California Ag Network

Category: Tree Fruit

  • Tulare County Crop Report (For the week ending December 28, 2019)

    SMALL GRAINS AND OTHER FIELD CROPS:

    Winter grain crop planting is finished. Winter grain plants are beginning to emerge from the soil. Some wheat, oats, and barley fields are being treated for weed control, as the winter wheat germination will increase due to high moisture.

     

    DECIDUOUS TREE FRUITS, NUTS, AND GRAPES:

    Almond and pistachio harvest have ended. Dead and fallen almond and pistachio trees are being removed and burned or chipped. Older vineyards are being removed. Pistachios are being exported to Israel, Italy, Spain, Turkey, China, Korea, Poland Germany India, Singapore, Ukraine, Switzerland, the Philippines, Lithuania, India, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, and Hong Kong. Almonds are being exported to Korea, Israel, Taiwan, Colombia, India, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, South Africa, Indonesia, Chile, Barbados, Belgium, and Turkey. Black-eyed beans are being exported to the United Kingdom. Grape vineyards are being pruned and fertilized. Table grapes are being exported to Mexico, the Philippines, and Taiwan. Wine Grape vineyards are being pruned and planted with cover crops. Pomegranates from cold storage are being exported to Mexico. Walnuts are being exported to Italy, Turkey, and Morocco. Persimmons continue to be harvested, packed, and sent mainly to domestic markets, but a few loads continue to be exported to Mexico.

     

    CITRUS, AVOCADOS, AND OLIVES:

    Navel oranges, lemons, and limes continue to be harvested. Navel orange maturity testing is complete, and fruit is being exported to Malaysia, Peru, China, Korea, Japan, the Dominican Republic, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Mexico, Vietnam, Singapore, Ukraine, Switzerland, Chile, Ecuador, Australia, and New Zealand. High sugar and acid navels are being exported to Korea and Japan. Organic Clementine Mandarins are being picked and packed for U.S. and Mexico markets. Blood oranges are being packed for domestic markets. Melogolds are being harvested and sent to Korea and Japan. Olives are undergoing post-harvest pruning.

     

    VEGETABLES, MELONS, HERBS, AND BERRIES:          

    Winter vegetables are in various stages of growth. Strawberries are continuing to develop under plastic mulch. Peas are germinating. Blueberries are being pruned and prepared for the winter.

     

    LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY:

    Irrigated pastures are in good to excellent condition. Non-irrigated pastures are in better condition from the recent rains which was a great benefit for the rangeland forage.

     

    TOM’S ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

    Winter storms are making their way into the valley this week. This will be good for many of the winter grain and silage crops. The snow accumulation will be good for refilling local reservoirs next spring and higher elevation pastures. Local nurseries have an increased demand for bare root trees and berries.

  • 9th Annual Madera Pomegranate, Fruit and Nut Festival

    The 9th annual Madera Pomegranate, Fruit and Nut Festival takes place Saturday, November 2, from 10:00a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Madera District Fairgrounds.  Admission and parking are free.  The unique, vibrant and fun event brings in visitors from all over the world to experience the best of the Central Valley’s local pomegranate and nut products.  The event is organized by the Madera Tourism Alliance, a committee of the Madera Chamber of Commerce.

    The festival features a full day of delicious pomegranate products, assorted local nut vendors, live entertainment, cooking demonstrations from local chefs, educational briefings on pomegranates, arts & crafts, and fun for the whole family.  Check out last year’s Pomegranate Festival Video –  https://youtu.be/ATqn5N-wwOY.

    “On behalf of the Madera Chamber, I would like to invite everyone to come out and join us for this fun-filled event. It’s a great outing for the entire family, ” Debi Bray, President/CEO, stated. “The Tourism Alliance Committee and Chamber staff is working hard to bring yet another great event to our community this year.”

    This year the festival welcomes Ohana Comic Con, featuring the world of comic book culture.  The event will be held in Women’s World, and as a part of the festival there will be no charge to attendees.  Fans often dress in costume when attending Comic Con and Ohana will host a costume contest in the afternoon.  This year’s Halloween costumes can be put to good use for this year’s festival attire!

    Ohana has also announced the participation of two featured celebrities; C. Andrew Nelson is an award-winning artist, actor, writer, consultant, and motivational speaker.  Andrew is probably best known for having played the iconic character of Darth Vader in the Special Edition re-release of the original Star Wars trilogy as well as in the Rebel Assault II and Dark Forces games from LucasArts.

    Actor Robert Allen Mukes, tops out at 6’10” and uniquely stands out from his fellow actors.  His most current projects include HBO’s TV series Westworld; the movies Coffin 2, Valentine DayZ, and Bone Tomahawk; and Showtime’s award-winning series Weeds, in which he played the memorable Alaskan bounty hunter, Abumchuk. He is most known for his role as Rufus Jr in Rob Zombie’s 2003 House of 1000 Corpses.

    This year, the live entertainment includes the Wheels Up band

    Festival highlights include:-

    • NEW this year is Ohana Comic Con. 
    • New this year Good Times Quarter Midget Race Car Show in Kids Zone
    • Pomegranate and Nut Inspired Foods and Products to taste and purchase.
    • Learn about the flavors of Pomegranates and Local Nuts such as almonds, pistachios, and walnuts through live cooking demonstrations.
    • Kid Zone that includes art, activities and games, children’s stage, educational information about local agriculture and interactive displays featuring law enforcement.
    • Live music entertainment
    • Classic Car Show
    • 100 plus vendors and exhibitors featuring pomegranate and nut products as well as a variety of other items

    The momentum is building and exciting things are falling into place for this year’s Madera Pomegranate, Fruit and Nut Festival. The annual event celebrates what Madera does best! Agriculture is Madera’s #1 industry, and the event takes place during November, which is National Pomegranate Month. Event Chair Nicki Rincon, encourages everyone to come out and join the fun.

    To learn more about the festival, visit www.PomegranateFestival.com or www.Facebook.com/PomegranateFestival, or call the Madera Chamber of Commerce at 559-673-3563.

  • California Prunes Shine in Fourpoints Energy Bars

    The world comes to California for prunes, and so does energy bar innovator, Fourpoints®. Denver-based Fourpoints is the first-and-only energy bar to feature California Prunes as the star ingredient.

    “The energy bar category is crowded and full of the same old date based and syrup-based bars,” said Kevin Webber, co-founder of Fourpoints. “You have to have a one-of-a-kind product to stand out, and for us, that means a one-of-a-kind ingredient: California Prunes. We created our product out of both passion for outdoor recreation and out of personal need for a low-glycemic, better functioning bar inspired by our families fight with diabetes.”

    Fourpoints is disrupting the energy bar market by taking full advantage of the fresh, naturally sweet taste and exceptional nutritional profile of California Prunes.

    “California Prunes have a low-glycemic index meaning a slower rise in blood sugar that increases satiety to delay hunger during exercise. This makes prunes an ideal energy source,” said Leslie Bonci, registered dietitian, sports nutrition expert, and California Prune Board nutrition consultant. “California Prunes deliver the nutritional clout of macros (carbohydrates and fiber), micros (vitamins and minerals), and phytos (polyphenols). They are neat little bites that add big taste delight.”

    Fourpoints bars are crafted to offer hours of slow-burning energy without the dreaded “spike and crash” typically associated with higher-glycemic bars that make up much of the category, adds Webber.

    “We use only the highest-quality ingredients, like prunes – exclusively sourced from California – to make Fourpoints bars,” said Webber. “Those seeking action and adventure deserve an energy bar that delivers clean energy, tastes amazing, and is easily enjoyed on-the-go, too. Fourpoints and California Prunes deliver on both.”

    Fourpoints & California Prunes Co-brand New Packaging

    California Prunes are such an important ingredient on the inside of the bars, Fourpoints features the California Prunes brand on the outside, too. Each package of Fourpoints energy bars highlights the new California Prunes brand.

    “It’s refreshing to partner with a company that truly believes in the power of prunes,” said Donn Zea, Executive Director, California Prune Board. “Fourpoints not only recognizes the remarkable benefits that prunes offer but they’ve gone the extra mile to feature the California Prunes brand on packaging in prime real estate near the list of ingredients where health-conscious consumers gravitate.”

    California Prunes are the best prunes in the world due in large part to the ideal growing conditions, high environmental standards and craftsmanship used in growing and drying the crop to create a premium prune with legendary sweetness. California is the world’s largest prune producer and the most reliable source in the industry.

    “The California Prunes brand represents all that makes California Prunes exceptional. It’s more than a logo and a tag line, it’s a statement about being the best,” said Zea. “California Prunes are a versatile and functional ingredient making them particularly attractive for manufacturers, such as Fourpoints.”

    In addition to the California Prunes brand integration on the Fourpoints packaging, California Prunes and Fourpoints are partnering on strategic integration opportunities including co-promotion via special events, social media outreach, sampling, and more. Fourpoints will be on center stage at this weeks’ Naturally Boulder Annual Autumn Pitch Slam.

    Fourpoints energy bars are available nationally at REI, regionally in the Denver area at Safeway and King Soopers, and on the Fourpoints website at www.fourpointsbar.com. They come in five unique flavors including Alpine Apple Pie, Backcountry Banana Bread, Mountain Mocha Espresso, Powder Day PB&J, and Trailhead Gingerbread and can be purchased by the box of 12 for $36.00 USD. This fall their flagship line converts to 100% hemp-based protein while introducing a hemp-free tactical line using whey protein isolate for active duty military and professional athletes. For more information about California Prunes, visit www.californiaprunes.org.

    ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA PRUNE BOARD

    Created in 1952, The California Prune Board aims to amplify the premium positioning and top-of-mind awareness of California Prunes through advertising, public relations, promotion, nutrition research, crop management and sustainability research, and issues management. The California Prune Board represents approximately 800 prune growers and 28 prune, juice, and ingredient handlers under the authority of the California Secretary of Food and Agriculture.

    ABOUT FOURPOINTS

    Made from 100% real food and designed to offer hours of slow-burn energy without the sugar spikes and crashes, Colorado based Fourpoints® made the energy bar better than it has to be so you can perform better when you need to!  The only prune-based bars on the market are available in five unique flavors to elevate your performance. BONUS:  THEY DON’T FREEZE! Follow us with #WHEREVERYOUPLAY and help us to protect the places we play!

  • Investigating Olive Anthracnose in California

    A new research project which will investigate the occurrence and distribution of olive anthracnose in California has been added to the list of approved projects for the Olive Oil Council of California’s 2019/2020 fiscal year. This project will be led by Florent Trouillas, Assistant Cooperative Extension Specialist, Department of Plant Pathology, UC Davis, Kearney Agriculture Research and Extension Center. The budget for this project is $14,849.

     

    Olive anthracnose poses a threat to olive orchards worldwide. Anthracnose is a fungal disease that can cause yield loss and impact the quality of olive oils made from affected fruit. The most common symptoms of the disease include fruit rot and mummification along with fruit prematurely falling to the ground. Other symptoms include yellowing of leaves, defoliation and dieback of twigs and branches.Perhaps the biggest problem for California olive growers is that the occurrence of the disease is unknown in the state, although olive orchards in the Sacramento Valley have recently shown symptoms resembling olive anthracnose. Therefore, the objectives of this research project are:-Determine the occurrence and distribution of olive anthracnose in California. Identify what Colletotrichum (a genus of fungi species) are associated with olive anthracnose in California.

    -Determine whether the identified Colletotrichum species causes disease to main oil olive cultivars.

     

    To accomplish these objectives, surveys for olive anthracnose will be conducted in oil olive orchards throughout the Central Valley and fungal strains will be isolated from symptomatic tissues sampled from surveyed orchards. Those strains identified as resembling Colletotrichum will be studied further and final identification will be determined using DNA based techniques. Lastly, laboratory studies will be conducted to identify the ability of the supposed disease-causing agents to cause disease in main oil super-high-density olive cultivars such as Arbequina, Arbosana and Koroneiki.

     

    Should Colletotrichum not be isolated and identified from symptomatic tissues sampled from surveyed orchards, Trouillas will work to identify and record what pathogens are causing the symptoms observed in orchards. These efforts will help the industry to record the geographical and seasonal occurrence of diseases of oil olives within the Central Valley.

     

  • California Crop Weather Report (For Week Ending: October 6, 2019)

    Weather

    Temperature highs ranged from the low 50s to low 80s in the mountains, low 60s to high 80s in the valley, low 60s to high 90s along the coast, and mid 60s to high 90s in the desert. Temperature lows ranged from the low 20s to low 40s in the mountains, mid 20s to mid 60s in the desert, mid 30s to mid 50s along the coast, and high 30s to mid 60s in the valley.

    Field Crops

    In Tulare County, cotton harvest began. Alfalfa continued to be cut, dried, and baled. Corn and sorghum harvest was wrapping up. Black-eyed peas were being harvested. In the valley, rice harvest continued at a steady pace and corn harvest was underway.

    Fruit Crops

    Stone fruit orchards were irrigated. Apricot, peach, plum, pluot, and nectarine harvest continued to wind down for the season. Some stone fruit orchards were pruned and topped.Olive, pomegranate, and Asian pear harvest continued. Persimmons and quince were showing color. Wine grape harvest continued. Marginal sugar levels were reported for some producers in Tulare County. Valencia oranges and kiwi continued to be harvested. Raisins were being rolled and picked up for processing in some areas. Lemon and lime harvest continued steadily. Citrus groves were pruned, hedge rowed, and skirted. Old citrus trees were being pushed out and replaced with new plantings.

    Nut Crops

    Orchards continued to be irrigated. Almond harvest continued to wrap up smoothly with hardshell varieties coming in slightly below the Nonpareil variety for a few producers. Walnut and pistachio harvest continued at a steady pace.

    Vegetable Crops

    In Monterey County, most lettuce and leafy greens production declined. Brassica harvest is continuing for a few more months. Fresno County reported processed tomato harvest finished, but is still ongoing in other parts of the State.

    Livestock

    Foothill rangeland and non-irrigated pasture were reported to be in fair to poor condition. Irrigated pasture was in good to excellent condition. Supplemental feeding of cattle was ongoing.

  • Gerawan Farming and Wawona Packing Merge to Create Leading Stone Fruit Producer

    Gerawan Farming Inc. (“Gerawan”) and Wawona Packing Co., LLC (“Wawona”), today announced that they have completed a merger. Paine Schwartz, an existing investor in Wawona and a global leader in sustainable food chain investing, is partnering with both companies to facilitate the transaction. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

    Both Gerawan and Wawona are third-generation family businesses. Gerawan is a stone fruit industry pioneer with best-in-class farming, packing practices, and proprietary varieties marketed under the Prima® brand. Wawona is a California-based supplier of high-quality stone fruit and a leader in the organic segment of the market. The merger builds upon the legacies and reputations of the two industry-leading companies and creates an enhanced platform for growth and innovation. The combined business will be able to better serve its customers and create significant opportunities for employees.

    The combined company will be led by Dan Gerawan, who will be the largest individual shareholder and Chief Executive Officer of the merged entity. Brent Smittcamp, current Executive Chairman of Wawona, will also remain a significant shareholder and continue to be highly involved with the combined company. The management team will be comprised of leaders from both companies.

    Mr. Gerawan said, “At Gerawan, innovating on a large scale to grow, pack and ship the world’s best fruit has been key to our success, and those efforts have always hinged on investing in our employees. These same values underpin Wawona’s success. This merger is an exciting next step to unlock the full potential of both companies.” Mr. Smittcamp, Executive Chairman of Wawona, said, “Over the last several years, we have focused on accelerating Wawona’s growth by building on the inherent strengths of our business and management team. Our acquisition last year of Burchell Nursery Inc. was one example, and now this historic merger with Gerawan takes it to yet another level. We are eager to bring the benefits of this merger to our employees, suppliers and customers.”Mr. Gerawan continued, “We have great respect for Wawona’s management and employees, all of whom share our passion for producing the highest-quality stone fruit. We look forward to working closely with them and the team at Paine Schwartz to deliver even more of the best quality fruit to our customers.”

    Kevin Schwartz, Chief Executive Officer of Paine Schwartz, said, “This merger represents a tremendous milestone and the type of growth opportunity that we can achieve by leveraging Paine Schwartz’s agribusiness sector expertise and close collaboration with family-owned businesses. We look forward to this new chapter for two companies that have been incredibly successful on their own, and we believe they can achieve even greater success through this merger. Dan’s experience and commitment are invaluable assets, and we look forward to supporting him in leading the combined company in this next stage of growth and value creation.”

     

  • 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.

  • California Fresh Fruit Association Hires New Director of Member Services and Communications

    Fresno, California – The California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) today announced the hiring of Courtney Razor as its new Director of Member Services and Communications. Mrs. Razor comes to the Association after serving as the Chief Operations Officer for the Fresno County Farm Bureau for the last six and a half years. In her role at the Fresno County Farm Bureau, Mrs. Razor managed their Future Advocates for Agriculture Concerned about Tomorrow (FAACT) program, supported the needs of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee and oversaw special event planning.

    The Chairman of the Board for the Association, Randy Giumarra of Giumarra Vineyards Corp., stated, “We are very pleased that Courtney has agreed to become a part of the team at CFFA. Her personal background and education, as well as her extensive experience working for a peer agricultural association, should translate into real value for our membership.” Association President Ian LeMay added, “I have had the pleasure of working with Courtney for a number of years in her role with the Fresno County Farm Bureau, and I have always found her to be an articulate and vocal advocate for California agriculture. We believe she is a natural fit, along with our current staff, to continue to bring value to our members and to serve the California fresh fruit industry.”

    Mrs. Razor grew up in Sanger and is the daughter of third-generation fresh fruit farmer Craig Sorensen. She is a graduate of California State University, Fresno where she earned her bachelor’s degree in mass communications and journalism along with a certificate in marketing. Her first day at the Association will be Tuesday, September 3rd.

    The California Fresh Fruit Association is a voluntary public policy association that represents growers, packers, and shippers of California table grape, blueberry, kiwi, pomegranate and deciduous tree fruit communities. CFFA serves as a public policy representative for these growers, shippers and packers, on issues at both the state and federal levels. More information about the California Fresh Fruit Association can be found at www.cafreshfruit.org.

  • 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