Shipments of processing tomatoes from California through mid-August ran about 15 percent behind those of 2015, according to a recent U.S. Department of Agriculture report.

Production of canning tomatoes is forecast to be 11 percent behind last year’s crop. Contracted production for processing tomatoes is forecast at 12.8 million tons.

Drought conditions and hot weather lead to an early harvest start this year. Harvest could last through mid-October.

Higher pest and disease pressures were reported this year.

Contracted acreage totaled 261,000 acres and harvested acres on those contracts are projected to be 258,000. Yields look to average 49.6 tons per acre.