USA - California's cherry season in jeopardy

17.05.2019 642 views
Cherry growers in California's Central Valley are very concerned for their crops as forecast storms and cooler weather began impacting the region overnight. A winter weather advisory was issued by the National Weather Service declaring that areas above 5000ft could expect up to 2ft of snow. But it's the heavy rain in the Valley that has cherry growers worried. Just a couple of weeks ago, hopes were high that California could produce a record cherry crop this year, however these hopes have been replaced with pessimism and several growers are now expecting a total loss. "We were expecting to pack over 10 million boxes of cherries in California this year," observed Nick Lucich of Delta Packing Co. of Lodi. "However, 17 days into the season, things are not looking as promising. Late last week, the area from Bakersfield up to Hanford received quite a lot of rain. There are a lot of growers in this region and they are currently harvesting the Brooks and Coral varieties. Brooks in particular, does not fare well when it rains so we have heard of some growers simply walking away from their crops." Satellite image from the National Weather Service showing the frontal positions on May 15 5:00pm PDT. He added that this has affected packing and suppliers have experienced a notable slowdown in product movement over the past few days. "It's gone down from a 75 percent pack-out to around 60 - 65 percent," he said. "It's been a challenge to run the fruit over the lines and everything is just running slowly right now." The next week could determine the entire season Although there were some impacts from last week's storms, these could seem relatively insignificant should the current storm systems severely impact the northern Central Valley growing regions as is feared. The major issue is the timing of these storm fronts. The cherries on the trees in Lodi and surrounding areas are currently at their most vulnerable stage. With an estimated 4 million boxes worth of Bing cherries currently hanging on the trees in the region and a week of storms ahead, the next seven days could very well determine how the remainder of the California cherry season will pan out. "With three storm systems lined up, we are looking at another seven days of unsteady weather ahead that could not only affect the existing harvest, but also the upcoming harvest around Lodi and Stockton, which is due to start June 1," Lucich explained. "In this region, the Bing cherries are currently in transition at what is called the 'straw' stage, so named because they are yellow in color. This is when the cherries are at their most vulnerable as the skin is thinner and they are just starting to color up. The only cause for optimism is that the forecast is showing that it will be windy and cold, which is preferable to warmer and more humid conditions." This would be especially disappointing as cherry suppliers have prepared for a nice, heavy crop and have set up their programs accordingly. "We are very concerned, especially because we were preparing for a big year," Lucich said. "Most of the promotions, bags and retail programs have already been set up." Central Valley grapes are okay While cherries and other tree fruit that are just beginning harvest have the potential to be severely affected by the storm systems, grape growers are still some months away from their Central Valley harvests. The fruit has not matured enough yet for rain to have any effect. "The rain will not affect our Central Valley vineyards which are still more than six weeks away from harvest," shared John Harley of Anthony Vineyards. "Any fruit that is close to harvest - including some of the stone fruits - are at risk because the sugars have built up in the fruit which makes the skin softer and causes them to be prone to split. Our grapes in the San Joaquin Valley are not at that stage yet although depending on how severe the storms are, it could delay the harvest by three or four days." Coachella grapes ready to harvest "At the moment, we are about 10 days out from harvesting our Coachella grapes," he added. "It's unlikely any of the storm activity will reach this district. So far our crops in both Coachella and the San Joaquin Valley are looking very good." In total, there are three storm fronts forecast over the next five days, mainly affecting the San Joaquin Valley, especially the northern half. More than two inches of rain is expected from these systems and this will be followed by seasonally cool day time temperatures in the low 70s and night temperatures in the 50s. Source - https://www.freshplaza.com/
06.02.2025

KOA Biotech raises €2M for early disease detection for fish farms

Using biotechnological tools, KOA Biotech has developed a biosensor system that, combined with proprietary algorithms, forms an autonomous device capable of early detection of waterborne infections.

06.02.2025

Nigeria, Mexico deepen investment cooperation in livestock development

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has reaffirmed Nigerias commitment to strengthening investment ties with Mexico in the livestock sector.

06.02.2025

Vietnam deepens cooperation with FAO to advance sustainable agriculture

Việt Nam has benefitted from over 400 projects supporting sustainable agriculture, forestry and fisheries, providing essential training to stabilise livelihoods and drive post-war socio-economic growth.

06.02.2025

USA - Illinois launches $7M program to encourage cover crop adoption

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) has secured a $7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to launch the I-COVER program, which provides financial incentives to producers and landowners who adopt cover crops or new techniques for earlier establishment.

06.02.2025

Australia - North Queensland floods cut transport routes, causing food shortages and higher freight costs

Transport routes in North Queensland, disrupted by flooding, are anticipated to reopen within 48 hours. Retailers and consumers may face increased freight costs.

06.02.2025

Norwegian environment minister dismisses idea of salmon farming ban

As Norways wild salmon populations continue to decline, the countrys minister for climate and the environment has firmly dismissed any ideas of a ban on open-net fish farming.

05.02.2025

USA - Evers proposes $80 million in new agriculture spending

  Gov. Tony Evers announced Wednesday that hes proposing to spend $80 million through the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) in his 2025-27 state budget to support farmers and Wisconsins agricultural industry. 

05.02.2025

USA - Department of Agriculture invests nearly $8 million in 26 game-changing programs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced an investment of more than $7.5 million to help reduce planet-warming gas pollution.

istanbul escort şişli escort tbilisi escort şişli escort şişli escort maslak escort istanbul escort beşiktaş escort taksim escort izmir escort ümraniye escort mecidiyeköy escort şişli escort taksim escort ümraniye escort kartal escort şirinevler escort maltepe escort istanbul escort ümraniye escort kadıköy escort vip escort mersin escort istanbul escorts ataköy escort avcılar escort beylikdüzü escort okmeydanı escort şişli escort tuzla escort işitme cihazı sex shop sex shop sex shop sex shop sex shop sex shop sex shop sex shop
istanbul escort