July 5th, 2019
Tomatoes
Pear Shapes – The crop continues to mature as expected and fruit size is nice. Crop continues to stay on target with an anticipated harvest date of July 25th just after the organic harvest is complete.
Conventionals – Early, mid and late season plantings are maturing and progressing nicely. The overall plant health and fruit quality is progressing. Anticipated harvest date on track for July 25th.
Organics – The crop is growing very nice and looking good. Anticipated harvest date is July 11th.
Peaches
Calaveras harvest began July 1st. Uneven or inconsistent ripening remain in extra early varieties making it hard to pinpoint harvest start dates. We anticipate a few loads this week with volume increasing by the end of next week. Stanislaus harvest has begun for both conventional and transitional fruit with Loadels soon to follow. Labor is an issue for some growers however, it is anticipated to improve once apricot harvest is complete. Growers continue to irrigate as needed for size and quality as well as conduct normal cultural practices.
Cherries
We are now well into the middle of cherry harvest. We are beginning to pick late varieties in early districts. Both quality and quantity contine to remain good with cherries big, sweet, and crunchy.
Grapes
Grapes continue to grow. Berries are currently hard and green.
Growers are applying irrigation as needed for quality and size. Regular cultural practices continue with the estimated harvest date of August 1st.
Pears
Fruit continues to grow with sizes varying in all orchards from 1.5” to 2.15”. Crop looks clean throughout. Regular irrigation and cultural practices continue in the orchards. Estimated harvest date is July 22nd.
Apricots
The first load of apricots was picked on June 20th, 6 days later than last year. Only 1 load was ready for harvest with picking scheduled to resume June 26th. Quantity is there. Farmers will continue to monitor and begin picking as size and quality deem orchards ready for harvest.