SMALL GRAINS AND OTHER FIELD CROPS
Winter forage planting has begun and will continue over the next few months. Winter wheat continues to grow in a vibrant green hue across the county. Other row crops such as oats, barley, and triticale are being established for the season and are so far, growing very well. Sugar cane continues to be harvested. Cotton that has been picked has been transported to local gins for processing. Alfalfa fields are finishing their final cutting of the year and being harvested for haylage. Foggy weather has allowed ideal conditions for working the ground and planting.

DECIDUOUS TREE FRUITS, NUTS, AND GRAPES
Pecan harvest is abundant. Persimmon orchards continue to be harvested. Hachiya and Fuyu persimmons are being exported to British Colombia and Mexico. Pomegranate harvest continues; some districts have been exporting to international markets. Stone fruit orchards have entered dormancy and are currently undergoing mechanical and chemical maintenance in preparation of replanting. Almond and pistachio groves are being cleared of brush throughout the county. Grape season is now complete in all districts with a few gleaner crews out gathering any remaining table grape remnants.

CITRUS, AVOCADOS, AND OLIVES
Orange groves are being actively harvested. The new citrus crop’s color and sugar levels continue to test favorably throughout the county. Pomelo packing has begun for domestic markets along with export to Australia, New Zealand, Korea and Japan. Lemons, mandarins, tangerines, and pomelos are being harvested in many districts and are available both locally and in neighboring districts.

VEGETABLES, MELONS, HERBS, AND BERRIES
Locally grown produce continues to be offered for sale at roadside stands. Certified producers are offering oranges, persimmons, eggplant, lemons, sugarcane, and peppers. Lettuce seed is being packed and shipped out of state. Freshly harvested cut herbs, such as basil and mint, continue to be available at local markets. Onions, cruciferous varietals such as kale, cauliflower, and cabbage, sweet potatoes, garlic and apples are also available at farmers’ markets. 

LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY
The fed-cattle price is $228/cwt this week. The cooler, mild temperatures and recent rainfall are ideal for pastureland growth. Livestock rangelands are green and growing full. Irrigated pastures are in good to excellent condition. Non-irrigated pastures are also in good to excellent condition after the cool temperatures and recent precipitation.

TOM’S ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Cooler season temperature-variable plants are coming into the nurseries. Seasonal fall/winter vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and lettuce transplants have started to arrive at local box stores and nurseries for local homeowners and garden enthusiasts. Local wholesale nurseries continue to ship small volumes of nursery stock to local and out of state retailers.