California Crop Weather (WEEK ENDING: March 31, 2019)

A low pressure moved across the northern part of the state bringing rain as well as some

light snow at the higher elevations of the Sierras.

Temperature lows ranged from the 20s to upper 40s in the Sierras and the desert, low 30s

to low 60s along the coast, and upper 30s to mid 50s in the Central Valley. Temperature

highs ranged from upper 30s to high 60s in the Sierras, low 50s to low 80s in the valley, low

50s to the 80s along the coast, and low 60s to high 80s in the desert.

In Tulare County, wheat and alfalfa continued to mature. Silage crops were being cut.

Spring silage began planting in fields.

Stone fruit orchards were in bloom. Pomegranates were starting to leaf-out. Citrus packing

houses were putting in long days to make up for the backlog. Navel oranges had some

quality issues due to the rains. Some citrus groves were being topped and skirted. Valencia

oranges harvest was underway. Lemons, tangelos and grapefruit were harvested.

Seedless tangerines were being tented to prevent cross pollination.

Almond bloom was winding up with petal drop. Some orchard clean up from winter storms

occurred where orchard floors were accessible.

Winter vegetables continue to be grown and harvested in Tulare County. In the Sacramento

Valley, asparagus harvest was halted due to rain. Processing tomato planting began.

The winter’s abundance of rain and recent warming temperatures have promoted range

development. Rangeland and non-irrigated pasture were in good condition. Bees were

active when weather conditions permitted. Some hives were moved from almond to stone

fruit orchards.