Central Valley Agricultural Intelligence
May 2026 Field Report
Published May 1, 2026 • For May planning & operations
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♦ ALMOND HULL SPLIT WINDOW NEARS ♦ PISTACHIO POST-BLOOM NUT FILL ♦ CORN PLANTING ACTIVE ♦ COTTON PLANTING ACTIVE ♦ SPOTLIGHT: JABB SBb 2.5™ & NITRYX™ BIOLOGICALS ♦ HONORING V-E DAY — MAY 8, 1945
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🌿
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Section 1
Crop Status & Growing Season
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May puts the Central Valley into full gear — daytime highs climbing into the 80s and 90s, fruit and nut crops driving heavy biomass, and irrigation demand surging. Corn and cotton planting are active, wheat is heading into grain fill, and tree crops are pivoting from set into sizing. Pest pressure rises sharply this month — biological control programs deployed now pay off through July and August.
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Hull and shell hardening underway. Kernel fill is the priority — deliver consistent water and K. Navel orangeworm 2nd flight monitoring critical as we head toward hull split. Mite pressure climbing fast in warm weather — scout twice weekly. Begin hull split planning now; first crackouts expected in July.
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| 🌿 Pistachios |
Post-Bloom / Nut Fill |
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Bloom complete; nuts setting and shell expansion active. Resume aggressive irrigation and fertigation. 2026 on-year crop showing strong promise. Botryosphaeria, Alternaria late blight, and Gill’s mealybug all become threats this month. Begin scouting now — biological controls work best before populations explode.
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| 🪓 Walnuts |
Pollination / Nut Set |
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Full leaf-out; pollination wrapping up; nutlets sizing. Codling moth 1A flight peaking — treatment timing critical based on degree-day model. Walnut blight risk persists if any late spring moisture. Watch for walnut husk fly degree days starting to accumulate. Aphids climbing — biologicals can knock back populations before bloom of secondaries.
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| 🍇 Wine & Table Grapes |
Bloom / Cap Fall |
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Bloom and fruit set window — the make-or-break period for the season. Frost risk has passed. Maintain mildew program aggressively — bloom is highest powdery mildew vulnerability. Watch for thrips on flower clusters — biological options now well-supported by research. Coachella table grape harvest active; SJV in early shoot growth to bloom.
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Bloom is imminent — mid-to-late May for most varieties. Pollinator hives should already be in place or arriving this week. Final cane training and tying must be wrapped up. Botrytis pressure peaks during bloom with cool foggy nights. Watch for Bt moth and leafroller activity — biologicals fit cleanly into kiwi IPM.
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| 🍊 Citrus |
Fruit Set / Sizing |
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Petal fall complete; June drop window approaching. Resume normal irrigation. Citrus thrips peak in May — thrips scarring window is now. Asian Citrus Psyllid (HLB vector) monitoring is a top priority — report suspicious symptoms to CDFA immediately. Watch for citrus leafminer and red scale.
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| 🌿 Cotton |
Planting / Emergence |
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Planting active; early-planted fields emerging. Soil temps now reliably above 65°F. Push to complete planting by mid-May for full season potential. Thrips are the #1 stand-killer on emerging cotton — biological options shine here. Watch for early aphid colonization on cotyledons. Pre-emerge herbicide carryover should now be cleared.
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| 🌽 Corn (Silage & Grain) |
Planting / V2–V6 |
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Main planting window in full swing through mid-May. Earliest-planted silage corn already at V4–V6. First side-dress N at V6–V8 — the largest yield-determining nutrient call of the season. Watch for cutworm and corn leafminer. Spider mites can emerge fast in hot, dry conditions. Biological N-fixers shine on early-planted fields.
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| 🌾 Wheat (Winter) |
Heading / Grain Fill |
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Heads emerging to early grain fill. Last fertility window has effectively closed. Aphid populations spike in May warmth — check for honeydew and BYDV symptoms. Stripe rust still a threat through milky stage. Begin hardening off — reduce final irrigation to allow for proper grain dry-down ahead of June/early July harvest.
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Section 2
May Fertilizer Requirements
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May is when nutrient demand truly accelerates. Tree crops are sizing fruit and nuts; wheat is finishing; cotton needs precision-timed starter and side-dress N. Fertigation is the dominant delivery method now — matching uptake curves with split applications is critical. Pair fertility programs with biological inputs for compounding returns.
| Crop |
Primary Nutrients |
Micros / Notes |
Timing & Method |
| Almonds |
N: 30–50 lbs/ac via fertigation; peak K demand for hull/kernel sizing. Continue split applications. |
Foliar Zn & B if May tissue test indicates. HIGH Biological N fixers help reduce synthetic N load. |
Fertigation every 7–10 days through hull split. Tissue test mid-May to fine-tune. |
| Pistachios |
Resume aggressive program post-bloom. N: 40–60 lbs/ac in May. K demand high for nut fill. |
Zn corrective foliar if needed. HIGH B for shell integrity. |
Fertigation 2× per week ideal. Begin Ca delivery for shell. |
| Walnuts |
N: deliver 30% of season total in May. K critical for nut fill. Continue split fertigation. |
Zn foliar if needed. HIGH Mn corrections via foliar. |
Fertigation via micro-sprinklers. Tissue sample late May for July adjustments. |
| Grapes |
Hold heavy N during bloom. K demand peaking; deliver via fertigation through fruit set. |
B at pre-bloom essential. HIGH Mg foliar if mid-leaf yellowing. |
Fertigation. No foliar during open bloom — before or after only. |
| Kiwis |
Continue 40 lbs/ac N May into June. Hold heavy N during bloom. K via fertigation. |
B & Ca foliar pre-bloom. HIGH Mg if pale leaves. |
Fertigation every 10–14 days. Foliars before bloom only. |
| Citrus |
Resume normal N: 25–30 lbs/ac in May. K critical for fruit sizing through June drop. |
Zn & Mn foliar. MED Iron chelate if young leaves chlorotic. |
Fertigation every 7–14 days. Pair with biological inoculants. |
| Cotton |
Starter N at emergence: 15–20 lbs/ac. First side-dress at 4–6 leaf stage: 30–40 lbs N/ac. |
Zn pre-plant or in-furrow. MED Biological N fixers boost early-season vigor. |
In-furrow starter; first side-dress before squaring; consider biological inoculation. |
| Corn |
Starter N at planting: 20–30 lbs/ac. First side-dress at V6–V8: 80–120 lbs N/ac — biggest yield call of the season. P & K based on soil test. |
Zn in-furrow on alkaline soils. HIGH S: 15–25 lbs/ac on sandy or low-OM soils. Biological N-fixers stretch synthetic N. |
In-furrow starter at planting. Side-dress UAN/urea V6–V8. Fertigation through tassel. |
| Wheat |
No additional N or P this month — window has closed. Focus on grain fill management via irrigation. |
No foliar micros at heading. LOW Stick with prior plan. |
Begin reducing irrigation to harden grain. Last irrigation typically late May. |
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Advisor Note: May tissue tests should drive June rate decisions. Heat stress during fertigation events reduces uptake efficiency by 30–50%. Run fertigations early morning or late evening when possible. Couple fertility programs with biological inoculants — healthy soil biology amplifies fertilizer efficiency and reduces synthetic input requirements.
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Section 3
May Market Brief
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Commodity prices as of week of May 1, 2026. Trade policy and tariff uncertainty continues to drive volatility — consult your broker before making major marketing decisions.
| Almonds |
| $1.30–$1.55 |
| per lb · handler |
| ↑ Firming. Set looking strong but smaller than ‘25. Shipments solid. Watch China tariff exposure ahead of new crop. |
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| Pistachios |
| $2.00–$2.40 |
| per lb · in-shell |
| → Steady. ‘26 on-year nut set strong. Domestic and Middle East demand keeping prices firm. |
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| Walnuts |
| $0.55–$0.75 |
| per lb · grower |
| → Challenging. Carry stocks remain heavy. China trade headwinds persist. Watch June handler reports. |
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| Grapes |
| $250–$450 |
| per ton · varietal |
| ↓ Soft on wine. Wine grape contracts under pressure. Coachella table grape harvest active — early variety premium holding. |
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| Kiwis |
| $42–$46 |
| per 9kg container |
| → Steady. LA terminal Hayward at $42–$46. Gold kiwi premium remains. Quality & timing drive access. |
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| Citrus |
| $8–$14 |
| per 40-lb carton |
| ↑ Improving. Late-season Valencias commanding premiums. Florida HLB losses keeping CA supply tight. Organic premium 25–35%. |
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| Cotton |
| $0.68–$0.73 |
| per lb · NY futures |
| → Range-bound. Trade policy noise persists. Lock in input costs and confirm crop insurance on planted acres. |
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| Wheat |
| $5.55–$5.85 |
| per bushel · July |
| ↑ Firming. Drought concerns in HRW belt. Strong export pace. Pre-harvest premium supportive of CA growers. |
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Corn
$4.55–$4.80
per bushel · July CBOT
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↑ Firming. Tight U.S. carryout combined with strong ethanol & feed demand keeps July futures supported. Central Valley silage corn pricing local at $50–$70/ton standing — dairy demand remains the floor. Plant moisture conditions favorable for early-planted fields.
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Tariff Watch: Trade policy continues to affect all export-dependent commodities. Almonds, pistachios, and walnuts have significant China exposure. Monitor USDA trade updates weekly. Consult your commodity broker — this newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
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Section 4
Product Spotlight
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May brings rising pest pressure across nearly every crop and the heavy nitrogen demand that comes with rapid biomass accumulation. This month we’re spotlighting two biological solutions: JABB SBb 2.5™ for biological insect pest control and Nitryx™ for biological nitrogen fixation. Together, they form the foundation of a sustainable, IPM-friendly program that fits organic and conventional operations alike.
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JABB of the Carolinas · Biological Insecticide
JABB SBb 2.5™
Beauveria bassiana Inoculant
Endophytic Strain SBb 2.5 — OMRI Listed for Organic Production
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Active Ingredient
Beauveria bassiana
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Application Rate
1 oz / acre
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Pre-Harvest Interval
Zero (0) days
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Application
Foliar / Soil
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JABB SBb 2.5™ is a unique endophytic strain of Beauveria bassiana isolated from healthy plants — not from dead insects. It lives both on plant surfaces and inside plant tissues, providing continuous protection against insect pests through direct infection, surface barrier, and systemic activity. Used on more than 1 million acres nationally.
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| ✓ 70–90% control of thrips, whiteflies, aphids, leafhoppers, beetles |
| ✓ Zero pre-harvest interval — spray right up to harvest |
| ✓ Safe for bees, ladybugs, predatory mites — fits clean IPM |
| ✓ No resistance development — biological mode of action |
| ✓ OMRI Listed — tank-mix compatible with most fertilizers & biologicals |
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ALMONDS
PISTACHIOS
WALNUTS
GRAPES
KIWIS
CITRUS
COTTON
CORN
WHEAT
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Biological Nitrogen Fixer
Nitryx™ SP
Atmospheric N Fixation
Paenibacillus polymyxa P2b-2R — Soluble Powder
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★ Featured
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Active Bacteria
2 × 10⁹ cfu/g
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Field Rate
2–12 oz / acre
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Mode of Action
Atmospheric N₂ Fixation
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Application
Soil / Foliar / In-Furrow
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Nitryx™ is a high-concentration biological nitrogen fixer powered by Paenibacillus polymyxa P2b-2R — a unique bacterium that pulls atmospheric nitrogen and converts it into plant-available form directly in the root zone. Reduces synthetic N requirements while improving soil biology and plant vigor. Tank-mix compatible with chemicals, fertilizers, and other biologicals.
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| ✓ Fixes atmospheric N — reduces synthetic N input requirements |
| ✓ Works on non-legumes too — tree nuts, citrus, grapes, cotton, wheat |
| ✓ Multiple application methods: soil drench, fertigation, in-furrow, foliar |
| ✓ Tank-mix compatible with chemicals, fertilizers, and biologicals |
| ✓ Reapplication intervals 1–8 weeks for sustained N delivery |
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ALMONDS
PISTACHIOS
WALNUTS
GRAPES
CITRUS
COTTON
CORN
WHEAT
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| Function / Benefit |
JABB SBb 2.5™ |
Nitryx™ |
| Primary purpose |
Insect pest control |
Nitrogen fixation / plant nutrition |
| Active organism |
Beauveria bassiana (fungus) |
Paenibacillus polymyxa (bacteria) |
| Field application rate |
1 oz / acre |
2–12 oz / acre |
| OMRI Listed |
✓ Yes |
Check current listing |
| Tank-mix compatible |
✓ Most fertilizers & biologicals |
✓ Chemicals, fertilizers, biologicals |
| Reapplication interval |
As needed (typically 1× / season) |
Every 1–8 weeks |
| Best application timing |
Early morning / evening, 60–85°F |
Soil drench, transplant, irrigation |
| Best fit in May program |
Thrips, aphids, mites at first sign of pressure |
Paired with fertigation to lift N efficiency |
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May Application Timing: JABB SBb 2.5™ performs best in early-morning or evening applications between 60–85°F — avoid mid-day UV. Use clean equipment with 50–200 mesh screens and apply immediately after mixing. Nitryx™ can be applied via fertigation, in-furrow at planting, or as a soil drench at transplant; reapply every 1–8 weeks. Ask us about pairing biological inputs with your existing fertility program — the right combination can cut synthetic input costs while improving plant performance.
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Let’s Build Your Program
Not sure which product fits your ground? Start with the data. We offer soil sampling, lab analysis, amendment quotes, and custom blend programs tailored to your crop, your soil, and your budget.
Soil Sampling
Lab Analysis
Amendment Quotes
Custom Blends
Fertigation Planning
Solution Grade Products
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This Month in American History
May 8, 1945 — V-E Day: Victory in Europe
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On May 8, 1945, the guns finally fell silent across Europe. After nearly six years of war, Nazi Germany formally surrendered to the Allied forces, ending the deadliest conflict the European continent had ever seen. President Harry S. Truman declared the day Victory in Europe Day — V-E Day — and dedicated the victory to the memory of his predecessor, Franklin D. Roosevelt, who had died just weeks earlier without seeing the triumph he helped lead.
From Times Square to small farming towns across the Central Valley, Americans poured into the streets to celebrate. Church bells rang. Families wept for sons, brothers, and fathers who would never come home. More than 400,000 Americans had given their lives in the war — on the beaches of Normandy, in the forests of the Ardennes, in the skies over Germany, and across the Pacific. The harvest of 1945 would be brought in by men and women who had stood in freedom’s defense.
V-E Day stands as a permanent reminder of what a free people can accomplish when they stand together. American farmers fed the war effort. American factories built the arsenal of democracy. And American servicemen and women carried the cost across two oceans to liberate a continent. Eighty-one years later, the freedom they secured is the same freedom under which we plant, grow, and harvest today.
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“
The mission of this Allied Force was fulfilled at 0241, local time, May 7, 1945.
— General Dwight D. Eisenhower
Cable to the Combined Chiefs of Staff, May 7, 1945
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⚒
Army
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✈
Air Force & Space
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⚓
Navy & Marines
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🚢
Fire & Rescue
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🚒
Law Enforcement
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🚑
EMS & Medical
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To the Men & Women of Our Armed Forces and First Responders
From the fields of the Central Valley to the far corners of the world, your sacrifice, courage, and daily commitment make it possible for all of us to plant, grow, and build. We farm in freedom because you stand in its defense. From the generation that won V-E Day to the men and women in uniform today, we remember those who gave everything — and we thank those who still serve.
You are the reason we are Safe and Free.
B Mello Ag Services — Proudly American — Central Valley, California
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B Mello Ag Services · Central Valley, CA
May 2026 Edition · Published May 1, 2026
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(559) 816-3889
bryan@bmelloag.com
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This newsletter is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Crop conditions, market prices, and fertilizer recommendations vary by location, variety, soil, and season. Always consult with a licensed PCA/CCA and your commodity broker before making agronomic or marketing decisions. B Mello Ag Services assumes no liability for decisions made based on this publication.
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