Small grains and other field crops: Dried beans and mixed grains are being exported to Guadeloupe and Martinique, as well as national retailers. Corn and sorghum fields that have been harvested are being fertilized and tilled for winter wheat planting. Many of the fields that are typically used for row crops and forage crops are being leveled with either mechanical or laser levels. Black-eyed bean harvest is complete in Tulare County. Harvested black-eyed bean fields are being fertilized and tilled for winter crop planting. Cotton harvest will continue for the next few weeks. Cotton is being moved to the gins for further processing. Winter forage crops that were planted in the last two weeks are starting to germinate. Winter forage crop fields that were planted last month have plants that are about 6-12 inches tall. Established alfalfa fields are being cut for hay or are being green chopped for local dairies. Rye grass, oat, alfalfa, and triticale seed has been delivered to the local seed dealers.
Deciduous tree fruits, nuts, and grapes: Persimmons are now being harvested. 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 packing and shipping with exports to Luxembourg, Korea and Mexico. Walnuts are being collected from groves in the area and the walnut buying season has opened on Friday, Nov. 8 this year. Pomegranate harvest continues with exports being sent domestically and to New Zealand and Mexico. Table grape harvest is winding down for the season Grape exports are going to Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, Philippines, Mexico, Thailand, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Indonesia, El Salvador and Australia. Kiwifruits are being harvested daily for domestic markets and for exporting to Japan, Mexico, British Colombia and Australia. Dormant orchards are being pruned.
Citrus, avocados, and olives: Navel orange harvest is still in full swing with several varieties being transported into packinghouses. County inspectors are working on testing loads for sugar brix levels and most have been testing high. Fruit color is improving. Navel oranges are being shipped domestically and exported to Mexico, Japan, Peru, Guatemala, Chile, Australia, and New Zealand. Packing houses are receiving navel oranges locally and from throughout the state. Navel crops are being checked by field staff for fuller rose beetle, California red scale, and thrips. Lemons are arriving at local packing houses from other areas of the state. Grapefruit are being packed and shipped to Korea and Japan. Pummelos are being picked and packed for the domestic markets along with exports to Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. Mandarins are being packed for domestic markets and exports to Mexico. Olive harvest is now completed. Harvested olives are heading to domestic markets around the country.
Vegetables, melons, herbs, and berries: Peppers, pumpkins, and squash are being harvested and sold at local roadside stands. Daikon radishes are being harvested. Local Strawberry growers are fumigating growing grounds and replanting for next spring’s strawberry crop.
Livestock and poultry: Fall calving season has started for local cattle ranchers. Fall weather is helping milk production for local dairymen The fed-cattle price is at $187/cwt this week. Irrigated pastures are in good condition. Non-irrigated pastures have received some moisture recently.
Tom’s additional comments: Cut flowers are being imported from Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Colombia to flower shops in Tulare County. 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. Local retailers and big box stores are selling winter vegetable seeds, starter plants, citrus trees, ornamental landscape plants and stone fruit trees. Ornamental landscape plants and houseplants continue to be shipped to Tulare County. Honeybees are now being shipped into the county by the truckload, for overwintering and in preparation for the almond bloom.
