California's Navel Oranges on Time and USDA's Section 32 Purchases
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.
**California’s iconic navel orange arrived in produce aisles right on time this year.
Picking started Oct. 9 in Kern County.
Bee Sweet Citrus’ Matt Watkins says absence of a late summer heat wave and cooler October weather helped the crop reach maturity right on time.
Navel oranges are harvested fall through spring and often into summer.
Early and late varieties spread out the harvest, allowing growers to hit markets when prices are good.
**Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says USDA will purchase up to $30 million in fresh fruit from American farmers to distribute to food banks and nutrition assistance programs across the country.
This is made through Section 32 of the Agriculture Act and will assist producers and communities in need.
Rollins says certain commodities are experiencing a surplus, and USDA is ensuring these crops don’t go to waste but help Americans in need.
**With the holidays upon us, bird flu is once again infecting commercial and backyard poultry flocks.
Civil Eats reports the flu has killed more than 8.9 million turkeys, chickens, and ducks in the U.S. since September.
But consumers are unlikely to feel a price squeeze.
An American Farm Bureau survey found retail prices for frozen turkeys were down by 16% compared to last year, even though wholesale prices are up 40%.
