SMALL GRAINS OTHER FIELD CROPS

The second cutting and bailing of alfalfa is still ongoing. Oats are maturing and harvest is underway. Fields already harvested are being prepared for planting of corn. Early planted corn is showing good growth. Some fields are being replanted due to damage from recent frost. Out of state corn and sorghum seed continues to arrive for spring planting. Early cotton fields are on their first cultivation.

DECIDUOUS TREE FRUITS, NUTS, AND GRAPES

Bloom has started for many varieties of grapes. Crews still continue to thin leaves in vineyards to increase sunlight penetration and airflow. Fungicides and herbicides are being applied to vineyards. Pistachios and almonds are being shipped to the European Union, the Russian Federation, Japan, Korea, Africa and Hong Kong. Pecans are being exported to Hong Kong. Thinning of late stone fruit continues. Harvest of early varieties of peaches and apricots has begun, with exports going to Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, Brazil and Canada. Cherry harvest has begun. Exports are already moving to Japan and Brazil. Irrigation continues in nut groves, fruit tree orchards and vineyards, as conditions remain dry.

Navel Oranges are showing more rind breakdown and puff. Export demand is declining, but movement continues to Mexico, Japan, China and Hong Kong. Field juicing of Navel oranges continues for small, over mature fruit not suitable for packing. Minneola harvest is all but complete for the season. New planting of various citrus varieties is underway. Grafting of citrus has begun. Valencia harvest is increasing, with exports moving to Malaysia, China and Japan. Late season grapefruit harvest is underway. Lemons continue to be harvested. Pruning and general grove maintenance continues in all varieties of citrus. Citrus bloom is winding down and fruit has begun to set. Olives are starting to develop bloom. Avocado bloom is winding down and growers are checking for fruit set.

Blueberries are finishing their bloom and setting fruit. Growers continue to cover their crops with netting to minimize loss to birds. Strawberries continue to be harvested and sold at roadside stands. Melon growers are preparing their fields for planting once the variation in spring temperatures becomes steady. Squash and pepper harvest continues. Certified producers are renewing their certificates and preparing ground for this years season.

With dry and warm conditions, pastures are drying and cattle are starting to require supplemental nutrients in lower elevations. Feed continues to be a major concern for ranchers and hay loads have begun to come in from Canada. Demand for feeder steers and heifers remain excellent.

Nursery shipments are increasing as they get ready for a large spring push for retail outlets.