CROP REPORT: Tulare County crop report for week ending June 27.

Small grains other field crops: Wheat harvest is nearing completion with above average yields. Warmer weather this week constitutes the need for irrigation in row crops. The fourth cutting of alfalfa is in progress, as well as the cutting of winter forage and other small grains for hay and silage. Salt marsh caterpillars continue to appear in alfalfa. Bean and cotton fields are growing well in response to the warming trend. Sheep are being used to augment their diet by grazing on dry land grain fields.

Deciduous tree fruits, nuts, and grapes: Grape leaves and bunches are being thinned to allow light to penetrate for color and maturity. Harvest should begin in a few weeks, although growth was somewhat stunned due to June’s cooler than normal temperatures. Plums, peaches, and nectarines continue to be harvested and exported to Mexico, British Columbia Canada, China, Japan, New Zealand and New Caledonia. Walnut trees are being sprayed for mites and worms, with reports of good sizing. Pistachios and pecans are being exported to South Africa and Hong Kong.

Citrus, avocados, and olives: Except for a few stragglers, navel harvest is complete. Drying due to over maturity is increasing as the season comes to an end. Valencia shipments are still trickling through; exports are going primarily to Thailand and China. Early estimates for 2009-2010 navel crops are predicting only 75 percent of normal. Olive crop estimates for this year are also low at 40 percent of normal. Star Ruby grapefruit continues to be exported to the Bahamas.

Vegetables, melons, and berries: Commercial tomato harvest will be in the near future for export to Mexico and Canada. Harvest of various summer vegetables is still on going, with melon and sweet corn harvest underway. Varieties being harvested include assorted peppers, squash, eggplant, and tomatoes. Harvesting continues for blueberry and blackberry crops.

Livestock and poultry: Dairy herd reduction is leveling off, while supplemental feeding of hay and other nutrients continues for cattle on rangeland and dryland pastures in Tulare County.

Additional comments: Budding of citrus trees has increased with warmer weather. Nursery stock shipping remains steady but slow for the season.

Prepared by Gary Kunkel Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer