Lemon Producers Struggle and Combine & Tractor Sales Drop
From the Ag Information Network, this is your Agribusiness Update.
**With peak lemon season winding down in Ventura County, the state’s top lemon producer, growers say ongoing challenges with low prices make it hard to earn a profit.
While Central Valley growers have been able to produce quality lemons, coastal area growers struggle with unfavorable weather.
Ventura County grower, Craig Colton says because of our older trees, wind damage and size issues, we can’t get the fruit quality the packinghouses want.
**According to recent data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, U.S. sales of combines and tractors dropped in all categories in May.
Total agricultural tractor sales were down 12% and combine sales were 21% lower.
AEM Senior VP, Curt Blades says this continued slump of U.S. tractor and combine sales reflects broader challenges in the ag economy, like high interest rates, global trade uncertainty, and higher input costs.
**The USDA lead a trade mission to Peru last week aimed at expanding market access and boosting U.S. agricultural exports to help address a $3.66 billion trade deficit with Peru.
The delegation of agribusinesses, trade organizations, and representatives from five state departments of agriculture was working to strengthen economic ties.
Peru is the fourth-largest market for American ag exports in South America, and the U.S. is Peru’s second-largest agricultural supplier.
