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Crop Report: March 2025
Tomatoes
Organic Tomatoes
Transplanting has begun for the 2025 season. 350 acres are planned to be planted by the end of the week. Weather forecast possible chances of rain on Sunday and Wednesday of next week. Anywhere from 45% to 60% chance of rain on those days.
Pear Tomatoes
Have not started transplanting yet.
Conventional Tomatoes
Have not started transplanting yet.
Peaches
Northern/Southern Conventional Peaches
Peach orchards in the North are starting to bloom with the help of warm weather. Growers are about 85% done with winter pruning, which promotes growth and enhances airflow. Peach orchards are currently being sprayed before windy and wet weather arrives in the Sacramento Valley. Bloom spray, which is used to control pests and disease that can hamper the efficiency of the tree is being applied. The field department, as always, will keep observing the progress of the bloom and watching weather trends as the weather can be unforgiving.
Southern Peaches The Calaveras and American are almost at 100% bloom. Ross and Late Ross are beginning to bloom on the bottoms of the trees. Early varieties are starting to show some pink bud. Full bloom is anticipated in the Kingsburg area next week. Bud sets appear to be adequate. Some growers continue to prune their orchards while others are preparing for bloom sprays.
Organic Peaches
Calaveras varieties are at about 90% bloom. The early varieties are at about 5% bloom. Bloom sprays are being applied. Irrigating as needed.
Pears
River/Linden Pears
Chilling hours have increased from 804 in 2024 to 993 hours in 2025! Pruning was completed over winter and growers are seeing plentiful buds on the trees. Many of the buds are still tight, but there are signs of cracking and swollen buds throughout the orchards.
Mendocino/Lake Pears
Lake County growers are applying their delayed dormant spray. Bud counts look good.
Pacific Northwest Pears
A month away from bloom. Ample number of buds. Hoping a full crop will set.
Grapes
All vineyards have been pruned and tied. Starting to see vineyards move out of dormancy.
Cherries
Cherry buds remain dormant while we are still seeing wintery days in the Pacific Northwest (PNW). The days have had more springtime weather, with temperatures dropping to or below freezing.
Apricots
Weather has been optimal for bloom with plenty of chilling hours. While bloom is still in its’ early stages it looks very uniform. There are still 3 months of growth to go, and we are anticipating an adequate crop with this great start. Orchards will continue to be monitored, and crop protection materials will be applied as needed.
Apples
The orchards are still dormant and have not started the first swell stages of development. With ample chilling hours and plenty of buds on the trees, we are hoping for good spring weather and a full crop.