Information Sourced from the USDA
Weather
Average low temperatures for California ranged from 31 to 59 in the mountains, 42 to 62 along the coast, 45 to 71 in the desert, and 51 to 68 in the Central Valley. Average high temperatures for the state ranged from 47 to 89 in the mountains, 57 to 95 along the coast, 71 to 103 in the desert, and 74 to 100 in the Central Valley.
From the California Department of Water Resources, the snowpack water content in the
Northern Sierra was 14.40 inches compared to .80 inches this date last year; Central Sierra was 19.50 inches compared to 0.00 inches this date last year; Southern Sierra was 17.70 inches compared to 0.00 inches this date last year.
Field Crops
In the northern mountains, the first cutting of alfalfa was baled. In Sutter County, seeding of rice fields was finishing up. In the Sacramento Valley, winter wheat crops were drying down with warmer daytime temperatures. The rice crop was emerging slowly due to cooler temperatures and herbicide applications were made. In Stanislaus County, corn was emerging. Alfalfa was harvested for silage and dried for hay. Silage corn, rice, and sudan grass were sprayed for weeds. Wheat and oat silage harvest finished.
In the San Joaquin Valley, snow melt continued to impact low-lying cotton fields. Flood warnings remained active. In Tulare County, harvested winter grain fields were fertilized, tilled, and planted with summer silage crops such as corn and sorghum. Cotton and corn silage fields showed rapid growth and were treated for weeds. Alfalfa fields were cut, raked, and baled.
Fruit Crops
Grape buds continued to open and leaf out and some bloom clusters were present. Grape vineyards were sprayed for weeds and vineyards were thinned. Stone fruits including peaches, plums and nectarines continued to develop. Apricots, cherries, and early peach varieties were harvested. Peaches for processing were treated for phytophthora and nematodes. Valencia orange harvest continued while the Navel orange harvest was wrapping up. Lemons, grapefruit, and mandarins continued to be picked and packed. Seedless varieties of mandarins and tangerines remained netted to prevent pollination. Kiwi vineyards were leafing out, being tied, and irrigated. Apiaries remained in some kiwi vineyards for
pollination. Dates continued to ripen. Olives were treated for nematodes. Blueberries and strawberries continued to be picked.
Nut Crops
Navel orangeworm presence was noted in many orchards. Orchards began preparing for ants by placing bait traps. Pistachios, walnuts, and pecans continued to mature. More walnut orchards were removed. Some pistachio growers started small plant bug treatments to protect nutlets from damage. Almond meat fill was complete in many areas.
Vegetables
Asparagus harvest was nearing completion, and cherry tomatoes progressed in the Sacramento Valley. In Tulare County, sweet corn, eggplant, okra, onions, broccoli, cabbage, peppers, and garlic continued to grow. In Stanislaus County onions were harvested. Watermelon, honeydew, and cantaloupe were planted and weeded, and bees were placed in fields for pollination. Transplanting of sweet potatoes and tomatoes continued, and greenhouse tomatoes were harvested. Bell peppers, carrots, and eggplant were harvested in the Imperial Valley. In the Salinas Valley, broccoli, cauliflower, and celery were harvested and quality was noted to be above average.
Livestock
Rangeland grasses and forbs were starting to dry out in some locations. Foothill rangeland and non- irrigated pasture were reported to be in good to excellent condition. Bees were active in kiwi vineyards and melon fields. Cattle grazed on lower elevation range. Sheep grazed on fallow fields and retired farmland.
