Early reports in California indicate that this year's stone fruit crop may start harvesting slightly earlier this season. "Last year was the latest crop we've ever seen so we're in advance of that by maybe seven to 10 days. Our company will start in early May," says Jon McClarty of HMC Farms.
That said with less than two months to go before harvest, all eyes are on the weather which could have a significant impact on the timing of the crop depending on what happens. "I think California is at the very bottom end of adequate chill hours," McClarty says. "It's been a decent off-season for the trees but not spectacular."
Looking ahead at the crop
The volume of the crop though is still to be determined. At this point in the season, two weather systems could impact California's stone fruit season: frost and hail. "We're getting toward the end of the time where we're worried about frost and we're just getting into watching for hail," McClarty says, adding that so far, it looks like an average-looking crop that's possibly better on the front end compared to last year which was affected slightly at the start of the season by frost damage.
As for demand, McClarty expects it to be good. "Stone fruit is one of the last seasonal items so that builds excitement for our products," he says.
For more information:
Jon McClarty
HMC Farms
Tel: +1 (559) 897-1025
[email protected]
www.hmcfarms.com