Natalie Willis, Reporter, Valley Ag Voice
Cold, wet weather leading into April created an unsuitable environment for Pima cotton farmers in the Central Valley this year, resulting in a short planting window and decreased yields.
All cotton production in the U.S. is down 3% from 2022, and California’s cotton acreage is likely to drop to fewer than 100,000 acres as a result of flooding in Tulare Lake. The state’s cotton operations account for 90% of the nation’s Pima cotton crop, with the Central Valley planting roughly 70,000 acres, according to a USDA estimate.
There are 11 active cotton gins in the San Joaquin Valley, largely responsible for the production of Pima cotton within the nation. California’s cotton production is forecasted at 70.0 million 480-pound bales, down from 115.0 million in 2022. Total Pima cotton production is down 42% from 2022.
Despite the decrease in planted and harvested cotton acres, national grape production for 2023 is forecasted up 6% from last year, and California’s wine grape production is up 12% from last season—representing a 64% increase in the state’s total grape crop.
In a press release, Jim Beagle, president of Grapery, explained that grapes are in peak season, and grower-shipper supplies have increased.
“Retailers have been planning aggressive and large grape promotions because this is the time of year where California grapes really shine and are center stage in the produce department,” Beagle said.
A cooler, wet spring slightly hindered grape crops in the state, and raisin production is down 4% from last year. According to a press release from Grapery, the effect of Tropical Storm Hilary is yet to be assessed, but all growing regions received significant rainfall.
“We had significant rain over virtually all the growing regions which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s not something we want to see,” Beagle said. “However, it’s too early to tell the impact that it will have on the quality and size on this year’s crop. It’s likely to have some impact, and it’s going to be a matter of days or a week until we can fully assess.”