The following is the latest California Crop Weather report form the National Agricultural Statistics Service’s Sacramento, Calif., Field Office:

Weather

High pressure built over the West Coast at the start of the week resulting in dry and mild weather in California. Temperatures were above normal across the north and very warm in the south. Daytime highs in the 80s were reported.

By Wednesday the high pressure was strongest, and temperatures across California reached the warmest levels. On Thursday the high pressure began to weaken as a cold front approached the northern coast.

On Friday, the storm system moved across the northern portion of California spreading rain showers across the valley and snow in the northern mountains. The showers were spotty. Some areas received moderate amounts of rain while adjacent areas received practically none.

The low pressure associated with the storm moved into southern California Saturday and brought scattered precipitation. In the North, strong northerly winds blew in the wake of the storm system. By Sunday the low pressure system had just about departed the state and dry and mild conditions returned.

Field crops

Ground preparation, weed treatments, and fertilization continued for next year’s crop. Winter forage crops including barley, wheat, and oats continued to be planted.

Cotton harvest continued with some fields picked twice in Tulare County while other fields were shredded when harvesters left. Corn silage and sorghum harvest continued.

Many alfalfa fields have been cut and baled for the last time this season. Some producers attempted to get one more cutting when the weather cooperated. Dry bean harvest is complete in most areas.

Fruit crops

Pomegranates, Satsuma and Clementine mandarins, grapefruit, and some table grapes were picked in the San Joaquin Valley. The Navel orange harvest continued in the Central Valley with the fruit showing good maturity.

The lemon harvest continued normally in the desert region. Normal maintenance continued which included tree pruning in orchards and preparation for strawberry plantings.

The almond, walnut, pecan, and pistachio harvests were completed while almond hulling and stockpiling continued. Post-harvest pruning and maintenance activities continued including orchard fumigation.

Vegetable crops

In Tulare County, the harvest of fall vegetables including broccoli, cabbage, and Romaine lettuce gained momentum. Spinach was progressing normally and was harvested throughout the county. Farmers were mowing asparagus fields in San Joaquin County.

Fresno County processing tomato beds were prepared for next year. Carrots were irrigated and were about a week from harvest. Winter vegetables were growing in Kern County but many fields were stale bedded for the spring planting of vegetables and lettuce.

Merced County’s radicchio harvest continued while the harvest of chile peppers for processing slowed down. Ground preparation continued in Sutter County.