Picking has started on California’s navel crop of oranges. “In the early season, the size definitely looks a lot more promising than in the past,” says Derek Vaughn of Johnston Farms, noting that sizing may start out on an 88/113/72 peak rather than a 138/113 peak. “That’s better sizing and a little bit less volume and that’s typically a preview for a good year.”

The start of the season follows growing conditions this summer and fall that are described as ideal. “We had a pretty mild summer compared to last summer. Now it’s also into cool, overcast mornings,” says Vaughn, noting that it will be picking oranges until April in 2026. As for the starting of picking, that is similar to historical timing for the company. “Some growers have started already but we like to wait one or two weeks just so the sugar has a chance to come up more and then we’re ready right out of the gate.”

© Johnston Farms

Demand starts strong
As for demand, it’s early to tell what it will shape up to be like this season. “There has been a lot of excitement and there are a few orders already,” he says, adding that the Valencia crop of oranges ended early this season leaving no small fruit left. “So I expect demand to be pretty good.”

That’s on the domestic side. However, with tariff news developing regularly, the export market could be a challenge until that settles.

As for pricing, it’s early though Vaughn notes he’s heard pricing anywhere from $26-$34. That’s expected to come down once more growers come online.

Looking ahead on other citrus items from California, the mandarin crop is expected to be light this year following last year’s heavier crop. That will begin mid-November and then more red grapefruit from the state is expected to come into production this season. That will begin December 1.

For more information:
Derek Vaughn
Johnston Farms
Tel: +1 (661) 366-3201
[email protected]
www.johnstonfarms.com






Publication date:

Wed 29 Oct 2025





©




/