California Ag Network

Category: Tree Fruit

  • National Honey Bee Day: 5 Easy Things You Can do to Help Bees

    August 17 is National Honey Bee Day! It’s a day to celebrate bees and bring together beekeepers and bee enthusiasts of all backgrounds to highlight the important role that bees play in our daily lives.

    There are over 19,000 different species of bees globally, who are responsible for pollinating 30 percent of the world’s food crops and 90 percent of our wild plants. Bees are absolutely essential to sustain life on this earth as we know it.

    For the last 15 years, bee populations have been declining at an alarming rate largely due to climate change, habitat loss and pesticide use. Fewer bees mean fewer crops which not only impact food security, but also the economy and maintenance of a healthy ecosystem.

    “Sadly, more than one third of all bee species are facing declines in population and almost ten percent are facing complete extinction,” said Flow Hive co-inventor Cedar Anderson.

    “But the exciting thing is that there are so many tiny actions all of us can do to play a part in protecting bees. Protecting bees is not just the job of beekeepers – we all have a role, and it can start in our own backyards,” Anderson said.

    Let’s celebrate National Bee Day by creating thriving habitats for these essential little pollinators. Here are 5 easy things we can all do to help bees thrive.

    STEP 1: Put the sprays away!

    Pesticides are recognized as one of the leading threats to pollinators worldwide. Garden pesticides can be replaced with natural alternatives such as garlic, onion or salt spray, soap & orange citrus oil or even chili or pepper spray. Remember even natural sprays can harm pollinators so make sure to only use them outside of foraging hours.

    STEP 2: Plant bee-friendly flowers

    Even if you don’t keep bees, planting a bee friendly garden is something anyone can do.

    Find plants that bloom at different times of the year. Support a range of different pollinators throughout the different seasons. Trees and shrubs produce much higher quantities of pollen and nectar; however, smaller plants produce forage more regularly – it’s great to have a selection of both.

    STEP 3: Let your garden get a little messy! 

    Be garden lazy! Let your veggie and herb plants flower and let the dandelions bloom – the bees get to forage and you get some time off gardening duties – win-win!

    STEP 4: Help educate children on the importance of pollinators

    Educating children about bees and pollinators is a great way to get them involved with caring for the environment and provides an excellent excuse to get them outdoors and off the screens! If you have a vegetable garden, this can be a fun way to introduce the importance of pollinators – we need them to pollinate one-third of our food crops and 90% of our wild plants.

    STEP 5: Become a beekeeper!

    Discover the fascinating world and experience how caring for your own colony connects with your local environment. There’s never been a more important time to act.

    The Flow Hive

    Born out of a concern of the decline of the honey bee, second and third generation father and son beekeepers, Stuart and Cedar Anderson, invented a beehive that allows for easier honey extraction. Their ‘Flow Hive’ harvests honey in a simpler way, straight from the hive and into a jar, making it gentler on the bees and much easier for the beekeeper.

    “The Flow Hive speaks to the yearning in so many of us to be more in touch with the food we eat and more connected with the natural world. Our hive makes beekeeping easier and more accessible for thousands of people to enjoy this wonderful hobby which also benefits the planet,” Flow Hive co-inventor Stuart Anderson said.

    Flow Hive launched in 2015 through a record-breaking crowdfunding campaign which received support from tens of thousands of people around the world. In the four years since the launch, Flow Hive has reached over 65,000 beekeepers across 130 countries.

    “We hope to encourage a new era of beekeepers around the world who bring with them enthusiasm, wonder, passion and purpose. Beekeeping increases our overall engagement with nature and reinforces our appreciation of how these magical creatures work,” Anderson said.

    The Flow Hive is being used on the rooftops of The Intercontinental Hotel and the Barclay Hotel in New York, The Ritz-Carlton in Charlotte, North Carolina, at The Hague in Europe, Government House in the heart of Sydney, and at Parliament House in Canberra Australia.

    Cedar and Stuart Anderson have supported grassroots pollinator projects in the USA and Australia by producing upcycled Pollinator Houses with all profits donated in the form of micro-grants to projects supporting habitat regeneration, protection and advocacy for bees. Flow Hive is also a Certified B Corp, helping to lead a global movement of people using business for a force of good.

    For more information about how you can help bees watch this video.

    For more information about Flow Hive visit www.honeyflow.com.

     

  • 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.

  • USDA Announces Details of Support Package for Farmers

    U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced further details of the $16 billion package aimed at supporting American agricultural producers while the Administration continues to work on free, fair, and reciprocal trade deals.

    In May, President Trump directed Secretary Perdue to craft a relief strategy in line with the estimated impacts of unjustified retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods and other trade disruptions. The Market Facilitation Program (MFP), Food Purchase and Distribution Program (FPDP), and Agricultural Trade Promotion Program (ATP) will assist agricultural producers while President Trump works to address long-standing market access barriers.

    “China and other nations have not played by the rules for a long time, and President Trump is the first President to stand up to them and send a clear message that the United States will no longer tolerate unfair trade practices,” Secretary Perdue said. “The details we announced today ensure farmers will not stand alone in facing unjustified retaliatory tariffs while President Trump continues working to solidify better and stronger trade deals around the globe.

    “Our team at USDA reflected on what worked well and gathered feedback on last year’s program to make this one even stronger and more effective for farmers. Our farmers work hard, are the most productive in the world, and we aim to match their enthusiasm and patriotism as we support them,” Secretary Perdue added.

    Background:

    American farmers have dealt with unjustified retaliatory tariffs and decades of non-tariff trade disruptions, which have curtailed U.S. exports to China and other nations. Trade damages from such retaliation and market distortions have impacted a host of U.S. commodities. High tariffs disrupt normal marketing patterns, raising costs by forcing commodities to find new markets. Additionally, American goods shipped to China have been slowed from reaching market by unusually strict or cumbersome entry procedures, which affect the quality and marketability of perishable crops. These boost marketing costs and unfairly affect our producers. USDA is using a variety of programs to support American farmers, ranchers, and producers.

    Participating in the Trade Mitigation Call – Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, USDA Chief Economist Rob Johansson, Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Bill Northey, Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services Brandon Lipps.

    Details of USDA’s Market Facilitation Program (MFP)

    MFP signup at local FSA offices will run from Monday, July 29 through Friday, December 6, 2019.

    Payments will be made by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) under the authority of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Charter Act to producers of alfalfa hay, barley, canola, corn, crambe, dried beans, dry peas, extra-long staple cotton, flaxseed, lentils, long grain and medium grain rice, millet, mustard seed, oats, peanuts, rapeseed, rye, safflower, sesame seed, small and large chickpeas, sorghum, soybeans, sunflower seed, temperate japonica rice, triticale, upland cotton, and wheat. MFP assistance for those non-specialty crops is based on a single county payment rate multiplied by a farm’s total plantings of MFP-eligible crops in aggregate in 2019. Those per-acre payments are not dependent on which of those crops are planted in 2019. A producer’s total payment-eligible plantings cannot exceed total 2018 plantings. County payment rates range from $15 to $150 per acre, depending on the impact of unjustified trade retaliation in that county.

    Dairy producers who were in business as of June 1, 2019, will receive a per hundredweight payment on production history, and hog producers will receive a payment based on the number of live hogs owned on a day selected by the producer between April 1 and May 15, 2019.

    MFP payments will also be made to producers of almonds, cranberries, cultivated ginseng, fresh grapes, fresh sweet cherries, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pistachios, and walnuts. Each specialty crop will receive a payment based on 2019 acres of fruit or nut bearing plants, or in the case of ginseng, based on harvested acres in 2019.

    Acreage of non-specialty crops and cover crops must be planted by August 1, 2019 to be considered eligible for MFP payments.

    The MFP rule and a related Notice of Funding Availability will be published in the Federal Register on July 29, 2019, when signup begins at local FSA offices. Per-acre non-specialty crop county payment rates, specialty crop payment rates, and livestock payment rates are all currently available on farmers.gov.

    MFP payments will be made in up-to three tranches, with the second and third tranches evaluated as market conditions and trade opportunities dictate. If conditions warrant, the second and third tranches will be made in November and early January, respectively. The first tranche will be comprised of the higher of either 50 percent of a producer’s calculated payment or $15 per acre, which may reduce potential payments to be made in tranches two or three. USDA will begin making first tranche payments in mid-to-late August.

    MFP payments are limited to a combined $250,000 for non-specialty crops per person or legal entity. MFP payments are also limited to a combined $250,000 for dairy and hog producers and a combined $250,000 for specialty crop producers. However, no applicant can receive more than $500,000. Eligible applicants must also have an average adjusted gross income (AGI) for tax years 2014, 2015, and 2016 of less than $900,000 or, 75 percent of the person’s or legal entity’s average AGI for tax years 2014, 2015, and 2016 must have been derived from farming and ranching. Applicants must also comply with the provisions of the Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation regulations.

    Many producers were affected by natural disasters this spring, such as flooding, that kept them out of the field for extended periods of time. Producers who filed a prevented planting claim and planted an FSA-certified cover crop, with the potential to be harvested qualify for a $15 per acre payment. Acres that were never planted in 2019 are not eligible for an MFP payment.

    In June, H.R. 2157, the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 was signed into law by President Trump, requiring a change to the first round of MFP assistance provided in 2018. Producers previously deemed ineligible for MFP in 2018 because they had an average AGI level higher than $900,000 may now be eligible for 2018 MFP benefits. Those producers must be able to verify 75 percent or more of their average AGI was derived from farming and ranching to qualify. This supplemental MFP signup period will run parallel to the 2019 MFP signup, from July 29 through December 6, 2019.

    For more information on the MFP, visit www.farmers.gov/mfp or contact your local FSA office, which can be found at www.farmers.gov.

    Details of USDA’s Food Purchase and Distribution Program (FPDP)

    Additionally, CCC Charter Act authority will be used to implement an up to $1.4 billion FPDP through the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to purchase surplus commodities affected by trade retaliation such as fruits, vegetables, some processed foods, beef, pork, lamb, poultry, and milk for distribution by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to food banks, schools, and other outlets serving low-income individuals.

     

    Purchasing:

    AMS will buy affected products in four phases, starting after October 1, 2019 with deliveries beginning in January 2020. The products purchased can be adjusted between phases to accommodate changes due to: growing conditions; product availability; market conditions; trade negotiation status; and program capacity. AMS will purchase known commodities first. By purchasing in phases, procurements for commodities that have been sourced in the past can be purchased more quickly and included in the first phase.

    Vendor Outreach:

    To expand the AMS vendor pool and the ability to purchase new and existing products, AMS will ramp up its vendor outreach and registration efforts. AMS has also developed flyers on how the process works and how to become a vendor for distribution to industry groups and interested parties. Additionally, AMS will continue to host a series of free webinars describing the steps required to become a vendor. Stakeholders will have the opportunity to submit questions to be answered during the webinar. Recorded webinars are available to review by potential vendors, and staff will host periodic Question and Answer teleconferences to better explain the process.

    Product Specifications:

    AMS maintains purchase specifications for a variety of commodities, which ensure recipients receive the high-quality product they expect. AMS in collaboration with FNS regularly develops and revises specifications for new and enhanced products based on program requirements and requests. AMS will be prioritizing the development of those products impacted by unjustified retaliation. AMS will also work with industry groups to identify varieties and grades sold to China and other markets imposing retaliatory tariffs, such as premium apples, oranges, pears, and other products. AMS will develop or revise specifications to facilitate the purchase of these premium varieties in forms that meet the needs of FNS nutrition assistance programs.

    Outlets:

    The products discussed in this plan will be distributed to States for use in the network of food banks and food pantries that participate in The Emergency Feeding Assistance Program (TEFAP), elderly feeding programs such as the Commodity Supplemental Foods Program (CSFP), and tribes that operate the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR).

    These outlets are in addition to child nutrition programs such as the National School Lunch Program, which may also benefit from these purchases.

    Additionally, the rule provides flexibility for FNS to explore new channels of non-profit distribution of product, should the availability of distribution through traditional channels prove to be insufficient. FNS will offer products through traditional channels prior to consideration of new outlets.

    Distribution:

    AMS has coordinated with FNS, industry representatives, and other agency partners to determine necessary logistics for the purchase and distribution of each commodity, including trucking, inspection and audit requirements, and agency staffing.

    Details of USDA’s Agricultural Trade Promotion Program (ATP)

    USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) will administer the ATP under authorities of the CCC. The ATP will provide cost-share assistance to eligible U.S. organizations for activities such as consumer advertising, public relations, point-of-sale demonstrations, participation in trade fairs and exhibits, market research, and technical assistance. Last week, USDA awarded $100 million to 48 organizations through the ATP to help U.S. farmers and ranchers identify and access new export markets.

    The 48 recipients are among the cooperator organizations that applied for $200 million in ATP funds in 2018 that were awarded earlier this year. As part of a new round of support for farmers impacted by unjustified retaliation and trade disruption, those groups had the opportunity to be considered for additional support for their work to boost exports for U.S. agriculture, food, fish, and forestry products.

    Already, since the $200 million in assistance was announced in January, U.S. exporters have had significant success, including a trade mission to Pakistan that generated $10 million in projected 2019 sales of pulse crops, a new marketing program for Alaska seafood that led to more than $4 million in sales of salmon to Vietnam and Thailand, and a comprehensive marketing effort by the U.S. soybean industry that has increased exposure in more than 50 international markets. These funds will continue to generate sales and business for U.S. producers and exporters many times over as promotional activity continues for the next couple of years.

  • 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.

     

  • Turkey On Track to Become Top Dried Fruits and Nuts Exporter to the United States

    Since the beginning of time, Turkey has been the bountiful source of countless different plants and fruits. The warm sunshine, fertile lands and attentive hands of local farmers produce zesty, nutritious and high-quality food products, both fresh and naturally sun-dried. And, according to recent data, Turkey is on track again to become one of the top dried fruits and nuts exporters to the United States this year.

    More than half of world’s dried figs are produced in Turkey and exported to over 150 countries. Almost two-thirds of the dried figs that are exported are Turkish dried figs with top export markets including European Union countries, the United States and the Russian Federation. In 2018, the U.S spent $47.2 million to import 11,472. ton dried figs. 8,640-ton dried figs dried figs, or 75 percent of those dried figs, were from Turkey.

    Turkey is also the number one dried apricot exporter to the U.S. with 12,755 ton and $41.5 million spent in 2018. In that same year, the U.S. imported a total of 13,970 ton dried apricot worth $44.9 million. Interestingly, more than 90 percent of Turkish apricots are produced in the Malatya province alone, also known as the world’s apricot
    capital.

    Turkey is among the top 10 raisin exporters to the U.S. with 11,172 ton and $2.8M in 2018, Last year, the U.S. imported a total 48,327-ton raisins worth $87.5 M. Turkey produces almost 25 percent of the world’s dried grapes.

    With hundreds of years of production and export heritage, Turkey has become the homeland of top-quality dried fruits and nuts.  Owing to high production figures this year, Turkey is on track to dominate the world market in this sector again in 2019. Thanks to its extreme capacity and flexibility to meet international demands, Turkey is primed to offer some of the world’s healthiest products with exquisite product taste and supreme quality.

     

  • Tulare County Crop Report ( For Week Ending: July 13, 2019)

    SMALL GRAINS, OTHER FIELD CROPS:

    Recently planted 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 FRUITS, NUTS, AND GRAPES:

    The stone fruit season is in full swing. Peaches are being exported to Canada, Brazil, Mexico,Guatemala, Honduras, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Australia. Nectarines are being exported toCanada, Brazil, the Philippines, Guatemala, Honduras, Australia, and Mexico. Plums are beingexported to Canada, Taiwan, Australia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico.Apricots are being exported to Australia and 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 should begin soon. Some vineyards continue to have leaves thinned to allowfor better airflow and light. Irrigation continues for grape vineyards. Almond, pecan, walnut, and pistachio nuts continue to develop. Persimmons continue to develop. Irrigation continues for nutand stone fruit orchards.

    CITRUS, AVOCADOS, AND OLIVES:

    Valencia and navel oranges continue to be harvested. Navel oranges are being sent to domesticmarkets only. Navel oranges are being juiced from the field. Gassing of Valencia oranges toimprove color continues. Valencia oranges are mainly being sent to domestic markets, but they continue to be exported in small amounts to Mexico, Malaysia, Singapore, and Korea. Rubygrapefruit are being exported to Mexico. Finger-limes are now being exported to France and the Netherlands. Some citrus groves are being pruned and hedge rowed. Immature olives continue to develop.

    VEGETABLES, MELONS, HERBS, BERRIES:

    Certified producers are picking tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplant, jalapeno peppers, cucumbers,watermelons, and squash. Summer vegetables continue to be sold at roadside stands andFarmer’s Markets. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are being picked and sold by localgrowers.

    LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY:

    Rangeland forage is of good quality. The fed cattle price is at $109 cwt per 100 weight.

    ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

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

     

  • New Olive Oil Commission of California Chairman

    Brady Whitlow of Corto Olive Company was elected by the OOCC Board to serve as its new Chairman. Whitlow formerly served as the OOCC’s Secretary/Treasurer and he replaces Jeff Colombini, Lodi Farming Company, who has served as Chairman since the OOCC’s inception in 2014. Colombini will continue to serve on the Board and Executive Committee as the Board’s Treasurer/Secretary. Meanwhile, Adam Englehardt, of Boundary Bend Olives/Cobram Estate, will serve as the Board’s Vice Chairman.

    Remaining open seats on the OOCC Board were also filled with Joe Kidd, Executive Vice President of Operations at California Olive Ranch appointed to serve as the District 1 Handler representative and Deborah Rogers, McEvoy Ranch, appointed as the alternate Producer member in District 2.

    Handler representatives in District 2 were also appointed with Ciriaco Chavez, Boundary Bend Olives/Cobram Estates serving as the member and Jim Etters, Seka Hills Olive Mill, as the alternate member.