Mild to unusually warm weather blanketed California during the week, while strong winds blew across the southern portion of the state. Mostly dry conditions left dryland small grain fields in need of more rain to continue developing, while early seeded and irrigated fields were growing well. Producers were busy cultivating seedbeds and applying fertilizers and herbicides in preparation for spring planting. Dry conditions left fruit growers waiting to make pre-emergent and dormant spray to their crops. Apple harvest was nearing completion, with very little frost damage reported. As internal maturity improved, Navel orange harvest gained speed. Abysmally low mountain snow packs remained a serious concern across California and much of the Intermountain West. According to the California Department of Water Resources, the average water content of the high-elevation Sierra Nevada snow pack stood at 2 inches on January 6, just 15 percent of average for the date. However, California has a temporary buffer against this year’s lack of precipitation, since the state’s 154 reservoirs held 125 percent of their normal water volume on December 1. It was the second-driest December in both California (behind only 1989) and Oregon (behind only 1976). The Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin (ISSN 0043-1974) is jointly prepared by the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The table grape harvest continued in the San Joaquin Valley due to the late maturity, although it was finally beginning to wind down. Raisin grape harvest in the San Joaquin Valley was nearly complete. Wine Grape harvest was coming to a close. Asian pears continued to be harvested. Fuyu and Hachiya persimmon harvest continued. Pineapple quinces, figs, kiwifruit, and apples were harvested. Pomegranate harvest continued. The olive harvest was nearly complete in the Southern San Joaquin Valley. Lemons and Star Ruby grapefruit were picked. Satsuma mandarin harvest continued. Tangerine harvest began to pick up. Navel orange harvest began, with good maturity reported. Harvesting of walnuts and almonds continued. Walnuts in the Southern San Joaquin Valley were being shaken for a second time. Pistachio harvest was beginning to slow. Post-harvest clean up and pruning was starting. Kern County reported carrots, fall potatoes, and organic vegetables were being harvested. In Tulare County, commercial tomatoes and peppers continued to be harvested, while spinach and other winter vegetables were being planted. Fresno County reported broccoli, lettuce, winter onions and garlic were being planted. In Merced County tomatoes and radicchio harvest continued. In San Joaquin County fresh market tomatoes and bell peppers were being harvested. Dehydrator onions continued to be harvested in Siskiyou County. Nearly two-thirds of the cotton crop had been harvested by Sunday. Producers continued to make progress with the harvest as some had advanced to their second picking. Rice continued to be harvested. Producers remained busy baling rice straw. Cutting of corn for grain and sorghum for silage continued. Alfalfa producers continued with their final crop of the year; while some producers continued cutting Sudan grass. Large lima bean harvest was winding down. Fall ground preparation continued. Over two-thirds of winter wheat crop had been planted and nearly half had emerged. Winter wheat crop conditions were rated mostly good to excellent. The sweet potatoes harvest was winding down in Merced County. Range conditions were reported from good to poor condition. Cattle and sheep continue to be moved to valley floor pasture. Supplemental feeding of livestock increased. Bees were moved to winter locations. The Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin (ISSN 0043-1974) is jointly prepared by the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Peach, nectarine, and plum harvests were complete, except for a few late varieties. Orchard and tree removals and pruning were underway. The table grape harvest continued in the San Joaquin Valley due to the late maturity. Raisin grape harvest in the San Joaquin Valley was nearly complete. Wine Grape harvest continued. On the North Coast, white wine grape harvest was complete, while red wine grape harvest was still in progress. Pineapple quinces, figs, kiwifruit, Asian pears, persimmons and apples were harvested. Pomegranate harvest continued. The olive harvest moved ahead. Citrus grove maintenance continued with irrigation and treatment of citrus pests. Lemons and Star Ruby grapefruit were picked. Satsuma mandarin harvest continued. Navel orange harvest began. Valencia oranges were still being exported from Tulare County. Harvesting of walnuts and pistachios continued. Some pistachio orchards were being shaken for the second time. New pistachios were being planted. Almond harvest continued with growers reporting above normal volumes because of a heavy crop set. Carrots were being harvested in Kern County. In Tulare County, commercial tomatoes and peppers continued to be harvested, while certified producers were planting fall and winter vegetables. Fresno County reported broccoli, lettuce, winter onions and garlic were being planted. In Merced County bell pepper, cantaloupe and watermelon harvest was complete, while tomato harvest continued and radicchio harvest began. In San Joaquin County fresh market tomatoes and bell peppers were being harvested. Siskiyou County reported continued harvest of dehydrator onions. Another week of favorable weather conditions allowed producers to make excellent harvest progress. Cotton harvest continued at a quick pace throughout the week as over half of the crop had been harvested by Sunday. Virtually all cotton bolls were opened. About a quarter of the rice crop was harvested during the week and about three-fourths of the total crop was harvested. Producers remained busy baling rice straw. Of the remaining crops in the field, cotton conditions remained mostly good to excellent while, rice crop conditions declined slightly and were rated mostly fair to good. Cutting of corn for grain and sorghum for silage continued. Alfalfa producers continued with their final crop of the year; while some producers continued cutting their Sudan grass. Fall ground preparation continued where fall crops had been harvested. Over half of winter wheat crop had been planted and nearly a third had emerged. Winter wheat crop conditions were mostly good to excellent. Range conditions were reported from good to poor condition. Cattle and sheep were moved to valley floor pasture due to better supply. Supplemental feeding of livestock increased. Sheep continued to graze crop stubble and idle fields. Cool weather promoted dairy production. Bees were moved to winter locations in Sutter County. The Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin (ISSN 0043-1974) is jointly prepared by the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Kern County reported lettuce, chard, spinach, and carrots were being harvested. In Tulare County, late summer vegetables were finished and growers were getting their fields ready for the fall and winter crop. Fresno County reported broccoli, cantaloupe, and lettuce were in different stages of harvest. Carrot fields were irrigated and fungicides were applied. Broccoli for seed was planted. In Merced County, cantaloupe harvest was winding down and honeydew harvest was complete. Tomato, bell pepper, and watermelon harvests continued. In San Joaquin County, fresh market and processing tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, squash and pumpkins were being harvested. Siskiyou County reported continued harvest of dehydrator onions. Peach, nectarine, and plum harvests were complete except for a few late varieties. Orchard removal and pruning was underway. The table grape harvest continued in the San Joaquin Valley with Red Globe, Autumn Royal, Crimson Seedless, and Autumn King, the main varieties harvested. Raisin grape harvest, including Thompson Seedless, continued in the San Joaquin Valley. Wine Grape harvest continued. On the North Coast, white wine grape harvest was complete, while red wine grape harvest was still in progress. Pineapple quinces, figs, kiwifruit, Asian pears and apples were harvested. Early Wonderful pomegranate harvest began. The olive harvest continued. Citrus grove maintenance continued with irrigation and treatment of citrus pests. Lemons and Star Ruby grapefruit were picked. Satsuma mandarins were picked in Kern County. Navel orange harvest had not yet started. Valencia oranges were still being exported in Tulare County. Harvesting of walnuts and pistachios was in full swing. Some pistachio orchards were shaken for the second time. New pistachios were being planted. Almond harvest continued. Growers reported above normal volumes because of a heavy crop set. Favorable weather conditions allowed producers to make excellent harvest progress throughout the week. Over half of the rice crop was harvested. Cotton defoliation was in various stages. Harvest continued as nearly a third of the crop has been harvested. Both cotton and rice crop conditions maintained their mostly good to excellent rating. Black-eye bean harvest was nearly complete. Cutting of corn for grain and sorghum for silage continued. Alfalfa producers were cutting their final crop of the year while some producers were able to get a second cutting off their Sudan grass. Fall ground preparation continued where fall crops had been harvested. Over a quarter of winter wheat crop had been planted and some had begun to emerge. Winter wheat crop conditions were mostly good to excellent. Range and pasture were reported to be good to poor condition. Cattle and sheep on higher elevation summer range were being moved to winter pasture. Sheep continued to graze crop stubble and idle fields. Supplemental feeding of livestock increased. Cool weather promoted dairy production. The Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin (ISSN 0043-1974) is jointly prepared by the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Peach, nectarine and plum harvests were nearly complete. Pruning and late season fertilizer applications were ongoing in orchards. The table grape harvest continued in the San Joaquin Valley with Red Globe, Autumn Royal, Crimson Seedless, Scarlet Royals and Autumn King, the main varieties harvested. Rainfall slowed harvest. Raisin grape harvest, including Thompson Seedless, was progressing in the San Joaquin Valley. Wine Grape harvest continued. Additional sprays of fungicides were required to avoid bunch rot after the early October rains. Pineapple quinces, figs, kiwifruit and apples were harvested as the pear harvest wrapped up. Pomegranates began reaching maturity with harvest starting in a few orchards. The olive harvest continued. Citrus grove maintenance continued with irrigation and treatment of citrus pests. Lemons and Star Ruby grapefruit were picked. Navel orange maturity was still behind, delaying harvest. Valencia oranges were being exported in Tulare County. Almond harvest began to slow. Growers reported above normal volumes due to a heavy crop set. Harvesting of walnuts and pistachios was in full swing. Lettuce, chard, spinach and carrots were being harvested in Kern County. In Tulare County, commercial tomato and pepper harvest continued while cantaloupe and watermelon harvest was winding down. Fresno County reported onion, cantaloupe, and garlic harvest was winding down. In Merced County, cantaloupe, tomato, bell pepper and watermelon harvest continued. Honeydew harvest was complete. In San Joaquin County, processing and fresh market tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, squash and pumpkins were being harvested. Sutter County reported processing tomato harvest was coming to an end. In Siskiyou County, dehydrator onions harvest continued. Nearly a third of the rice crop has been harvested. By the end of the week, more than 90% of cotton bolls were opened. Cotton defoliation was in various stages. Harvest continued as fields dried out after recent rains. Both cotton and rice crop conditions maintained their mostly good to excellent rating. Black-eye beans were harvested and laid out to dry. Cutting of corn for grain and sorghum for silage continued. Some alfalfa producers were cutting their sixth to seventh crop. Fall ground preparation and planting of wheat and alfalfa continued where field conditions allowed. Although fields benefited from early fall rain, range conditions were reported to be good to poor condition. Some cattle on higher elevation summer pasture were being gathered for movement to lower range. Sheep and cattle continued to graze crop stubble and idle fields. Supplemental feeding of livestock increased. Some hives were moved to winter locations in the Sutter County, while in Fresno County bees were still pollinating late melon and squash fields. The Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin (ISSN 0043-1974) is jointly prepared by the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Peach, nectarine, and plum harvests were nearly complete. Pruning and late season fertilizer applications began in orchards. The table grape harvest continued in the San Joaquin Valley with Red Globe, Summer Royal, Crimson, Flame Seedless, Christmas Rose and Autumn King the main varieties harvested. Harvest of wine grapes continued. Raisin grape harvest was progressing smoothly in the San Joaquin Valley. Some late raisin crop got caught on the ground with this week’s rain. Wine grape growers in Napa were also concerned about the recent rains, as many grapes were still in the field. Pineapple quinces, figs, and apples were harvested. Kiwi harvest began. Pomegranates showed nice color, but maturity hadn’t been reached for harvest in most orchards. The olive harvest began in Tulare County. Pear harvest slowed. Citrus grove maintenance continued with irrigation and treatment of citrus pests. Lemons and Star Ruby grapefruit were picked. Navel orange growers were expecting a late start to the harvest season due to poor internal maturity. Growers in Tulare County were expecting harvest to begin near the end of the month. Almond harvest remained strong. Growers reported above normal volumes due to heavy crop set. Harvesting of walnuts was in full swing in many parts of the state. Pistachio harvest accelerated. Kern County reported carrots being harvested. Late summer vegetables including tomatoes, cucumbers, and eggplants were harvested for local farmers markets in Tulare County. Fresno County reported dehydrator onions were being harvested while fresh onion and garlic harvest was winding down. Sweet corn was growing well and being harvested; fields were also being treated for worms. Harvest of carrots, bell peppers, fresh market tomatoes and cucumbers continued. Fall broccoli fields continued to be planted; fall lettuce was growing nicely and beds were being weeded. Large watermelon harvest was drawing down while baby watermelon harvest had concluded. Cantaloupe and honeydew melon harvest was winding down. Summer vegetables such as beets, bittermelon, chards, choys, eggplant, herbs, kales, lemon grass, chili peppers, tomatillos, squash and zucchini were harvested. Farmers were applying herbicides and fungicides to crops. In Merced County, cantaloupe, honeydew, tomato, bell pepper and watermelon harvest continued while radicchio planting continued. San Joaquin County reported harvesting of processing and fresh market tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, squash and pumpkins. Watermelon harvest was winding down. Field work and ground preparation continued. Fresh melon harvest continued as processing tomato harvest was concluding in Sutter County. Siskiyou County reported continued harvest of dehydrator onions. Cotton defoliant was being applied. Harvest was reported as underway, though there was some concern that rain knocked cotton out of the bolls to the ground. Rice harvest continued. Cotton and rice crop conditions remained mostly good to excellent. Black-eye beans were harvested and laid out to dry. Corn silage harvest was nearing the end, while sorghum for silage had just begun. Wheat ground preparation and fall planting of wheat continued. Range conditions were reported to be in good to poor condition. Cool season grasses were still growing in the north state. Some cattle on higher elevation summer pasture were being gathered for movement to lower range. Sheep and cattle continued to graze crop stubble and idle fields. Supplemental feeding of livestock increased. Some hives were moved to winter locations in Sutter County, while in Fresno County bees were still pollinating late melon and squash fields. Cool weather stimulated milk production. The Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin (ISSN 0043-1974) is jointly prepared by the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Peach, nectarine, and plum harvest began its normal seasonal decline. Angeleno and Flavor-Fall plum variety harvest neared completion. The table grape harvest continued in the San Joaquin Valley with Red Globe, Summer Royal, Crimson, Flame Seedless, Christmas Rose and Autumn King the main varieties harvested. Harvest of wine grapes continued. Raisin grape harvest was progressing smoothly in the San Joaquin Valley. About half of the raisin grapes were dried and picked up in Tulare County. Grapes were protected from possible upcoming light showers with tarps. Pineapple quinces, figs, and apples were harvested. Pomegranates showed nice color, but maturity was still not there for harvest in most orchards. The olive crop continued to progress. Pear harvest slowed. Citrus fruits were sizing slowly. Citrus field maintenance continued with irrigation and replacement of old stock. Lemons and Star Ruby grapefruit were picked. Navel orange growers were expecting a late start to the harvest season due to poor internal maturity. Late variety almond harvest continued. Growers reported above normal volumes because of a heavy crop set. Harvesting of early variety walnuts continued. Pistachio harvest continued. Tulare County reported peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, eggplants, and honeydew continued to be picked and packed, cantaloupe and watermelon harvest wound down. In Merced County, cantaloupe, honeydew, tomato, bell pepper, sweet potato, and watermelon harvest continued while radicchio planting continued. Fresno County reported dehydrator onions were being harvested while fresh onion harvest was winding down. Winter carrots were being watered, fertilized and treated for fungus. Processing tomato and garbanzo harvest was ongoing in Sutter County. In San Joaquin County tomatoes for processing and fresh market were being harvested as were bell peppers, watermelon, squash and pumpkins. Onion harvest was winding down. Range conditions were reported to be in good to poor condition. Rice harvest was in full-swing. Cotton progressed well this past week, more than two thirds of bolls have opened. Defoliation has started in some areas of the State. Both cotton and rice crop conditions were rated mostly good to excellent. Black-eye beans were maturing nicely; beans were cut and windrowed this past week. Sunflower harvest was in full-swing. Corn for silage and large lima beans were still being harvested. Wheat ground preparation and fall planting of wheat continued. Cattle were on summer range. Some cattle on higher elevation pasture were being gathered for movement to lower range. Fire danger remained high in the foothills. Supplemental feeding of livestock continued to increase. The Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin (ISSN 0043-1974) is jointly prepared by the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The table grape harvest continued in the San Joaquin Valley for Red Globe, Summer Royal, Thompson Seedless, and Flame Seedless varieties. Harvest of wine grapes continued. Raisin grape harvest continued. Pomegranates continued to increase in color. Apple harvest continued. Bartlett pear harvest was finished, while Bosc and Comice harvests continued. The olive crop continued to progress. The harvest of prunes and peaches were nearly over. Kiwis continued to develop well. Figs harvest was underway. Valencia orange harvest was winding down. Nonpareil almond harvest was in full swing across the State. Growers were beginning to harvest other varieties. Walnut orchards across the State were being prepped for harvest, with harvest starting in a few locations. Pistachio harvest began to pick up. Tulare County reported peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, eggplants, and honeydew were picked and packed. Fresno County reported dehydrator onions were being harvested while fresh onion harvest was winding down, and winter carrots were being watered, fertilized and treated for fungus. Cantaloupe, honeydew, tomato, bell pepper, and watermelon harvest continued while radicchio planting continued in Merced County. In Sutter County, field work and ground preparation continued, while melons were treated for aphid and cucumber beetle. Processing tomato harvest was ongoing. In San Joaquin County, processing and fresh market tomatoes were being harvested as were bell peppers, watermelon, squash and pumpkins. Onion harvest was winding down. Rice harvest of early maturing varieties was underway, while later maturing varieties continued to develop. Enough rice has been harvested for the rice millers to begin milling the new crop. Cotton progressed well this past week and was helped along by warm weather. Over half of cotton bolls were open and producers continued preparing fields for defoliation. Both cotton and rice crop conditions were rated mostly good to excellent. Alfalfa harvest continued as some producers were cutting their sixth crop and irrigating for a potential seventh as the season nears end. Black-eye beans were maturing nicely in the fields and starting to be cut and windrowed. Sunflower bracts were turning brown and harvest was underway. Wheat ground preparation and fall planting of wheat continued. Range conditions were reported to be good to poor condition. Cattle were on summer range and some were being moved to fall range. Fire danger is high in the foothills. Supplemental feeding of livestock continued to increase. The Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin (ISSN 0043-1974) is jointly prepared by the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Cotton progressed well this past week and was helped along by warm weather. Nearly half of cotton bolls were open and producers were starting to prepare fields for defoliation. Corn for silage harvest continued. Seed alfalfa harvest continued. Nearly all rice fields were headed. Black-eye beans made good developmental progress this past week and some producers began to harvest the crop. Sunflower bracts continued to turn yellow, while some have progressed to brown stage and were awaiting harvest. Safflower and sorghum harvest continued. Wheat ground preparation continued and fall planting of wheat had begun. The table grape harvest continued in the San Joaquin Valley for Red Globe, Summer Royal, Thompson Seedless, and Flame Seedless varieties. Harvest of wine grapes began to pick up. Raisin grape harvest continued. Pomegranates were starting to show color. Apple and pear harvest continued. The olive crop continued to progress. Prune harvest was concluding. Kiwis continued to develop well. Figs harvest was underway. Valencia orange harvest was winding down. Nonpareil almond harvest was in full swing across the State. Growers were beginning to harvest other varieties. Weed, husk fly, and mite control continued in walnut orchards; orchards in the southern part of the State began shaking. Pistachio harvest began to pick up. Kern County reported organic carrots were being harvested. In Tulare County peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, eggplants, and honeydew were picked and packed. Fresno County reported onions, garlic, squash, eggplant, daikon, cucumbers, zucchini, sweet corn, peppers and carrots were being harvested. Watermelon, honeydew and cantaloupe harvest continued in full swing while processing tomatoes harvest was wrapping up. Broccoli fields were being planted. Field work and ground preparation continued, while tomatoes were treated for mold and stinkbug in Sutter County. Range conditions continued to deteriorate and were reported to be good to poor condition. Recent lightning fires in Kern County burned over 110 square miles, negatively impacting range land, including forty-five square miles near Arvin. Cattle were on summer range and some were being moved to fall range. Supplemental feeding of livestock continued to increase. Bees were reported in vine seed fields. The Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin (ISSN 0043-1974) is jointly prepared by the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Cotton showed good developmental progress, producers were shutting off water to fields. Corn for silage harvest continued. Seed alfalfa fields were maturing and drying down as harvest began. Rice fields matured as more of the crop was headed. Black-eye beans made good developmental progress this past week. Sunflower ray petals continued to dry down and bracts were turning yellow. Safflower harvest continued where the crop had completed its dry-down. Harvest was in full swing for sorghum. Wheat ground was prepared for fall planting. The table grape harvest continued in the San Joaquin Valley for Red Globe, Summer Royal, Thompson Seedless, and Flame Seedless varieties. Harvest of wine grapes began to pick up. Raisin grape harvest was in full swing. Pomegranates were starting to show color. Apple harvest continued. Pears were also being harvested, with the Asian pear harvest in full swing. The olive crop continued to progress. Prune and peach harvests were starting to wind down. Kiwis continued to develop well. Fig harvest was underway. Valencia oranges and lemons were packed. Nonpareil almond harvest was in full swing across the state. Growers were beginning to harvest other varieties. Weed, husk fly and mite control continued in walnut orchards as the crop was being prepared for harvest. Pistachio harvest was starting. Kern County reported organic greens were being harvested. Harvest of peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash and eggplants continued in Tulare County. In Fresno County, tomatoes onions, garlic, squash, eggplant, daikon, cucumbers, zucchini, sweet corn, peppers and carrots were being harvested. Watermelon, honeydew and cantaloupe harvests continued in full swing. Broccoli fields were being planted. Merced County reported cantaloupe, honeydew, tomato, bell pepper, and watermelon harvest continued, while radicchio planting began. Sutter County reported field work and ground preparation continued, while tomatoes were treated for mold and stinkbug. Garbanzo harvest was ongoing and the beans were being treated for leafhoppers. Fresh melons were being treated for weeds and cucumber beetles. Range conditions continued to deteriorate and were reported to be good to poor for this time of the year. Cattle were on summer range. Sheep and cattle grazed on idle farmland and harvested grain fields. Supplemental feeding of livestock continued to increase. High temperatures in the southern San Joaquin Valley negatively impacted milk production by stressing dairy cows. In Sutter County bees were in vine seed and removed from sunflower, while in Fresno County hives were placed in fall melon and squash fields. The Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin (ISSN 0043-1974) is jointly prepared by the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).