California Crop Weather report
Nov 4, 2009 10:36 AM
The latest California Crop Weather report from the National Agricultural Statistics Service’s Sacramento, Calif., field office:
Weather
High pressure over the Western U.S. brought strong and gusty northerly winds to California early in the week. Fair skies with above normal afternoon highs and near normal overnight lows prevailed later in the week.
Field crops
Cotton harvest progressed in Tulare and Merced Counties. The cotton harvest in Kern and Fresno Counties was nearly complete.
The last cutting of alfalfa was being baled in the northern San Joaquin Valley (SJV). Corn for silage was harvested for the second time in Stanislaus County, where some fields were planted twice with 90-day maturity corn. Corn for grain harvest continued. Rice harvest was nearly complete.
Winter wheat and other grains and forages continued to be planted. The harvest of Sudan hay and other small grains continued. Dry bean harvest continued with some fields baled for straw. The sunflower harvest continued in Sutter County. Producers continued to carry out fall field work.
Fruit crops
The wine and raisin grape harvests in the Central Valley were completed as minor picking continued in table grape vineyards. Plastic covers were applied to some vineyards with remaining table grapes, while vine stripping began in completed vineyards to accommodate spraying.
Warm weather and light winds created good ripening and picking conditions for grapes in Napa County.
The peach, plum, and nectarine harvests were completed. Wonderful pomegranates and Satsuma mandarins continued to be picked in the SJV.
The Valencia orange harvest was completed as early navel orange harvesting began. The lemon harvest continued in the desert region. Normal spraying and maintenance continued in orchards which included some fall fertilizer applications for fruit trees.
Nut crops
The almond harvest was completed. Final hulling and stockpile fumigations continue. Growers have reported yields lower than expectations. The walnut, pecan, and pistachio harvests continued to near completion in the Central Valley. Pruning and maintenance of harvested orchards continued.
Vegetable crops
Fresh market tomatoes, freezer beans, basil, and sweet potatoes were harvested in Merced County. Fresh market tomatoes were picked in San Joaquin County. The processing tomato and bell pepper harvests were completed.
Radicchio harvest was underway. The last of the squash and vine cucumbers were being picked in Tulare County. Broccoli, cauliflower, and spinach were progressing well.
In Fresno County, winter lettuce and broccoli progressed nicely. Some planting of cabbage and spinach occurred in Kern County. In Stanislaus County, the harvest of fresh market tomatoes and beans were finishing. Broccoli and spinach were planted.
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