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California: crop situation as of 31 May 2019

12/06/2019

2019 Season
Press release
California,
North America
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 The month of May has continued the pattern of unusual weather in California as fields have experienced above normal rain fall throughout the state. Rainy weather and cooler temperatures have delayed most plantings in the Northern part of the state by a little over two weeks and slowed crop growth in the early part of the 2019 season.
On Sunday, May 19th in the southern Fresno and Kings County areas a significant amount of hail hit the growing region. Hail was reported over a ten mile stretch and according to one calculation has impacted around 16,000 acres (6,475 hectares). To date a small portion of these acres have been abandoned and the rest are currently being evaluated at this time. At this point in time, harvest is expected to be delayed about a week in some areas, but harvest could catch up with enough sun and summer heat. It is clear there will be some loss in tonnage but as to the extent it is too early tell. The wet spring has also increased the disease pressure and, in certain areas, growers are seeing some of those impacts.
In other areas, the crop was developing on schedule. Crop quality was reported to be normal to very good, with minimal disease or pest issues.

Source: CASS report, AgAlert, Industry sources