Visalia, Calif., (April 13, 2018) – 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 Corn is still being planted as weather and soil conditions allow. Some fields are emerging. Winter wheat and oats enjoyed the latest rains, growth is excellent. Alfalfa is maturing and nearing harvest. Ground preparation is continuing for spring forage and row crops.
Vineyards are leafing-out and some are in the early stages of flowering. Stone fruit orchards are continuing to leaf-out as the bloom period comes to an end. New orchards are being planted. Cherries are sizing and some are starting to show color. Pomegranates and persimmons are continuing to leaf-out. Walnuts and pistachios are starting to bloom. Pistachio nuts are being exported to China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Spain, Thailand, and Turkey. This season’s almonds are developing nicely. Almonds are being shipped to India, Israel, Japan, Korea, South Africa and Sweden. Pecans are being exported to China and Israel. Kiwifruit from storage are being shipped to Mexico.
Petal fall is occurring in some citrus groves in District 1. The harvest of late variety navel oranges continues, and fruit are showing some grading issues. Navel oranges are being exported to China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. Citrus packing houses are starting to pack Valencia oranges. Valencia oranges are being shipped to China, Japan, and Korea. Seedless tangerine groves remain netted for the bloom. Lemons continue to be harvested and packed for the domestic market. Some citrus trees are being planted. Bee keepers are maintaining hives in citrus and olives groves.
Squash and cucumber seedlings continue to grow in the fields. Greenhouse vegetables continue to be harvested. Strawberry and plantings are progressing well, with bloom and maturing. This week’s warm weather will be a benefit. Additional summer vegetable fields are now being prepared for planting.
Rain is a boost for rangeland quality. The fed cattle market held relatively steady this week.
Retail nurseries are stocking up on both perennial and annual plants for the spring season. Some mature olive trees are being dug for landscape purposes.
Citrus Bloom was declared in District 2, beginning at 1:00 a.m. Saturday morning, April 8, 2018.
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