What's being harvested now?
With Fresno County‘s diverse agriculture, some type of crop is harvested every month.
SUMMER - June, July, August
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, garlic and other tasty “veggie” crops are harvested during summer.
This year, west side farmers in the Westlands Water District continue to face even greater risks and pressures because of the “regulatory drought” as well as continued bone-dry conditions. The federal Central Valley Project water allocation for the west side is at 10 percent, resulting in many permanent crops to be abandoned and hundreds of thousands of acres are fallow this year. Low water levels in San Luis Reservoir near Los Banos, where Westlands’ water is stored, and pumping restrictions in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta because of the Endangered Species Act protection regulations – along with the drought – have created these extreme water conditions.
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.