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WINTER REMINDERS - Start Now For 2008 Crop Harvest Success
By Joe Aslett, Tremont Group Agriform Office Manager
Well, it’s winter, which means harvest we have had some time to rest up after the big fall harvest here in the Sacramento valley. Tomato and grape harvests were good, rice, tree crops, corn, and alfalfa ended up strong. For the most part, was a good year as far as yields are concerned on all fronts.
By know winter decisions abut winter wheat planting have been made, and most of you are finalizing decisions about which crops you will plant for the coming spring. Wheat and corn prices are strong, which could translate into above average acreage planted for both wheat and corn this year.
Future water supply for irrigation is a major growing concern, and will be even a bigger issue if we end the winter with below average rainfall as occurred the previous winter. Some tough decisions are presented to growers as a result of this possible water shortfall.
The future commodity prices look strong for several crops, however water supply will directly affect the decisions growers will make as far as their winter and spring crops. Water shortages could mean that growers will shift away from high water usage crops such as rice and corn to lower water usage crops such as safflower. These decisions will also affect a grower’s fall herbicide program, and fall ground work plans.
Overall, I think the future looks bright for agriculture in the Sacramento Valley. The key will be to properly manage the decisions that are within your control, because as we all know, we can’t control Mother Nature.
Joe
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