The latest California Crop Weather report from the National Agricultural Statistics Service in Sacramento, Calif.

Weather

The weather across California at the start of the week of Nov. 1 was dry and mild as high pressure built over the West Coast in the wake of the previous weekend’s storms.

Warm and dry conditions prevailed through Thursday as the high pressure, combined with an off shore flow, resulted in record breaking heat in southern California. Several stations in the southland reported triple digit high temperatures midweek.

By Friday, the high pressure ridge shifted east and a low pressure system off British Columbia deepened and moved ashore. A series of storm systems moved across California late Saturday which spread significant rainfall and high elevation snow across northern California with lighter amounts in southern California.

Field crops

The rice harvest continued and stubble was disked as field conditions allowed. The harvest was nearly complete in areas of the Sacramento Valley.

The cotton harvest continued. Harvested cotton fields were shredded and disked to comply with regulations.

Late cuttings of alfalfa were baled. Winter forage mixes and alfalfa were planted along with other small grains. Sudangrass was green chopped. Corn harvest for grain and silage continued throughout California.

The recent rainfall helped early planted fields of winter wheat to germinate. Fall tillage, planting, and other field preparation continued for winter crops.

Fruit crops

The kiwifruit, pomegranate, and fig harvests continued normally in the Central Valley. The table, wine, and raisin grape harvests continued. The wine grape harvest in Napa County was coming to a close.

Valencia oranges and mandarins were harvested and shipped. Navel oranges were packed in Tulare County.  Some orchards were prepared for fumigation. Fall fertilizers and supplements were applied.

Nut crops

The almond harvest was complete in most parts of California as final harvesting was underway in San Joaquin and Merced counties. The walnut harvest was nearly complete in the San Joaquin Valley (SJV). Harvest was winding down in Sutter and Butte counties. The pistachio harvest wound down with some continued harvests in the SJV.

Vegetable crops

Fall plantings for winter vegetables progressed in Fresno County. Stanislaus County reported melon, tomato, and bean harvests complete. The cauliflower and broccoli harvests began.

The watermelon, squash, melon, and pumpkin harvests were completed in San Joaquin County. In Sutter County, fieldwork continued and ground preparation was ongoing.