Tulare County crop report for week ending October 17.

Small grains other field crops: Some alfalfa will be effected by the rain, how much remains to be determined. The green chopping of corn fields for silage is 100 percent complete. Farmers harvesting corn for grain are also complete. Cotton fields are being defoliated and the bolls are maturing nicely, with some harvesting of cotton for certified seed is in progress. 100 percent of the black-eyed bean fields have been dried and harvested . Harvested fields are being prepared for winter grains.

Deciduous tree fruits, nuts, and grapes: Stone-fruit harvest has slowed down. Plastic covers have been put over vines to protect them from rain. Table grape harvest continues and is about 95 percent complete. Raisin trays have been picked-up. Almond and walnut orchards appear to be finished. Some pistachios still remain to be harvested. Early Foothill pomegranate harvest is complete, and the Wonderful variety continue to be picked. Persimmons are continuing to show color.

Citrus, avocados, and olives: The Valencia orange harvest is about over, with a few orchards left to be picked . Satsuma Mandarin are still being harvested. The upcoming navel oranges continue to develop in size. Cooler weather will help them color while the rain will help size the fruit. Olive harvest is still going.

Vegetables, melons, and berries: Harvest of Sweet corn, squash, peppers, melons, and tomatoes have slowed. Fall strawberries have begun to be picked, and are being sold at roadside stands.

Livestock and poultry: Supplemental nutrients are being given to cattle on dry rangeland at lower elevation ranches. Rain will help the germination of winter grasses for feed.

-- Prepared by Gary Kunkel Tulare County agricultural commissioner-sealer