California Growers Expect a Strong Table Grape Season as Harvest Begins Early

Favorable weather has vineyards running ahead of last year’s pace.

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY, Calif. (RFD News) — California table grape growers are expecting an early start to harvest this year and are optimistic about the season ahead.

The harvest is expected to begin earlier than normal, with vineyards running about two weeks ahead of last year, thanks to favorable weather conditions.

Growers in the San Joaquin Valley expect production to ramp up later this month and are projecting a crop of roughly 96 million boxes. Early reports indicate strong fruit size and quality.

Growers say steady water supplies have supported crop development, while demand is expected to increase as retailers transition from imported grapes to domestic supplies.

Related Stories
The reports cover biodiesel, diesel, gasoline grades, ethanol, aviation fuel, kerosene, and specialty fuels.
Textile strategist Robert Antoshak says responsible fashion is not dead, but voluntary sustainability language is not enough on its own.
Farm Bureau economist Dr. Faith Parum says agriculture still needs to see U.S. products actively moving into China.
Researchers say demand for green fertilizers continues growing alongside environmental regulations and rising consumer interest.
The pricing signals come as biofuel and corn groups continue to press Congress for permanent nationwide E15 access.
USDA Elevates “Plant Not Plastic” Initiative and Supports Buying American Cotton Act

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Etgen-Way Holsteins continues building a nationally recognized herd focused on quality milk production.
Corn farmers and ethanol groups are urging Senate action on E-15 legislation while grain basis values strengthen in eastern states.
Negotiators are focusing on tariffs, market access, and economic security as broader trade discussions continue.
The American Sheep Industry Association says high labor costs and volatile markets continue creating pressure for producers.
The U.S. Meat Export Federation continues building global relationships aimed at creating new opportunities for U.S. livestock producers
Illinois FFA President Natalie Pratt reflects on a year serving members across the state and plans for the state’s upcoming conference.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.