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
United Sorghum Checkoff’s Lanier Dabruzzi joins us to discuss National Sorghum Month, consumer awareness, and the increasing demand for sorghum used in gluten-free snacks.
The American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers shares an update on commodity prices and farmland trends in Nebraska and South Dakota.
Research shows a small number of companies account for much of the nation’s ammonia production capacity.
Corn is the clear export leader heading into summer.
A new LSU report outlines damage to Louisiana’s corn and wheat crops from freezes, drought, and other weather-related challenges.
Industry leaders highlighted trade concerns, export opportunities and the importance of maintaining momentum behind the agreement.

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:

Home to Reelfoot Lake, Lake County combines fertile farmland with one of Tennessee’s top outdoor destinations.
The U.S. Meat Export Federation says the agreement could be used to improve market access for American beef and pork producers in Africa.
The award-winning frozen treats are helping introduce consumers to goat milk in a new way.
Libby Lovig with Nevada Dairy Farmers discusses the “From Our Herd to Yours” campaign, National Dairy Month, and consumer outreach.
Proposed legislation would require automakers to include AM radio in all new passenger vehicles at no additional cost.
Livestock producers should inspect animals daily, report any suspicious wounds immediately, and comply with local movement restrictions.
Agriculture Shows
From the rapid technological advances in the business of farming to the policy that helps shape the industry, growers get unparalleled perspective from these guys. Max Armstrong, Mike Pearson and Greg Soulje: the names producers have long known and trusted for agriculture news, weather, and commentary.
Watch Rural Evening News on RFD Network to catch up on that day’s news surrounding agriculture and markets from across the world.
Every day on RFD Network, “Market Day Report” delivers LIVE coverage of agribusiness news, weather, and commodity market information from across the world. Our commodity markets coverage is updated every half hour to bringyou the latest agriculture news.
Farm Monitor shines a light on Southeastern agriculture and is the only weekly news and information program dedicated to Georgia’s largest and most important industry: agriculture.