The latest California Crop Weather report from the National Agricultural Statistics Service Field Office in Sacramento, Calif., released June 27.

Weather

A ridge of high pressure developed over the West Coast at the start of the week bringing warm and dry weather to California.

Temperatures across the Central Valley were quite warm with the hottest temperatures recorded Tuesday and Wednesday. Temperatures in the southern California valleys were also warm, though not quite as hot as the Central Valley.

By Thursday, the high pressure ridge shifted eastward and a broad low pressure trough took its place across the western U.S. This resulted in a moderately strong onshore flow which brought cooler temperatures to most of the state.

 The mild temperatures continued into the weekend when a slight warming trend began as high pressure began to rebuild over the state. The low pressure system which brought the cooler temperatures to the state was relatively dry. There was no significant precipitation recorded in California.

Field crops

Cotton made good developmental progress as most fields made up for lost time in terms of growth. Lygus levels were monitored in cotton fields and producers sprayed fields as needed.

Crop conditions for cotton improved compared with the previous week. Cotton was rated mostly fair to good.

Nearly half the wheat for grain crop was harvested. Other small grain crops were harvested as the crops completed the dry down process. Small grains for forage were harvested.

Rice planting was complete; fields have emerged with good stands. Rice and wheat fields were rated mostly good to excellent.

Double-cropped corn fields and dry edible bean planting continued. Early planted corn fields started to tassel. Garbanzo beans were mostly developed with some fields harvested.

Alfalfa growers were in the summer cycle of cutting, windrowing, raking, and baling.

Sunflower seed planting continued. Safflower fields developed as plants headed. Mustard seed fields were harvested in Fresno County.

Fruit crops

The Valencia orange and grapefruit harvests continued. The blueberry and strawberry harvests were ongoing.

There was good development in grape vineyards across California as sulfur applications treated powdery mildew.

The stone fruit harvest, including peaches, nectarines, plums, and apricots, was ongoing. Apples and pomegranates grew well. The cherry harvest was completed.

Nut crops

Almonds developed with warmer temperatures as irrigation was ongoing. Hull split was expected one to two weeks later than usual.

There was good development in pistachio orchards though nut fill had not begun. Overall pest activity was limited in almond and pistachio orchards. Codling moth, weed control, and fungus treatments were ongoing in walnut orchards.

Vegetable crops

Kern County reported carrot, onion, and garlic harvests. Processing tomatoes were behind due to the long cool spring. Tulare County reported commercial tomato and pepper plants growing well with the hot temperatures.

Fresno County reported spring crops of onions and garlic treated with herbicides and continued to grow well. Onion harvest began. Transplanting of processing and fresh tomatoes continued. Carrot fields emerged and plants were taking hold.

Bell peppers grew well. Harvests of cucumbers, green beans, beets, the choys, chards and kales, daikon, herbs, green and red onions, spinach, peas, squash, mustards and turnips continued. Overall vegetable conditions looked good.

San Joaquin County reported onions were harvested and shipped. Tomatoes were weeded.

Sutter County reported good growth of tomatoes in response to warm temperatures and increased irrigation. Weed treatments continued.