The California Crop Weather report from the National Agricultural Statistics Service Field Office in Sacramento, Calif. released Nov. 14, 2011.

Weather

At the start of the week of Nov. 7, a low pressure system passed to the east of California. Cool, wet conditions associated with the system lingered through Monday with the heaviest rains reported across the western slopes of the Northern Sierra, the North Coast, and the foothills and mountains of San Diego County.

By Tuesday, high pressure began to rebuild over the West Coast resulting in clearing skies, drying conditions, and a moderate warming trend. Temperatures for most of the week were slightly above normal.

Another low pressure system arrived offshore during the week and gradually slid southward towards Southern California. This low then shifted southeastward and pushed a cold front though the state Friday bringing widespread showers to the entire state on Veteran’s Day.

By Saturday, the low pressure system had largely exited Northern California but continued to bring showers to the south through the rest of the weekend. Heavy rain was reported in San Diego County from this system.

Field crops

Rice harvest was nearly complete. Producers baled rice straw.

Over three-fourths of the cotton harvest crop was harvested. The cotton harvest was in full swing in the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley (SJV). Producers monitored the crop in advance of a possible second picking.

Cutting of corn for grain and sorghum for silage continued. Fall ground preparation continued.

Winter wheat fields were planted and some emerged. Winter wheat crop conditions were mostly good to excellent.

Fruit crops

The SJV table grape harvest was wrapping up. The SJV raisin grape harvest was complete. The wine grape harvest was coming to a close across the state.

The Asian pear and Fuyu and Hachiya persimmon harvests continued. Pineapple quinces, figs, kiwifruit, and apples were harvested. The pomegranate harvest continued. The olive harvest was nearly complete in the southern SJV.

Lemons and Star Ruby grapefruit were picked. The Satsuma mandarin harvest continued. The tangerine harvest began to pick up. The Navel orange harvest began with good maturity reported. The Valencia orange harvest was in its final stages.

Nut crops

The walnut and almond harvests were winding down. Harvested walnut groves were irrigated. Almond pruning began. The pistachio harvest was complete in Merced County. Post harvest clean up and pruning started.

Vegetable crops

Kern County reported carrots and organic vegetables harvested. In Tulare County, commercial tomato and pepper harvests were winding down while winter vegetables were planted.

Fresno County reported completed processing onion, watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew harvests. Sweet corn, broccoli, head and leaf lettuces, carrots, bell peppers, fresh market tomatoes, cucumbers, and other summer vegetables were harvested.