CROP REPORT:Tulare County crop report for week ending Nov. 14.

Small grains other field crops: Alfalfa is getting close to the dormant season. Many growers are trying to cut and bale at least one more time, but a few are already starting to sheep-off fields. Corn silage and sorghum harvest are nearing completion, but continue throughout the county. Winter forage and winter grains, such as barley, wheat and oats, are continuing to be planted and progressing normally. Early rains have been extremely beneficial to the germination of these crops. Cotton harvest continues, with lint quality looking good. Normal crop rotational plans and post harvest IPM strategies are being implemented.

Deciduous tree fruits, nuts, and grapes: Pomegranate harvest continues in several areas. Fuyu and Hachiya persimmon harvest is in full swing, with approximately 60 percent of the crop harvested. Kiwifruit harvest is at about 99 percent completed at this point in the season. Pomegranates, Fuyu persimmons and kiwifruit are being exported to South America, Mexico, Taiwan, and Korea. Table grape harvest is winding down. Autumn Royal, Crimson Seedless, and Red Globe are the main table grape varieties being harvested, with sporadic harvesting of Christmas Rose and Rouge. Grapes are being exported to South America, United Kingdom, Mexico, Canada, Taiwan, Indonesia, Philippines, and New Zealand, with China still the main importer. The domestic demand continues to be extremely strong. Wine grape harvest is ongoing. Almond, walnut, and pistachio harvest is completed. Normal IPM and post harvest maintenance continues.

Citrus, avocados, and olives: Navel orange harvest continues, with fruit color progressing normally, along with good sugar content. Various varieties of navel oranges are coming into the packing houses, including Early Beck, Bonanza, Fukumoto, Washington, Fisher and T. I.. Other citrus currently being picked and packed include Owari satsumas, Fina clementines, and Oro Blanco grapefruit. The domestic market is strong, with the export market starting to pickup. Japan, Mexico, and Korea are all importing early fruit.

Vegetables, melons, and berries: The harvest of winter vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, and Romaine lettuce are gaining momentum. Cauliflower harvest will soon be in full-swing. Tomato harvest and packing is wrapping up. Spinach is progressing normally and being harvested in many areas.

Livestock and poultry: Non-irrigated pastures and rangeland conditions remain poor, but early rain and moderate weather has also facilitated germination of winter annuals, with a flush of green visible throughout the foothills. Cattle ranchers continue with supplemental feeding due to the poor rangeland conditions, but early precipitation and a forecasted rainy season has given ranchers a glimmer of hope. The feeder cattle market was $2 to $5 higher as compared to last week with most feedlots across the area reporting sales at $88.

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