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A shift to fall means produce season is coming to Yuma, Ariz.

Todd Fitchette, Associate Editor

September 17, 2020

13 Slides

Arizona growers are transitioning to produce season in the Yuma area as crops elsewhere in the state are being harvested.

Because of the climate, cotton is planted sooner in the year in Yuma County than other regions of the state. This leads to an earlier harvest and the ability to rework the ground for winter vegetables. The fiber crop is basically a "place holder" for lettuce and other vegetables as growers defoliate and harvest their short-staple varieties in September.

Fall melon plantings began in late August. Beehives to pollinate those melons are now in place. Lettuce planting followed shortly thereafter.

In other areas, fields are being flood irrigated as ground prep continues.

Arizona's wine grapes are being harvested. For some growers, the season was reportedly hampered by a lengthy heat spell.

About the Author(s)

Todd Fitchette

Associate Editor, Western Farm Press

Todd Fitchette, associate editor with Western Farm Press, spent much of his journalism career covering agriculture in California and the western United States. Aside from reporting about issues related to farm production, environmental regulations and legislative matters, he has extensive experience covering the dairy industry, western water issues and politics. His journalistic experience includes local daily and weekly newspapers, where he was recognized early in his career as an award-winning news photographer.

Fitchette is US Army veteran and a graduate of California State University, Chico. 

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