As farmers harvest the 2019 almond crop marketers say they expect to find plenty of demand for the nuts despite the ongoing United States/China trade dispute. According to experts stormy weather during pollination reduced the size of the almond crop and farmers say the harvest has been running behind a typical schedule. China included almonds on its list of retaliatory tariffs but marketers report strong demand for the crop elsewhere.

In other ag news, springtime hail appears to have reduced the processing tomato crop. California dominates the production of the tomatoes used in sauces, ketchup, and other products. The California Tomato Growers Association says Central Valley hailstorms in may could reduce the crop by as much as 5 percent. Farmers say they hope to be able to finish the tomato harvest before autumn rains could cause additional problems.

And the red delicious apple has finally tumbled from the top spot of U.S. apple varieties. According to The Packer at the 2019 U.S. Apple Association's marketing and outlook conference this month gala apple production was pegged at 50 million cartons. Red delicious was only at 45 million cartons. Last year red delicious was at 50 million.