Crop Report: March 16th, 2022
Tomatoes
Conventionals – Transplanting is scheduled to begin during the week of March 21st.
Organics – Transplanting is in full swing. By the end of this week, nearly two-thirds of acres will be planted. Plantings from last week are looking good.
Peaches
Organics – Most varieties are in full bloom. Petal fall is beginning for early varieties. Crop potential looks good. All normal cultural practices and crop protection continue.
Conventionals – We had adequate chilling hours for peaches in all orchard regions. Chilling hours are important for tree growth and fruit production in the coming harvest. Most varieties are in full bloom. Bloom appears to be even and crop potential looks good. However, growers are concerned that water may be an issue this year due to a dry winter and allocations. All normal cultural practices and crop protection continue.
Pears
Trees are beginning to show various stages of bloom throughout orchards. Orchards range from having tight clusters, to fingering stage, and some areas beginning to show flowers sporadically. All normal cultural practices and crop protections continue.
Grapes
Bud break is anticipated to be called early next week. All normal cultural practices and crop protections continue.
Cherries
Bud development continues to track with long-term average timing. Full bloom is projected for April 9th. All cultural practices and crop protection continue as needed.
Apricots
Full bloom was called on March 2nd. Bloom occurred over a two to three week period which is not ideal. Water is a major concern for some growers. Growers who rely on federal water have been told they will not be given any allocations this year.
Pineapple
The summer crop will begin late March and go through early August. Crop availability is projected to be limited. Increased cost in farming, raw materials, packaging, and energy continue to put pressure on facilites. Labor is also a concern and locations are fearing a high turnover.
Peaches
Bloom is just beginning in the orchard. During a recent flood, trees were damaged and new varieties were planted. This variety is lighter in color and has a firmer texture than what is typically used. Inventory is limited due to a smaller volume pack last year.
Mandarin Oranges
This season harvests were small in Zhejiang and Hubei provinces, adding to the high fruit costs in the late season. The price of tinplate, packaging materials, energy, and labor is at an all-time high. For this season, factories packed as planned, storing next to no extra fruit for later production.