The state’s farmers have apparently recovered from the drought planting significantly more land to field crops this year.
California farmers are planting more field crops this year than last in almost all categories.USDA’s Mid-year report say barley plantings are up 20%, the corn harvest is expected to be up 25%, cotton acreage is higher led by Pima -up 32% and Upland up 17%. Alfalfa hay acreage is up 10%,rice acres are up 33%, safflower acres are down 5%,while sugar beets are up 1%. Sunflower acres are up 32% while sweet potato plantings increased by 5%. Duram wheat acres continue a down trend at 25% while other wheat varieties are up 5%. Oats are down 8%.