Hurricane Hilary is expected to bear down on the US Southwest this weekend. While lettuce beds are starting to go up in the deserts of Southern California and southwestern Arizona, some farmers planning their transition to winter vegetables may see some delays.
Ryan Jacobsen, CEO, Fresno County Farm Bureau, said the impacts in the San Joaquin Valley will be many as a whole host of crops are being harvested. “Valley agriculture can take small amounts of rain this time of year. This is different. We’re looking at this one as significant.”
Significant coastal wind and rain in southern and central California could affect two of the Golden State’s leading commodities; wine grapes and strawberries. While the table grape harvest is underway, wine grapes have been slower to develop this season because of the unseasonably cool spring and summer. Full picking already may not happen until October.
Strawberries are just wrapping up their peak season in California, and two of the state’s three main growing regions. Harvests of Brussels sprouts, bell peppers and tomatoes have also begun along the Central Coast. Numerous vegetables – from broccoli, cauliflower and lettuce to carrots, sweet potatoes and processing tomatoes – are in the midst of their harvest.
Source: farmprogress.com