SMALL GRAINS AND OTHER FIELD CROPS: Farmers are prepping the soil for winter crop plantings. Triticale and Montezuma oat seed continue to be shipped into local dealerships. Corn and sorghum harvest is winding down and the soil is being cultivated with manure for winter crop planting. Most corn has reached maturity and harvesting for silage is nearing completion. Alfalfa is growing well, but recent rain has slowed down the harvesting process. Dried beans are being shipped to national retailers and exported to the French Territory of Martinique. Black eyed beans are being harvested. Oats are being exported to Nicaragua. Cotton harvest has begun.
DECIDUOUS TREE FRUITS, NUTS, AND GRAPES: Pecans are being exported to the Middle East, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Italy, and Singapore. Pistachio harvest has been completed for the season. Packing is continuing with export shipping to China, Mexico, Morocco, Spain, Vietnam, Portugal, Italy, India, Turkey, and Hong Kong. Almonds continue to be harvested and sent to the packing facility. Recent rain caused more work for companies to dry out their products, delaying some outgoing shipments. Packing and shipping continues to Turkey, China, India, Mexico, Japan, Philippines, New Zealand, Italy, Germany, United Arab Emirates, Korea, and Norway. Wine grapes continue to be harvested. Table grapes are being packed and shipped to domestic retailers and exported to Mexico, Chile, Taiwan, Korea, Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, Philippines, and Australia. Apples are continuing to develop. Pomegranates are being harvested for both juice and fresh pack. Late varieties of plums and peaches are still being exported to Mexico. Kiwi fruits are being harvested and sent to packing facilities.
CITRUS, AVOCADOS, AND OLIVES: New citrus crops continue to develop and gain size. Some orange trees are being topped and skirted. The olive harvest has ended, and some mature olive trees are being dug for landscaping. Valencia oranges are now being picked and packed for the domestic market, as well as Japan, Taiwan, Mexico, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. Grapefruits are being harvested and exported to Japan and Korea. Lemons are being harvested, packed, and exported to Japan and domestic markets.
VEGETABLES, MELONS, HERBS, AND BERRIES: Broccoli has been planted and is growing. Roadside stands remain busy selling locally grown produce such as melons, zucchini, tomatoes, squash, and sweet corn. Certified Producers are offering vegetables such as okra, tomatoes, onions, squash, cucumbers, and peppers for sale at local farmers’ markets. Vegetable and ornamental plants are being shipped in and inspected from Arizona, to sell in retail locations throughout the valley. Locally grown produce such as pumpkins, squash, and decorative gourds are being sold at fruit stands. Garlic is being exported to Mexico.
LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY: The cooler weather is benefitting milk production for local dairymen. Local cattle ranchers are moving their herds from foothill locations to the mountains for better forage. Irrigated pastures are in good condition. Non-irrigated pastures and rangeland conditions are poor due to temperatures and lack of moisture. Higher feed and fuel prices are affecting market prices. The fed-cattle price is $173/cwt this week.
TOM’S ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Local wholesale nurseries are shipping small volumes of fall nursery stock to local and out of state retail nurseries. Local wholesale citrus nurseries are shipping citrus trees, graft wood, and seed to local markets. As well as Hawaii, Arizona, Texas, the East Coast, international nurseries, Canada, and Bahamas. Vegetable and ornamental plants are being shipped in and inspected from other counties in California, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Florida to sell in our retail locations throughout the county.
