May 26, 2009

News from the Network

2009 Crop Activity Update

Packouts continue to increase as more peach and nectarine varieties are being harvested. Plums are just starting with volume starting the week of June 1. The early heat has developed good sugar in the fruit. After ideal weekend temperatures in the mid 80´s the coming week will be in the mid to low 90´s.

Peaches

Crimson Lady has just started and will be the major variety this period. Sizes are heavy to 56s and 64s. Spring Flame® 20 hit its estimate and should be about 10% over. Sizes have been heavy to 64´s. Spring Flame® 21 is now 50% complete. Peak sizes are 64s and 56s. Spring Flame® 22 has just started with peak sizes in the 50s and 48s. Spring Snow is now 60% complete and will continue to be the major summerwhite® variety this period. May Saturn are 50% complete. The next major variety Ivory Princess should start harvest any day.

Nectarines

Zee Fire is 60% complete and will start this period as the major variety. It is expected to fall short of its estimate. Red Roy has just started and will take over as the major variety by the end of the week. This variety sizes heavy to 64s and 56s. Rose Bright and Rose Diamond varieties are two more traditional varieties being harvested. The summerwhite® variety Polar Light continues this period with Arctic Star expected to start any day.

Plums

Red Beaut and Earliqueen are being harvested along with two interspecific plums Flavorosa and Spring Flavor.