SMALL GRAINS OTHER FIELD CROPS

The second cutting and bailing of alfalfa is on going. Winter wheat and oats are maturing well and some fields are being mowed, drying and waiting to be baled. Early planted corn is growing and showing good growth.

DECIDUOUS TREE FRUITS, NUTS, AND GRAPES

Grapes continue to be sprayed with fungicides. Crews are thinning leaves in vineyards to increase sunlight penetration and airflow. Almonds and pistachios continue to be exported to Japan, Africa, and Korea. Walnut and almond orchards are being irrigated. Early varieties of stone fruit have started this seasons harvest. Site visits are ongoing for packing sheds and cold storage facilities for the up coming Mexico tree fruit export program.

Late varieties of Navel oranges are showing more rind break down and puff. Most navels are being packed for the domestic market. Valencia oranges are being exported to Malaysia and China. Citrus groves are in full bloom and many growers are irrigating their groves to decrease stress and increase fruit set. Some growers have covered their Clementine tangerines with netting to keep bees from cross pollinating their trees. Placement of bee hives continues in citrus groves.

Harvest continues on squash, and peppers. Blueberry growers are starting to cover their crops with netting to keep birds from eating their fruit.

The dry warm weather is starting to dry out the southern side of foothills and grass is starting to turn brown. Supplemental feeding has started by some ranchers due to poor forage conditions.

Shipments of Spring annuals continue to arrive at Garden centers and local retail nurseries.