SMALL GRAINS AND OTHER FIELD CROPS:
Field crops that have already been planted are benefitting from the recent rainfall. Field activities
have picked up due to warmer weather conditions, but stall a bit due to this week’s rain. Forage
crops are still flourishing from the additional water. Some fields are beginning to be planted for
spring silage.
DECIDUOUS TREE FRUITS, NUTS, AND GRAPES:
Bee hives are still being placed in almond orchards which are in bloom. Almond orchards are
being pushed out and replanted with almonds or pistachios. Stored almonds are going to Hong
Kong, Colombia, Israel, the United Kingdom, Japan, Taiwan, and Belgium. Pistachios are being
exported to Australia, Norway, Jordan, Ukraine, Hong Kong, Egypt, Israel France, the United
Arab Emirates, Belgium, and Mexico. Some stone fruit orchards are still being pruned, and are in
bloom. The cooler temperatures will benefit the stone fruit orchards. Kiwifruit from out-of-state
are continuing to be exported to the Dominican Republic and Mexico.
CITRUS, AVOCADOS, AND OLIVES:
Navel oranges are continuing to experience quality issues as the season and rain continues. Navel
oranges are being exported to New Zealand, Australia, Korea, Japan, China, Chile, Peru, Fiji,
Malaysia, Indonesia, and Mexico. Mandarins are being exported to Australia, New Zealand,
Indonesia, Korea, Japan, and Hong Kong. Golden Nugget Mandarins have started to ship
domestically. Lemons are still being exported to China, Japan, Korea, Mexico, and Taiwan.
Melogold grapefruit are being sent to New Zealand, Colombia, and Japan. Minneola tangelos are
being exported to New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong, and China.
VEGETABLES, MELONS, AND BERRIES:
Small amounts of winter vegetables continue to be grown and harvested. Strawberry transplants
continue to be planted. Blueberries are blooming in greenhouses and Bumble bees have been
imported for pollination.
LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY:
Grazing conditions show significant improvement due to recent rainfall. Rangeland forage is in
good condition. The fed cattle market is consistent at $124 per hundredweight.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
Wholesale nurseries are starting to pick up on shipments to out-of-state locations for the spring
shipping season. Ornamental nursery stock continues to be imported. Bare root rose nursery
stock shipments continue to be received, as well as go out to eastern and western states.
Prepared by:
Marilyn Wright
Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer
