The California Crop Weather report from the Sacramento, Calif., Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service released Nov. 21, 2011.

Weather

A weak ridge of high pressure began to build over California in the wake of the weekend’s storm system. This resulted in a dry, mild weather regime for the first part of the week for most of the Golden State.

Temperatures across Northern California were at or a little above normal while temperatures in Southern California ranged above normal with some reports of highs in the lower 80s by Thursday. 

A low pressure system pushed a cold front into Northern California. By Friday, cooler temperatures and showers spread across the northern half of the state. The low pressure center then shifted to a position off the Central California coast, and then swung inland across Southern California on Sunday.

This resulted in shower activity across the state with the heaviest activity to the South.

Field crops

The rice harvest was virtually complete.

Nearly the entire cotton crop was harvested. Producers monitored the crop for a possible second picking.

Harvesting corn for grain and cutting sorghum for silage continued. Fall ground preparation continued where fall crops were harvested.

The winter wheat crop was planted and over half of the crop had emerged. Winter wheat crop conditions remained mostly good to excellent.

Fruit crops

The California table grape harvest continued to wind down in the San Joaquin Valley (SJV). The wine grape harvest was over in all but a few areas.

The Asian pear and Fuyu and Hachiya persimmon harvests continued. Pineapple quinces, figs, kiwifruit, and apples were harvested. The early pomegranate harvest continued.

The olive harvest was nearly complete in the southern SJV.

The Satsuma mandarin harvest continued. The tangerine harvest picked up. The Navel orange harvest began with good maturity fruit picked, de-greened and packed. The Valencia orange harvest was finished.

Nut crops

The harvest of walnuts and almonds was mostly complete. Finished walnut groves were irrigated. Almond stockpiles were hulled.

The pistachio harvest was ongoing. Post-harvest clean-up and pruning began.

Vegetable crops

Kern County reported carrots, potatoes, and organic vegetables harvested while some cabbage fields were ready for harvest. In Tulare County, the commercial tomato harvest was winding down while winter vegetables were planted.

Fresno County reported sweet corn, broccoli, head and leaf lettuce, carrots, bell peppers, fresh market tomatoes, cucumbers, and other fall vegetables were harvested. In Merced County, the fresh market tomato harvest was winding down.

In San Joaquin County, the bell pepper harvest was winding down while field preparation was underway for next year.