What's being harvested now?

With Fresno County‘s diverse agriculture, some type of crop is harvested every month.

Summer in Fresno County is hot and rain-free. But, that’s just what we need to bring our crops to harvest!

Along the west side of Fresno County, fresh market and dehydrator onions are harvested in mid-June. In early July, the cantaloupe and melon harvest will get underway. Likewise, bell peppers, tomatoes, sweet corn and other tasty “veggie” crops are harvested during summer.

This year, though, west side farmers in the Westlands Water District are faced with even greater risks and pressures because of a “regulatory drought” as well as bone-dry conditions. Because of a three-month water rationing program in the District, growers are faced with making tough decisions on which crops to keep and which crops to terminate irrigations. With a little less than six inches of water per acre to use during June, July and August, many crops will not make it to harvest and will have to be abandoned. The primarily reason for the rationing is the low water levels in San Luis Reservoir near Los Banos, where Westlands’ water is stored, due to pumping restrictions in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. (For details, see the current issue of Friday Follow-Up or Agriculture Today.)

Along the county’s east side, deciduous tree fruit harvest is underway and will continue until September. Varieties of peaches, plums, nectarines, apricots, pluots and other specialty stone fruits are being harvested. If time allows, visit the Fresno County Fresh Fruit Trail for a wonderful educational and “tasting” excursion into the production areas and rural communities that make up this “Fruit Bowl” region. Visit www.gofresnocounty.com for details.

Nectarines are being packed at Simonian Fruit Company in Fowler

Just-picked nectarines are ready to be sorted, sized and packed into cartons for consumer to enjoy

In mid-July, harvest of early varieties of fresh market table grapes will begin in Fresno County. In August, the almond harvest will begin and wine and raisin grape harvest will get underway. August-October is a busy time for many Fresno County farmers.

With more than 350 different crops in Fresno County, almost everyday something is being harvested! For additional details about the current harvest and cultural activities for Fresno County’s diversified crops, visit the Department of Agriculture’s Web site here.

Archive: March 08, Winter 08, November 07