California Ag Network

Category: Livestock

  • California Crop Weather Report ( For Week Ending: September 1, 2019)

    Weather

    Temperature highs ranged from the high 60s to high 90s in the mountains, low 70s to mid 100s along the coast, high 70s to mid 100s in the valley, and mid 80s to mid 110s in the desert. Temperature lows ranged from low 40s to mid 70s in the mountains, low 50s to mid 60s along the coast, mid 50s to high 80s in the valley, and low 50s to high 90s in the desert.

    Field Crops

    In Tulare, Fresno, and Kings Counties, alfalfa continued to be irrigated, cut, and baled. Cotton was in full bloom. Corn was being cut for silage. Harvesting of safflower continued. Garbanzo beans were harvested. Black-eye peas continued to set and fill pods. Sorghum was growing well. In Sacramento County, sunflower was drying down and harvesting began.

    Fruit Crops

    Nectarine, peach, pear, plum, pluot, fig, and Asian pear harvest continued. Post-harvest pruning and mechanical topping was ongoing. Dried pruning debris was shredded. After harvest, some older stone fruit orchards were pushed out and burned to clear for replanting. Pomegranate harvest began. Kiwis, olives, and persimmons were maturing well. Table and wine grape harvest continued. Irrigation and mechanical vineyard maintenance was ongoing. A limited amount of Valencia oranges were harvested. Gassing of Valencia oranges continued to counter re-greening. Ruby Red grapefruit and finger limes were harvested. Citrus groves were pruned, hedged, and skirted. Some groves were whitewashed for sunburn prevention.

    Nut Crops

    Orchards continued to be irrigated. Walnuts were developing well with no significant pest or disease problems reported. Orchard floor cleaning continued in preparation of harvest. Almond harvest was well underway and pistachio harvest began.

    Vegetable Crops

    Tulare County reported certified producers grew cucumbers, squash, tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplant, and jalapeños for local farmers’ markets and roadside stands. In Colusa, Sacramento, Solano, and Yolo counties, processed tomato harvest continued.

    Livestock

    Foothill rangeland and non-irrigated pasture remained in fair to poor condition. Water was hauled to livestock in some dry locations. Supplemental feeding was ongoing. Some cattle were moved to higher elevation pasture, while in the northern counties, cattle were grazing on recently harvested grain stubble.

  • Alpaca Farms Nationwide Celebrate National Alpaca Farm Days

    September 28 and 29, alpaca business owners throughout North America will celebrate the 12th annual National Alpaca Farm
    Days    .

    Alpaca Owners Association, Inc. (AOA) invites you to visit participating member farms and ranches during this fun-filled family event. Alpaca owners will open their doors to the public to meet their alpacas and learn more about these inquisitive, unique animals, the luxury fiber they produce and why the alpaca business is perfect for environmentally conscious individuals.

    While most alpaca farms welcome visitors throughout the year, National Alpaca Farm Days are sure to include special activities, live demonstrations and educational opportunities for the entire family.

    For a complete list of participating farms and ranches, visit www.AlpacaFarmDays.com.

     

  • Tulare County Crop Report (Week Ending August 24, 2019)

    Small Grains, Other Field Crops:

    Cotton fields are in full bloom and bolls are filling. Alfalfa hay continues to be cut and baled. Corn for silage and related summer row crops are being harvested, and land is being fertilized in preparation for the next crop. Dried beans are being shipped to Southern California. Black-eyed beans are maturing and drying in fields.

    Deciduous Tree Fruits, Nuts, And Grapes:

    Mature stone fruit continues to be harvested. Stone fruit orchards continue to be summer pruned, topped, and dried prunings are being shredded. Old, harvested stone fruit orchards continue to be pushed out and burned to clear the field for replanting. Peaches, nectarines, plums, and pluots continue to be exported to Australia, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Indonesia, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Harvesting of Asian pears is accelerating, but exports are very slow. Pecan, pistachio, and walnut nuts continue to develop. Pistachio nuts are being exported to Turkey, France, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Italy, the Netherlands, Israel, and Cyprus. Almonds are being harvested and are being exported to Germany, France, Brazil, New Zealand, and India. Table grapes continue to be harvested and exported to Australia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Mexico, Costa Rica, Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Some vineyards continue to have the leaves thinned to allow for better airflow, light, and to aid in harvesting. Some table grape vineyards, rows are being covered to protect grapes from rain. Kiwis continue to be thinned. Persimmons continue to develop some color in early varieties.

    Citrus, Avocados, And Olives:

    Valencia oranges are being harvested in very limited amounts, and being packed for domestic markets. They are being exported to Mexico, El Salvador, Thailand, Taiwan, Korea, China, and Singapore. Gassing of Valencia oranges continues in order to counter re-greening. Some citrus groves are being pruned, hedge rowed, and skirted. Citrus groves continue irrigating during high temperatures. Grapefruit are being exported to Singapore. Star Ruby grapefruit are being harvested and packed for the domestic market. Immature olives continue to develop. Limes are being harvested, but have yet to be exported. Finger limes are picked from coastal locations to be exported to China and the Netherlands.

    Vegetables, Melons, Herbs, Berries:

    Certified producers are growing cucumbers, squash, tomatoes, bell peppers, melons, peppers, eggplant, and Jalapeño peppers to sell at local Farmer’s Markets. Summer vegetables continue to be sold at roadside stands. Strawberry growers are taking old plantings out and preparing the ground for fall planting.

    Livestock And Poultry:

    Rangeland feed and water remains fair. Local cattle ranchers are supplemental feeding their livestock. The fed cattle price is at $110 per cwt.

    Additional Comments:

    Retail nursery shipments continue to be received from southern counties in California.

    By Tom Tucker, Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner/ Sealer

  • Tulare County Crop Report ( Week Ending: August 17, 2019)

    Small Grains, Other Field Crops:

    Cotton fields are in full bloom and bolls are filling. Alfalfa continues to be cut and baled with some fields on their third cutting. Corn for silage is being cut. Processed horse feed is being exported to Japan.

    Deciduous Tree Fruits, Nuts, And Grapes:

    Mature stone fruit continues to be harvested. Peaches are being exported to Australia, Indonesia, Mexico, Taiwan, Canada, the Philippines, Thailand, New Zealand, and Costa Rica. Nectarines are being exported to Mexico, Canada, Chile, Taiwan, Australia, Costa Rica, and the Philippines. Apricots are being exported to Canada. Plums are being exported to China, El Salvador, Taiwan, Mexico, Australia, Canada, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Guatemala, and Honduras. Harvesting of Asian Pears is accelerating. Asian Pears continue to be exported to Canada, Panama, New Zealand, and Taiwan. Kiwi fruits are being thinned and continue being exported to Mexico. Shelled pecans are being exported to New Zealand. Some Stone Fruit orchards are being pruned after harvest and some are being pushed out. Pistachios are being exported to Vietnam, Turkey, Thailand, France, Mexico, India, China, Norway, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Italy, the Netherlands, Israel, and Cyprus. The harvest season for Almond just started. Table grapes are continue to be harvested and exported to Australia, Guatemala, New Caledonia, Panama, New Zealand, Korea, and Vietnam. Some vineyards continue to have the leaves thinned to allow for better airflow and light. Pecan, Pistachio and Walnut nuts continue to develop.

    Citrus, Avocados, And Olives:

    Valencia Oranges are being harvested in very limited amounts and being packed mostly for domestic market but infrequent loads are being exported to Mexico, El Salvador, Thailand, Taiwan, Korea, China, and Singapore. Gassing of Valencia oranges continues in order to counter the re-greening. Some citrus groves are being pruned, hedge rowed, and skirted. Citrus groves continue irrigating during high temperatures. Star Ruby Grapefruits are being harvested and packed for the domestic market. Immature olives continue to develop. Mature olive trees are being pushed up. Limes are being harvested.

    Vegetables, Melons, Herbs, Berries:

    Certified producers are growing Squash, Peppers, Eggplant, and Jalapeños to sell at local Farmers Markets. Summer vegetables continue to be sold at roadside stands. Blueberries are being exported to Vietnam.

    Livestock And Poultry:

    Rangeland feed and water remains fair. Local cattle ranchers are supplement feeding their livestock. The fed cattle price is at $111 per cwt.

    Additional Comments:

    Nursery stocks are being shipped to Washington, Oregon, North Carolina, Texas, Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada.

    Prepared by: Tom Tucker, Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer

  • California Crop Weather Report ( Week Ending: August 11, 2019)

    Weather

    Temperature highs ranged from the mid 60s to mid 90s in the mountains, high 60s to mid 100s along the coast, mid 70s to mid 100s in the valley, and low 90s to low 120s in the desert. Temperature lows ranged from the mid 30s to low 60s in the mountains, high 40s to mid 60s along the coast, mid 50s to mid 70s in the valley, and high 40s to low 90s in the desert.

    Field Crops

    In Tulare County, cotton fields were in full bloom and bolls were filling. Alfalfa continued to be cut and baled with some fields on their third cutting. Corn for silage was being cut. In Sacramento County, rice and safflower continued to grow and mature.

    Fruit Crops

    Stone fruit orchards were irrigated. Nectarine, peach, plum, and pluot harvests continued. Post-harvest pruning and mechanical topping was ongoing. Some older stone fruit orchards were pushed out after harvest. Olives and persimmons were maturing well. Asian pears, figs, and pears were harvested. Table grape harvest continued. Irrigation and mechanical vineyard maintenance was
    ongoing. Some Valencia oranges were harvested. Gassing of Valencia oranges continued to counter re-greening. Ruby red grapefruit were harvested. Citrus groves were pruned, hedged, and skirted. Some citrus were pushed out in preparation for new plantings.

    Nut Crops

    Orchards continued to be irrigated. Almonds, walnuts, and pistachios were developing well. Almonds were treated for Navel orange worms and mites. Orchard floors were cleaned up in preparation of almond harvest. Almond harvest was underway in the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley.

    Vegetable Crops

    Tomato harvest increased in the valley. Corn crop matured at a slower rate due to mild weather conditions. In Tulare County, certified producers grew tomatoes, squash, peppers, and cucumbers for local Farmers’ markets. In Kern County, sweet potatoes were doing well in high heat.

    Livestock

    Rangeland grasses continued to dry. Foothill rangeland and non-irrigated pasture remained in fair to good condition, though water was hauled to livestock in some locations and supplemental feeding had commenced. Some cattle were moved to higher elevation range. Sheep grazed in fallow fields. Bees were active in sunflower fields.

  • California Crop Weather Report (Week Ending: August 4, 2019)

    Weather

    Temperature highs ranged from the mid 70s to high 90s in the mountains, mid 60s to low 100s along the coast, high 80s to mid 100s in the valley, and mid 90s to mid 110s in the desert.  Temperature lows ranged from low 40s to mid 60s in the mountains, high 40s to high 60s along the coast, low 50s to low 90s in the desert, and mid 50s to mid 70s in the valley.

    Field Crops 

    In Tulare County, corn for silage was maturing with some fields being harvested. Black-eyed beans were sizing up, and pods drying. Cotton continued to be irrigated and cultivated. Alfalfa was cut and baled.  In Siskiyou, Trinity and Modoc counties, cattle were moved to range land at higher elevations. San Mateo County, hay continued to be cut and baled.  Fresno County corn continued to be harvested for silage. Alfalfa yields are good with lower quality with prices decreasing. In Fresno County, alfalfa seed has been dried and harvest expected to begin soon.

    Fruit Crops

    Stone fruit orchards were irrigated. Apricot, peach, plum, pluot, and nectarine harvest continued. Post- harvest pruning and mechanical topping was ongoing. Some older stone fruit orchards were pushed out after harvest. Persimmons, figs and olives were maturing well. Grape harvest was underway. Irrigation and mechanical vineyard maintenance continued. Valencia oranges were harvested. Citrus groves were pruned and hedged. Some citrus were pushed out in preparation for new plantings.

    Nut Crops

    Orchards continue to be irrigated. Almonds, walnuts, and pistachios were developing well. Almonds were treated for Navel Orangeworm and mites. Orchard floors were cleaned up in preparation of almond harvest. Almond harvest began in Fresno County with the first shaking reported this season.

    Vegetable Crops

    Monterey County is reported good weather conditions for lettuce.  In San Mateo County, fall squash plants are in flower.  In the Sacramento Valley, tomato harvest began.  Tulare County summer vegetables continue to be sold at roadside stands and famer’s markets. Producers are picking tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, and squash. In Fresno county processing tomatoes and garlic have been reported with below average yields and carrot harvest will begin soon.

    Livestock

    Rangeland grasses continued to dry. Foothill rangeland and non-irrigated pasture remained in fair to good condition, though water was hauled to livestock in some locations and supplemental feeding had commenced. Some cattle were moved to higher elevation range. Sheep grazed in fallow fields. Bee were active in sunflower fields.

  • California Crop Weather Report ( For Week Ending: July 28, 2019)

    WEATHER

     Temperature highs ranged from the high 60s to high 90s in the mountains, low 60s to high 100s along the coast, mid 90s to high 100s in the valley, and low 90s to high 100s in the desert.  Temperature lows ranged from low 40s to high 60s in the mountains, mid 50s to high 70s along the coast, high 50s to mid 90s in the desert, and high 50s to low 80s in the valley.

    FIELD CROPS

    In Tulare County, corn for silage continued to mature. Black-eyed beans are sizing up, and pods are beginning to dry. Cotton continued to be irrigated and cultivated. Alfalfa hay was cut and baled. In San  Mateo County, hay continued to be cut and baled.  Fresno County corn was to be harvested for silage. Alfalfa yields are good, with lower quality decreasing prices.

     FRUIT CROPS

    Stone fruit orchards were irrigated. Apricot, peach, plum, pluot, and nectarine harvest continued. Post-harvest pruning and mechanical topping was ongoing. Some older stone fruit orchards were pushed out after harvest. Persimmons and olives continued to mature. Grapes were growing well as harvest began. Some vineyards continue to have leaves thinned to allow better airflow and light. Irrigation and mechanical vineyard maintenance continued. Valencia and Navel oranges were harvested. Valencia were gassed to improve color. Citrus groves were pruned and hedge rowed. Some citrus were pushed out in preparation for new plantings.

    NUT CROPS

    Orchards continued to be irrigated. Almonds, walnuts, and pistachios were developing well. Almonds were treated for Navel Orangeworm and mites.

    VEGETABLE CROPS

    Monterey County reported good weather conditions for lettuce. In San Mateo County, fall squash plants were in flower. In Colusa, Sacramento, Solano, and Yolo counties tomato harvest is set to begin in early planted fields. In Tulare County, summer vegetables continued to be sold at roadside stands and farmers’ markets. Producers are picking tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, and squash. In Fresno county organic processing tomato and garlic harvests were completed with below average yields.

    LIVESTOCK

    Pastureland continued to dry. Only about a fifth of the five year average acres have burned so far this fire year. Late spring rains and moderate temperatures in the early summer months have contributed to this slow start to the fire season. Foothill rangeland and non-irrigated pasture remained in fair to good condition, though water was hauled to livestock in some locations. Sheep grazed in fallow fields. Bees were active in sunflower fields. 

  • Tulare County Crop Report (For the week ending July 27, 2019)

    Small Grains, Other Field Crops:

    Corn for silage continues to mature. Black-eyed beans are sizing up, and the pods are beginning to dry. Cotton continues to be irrigated and cultivated. Alfalfa continues to be cut and baled.

    Deciduous Tree Fruits, Nuts, And Grapes:

    The stone fruit season continues on. Peaches are being exported to Brazil, Taiwan, Canada,Guatemala, Costa Rica, Honduras, Ecuador, El Salvador, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, the Dominican Republic, and Australia. Nectarines are being exported to Australia, Canada, Taiwan, Brazil, Honduras, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. Plums are being exported to China, Canada, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand. Hand-pruning and mechanical toppingcontinues to take place in some stone fruit orchards, after harvest. Immature stone fruit continuesto develop. Some older stone fruit groves are being removed after harvest. Grapes continue to mature and harvest has begun slowly, but will pick up next week. Grapes are being exported to Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and Thailand. Some vineyards continue to have leaves thinned to allow for better airflow and light. This year’s almond, pecan, walnut, and pistachio nuts continue to develop. Pistachios are being exported to Vietnam, India, Spain, and Hong Kong. Almonds are being exported Vietnam, Germany, Finland, Jordan, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Costa Rica, Mexico, Indonesia, Colombia, and Argentina. Persimmons continue to develop. Irrigation continues for orchards and vineyards.

     

    Citrus, Avocados, And Olives:

    Valencia and navel oranges continue to be harvested. Late navel harvest is nearing the end, with oranges mainly being sent to juice from the field. Gassing of Valencia oranges to improve color continues. Valencia oranges are mainly being sent to domestic markets but they continue to be exported in small amounts to Mexico and Hong Kong. Ruby grapefruit and Finger limes are being exported to Mexico. Some citrus groves are being pruned and hedge rowed. Immature olives continue to develop.

     

    Vegetables, Melons, Herbs, Berries:

    Certified producers are picking tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cucumber, watermelon, and squash. Summer vegetables continue to be sold at roadside stands and Farmer’s Markets. Blueberries are being picked and sold by local growers.

     

    Livestock And Poultry:

    Rangeland forage is of fair-good quality. The fed cattle price is at $112 per cwt.

    Additional Comments:

    Local wholesale nurseries are still shipping small orders of nursery stock to local and out-of-state retail nursery outlets. Nurseries continue to receive various flowers and plants daily. Bare-rootrose shipments continue to be sent to Florida.

     

  • Tulare County Crop Report (For the Week Ending: July 20, 2019)

    Small Grains, Other Field Crops:

    Corn for silage continues to mature. Black-eyed beans continue to mature. Cotton continues to be irrigated and cultivated. Alfalfa continues to be cut and baled.

    Deciduous Tree Fruit, Nuts, And Grapes:

    The stone fruit season continues on. Peaches are being exported to Canada, Taiwan, Costa Rica,Mexico, El Salvador, Panama, and Chile. Nectarines are being exported to Mexico, Canada, Costa Rica, and Chile. Plums are being exported to Canada, Taiwan, China, Costa Rica, and Australia. Apricots are being exported to Canada. Hand-pruning and mechanical topping continues to take place in some stone fruit orchards, after harvest. Immature stone fruit continues to develop.

    Some older stone fruit groves are being removed after harvest. Grapes continue tomature and harvest has now slowly begun. Grapes are being exported to Japan, Korea, thePhilippines, and Thailand. Some vineyards continue to have leaves thinned to allow for betterairflow and light. Irrigation continues for grape vineyards. Almond, pecan, walnut, and pistachionuts continue to develop. Pistachios are being exported to Hong Kong, Spain, Costa Rica, Vietnam, and Turkey. Almonds are being exported to the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica,Belgium, Japan, Vietnam, Brazil, Colombia, Finland, and Mexico. Persimmons continue todevelop. Irrigation continues for nut and stone fruit orchards.

    Citrus, Avocados, And Olives:

    Valencia and navel oranges continue to be harvested. Late navel harvest is nearing the end, withoranges being sent to domestic markets only. Gassing of Valencia oranges to improve color continues. Valencia oranges are mainly being sent to domestic markets, but they continue to beexported in small amounts to Mexico, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Korea. Ruby Grapefruitare being exported to Mexico. Finger limes continue to be exported to France and theNetherlands. Some citrus groves are being pruned and hedge rowed. Navel oranges are being harvested for juice from the field. Immature olives continue to develop.

    Vegetables, Melons, Herbs, Berries:

    Certified producers are picking tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cucumber, watermelon, and squash. Summer vegetables continue to be sold at roadside stands and Farmer’s Markets. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are being picked and sold by local growers. Blueberries are beingexported to Japan, Taiwan, and the Netherlands.

    Livestock And Poultry:

    Rangeland forage is of good quality. The fed cattle price is at $110 per cwt.

    Additional Comments:

    Local wholesale nurseries are still shipping small orders of nursery stock to local and out-of-state retail nursery outlets. Nurseries continue to receive new rootstocks of various flowers and plants daily. Bare-root rose shipments continue to be sent to Florida.

     

  • USDA Study on Goats in California

    SACRAMENTO – Starting in July, USDA will be asking goat producers to participate in the 2019 National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) Study. Throughout California and the U.S., goat producers that take part in the study will identify practices and health measures that promote efficient production and improve product quality. Gary Keough, USDA NASS Director for the Pacific Region, explained, “The Goat 2019 Study will gather health and management data on America’s goat farms, providing critical information for the advancement of the industry. The results will impact all aspects of
    the goat industry, including meat, dairy, and fiber.”

    In cooperation with NAHMS, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) representatives will meet with a sample of goat operations in 24 states, including California, from July through mid- August. Goat producers will have the opportunity to receive free biological testing for up to 15 of their goats when they fully participate in the study.

    Summary results will be published on the NAHMS website in informational sheets and in-depth reports on important goat health and management practices available to producers. By law, individual responses are kept strictly confidential and published as aggregated totals for regional and national estimates. This year’s study marks the second time NAHMS has focused on goat operations.