The California Crop Weather report from the National Agricultural Statistics Service Field Office in Sacramento released July 2, 2012.
Weather
A rather persistent Pacific low pressure pattern for the Golden State continued the week of June 25 with below or slightly below normal temperatures noted at many locations. The exceptions were the Imperial Valley and southeast desert regions where temperatures averaged slightly above normal.
Precipitation associated with the Pacific low pressure trough occurred from time to time on the far North Coast and northern mountain areas with local rainfall totals more than one-half inch near the Oregon border.
Isolated heavier showers up to one-third inch affected the far northern Sacramento Valley early in the period. Elsewhere, dry conditions continued across the central and southern regions of California.
Field crops
More than three quarters of the wheat crop was harvested by the week’s end.
Alfalfa was cut, raked and baled. Producers statewide were in-between the second to fourth cuttings.
Cotton experienced a growth spurt during the week with warmer temperatures across the state. More than half the cotton crop had squared by the week’s end. Almost 20 percent of the crop was setting bolls.
The cotton and rice crops were rated mostly good to excellent.
Corn for grain grew with some tasseling while corn for silage was harvested.
Fruit crops
Plum, prune, peach, apricot, and nectarine crops developed. The harvests for plums, plumcots, peaches, and nectarines continued in the San Joaquin Valley (SJV). In the Sacramento Valley, the harvests for stone fruits increased.
The cherry and apricot harvests were winding down across the state. Apples developed. Kiwis flowered. Figs leafed out and set fruit. Jujubes bloomed.
Table grapes in the Coachella Valley were harvested. Other grapes developed fruit. Vineyards were sprayed for weeds and powdery mildew.
In the Napa Valley, second pesticide applications for European grapevine moth were made.
The pomegranate bloom was finishing and fruit developed. The olive crop progressed well. SJV blueberries and strawberries were picked and packed.
The harvest of Valencia oranges and lemons continued. The late Navel orange harvest was wrapping up.
Nut crops
Almond nuts developed as hull split was expected to start the week of July 1. Growers prepared for hull split sprays.
Walnut coddling moth pressure has been higher than normal.
Pistachio shells hardened off.
Vegetable crops
Kern County reported the harvests of carrots and organic vegetables.
In Fresno County, onions and garlic were irrigated and fertilized while dehydrator onions were prepared for harvest. Tomatoes progressed as sprays for worms were ongoing. Fungicides were applied to carrots while bell peppers were harvested.
In Stanislaus County, eggplant, cabbage, broccoli, greenhouse tomatoes, garlic, onions, herbs, and squash were harvested. Tomatoes showed color. Cantaloupes grew well in the heat.
In San Joaquin County, onions and watermelons were harvested. Peppers and pumpkins were planted. Tomatoes grew well.
Sutter County reported the emergence of the fresh melon crops. Tomato transplants grew well.
In Siskiyou County, dehydrator onions grew well following heavy windstorms, rainstorms, hail, and multiple nights of freezing temperatures.
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