The California Crop Weather report from the National Agricultural Statistics Service’s Sacramento, Calif., Field Office released Nov. 28, 2011.

Weather

Cool, shower-related weather lingered over portions of extreme Northern California at the beginning of the week of Nov. 28 as a low pressure trough exited the state. By Tuesday, weak high pressure built over the state resulting in dry conditions statewide.

An offshore flow pattern developed for Southern California bringing unseasonably warm and dry conditions to the south. Northern California had near normal temperatures with areas of fog developing across the valleys.

Another weather disturbance passed across the North on Thanksgiving Day creating widespread showers across Northern and Central California. Southern California remained dry and warm.

By Saturday, a high pressure ridge built over the state providing dry and foggy weather across the northern and central portions of the state. The South basked in warm sunshine through the weekend.

Field crops

Operators have harvested nearly the entire California cotton crop once and some producers progressed to the second picking of the crop.

Fall ground preparation continued where fall crops had been harvested.

Winter wheat was planted. Rain helped the emergence of newly planted winter wheat as nearly two-thirds of the crop had emerged. Operators welcomed the forecasted warmer weather to prepare crops for winter conditions. Winter wheat crop conditions were mostly good to excellent.

Fruit crops

The California table grape harvest continued to wind down in the San Joaquin Valley (SJV) with several varieties still being harvested. The wine grape harvest was over in all but a few areas. Rain and frosts affected wine grapes in the northern part of California.

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 complete in the southern SJV.

Satsuma mandarin and tangerine harvests continued. Pummelo and Melogold grapefruit were packed for export. The Navel orange harvest continued but was sluggish due to delayed maturity. The Valencia orange harvest was finished.

Nut crops

The harvest of walnuts was nearly complete. Finished groves were irrigated.

Almond stockpiles were hulled.

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

Vegetable crops

Kern County reported carrot and cabbage harvests. In Tulare County, winter vegetables were planted.

Fresno County reported broccoli, lettuce, garlic, and onions growing at a good rate. In Sutter County, onions and garbanzos were planted.