Crop Progress and Condition for the Week Ending March 9, 2014.
Field Crops
Arizona’s alfalfa condition was rated in poor to excellent condition, depending on location. Harvesting occurred on over three-quarters of the alfalfa acreage across the State. Sheep continue to graze on various alfalfa fields in many areas. Barley conditions are mostly fair to excellent. Winter wheat conditions are very poor to excellent, depending on location and 57 percent of the crop is planted, 27 percentage points behind last year and 21 percentage points behind the 5- year average. This week there were 7 days suitable for field work.
Arizona Vegetables, Fruit & Specialty Crops
Central Arizona growers shipped Bok Choy, broccoli, cilantro, green and red cabbage, Chinese cabbage, kale, lemons, and parsley last week.
Western Arizona growers shipped anise, arugula, broccoli, Bok Choy, green and red cabbage, cauliflower, celery, Chinese cabbage, cilantro, endive, escarole, frisee, kale, parsley, radicchio, spinach and various lettuce including Boston, iceberg, romaine, green and red leaf lettuce last week.
Range and Pasture
Recent rains brought in some needed moisture throughout the State, but not enough to diminish drought conditions. Range and Pastures were rated in very poor to good condition, depending on location.
