California Ag Network

Category: Citrus Industry

  • USDA California Crop/Weather Report for Week Ending February 19, 2017

    Sacramento, Calif., (February 22, 2017) – Another warm and wet week across the State as a strong Pacific system moved inland. The system brought rain to most of the State, with mountains receiving snow. Temperatures cooled through Friday, before rising slightly over the weekend.

    Dry weather ruled the State on Monday and Tuesday with the exception of some light sprinkles across the far northwest. On Wednesday, a storm system began to bring rain to the northern half of the State with up to three inches falling in the far northwest, tapering off to about half an inch along the I-80 corridor. As lighter amounts were seen further south to Fresno. Thursday through Saturday heavy rain for most of the State, with the Santa Barbara to Oxnard area receiving the most, at over four inches of rain. Deserts areas received scattered rain on Friday, totaling a quarter of an inch. Sunday brought more rain to the State, but with much lighter amounts as the storm system moved inland. One to two feet of new snow fell in the Sierras, and two to three feet in the northern mountains. Temperatures allowed for a slight increase of the snowpack in the northern mountains and in the north and central Sierras, while the southern Sierras snowpack remained unchanged.

    Temperature highs were in the 30s to 50s in the mountains, 50s to 60s along the coast, 50s to 70s in the desert, and 60s to 70s in the valley. The temperature lows were in the 20s to 30s in the mountains, 30s to 50s the desert, and 40s to 50s in the valley and along the coast.

    Growers continued to wait for fields to dry out sufficiently to resume planting winter grain and field crops. The planted grains and field crops continued to mature, reaping the benefit from all the recent rain, and a few sunny days. Winter wheat and oats were maturing very well.

    Pruning, discing, weed control, and pre-bloom spraying continued where orchard floor conditions permitted. Aerial applications were made where field conditions prevented ground application. Olive groves were pruned. Pruning, tying, berm sanitation, and brush shredding started up again in the drier vineyards. The standing water in vineyards and orchards continued to cause concern for the health of the trees and vines. Early varieties of nectarines and peaches were blooming in Fresno County. The Navel orange harvest was slowed by the rainy conditions. Tangelos were harvested.

    As field conditions permitted, walnut orchards continued to be pruned. Almonds were beginning to bloom across the state. Bee hives were staged in preparation for the pending bloom season, though muddy conditions forced many hives to be left on drier ground outside almond orchards.

    In Tulare County, winter vegetables continued to mature. The drier weather in the county allowed the harvest to resume.  New fields continue to be prepared for spring planting.  Strawberry fields continued to thrive.  Blueberries continued to be planted, weather permitting.  In Imperial County, spinach, broccoli, and some lettuce were being harvested late at night. In Fresno County, some winter vegetable fields were soaked with soil saturation and no field work was able to be performed. Organic onions were being planted.

    Non-irrigated pasture and rangeland continued to improve due to the winter’s precipitation. Range was reported to be in fair to excellent condition. Supplemental feeding of livestock continued to decline as range conditions improved.

  • Tulare County Reports on Current Crop Status

    Visalia, Calif., (February 17, 2017) – 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 Growers continue to wait for fields to dry out sufficiently that they can resume planting winter grain and field crops. The planted grains and field crops continue to mature at an excellent rate, reaping the benefit from all the recent rain, and a few sunny days.

    Field work in vineyards and orchards continues with: pruning, tying, berm sanitation, and brush shredding. Some early varieties of stone fruit are beginning to bloom. Kiwifruit are being exported to El Salvador, Japan, and Taiwan. Some almond orchards are beginning to bloom, and bee colonies are being moved in for pollination. In drier locations the removal of older orchards and vineyards continues in preparation for replanting with new varieties.

    The citrus harvest is continuing. All the recent rains are having some impact on overall quality. Navel oranges are being shipped to Australia, China, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates. Cara Cara oranges continue going to China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore. Mandarin oranges continue being shipped to Australia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Japan, and Korea. Tangleos are being harvested and exported to Japan, the Netherlands, and Puerto Rico. Grapefruit and pomelos are being exported to Japan. Lemons are being exported to Japan and Mexico. Removal of older orchards continues in preparation for replanting to new varieties this spring. The domestic market for citrus fruit remains steady at a good price. Olive groves are still being pruned.

    Winter vegetables continue to mature ideally. The drier weather is allowing the harvest to resume. New fields are being prepared for spring planting. Strawberries fields continue to thrive. Blueberries continue to be planted, weather permitting.

    Rangeland and dryland pasture quality continue to improve with all the recent rainfall. Condition is good to excellent.

    Bare root rose nursery stock continues to be received, processed and shipped out. Shipments of wholesale nursery stock are picking up as spring approaches. Local bare root nurseries are busy digging stock as weather and soil conditions allow.

  • USDA California Crop/Weather Report

    Sacramento, Calif., (February 14, 2017) – Another wet week across the State. Most days received widespread precipitation across a large portion of the State. Last week, the heaviest rains fell on the windward and southern slopes of the central/northern Sierras and northern mountains. Blue Canyon reported the largest precipitation of 14.16 inches. The northwestern mountains received four to six inches of rain, while the valley saw three to four inches across its northern half and one to two inches across its southern half. The immediate coast from San Francisco southward to Los Angeles received two to three inches. Despite warm temperatures, additional snow fell in the mountains through last week, the heaviest in the Tahoe region, where 12 to 18 inches fell. The northern Sierras saw eight to12 inches across the northern mountains, with the Southern Sierras reporting three to six inches. Despite the additional snowfalls, warm temperatures resulted in an overall reduction of four to eight inches in snowpack.

    Temperature highs were in the 30s to 50s in the mountains, 50s to 60s in the valley and along the coast, and 60s to 80s in the desert. The temperature lows were in the 20s to 40s in the mountains, 30s-50s in the desert, and 40s to 50s in the valley and along the coast.

    Growers continued to wait for fields to dry out sufficiently to resume planting winter grain and field crops. The planted grains and field crops continued to mature at an excellent rate, reaping the benefit from all the recent rains.

    Orchards in the San Joaquin Valley where conditions permitted, allowing for some orchard pruning, discing, weed control and pre-bloom spraying. Pruning, tying, berm sanitation, and brush shredding started up again in the drier vineyards. Where field conditions permitted the removal of older orchards and vineyards continued in preparation for replanting with new varieties. The standing water in vineyards and orchards caused for concern the health of the trees and vines. Early varieties of nectarines and peaches began to bloom in Fresno County. Navel orange harvest continued as weather permitted. Second treatment spraying for citrus fungal diseases was drawing to a close. Tangerines continued to be harvested.

    As field conditions permitted orchards continued to be pruned and brush. Some late dormant sprays were applied. Almond buds were swelling and a few early blossoms reported in the southern San Joaquin Valley.

    In Monterey County, frequent rain continued throughout the week.  The rain was welcomed as it cleaned salts from the soil profile, but it slowed field activities.  Very few fields were planted, but as the skies began to clear, work resumed on cole crops, lettuces, celery, and spinach.  In Fresno County, the carrot harvest was ongoing when the weather permitted.  Weed control was ongoing for tomatoes.  Garlic and onion plantings had emerged and showed good growth.  Broccoli was growing steadily.  In Imperial County, harvest continued for broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and lettuce.  Fields were planted with melon and sweet corn as weather permitted.

    Non-irrigated pasture and rangeland continued to improve due to the winter’s precipitation and warming temperatures. Range was reported to be in excellent to good condition. Sheep grazed idle fields and dormant alfalfa fields. Supplemental feeding of livestock was on the decline as range conditions improved. Bee hives were staged in preparation for the pending bloom season, though muddy conditions forced many hives to be left on drier ground outside almond orchards.

  • Tulare County Reports on Current Crop Status

    Visalia, Calif., (February 10, 2017) – 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 Growers continue to wait for fields to dry out sufficiently that they can resume planting winter grain and field crops. The planted grains and field crops continue to mature at an excellent rate, reaping the benefit from all the recent rains.

    Table grapes from cold storage continue to be exported primarily to Canada and Mexico. Field work in vineyards and orchards: pruning, tying, berm sanitation, and brush shredding, are starting up again as fields dry. Kiwifruit are being exported to Colombia. Pistachios are being exported Belgium, China, Egypt, France, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Vietnam. Almonds are being exported to Chile, China, Colombia, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, the Philippines, South Africa, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. Pecans are being shipped to Australia, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia. Walnuts are being shipped to Hong Kong. Pomegranates are primarily being exported to Mexico. In drier locations the removal of older orchards and vineyards continues in preparation for replanting with new varieties.

    The citrus harvest is gaining strength with the clearer weather. Navel oranges are being shipped to Australia, China, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. The second application of copper fungicide has or will be made to meet the February 4th deadline for continued export to Korea. Mandarin oranges continue being shipped to Australia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Japan, and Mexico. Satsuma tangerines continue to be harvested and sent to domestic markets only. Melogold grapefruit are being exported to Japan and Korea. Lemons are being exported to Australia, China, Korea, and New Zealand. Removal of older orchards continues in preparation for replanting to new varieties this spring. The domestic market for citrus fruit remains steady at a good price.

    Winter vegetables continue to mature ideally. The drier weather is allowing the harvest to resume. Strawberries fields continue to thrive. Blueberries continue to be planted, weather permitting.

    Rangeland and dryland pasture quality continue to improve with the recent rainfall.

    Bare root rose nursery stock continues to be received, processed and shipped out. Potted roses are currently being shipped. Shipments of wholesale nursery stock have remained slow due to winter weather and a lack of demand.

  • Fresno County Department of Agriculture Crop Report

    Fresno, Calif., (February 8, 2017) – Heavy rains continued in January promoting vigorous growth in barley, triticale, wheat and winter forage. Fields have been fertilized, and herbicides applied. Dry-land barley have been planted and showing good growth.

    The rains have put much of the fieldwork on hold, waiting for drier conditions. Between storms, growers reshaped beds, and added soil amendments for the next round of field crops. Sheep continue to graze in some alfalfa fields when other fields received areal herbicide treatments to control weeds in wet fields. First cuttings of alfalfa are rapidly approaching in Sanger district.

    Working around storms, growers continued to prune, disc, and apply herbicides to orchards. Around the County dormant sprays were being applied between storm systems. In the Sanger and Selma Districts, early varieties of nectarines and peaches started to bloom. Almond buds are swelling in Sanger and Huron, loads of beehives were moved in. Work continues in the vineyards with pruning, tying, and herbicide applications. Around the County orchards and vineyards continue to be taken out, replaced with almonds and pistachios. Almonds, Asian pears, dry apricots, dry cranberry, dry figs, dry prunes, pecans, raisins, and walnuts were exported to; Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Lebanon, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and Viet Nam. Kiwi were exported to Guatemala, Japan, and Taiwan. Peruvian and Chilean grapes were re-exported to Canada

    Preparation for spring planting has started in a few fields with weeding, discing, irrigation repair, and formation of rows taking place. Field fumigations for eggplant, strawberries, and tomatoes had started in some districts but most were on hold due to ground saturation from recent rains. Garlic and onion planting have all emerged and show good growth. Broccoli is growing steadily in Firebaugh, while asparagus fields were topped and shredded for spring harvest. Harvesting of carrots and daikon continued. Broccoli, cilantro, kale, mustard, and leaf lettuce was planted for seed production. Onion and lettuce seed were exported to Germany, Japan, and republic of Korea. Blueberries started showing signs of swelling buds in Selma district, when other areas remain dormant.

    January had a few nights with below freezing temperatures but so far, no significant freeze damage has been reported in the districts. Rain also delayed citrus harvest in many districts but exports are steady. Around the storms, fungicide applications took place in many citrus orchards. Grapefruit, lemons, mandarins, Navel oranges, pummelos, tangelos, and tangerines were exported to; Chile, China, Ecuador, Fiji, Guatemala, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Tonga. Olive groves underwent discing, and herbicide applications to control weeds.

    The rain has had a huge impact on the rangeland, creating favorable conditions for grazing livestock. Sheep continue to graze on dormant alfalfa and fallow fields. In Huron district, cattle are being shipped out for processing. With the almonds and stone fruit starting to bud, beehives were brought in from out of state to be placed in orchards for pollination.

  • Tulare County Reports on Current Crop Status

    Visalia, Calif., (February 3, 2017) – 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 Growers continue to wait for fields to dry out sufficiently that they can resume planting winter grain and field crops. The planted grains and field crops continue to mature at an excellent rate, reaping the benefit from all the recent rain, and now sunshine. Black-eyed beans were exported to Malaysia.

    Table grapes from cold storage continue to be exported primarily to Canada and Mexico. Field work in vineyards and orchards: pruning, tying, berm sanitation, and brush shredding, are starting up again as fields dry. Kiwifruit are being exported to Colombia. Pistachios are being exported Belgium, China, Egypt, France, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Vietnam. Almonds are being exported to Chile, China, Colombia, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, the Philippines, South Africa, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. Pecans are being shipped to Australia, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia. Walnuts are being shipped to Hong Kong. Pomegranates are primarily being exported to Mexico. In drier locations the removal of older orchards and vineyards continues in preparation for replanting with new varieties.

    The citrus harvest is gaining strength with the clearer weather. Navel oranges are being shipped to Australia, China, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. The second application of copper fungicide has or will be made to meet the February 4th deadline for continued export to Korea. Mandarin oranges continue being shipped to Australia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Japan, and Mexico. Satsuma tangerines continue to be harvested and sent to domestic markets only. Melogold grapefruit are being exported to Japan and Korea. Lemons are being exported to Australia, China, Korea, and New Zealand. Removal of older orchards continues in preparation for replanting to new varieties this spring. The domestic market for citrus fruit remains steady at a good price.

    Winter vegetables continue to mature ideally. The drier weather is allowing the harvest to resume. Strawberries fields continue to thrive. Blueberries continue to be planted, weather permitting.

    Rangeland and dryland pasture quality continue to improve with the recent rainfall.

    Bare root rose nursery stock continues to be received, processed and shipped out. Potted roses are currently being shipped. Shipments of wholesale nursery stock have remained slow due to winter weather and a lack of demand. Mature olive trees are being dug up and sold for landscaping as soil conditions permit.

  • Winter Management of Pocket Gophers on the Farm

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    Winter is one of the best times to control your pocket gopher populations in the field. Watch this video as Mike Konda from the Fresno County Ag Department shares a few tips on managing them in the vineyard or orchard, and subscribe to the California Ag Network You Tube Channel to learn more about pest management on the farm.

  • Tulare County Reports on Current Crop Status

    Visalia, Calif., (January 27, 2017) – 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 Growers continue to wait for fields to dry out in order to resume winter grain and field crop planting. The planted grains and field crops continue to mature at an excellent rate, reaping the benefit from all the recent rain. Sorghum seed continues to be received for future planting. Black-eyed beans were exported to Malaysia.

    Table grapes from cold storage continue to be exported primarily to Canada and Mexico. Field work in vineyards and orchards: pruning, tying, berm sanitation, and brush shredding, are all on hold until workers can get back in wet fields. Kiwifruit are being exported to Colombia. Pistachios are being exported Belgium, China, Egypt, France, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Vietnam. Almonds are being exported to Chile, China, Colombia, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, the Philippines, South Africa, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. Pecans are being shipped to Australia, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia. Walnuts are being shipped to Hong Kong. Pomegranates are primarily being exported to Mexico. In drier locations the removal of older orchards and vineyards continues in preparation for replanting with new varieties, but even this has been delayed by the extended wet weather.

    The citrus harvest was essentially stopped during the recent rains. With the clearer weather it should resume at a rapid pace. Navel oranges are being shipped to Australia, China, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. The second application of copper fungicide has or will be made to meet the February 4th deadline for continued export to Korea. Mandarin oranges continue being shipped to Australia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Japan, and Mexico. Satsuma tangerines continue to be harvested and sent to domestic markets only. Melogold grapefruit are being exported to Japan and Korea. Lemons are being exported to Australia, China, Korea, and New Zealand. Removal of older orchards continues in preparation for replanting to new varieties in drier locations. The domestic market for citrus fruit remains steady at a good price.

    Winter vegetables continue to mature ideally. The wet weather stopped the harvest of cole crops, but the harvest should continue as fields dry in the coming days. Strawberries fields continue to thrive. Blueberries continue to be planted, weather permitting.

    Rangeland and dryland pasture continues to improve with the recent rainfall. Rangeland quality is benefiting from this week’s rain at the lower elevations. The fed cattle market price up at $120 per hundredweight.

    Bare root rose nursery stock continues to be received, processed and shipped out. Potted roses are currently being shipped. Shipments of wholesale nursery stock have remained slow due to winter weather and a lack of demand. Mature olive trees are being dug up and sold for landscaping as soil conditions permit.

  • California Lands More than $5 Million in USDA Grants for Citrus Greening Research

    Sacramento, Calif., (January 25, 2017) – The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has announced four grants totaling more than $13.6 million to combat a scourge on the nation’s citrus industry, citrus greening disease, also known as Huanglongbing (HLB). UC Riverside will receive $5,112,000 of that funding for a program to design and identify bactericides that can cure or suppress HLB.

    “The economic impact of citrus greening disease is measured in the billions,” said NIFA Director Sonny Ramaswamy. “NIFA investments in research are critical measures to help the citrus industry survive and thrive, and to encourage growers to replant with confidence.”

    HLB is currently the most devastating citrus disease worldwide. It was first detected in Florida in 2005 and has since affected all of Florida’s citrus-producing areas leading to a 75 percent decline in Florida’s $9 billion citrus industry. HLB has also been detected in Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina and Texas, as well as three residential communities in Southern California. Fifteen U.S. States or territories, including California, are under full or partial quarantine due to the presence of the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), a vector for HLB.

    Since 2009, USDA has invested more than $400 million to address citrus greening, including more than $57 million through the Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program since 2014.  Other projects in the current grant award include:

    • Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, $4,274,523
    • Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, $2,476,099
    • USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Athens, Georgia, $1,821,197

    More information on these projects is available on the NIFA website.

    Information on efforts to control the Asian citrus psyllid and stop HLB in California is available on CDFA’s web site and the California Citrus Threat web site.

  • Tulare County Reports on Current Crop Status

    Visalia, Calif., (January 20, 2017) – Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner released the current status today of Major crops in the second most valued county in the California Ag portfolio. They report that Continuing rains have benefited the growth of already planted grains and field crops, but the rain has hindered ground preparations for continued planting. Low spots in some fields are showing stress from repeated standing water. The forecast for optimal returns continues to look positive. Sorghum seed continues to be received for future planting. Black-eyed beans were exported to Malaysia.

    Table grapes from cold storage continue to be exported to Canada, China, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Vineyards continue being pruned and tied. Pistachios are being exported Belgium, China, Egypt, France, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Vietnam. Almonds are being exported to Chile, China, Colombia, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, the Philippines, South Africa, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. Pecans are being shipped to Australia, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia. Walnuts are being shipped to Hong Kong. Pomegranates are primarily being exported to Mexico. Deciduous fruit and nut orchards continue to be pruned and the brush shredded as weather conditions allow. Tree fruit, nut orchards, and vineyards have halted most post-harvest field activities due to the recent rain. In drier locations the removal of older orchards and vineyards continues in preparation for replanting with new varieties.

    Wet weather continues to slow citrus harvest. Navel and Mandarin oranges are being harvested as conditions allow. Navel and Mandarin oranges are being shipped to Australia, China, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. The second application of copper fungicide has or will be made to meet the February 4th deadline for continued export to Korea. Satsuma tangerines continue to be harvested and sent to domestic markets. Melogold grapefruit are being exported to Japan and Korea. Lemons are being exported to Australia, China, Korea, and New Zealand. Removal of older orchards continues in preparation for replanting to new varieties in drier locations.

    Winter vegetables continue to mature ideally. Strawberries fields continue to thrive. Blueberries continue to be planted, weather permitting.

    Rangeland and dryland pasture continues to improve with the recent rainfall. Rangeland quality is benefiting from this week’s rain at the lower elevations.

    Bare root rose nursery stock continues to be received, processed and shipped out. Potted roses are currently being shipped. Shipments of wholesale nursery stock have remained slow due to winter weather and a lack of demand.