandarins are being exported to Australia, China, Hong Kong, Korea, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. Golden Nugget tangerines and Mandarins are being packed for the domestic market. Seedless tangerine groves continue to be netted in preparation for the coming bloom. Minneola tangelos continue to be shipped to Germany, Japan, and the Netherlands.
Squash and cucumber seedlings continue to grow under hot-caps and hot-tunnels. Greenhouse vegetables continue to be harvested. Strawberry and plantings are progressing well and maturing. Blueberries should begin to bloom late in the week.
Last week’s rain was beneficial, but the rangeland forage is fair condition, As always, more rain is needed. The fed cattle market remained at $130.00 per hundred weight this week.
Retail nurseries are stocked up on both perennial and annual plants for the spring season. Bare-root roses are being received and processed for reshipment out-of-state. Some mature olive trees are being dug for landscape purposes.
