Information Sourced from the USDA // Photo Sourced on Unsplash
Weather
Average low temperatures for California ranged from 31 to 65 in the mountains, 47 to 72 along the coast, 47 to 89 in the desert, and 56 to 74 in the Central Valley. Average high temperatures for the state ranged from 47 to 92 in the mountains, 63 to 106 along the coast, 75 to 102 in the Central Valley, and 76 to 118 in the desert.
Field Crops
In Sutter County, sunflower harvest continued. In the Sacramento Valley, heavy rainfall was seen in the northern part of the valley. Producers began preparation for rice and corn harvests. Worm damage was reported in alfalfa crops. In Stanislaus County, alfalfa hay, alfalfa silage, and corn silage harvests continued. Harvested silage corn fields were disced. In the San Joaquin Valley, cotton fields continued to be monitored as rain from Hurricane Hilary increased insect pressure. Overall, cotton crops continued to make good progress. In Tulare County, corn for silage continued to be chopped. Alfalfa was cut, raked, and baled. Cotton continued to develop.
Fruit Crops
Table grape harvest continued as growers attempted to assess the damage from Hurricane Hilary. Substantial losses were reported to mid-season grape varieties due to split and rot from Hurricane Hilary. Wine grape harvest began in some areas. Apricot and cherry orchards were pruned. Peach, plum, and nectarine harvests continued. Figs and prunes were harvested. Pomegranates, kiwifruit, and persimmons continued to develop. Gala apples were harvested. Pear harvest was in full swing with Bartlett and Bosc varieties picked. Olive trees were trimmed as growers prepared for harvest. Strawberries continued to develop with some reports of soft fruit and bruising due to high humidity and heat. Valencia oranges, grapefruits, and mandarins were picked and packed. Lemon and Navel orange harvests concluded. Some orange trees were topped and skirted.
Nut Crops
The damage from Hurricane Hilary to almond and pistachio crop has yet to be fully evaluated. Almond harvest continued with orchard floors cleaned and trees shaken. Walnuts, pistachios, and pecans continued to mature. Almond and walnut orchards were sprayed for pests and weeds.
Vegetables
Processing tomato harvest continued in the Sacramento Valley. Sweet corn fields were treated for worms. Pumpkin harvest continued in the Capay Valley. In Sutter county, squash seed crops were windrowed and melon harvest began. In San Joaquin County, eggplant harvest continued. In Stanislaus County, tomato, sweet potato, watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew harvests continued. Garlic harvest was winding down. Broccoli plants were transplanted and pumpkins continued to develop. In Tulare County, growers continued to sell tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, sweet corn, squash, watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew melons at local markets. Carrot harvest continued in Kern County. Broccoli, celery, cauliflower, squash, lettuce, and brussel sprout harvests continued along the Central Coast. Bell pepper harvest was delayed due to rain in Ventura County.
Livestock
Foothill rangeland and non-irrigated pasture were mostly in fair condition. Irrigated pasture was in good to excellent condition. Some cattle were grazing on higher elevation range. Sheep grazed retired pasture and dormant alfalfa. Bees were active in squash fields.
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