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Comments about weather impacts on some crops

Scattered rain worries some farmers

Tropical storms continue to bring scattered rain showers to the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California. Raisins are the crop most vulnerable to damage from rain and about 30 percent of the crop remains to be dried and harvested. Some vineyards escaped rain altogether, and warm, dry weather predicted for coming days would minimize crop damage. Many almond farmers delayed harvest, because of the rain. Other crops, such as olives and walnuts, might benefit from rain.

Strawberry production will shift south

As the season changes, so does the source of California strawberry production, as harvest shifts southward from the Watsonville-Salinas area to Oxnard and other southern regions. Harvest will continue along the Central Coast until rain begins in earnest. Farmers remain on pace to establish a new production record. They've sold about 4 percent more strawberries so far this year than they had at this time last year.

Late olive harvest has begun

It's about two weeks later than usual, but the farmers who grow "table olives" have begun their harvest. Mild summer weather delayed the olive crop. Farmers say they are finding a higher proportion of small-sized fruit, which brings lower prices from canneries. The olives remain quite green and if it rains, the fruit would quickly increase in size. California is the leading olive-producing state.

Farmers rate kiwifruit crop as excellent

A few California kiwifruit growers have started harvest, but most are still waiting for the sugar content to reach the required harvest level. Full harvest should be under way by mid-October. Farmers report more large-sized kiwifruit on the vines this year. Several growers call this the best crop they have ever had. Consumers should find increased supplies of California-grown kiwifruit by October 20.

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