California Crop Weather Report (WEEK ENDING: May 26, 2019)

WEATHER

 

Temperature highs ranged from the low 40s to low 70s in the mountains, mid 50s to low 80s along the coast, high 50s to mid 80s in the valley, and mid 50s to low 90s in the desert.  Temperature lows ranged from the low 30s to high 40s in the mountains, mid 30s to high 60s in the desert, low 40s to low 60s along the coast, and low 40s to low 60s in the valley.

 

FIELD CROPS

 

In the Sacramento Valley, winter wheat progressed well. Corn and safflower continued to be progressing well in Kings County. Alfalfa harvest continued. In Tulare County, corn and cotton continued to be planted. Wheat, alfalfa, and oats continued to be harvested. Silage crops were being cut. 

 

FRUIT CROPS

 

Stone fruit thinning was on going as late season immature fruit developed. Early varieties of apricot, peach, and nectarine were harvested. Though intermittent rain hampered harvest, cherry harvest continued at an accelerated rate with the forecast of more rain. Nutrient sprays and pesticides, herbicides and fungicides were applied to orchards and vineyards. Mechanical vineyard maintenance continued. Shoot thinning and positioning were also underway in grape vineyards. Late Navel orange quality declined and harvest was wrapping up for the season. Star Ruby grapefruit were harvested. Seedless tangerines remained netted for the bloom. Valencia orange and lemon harvesting continued. Citrus groves were thinned, topped and skirted. Olive bloom was progressing well. Some olive trees were pruned.

 

NUT CROPS

 

Almonds were sizing well. Walnut and pistachio bloom continued. Young nut orchard floors were mowed and irrigations systems repaired.

 

VEGETABLE CROPS

 

In the Sacramento Valley, tomatoes for processing continued to be planted. Blackeye peas were planted in Kings County. In Tulare County, zucchini continued to be harvested. Broccoli, asparagus, and carrot harvest concluded in Fresno County. In San Mateo County, artichokes and peas were harvested.

 

LIVESTOCK

 

Foothill rangeland and non-irrigated pasture were in good to fair condition. Late season precipitation benefitted grass and forb growth. Sheep grazed in fallow fields.  Some bees were moved out of state, while others were moved to kiwi vineyards and melon fields for pollination.