Rain Damages Crops: The state-federal Agricultural Statistics...

Rain Damages Crops: The state-federal Agricultural Statistics Service reported that the heavy September rains delayed the harvest of many California crops and reduced the quality of some. The report said wine grapes were developing mold or rot, with some fields being selectively harvested for wine and the remaining to be used for distilling. The wine grape forecast was for 2.05 million tons, down 6% from last season. The table grape forecast was for 700,000 tons, down 7% from last year. The raisin grape forecast was for 2.6 million tons, up 2% from a year ago. The forecast for apples was 325,000 tons, up 3% from 1988.