CROP REPORT: Tulare County crop report for week ending Oct. 24.

Small grains other field crops: Some alfalfa will be affected by the rain, how much remains to be determined. Harvesting corn for grain is complete for this season. Cotton fields are being defoliated and the bolls are maturing nicely, with some harvesting of cotton for certified seed in progress. Rain damage to cotton is yet to be determined. Harvested fields are being prepared for winter grains.

Deciduous tree fruits, nuts, and grapes: Stone-fruit harvest has slowed down. Early variety orchard pruning has begun, indicating the end of stone fruit harvest. Plastic covers have been put over grape vineyards to protect them from the rain, as harvest of table grapes continues. Some Early Foothill pomegranate harvest is complete, and the Wonderful variety continues to be picked. Persimmons are continuing to show color, harvesting of Hachiya, and Fuyu varieties has begun.

Citrus, avocados, and olives: The Valencia orange harvest is over. Satsuma Mandarins are still being harvested. The upcoming navel oranges continue to develop in size. All early varieties are testing well. Crop size appears to be larger than last year .Color seems to be the only problem in some blocks. Cooler weather will help them color. Olive harvest is still ongoing.

Vegetables, melons, and berries: Some fall strawberries are being harvested, and are being sold at roadside stands. The last of the squash and vine cucumbers are being picked. Broccoli, cauliflower, and spinach are progressing well .

Livestock and poultry: Supplemental nutrients are being given to cattle on dry rangeland at lower elevation ranches. winter grasses for feed are improving with the rains and warm weather

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