Picking of Thompson Seedless variety grapes for fresh use, wine crush, and raisin-lay was still active in late September. Harvest of the wine-type variety grapes is active with good quality reported. Picking of early season Navel orange varieties is expected to begin in the Edison area of Kern County after mid-October.
Fruit set is down significantly from last year, but individual fruit size is large.
Fruit set is somewhat light compared to last season's, but fruit size and quality are good with normal crop development. The cotton crop has continued to progress well. The cool weather in late August slowed plant development slightly, but should not be significant as long as the weather remains warm and dry for the next couple of weeks. Insect pressure remains light, except for armyworms which continue to be higher than normal in the San Joaquin and Sacramento valleys. Production forecasts are released on a monthly basis and do not reflect final production estimates.