California Ag Network

Category: Row Crops

  • Full statistics now available for crop year 2015

    Sacramento, Calif., (February 2, 2017) – In 2015 California’s farms and ranches received approximately $47 billion for their output. This represents a decrease of nearly 17 percent compared to 2014. California remains the leading US state in cash farm receipts.

    California’s agricultural abundance includes more than 400 commodities. Over a third of the country’s vegetables and two-thirds of the country’s fruits and nuts are grown in California. California’s top-10 valued commodities for 2015 are:

    • Milk and Cream— $6.29 billion
    • Almonds — $5.33 billion
    • Grapes — $4.95 billion
    • Cattle and Calves — $3.40 billion
    • Lettuce — $2.26 billion
    • Strawberries — $1.86 billion
    • Tomatoes — $1.71 billion
    • Flowers and Foliage — $1.08 billion
    • Walnuts — $977 million
    • Hay — $945 million

    Agricultural Exports: In 2015, California exported approximately 26 percent of its agricultural production by volume, accounting for $20.69 billion in value. California’s leading agricultural export products by value are almonds ($5.14 billion), dairy products ($1.63 billion), walnuts ($1.49 billion), wine ($1.48 billion), and pistachios ($848 million).

    Statistics: California agricultural statistics derive primarily from the United States Department of Agriculture/National Agricultural Statistics Services (USDA/NASS) reports. The California Department of Food and Agriculture also publishes statistics related to California dairy production and, in cooperation with the University of California at Davis, statistics for California agricultural exports. For most timely research into California dairy statistics, please see our dairy pages under Division of Marketing Services. Please see also links in the right hand column for USDA National Agricultural Statistics and Economic Research Service reporting. For county-level reporting please see the CDFA County Liaison site.

    Annual crop year reports have been reproduced below for your convenience. Export reports are typically published within the corresponding crop year report. While data is made available throughout the year, crop year and export reports are published typically about one year following the given crop year.

    Link to report

  • Making Spinach with Low Oxalate Levels

    Featured Photo: ARS geneticist Beiquan Mou and colleagues analyzed hundreds of spinach plants to find ones with less oxalate, a compound linked to kidney stones.

    Salinas, Calif., (February 2, 2017) – Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists identified 8 spinach varieties that have low oxalate levels, which is sometimes linked to better health. Oxalic acid, or “oxalate,” is a naturally occurring plant chemical and in the human diet it’s been linked to kidney stone formation. It also can react with calcium, iron, and other minerals to inhibit mineral absorption.

    Scientists with the ARS’s Crop Improvement and Protection Research Unit in Salinas, California, and the University of Arkansas conducted a study to find genetic components related to oxalate concentrations in spinach. By analyzing the genetic code of 310 spinach varieties, ARS geneticist Beiquan Mou and his university colleagues identified 6 DNA markers linked to genes that contribute to oxalate levels and may be useful for breeders in reducing oxalate concentrations.

    The scientists analyzed oxalate concentrations in 300 USDA germplasm accessions and 10 commercial cultivars and found oxalate concentrations that ranged from 647.2 to 1,286.9 milligrams (mg) per 100 grams on fresh weight basis, according to Mou. They also found 8 accessions with less than 780 mg per 100 grams based on fresh weight that may be useful as sources of low oxalate concentration genes in breeding efforts.

    Spinach contains higher concentrations of oxalate than most crops, but it is an economically important vegetable crop worldwide and it’s considered healthful because of its high concentration of a number of key nutrients. Foods such as beets, rhubarb, strawberries, nuts, chocolate, tea, wheat bran, and almost all dry beans also are known to increase oxalate in the urine and may contribute to kidney stone formation.

    The results were published in November 2016, in the journal Euphytica.

    Read more about Mou’s research in the January issue of AgResearch.

    ARS is the U.S. Department of Agriculture‘s (USDA) in-house scientific research agency.

     

     

  • USDA California Crop/Weather Report

    Sacramento, Calif., (February 1, 2017) – The stopping of the Pineapple Express coupled with a retreat of the persistent upper-level trough that has been present over the western region for the last couple of months produced a week of warmer and drier conditions.

    Temperature highs were in the 10s to 40s in the mountains, 40s to 50s in the valley, 40s to 60s along the northern coast and deserts, and 70s to 80s along the southern coast. The temperature lows were in the -10s to 20s in the mountains, 20s to 30s in the valley, 20s to 40s in the desert, and 30s along the northern coast and 40s along the southern coast.

    Widespread showers fell on most of the state on Monday, with the heaviest rains seen in the San Diego area, where over one inch fell. Most other areas received less than a quarter of an inch of rain. Snow fell in the mountains, with the greatest accumulations in the 4-8 inch range in the area just southwest of Tahoe and also in parts of the southern Sierras. Tuesday and Wednesday continued to bring limited showers in certain areas, particularly the northern mountains and southern coasts. Thursday through Sunday saw no measurable precipitation at any reliable sites. Snow packs in the mountains continue to be in very good shape, maintaining cover through the week and likely increasing by 4-6 inches in the area around Tahoe.

    Continued 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 were showing stress from repeated standing water. Farmers in some areas have been encouraged to report crop losses due to flooding.

    Standing water and muddy conditions continued to hinder fieldwork for much of the state. Winter field work continued when conditions permitted. Deciduous fruit orchards continued to be pruned and brush shredded. Removal of orchards and vineyards continued in preparation for replanting with new varieties. Rain continued to slow navel orange and Satsuma mandarin harvest. Fungicide applications to citrus were made as conditions allowed.

    Some almond and walnut orchards were impacted by falling trees due to strong winds and saturated ground. Nut orchards continued to be pruned and brush shredded as weather conditions permitted.

    In San Joaquin County, conditions were drying out, which helped with standing water in the fields.  In Monterey County, heavy rains were welcomed, though the saturated ground restricted field access.  Growers began planting cole crops, as well as lettuces and greens.  In San Mateo County, the fields were still very wet and unworkable.  In Fresno County, the onions and garlic have germinated.

    Non-irrigated pasture and rangeland continued to green up due to this winter’s rain. Range was reported to be in excellent to good condition. Standing water and flooding continued to impact some valley pasture and dairies. Sheep grazed idle fields and dormant alfalfa fields. Where field conditions permitted bees were staged in preparation for the bloom season. Bee keepers continued to feed their hives to compensate for the lack of blooming vegetation.

  • Pink Bollworm Program Honored for Reducing Dependence on Pesticides

    Sacramento, Calif., (January 31, 2017) – California’s cooperative Pink Bollworm Program was one of six projects recognized by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) at an award ceremony, January 26, 2017,  in Sacramento to honor efforts to manage pests while reducing the use of pesticides.

    The awards recognize innovation, leadership, education and outreach by California-based organizations that carry out pest management.

    The six projects use integrated pest management (IPM) to manage pests, combining preventive and natural strategies such as releasing parasitic insects and providing habitat for natural predators.

    The Pink Bollworm Program involves introducing sterile pink bollworm moths to fields to disrupt the pests’ ability to reproduce and spread in California’s main cotton-growing regions.

    Sterile moths are produced at the CDFA/USDA PBW Rearing Facility in Phoenix, Arizona. To determine where sterile moths need to be released, program personnel put out pheromone-baited insect traps. Sterile PBW moths are sent to California daily and released by aircraft over targeted areas determined by the trapping results.

    The program has prevented pink bollworm moths from becoming established in California’s major cotton region without the use of conventional pesticides for more than 40 years. It is organized by the California Cotton Pest Control Board, California Department of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Plant Health Inspection Service, and the National Cotton Council.

    For more information about the DPR awards, see the press release online

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    From left: DPR Director Brian Leahy presented the award to four Pink Bollworm Program representatives (all retired), Jim Rudig and Pat Akers from CDFA, Bob Staten from USDA, and Bob Roberson from CDFA.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Pesticides Results for Managing Beet Curly Top Virus in Tomatoes

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    Fresno County Farm Advisor Tom Turini gathered growers at the Research Station at Five Points for a vegetable crop Seminar, where he shared the latest results of his pesticide trials for managing beet curly top virus in tomato fields. Watch his brief interview and read more in Vegetables West Magazine.

  • New Methods to Control Nematodes in the Field

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    Joe Nunez shared the importance of controlling nematodes in the field at a recent grower meeting in the Central Valley. Watch Joe’s interview as he provides an update on the progress of his biological and chemical treatment trials for nematodes in the field. Read more in Vegetables West Magazine.

  • New Ways to Repel Beet Leafhoppers in the Field

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    At a vegetable crop pest meeting in Five Points, beet curly top virus in tomatoes was a key topic of discussion. In order to stop the spread of this disease, Farm Advisor Joe Nunez is going after the vector, beet leafhopper. Watch his video interview as he shares his approach to repel the pests by coloring the soil, and read more in Vegetables West Magazine.

  • Advances & Struggles with Disease Resistance in Tomatoes

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    Robert Gilbertson, plant pathologist at UC Davis, had some some good news and bad news to share with growers at a recent industry meeting at Five Points regarding disease resistance in tomato fields. Watch this video and read more in Vegetables West Magazine.