California Ag Network

Tag: Navel Orange

  • California Navel Orange Production Forecast Up 19%

    The initial 2022-23 California Navel orange forecast is 76.0 million cartons, up 19% from the previous year, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service’s Objective Measurement Report.  Of the total Navel orange forecast, 73.0 million cartons are estimated to be in the Central Valley. Cara Cara variety Navel orange production in the Central Valley is forecast at 8.0 million cartons. These forecasts are based on the results of the 2022- 23 Navel Orange Objective Measurement (O.M.) Survey, which was conducted from June 17 to September 1, 2022. Estimated fruit set per tree, fruit diameter, trees per acre, bearing acreage, and oranges per box were used in the statistical models estimating production.

    This forecast includes production of conventional, organic, and specialty Navel oranges (including Cara Cara and Blood orange varieties).

    Survey data indicated a fruit set per tree of 351, up 47% from the previous year and w e l l a b o v e the five-year average of 315. The average September 1 diameter was 2.106 inches, below the five-year average of 2.194 inches. The Cara Cara orange set was 307 with a diameter of 2.147 inches.

    SURVEY SAMPLE

    A sample of 785 Navel orange groves was randomly selected proportional to county and variety bearing acreage, and 717 of the groves were utilized in this survey. Once a grove was randomly chosen and grower permission was granted, two trees were randomly selected. The Navel orange sample included conventional, organic, Cara Cara, and Blood orange groves.

    For each randomly selected tree, the trunk was measured along with all connected branches. A random number table was then used to select a branch, and then all connected branches from the randomly-selected branch were measured.

    This process was repeated until a branch was reached with no significant limbs beyond this point. This randomly-selected branch, called the terminal branch, was then closely inspected to count all fruit connected to this branch, as well as all of the fruit along the path from the trunk to the terminal branch. Since each selected path has a probability of selection associated with t h e p a t h , a probability-based method was then applied to estimate a fruit count for the entire tree.

    In the last week of the survey period, fruit diameter measurements were made on the right quadrant of four trees surrounding the two trees of every third grove. These measurements were used to estimate an average fruit diameter per tree. Of the 717 utilized groves, 8 were in Madera County, 109 were in Fresno County, 425 were in Tulare County, and 174 were in Kern County.

    SURVEY HISTORY

    A Navel Orange Objective Measurement Survey has been conducted in the Central Valley every year since the 1984-85 crop year, except for the 1991-92 season due to a lack of funding. The data from the first two years were used for research purposes in developing crop-estimating models. The Cara Cara forecast was undertaken at the request of the California Citrus Advisory Committee.

  • USDA California Crop/Weather Report

    Sacramento, Calif., (February 7, 2017) – The week began with high pressure over the Great Basin. By mid-week an onshore surge of moisture associated with a Pacific northwestern system arrived. A brief break occurred on Saturday between systems before a second Pacific northwestern storm brought additional precipitation to the State on Sunday.

    Widespread rains and snow fell across the northern two thirds of the State last week, with Monday and Tuesday being dry statewide. On Saturday, rain was confined to an area centered between Sacramento and Redding with amounts reaching up to a quarter of an inch. On all other days, light to moderate rains fell across the State. Most places in the valley received one and half to two inches of rain, with around one inch in the southern valley. Coastal locations received one to two inches of rain, with the Los Angeles basin receiving between half and one inches. The deserts largely missed out on the rains. Additional snowfall in the mountains were just under two feet in most of the northern and central Sierras, with one foot being the norm in the southern Sierras. The northwestern coastal ranges received up to six inches of new snow. Temperatures were cool enough to result in overall growth of the snowpack except at low elevations and latitudes.

    Temperature highs were in the 30s to 50s in the mountains, 50s to 60s in the valley and along the coast, and 50s to 70s in the desert. The temperature lows were in the 0s to 30s in the mountains, 30s to 40s in the valley and along the coast, and 30s to 50s in the desert.

    Growers continued to wait for fields to dry out sufficiently to resume planting winter grains and other crops. The planted grains and field crops continued to mature at an excellent rate, reaping the benefit of the recent rain, and now sunshine. Black-eyed beans were exported.

    Orchards in the San Joaquin Valley began to dry out, allowing for some orchard pruning and new planting of trees where the ground had been previously prepared for planting. Pre-bloom sprays were applied to some stone fruit. Pruning, tying, berm sanitation, and brush shredding were starting up again as vineyards and orchards dried. In drier locations the removal of older orchards and vineyards continued in preparation for replanting with new varieties. The Navel orange harvest picked up with the clear weather. Satsuma tangerines continued to be harvested.

    As field conditions permitted, orchards continued to be pruned and brushed. Some late dormant sprays were applied. Almond buds were popping and swelling in the Southern San Joaquin Valley.

    Winter vegetables continued to mature. Harvest resumed in some areas when weather permitted. In Madera County, weed control was ongoing for tomatoes.  Application of herbicides to mature onions occurred. Carrot harvest was about 50 percent complete.

    Non-irrigated pasture and rangeland continued to green up in response to the much needed precipitation and warming temperatures. Range were reported to be in excellent to good condition. Sheep grazed idle fields and dormant alfalfa fields. Supplemental feeding of livestock continued but not to the extent of recent months. Where field conditions permitted, bee hives were staged in preparation for the pending bloom season.

  • 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.