The first day of harvest was on June 25 and production was distributed to two processing plants. Growers reported good yields and quality. The fourth of July saw harvesters operating in Kings and southern Fresno counties growing areas putting four more plants into operation. Within the next week, all remaining plants in the region were receiving field production. With a few exceptions, the tomato quality is good.
Color is good and solids are running high.
The northern Fresno County growers will start harvest soon and by the second week of August, the Merced, San Benito, Santa Clara, and Monterey County growers will be into harvest. These areas report that the crop is on schedule and appears to have a good set. This operation is 75 miles south of the Hanford, Lemoore, and Huron processors who, until now, were the most southerly located processors. There are some experienced tomato growers in this area, along with many first time tomato growers that have contracted to grow for the new operation in their neighborhood. The closeness of the processor and these growers makes a fine fit for transportation to the new plant.