Valley growers say they were able to get everything harvested despite early rains. Ag expert say the demand was good and the pricing was stronger than last year by 20-percent. Growers saw increased prices for all wine grape varieties here in the San Joaquin Valley.
The final totals for the state's wine grape crop will be announced next spring.
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Rising peanut prices are leading some farmers to consider planting the crop outside growing areas.
Drought in parts of the south reduced this year's peanut crop by 15-percent from 2010. Prices climbed from $400 a ton to $1,000 this year. That has led more farmers in states with enough water, like Arkansas and Mississippi, to plant peanuts.
Farmers say it's more cost effective to grow peanuts instead of rice on their land. Peanuts don't require as many costly treatments for weeds and pests as other crops.
