Crop Report: March 22nd, 2021
Tomatoes
Conventionals – A few growers began transplanting last week despite scattered showers. All growers will begin transplanting March 22nd.
Organics – Fields are looking good. Warm weather towards the end of last week helped accelerated a tomato plant growth spurt.
Peaches
Organics – Petal fall has occurred and fruit is emerging. All normal cultural practices and crop protection continue.
Conventionals – Early blooming varieties are beginning petal fall showing jackets of emerging fruit while later blooming varieties are still in the bloom process. All orchards are beginning to push leaves out on their branches. Crop potential looks good with growers hopeful of an ample crop. Growers will have a better idea of crop size once fruit set occurs. All normal cultural practices & crop protection continue. Growers who are planting new trees continue to do so with weather permitting.
Pears
Rain and cool temperatures last week slowed bloom progress down slightly. Buds are in the finger stage getting ready for bloom. Bud counts are abundant making growers hopeful for a balanced crop to come. All normal cultural practices and crop protections continue.
Grapes
Bud break is beginning to show in the vineyards. It was recorded 3 days earlier than last season. Cool weather will likely keep projected harvest dates similar to last year. All normal cultural practices and crop protections continue.
Cherries
Cherry crop potential continues to look promising. We are at normal timing for crop development. Harvest is projected to begin June 7-10. COVID vaccines for essential agricultural workers opened up last week in Oregon and grower’s are actively helping employees make appointments.
Apricots
Fruit has emerged and jackets are beginning to split exposing this year’s crop. Fruit is currently about the size of a lima bean. Recent rain has not had any negative impacts. Fruit appears to be maturing at a uniform rate. All cultural practices and crop protection continue as needed.
Oysters
This year’s expected yield is not as ideal as anticipated which will affect the availability of inventory. Market pricing of fresh oysters is making it hard for canneries to compete, resulting increased cost for raw product. We anticipate we will be able to continue to source the majority of our pack from Korea however will balance out as necessary from Chinese supplier.
Mandarins
Plants in China are 100% up and running. Although they are on time with shipments, we are facing challenges in other areas as a result of shutdowns due to COVID-19. Freight and trucking at the ports are delayed as they continue to play catch up with increased shipments.
Mango
Current crop appears to be balanced for the upcoming harvest. We expect to see a normal pack for this year.
Pineapple
Upcoming winter harvest is projected to be below average. This will cause costs to increase as facilities cannot run at 100% production levels for optimum efficiency.