Almonds, Apricots and Oats. What's next? Kataru brand of breakfast cereal? :)

The oats look good, the seed heads are forming deep down in the stems and should begin to emerge in a week or two. The cots are still blooming, it is as thought there are two separate flushes of bloom. We are not expecting a commercial harvest, but should be enough for family and friends.

City of Modesto responds to Weed problem..

The city is so responsive. Here's what they got back to us:

"The field to the west of your property is not part of the permitted Bonzi lanfill that my agency has authority over. The property you are referring to is owned by the Bonzi family and trust and they have been contacted by the Stanislaus County Ag Commissioners Office regarding the squirrel complaint. If you are having any problems with weeds or squirrels from the permitted landfill to the north of your property I can look into the issue and work on resolving it. Currently the Bonzi landfill is being maintained on a regular basis which includes the disking of weeds throughout the property. If you have any more questions or concerns regarding the Bonzi landfill feel free to contact me.

Troy

DEPARTMENT OF RESOURCES RECYCLING & RECOVERY

"

Thank you, Troy! We appreciate your response.

Weed problems at Carpenter. Very annoying..

The abandoned open ground to the west of Carpenter ranch is fallow and a source of tumbleweeds (russian thistle) and vertebrate pests. In the spring, the tumbleweeds which grew the previous year blow into our orchard and create a management problem.

Some pictures to show the extent of the problem. 

With a great deal of effort, time and expense we were able to clean up what you see in pictures. Cleanup cost was about $2,000. Not happy about that.

On top of this, the next time we have a strong North wind the whole situation will repeat itself. Additionally the abandoned property is a refuge for rabbits, coyotes and squirrels, all of which damage our irrigation system. Furthermore the squirrels hoard almonds and impact our yield.

The solution is pretty simple for them. If the field is disked at the proper time in the spring it will clean up most of the weed situation and at minimal cost. Depending on rainfall, one, two or three diskings may be required. Time to talk to the city (attempts to contact the owner were in vain).

Still some late blooms out there at Carpenter orchard

But pollination will end in a few days..

Rain is good (in moderation), free water and no frost..

Applying 2nd fungicide ahead of rain predicted for next week. 

If you can hear sounds from this picture, you will hear..

..that Bees are buzzing! Carpenter bloom starting to wind down - early petal fall.  Weather this weekend is spectacular. 

Whitmore orchard growing up and getting prettier.. Blooms today

Carpenter bloom pictures

A sunny mild day with good bloom and lots of bee activity. We were applying fungicide to protect the blossoms from the rain.

Feeling adventurous! Apricots and Oats.. Apricots are hogging so much time hope they are worth the effort..

Oats will be the last crop on this part of this ranch before we plant almonds later this year.

lush green oats (what this picture doesn't capture is the pleasant ruffling sounds that oats grass makes as a gentle breeze passes by).

candycot pink bud: