Small grains and other field crops: Corn fields are in the final stages of production, most fields have been harvested and brought to local dairies. Corn fields that have been harvested are being fertilized and tilled for winter wheat planting. The cotton harvest is nearing completion. Black-eyed bean harvest is also nearing completion in. Some alfalfa fields are being cut for hay and others are being green chopped for local dairies. Rye grass, oat, and triticale seed has been delivered to the local seed dealers. Sugarcane is now being harvested. Potatoes continue to develop. Farmers are preparing soil for winter planting.
Deciduous tree fruits, nuts, and grapes: Stone fruit harvest is complete, with some stone fruit still being exported to Mexico, and domestically. Persimmons are now being harvested. Kiwi harvest has begun. Almond harvest is nearing completion. Almond packing and shipping continues, with export to Egypt, Netherlands, Thailand, Germany, Latvia, Japan, Korea, United Arab Emirates, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Uruguay, Philippines and Taiwan. Pistachio harvest is nearly complete. Pistachio packing and shipping exports to Luxembourg, Korea and Mexico. Walnut harvest started for early varieties. Pomegranate harvest continues with exports being sent domestically and to New Zealand and Mexico. Table grape harvest continues, and grape maturity has been good Grape picking and packing continue to be busy in the fields. Many late varieties and other types of grapes are being picked. Grape exports are going to Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, Philippines, Mexico, Thailand, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Indonesia, El Salvador and Australia. Raisins are being rolled and dried in the fields.
Citrus, avocados, and olives: Navel orange harvest has started in some parts of the county with fruit being transported to and packed at local packinghouses. Some arriving navels have been tested with high brix levels. Navel crops are being checked by field staff for fuller rose beetle, California red scale, and thrips. Copper, lime, and zinc sprays are also being scheduled and planned before possible rainfall and moisture. Packing houses are beginning to receive navel oranges from Kern County. Lemons are starting to arrive at local packing houses from other areas of the state. Grapefruit are being packed and shipped to Korea and Japan. Olive harvest is now completed. Harvested olives are heading to domestic markets around the country.
Vegetables, melons, herbs, and berries: Peppers, pumpkins, squash, tomatoes, and sweet corn are being harvested and sold at local roadside stands. Some local roadside stands are prepping and tarping the land to treat for nematodes before the next spring plantings.
Livestock and poultry: The fed-cattle price is at $190/cwt this week. Irrigated pastures are in good condition. Non-irrigated pastures are in poor condition. The fire hazard is high, rangeland remains dry.
Tom’s additional comments: Cut flowers are being imported from Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Colombia to flower shops in Tulare County. Manure is being cleaned out of dairies and used for compost. Ornamental plants are being shipped in and inspected from other counties in California, as well as Michigan, and Ohio to sell in our retail locations throughout the Valley. Seasonal fall/winter vegetables such as broccoli, kale and lettuce have started to arrive at local retailer stores and nurseries for local homeowners and garden enthusiasts. The 2023 issue of the Tulare County Crop & Livestock Report has been released. Honeybees are now being shipped into the county by the truckload, for overwintering and in preparation for the almond bloom.
