California Ag Network

Category: Ag Legislation

  • USDA Offers Producers Options to Re-enroll or Extend Expiring CRP Contracts

    Farmers and ranchers with expiring Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts may now re-enroll in certain CRP continuous signup practices or, if eligible, select a one-year contract extension. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) also is accepting offers from those who want to enroll for the first time in one of the country’s largest conservation programs. FSA’s 52nd signup for CRP runs from June 3 to August 23.

    “Agricultural producers with expiring CRP contracts have set aside land to reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, provide habitat for wildlife and boost soil health for at least a decade,” said U.S. Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Bill Northey. “We want to make sure they – and their neighbors who may not have a CRP contract – know they have opportunities within CRP to continue their valuable contribution to our country’s conservation successes.”

    FSA stopped accepting offers last fall for the CRP continuous signup when 2014 Farm Bill authority expired. The 2018 Farm Bill reauthorized the program this past December, and FSA has carefully analyzed the bill’s language and determined that a limited signup prioritizing water-quality practices furthers conservation goals and makes sense for producers as FSA works to fully implement the program.

    This year’s CRP continuous signup includes such practices as grass waterways, filter strips, riparian buffers, wetland restoration and others. View a full list of practices approved for this signup.  Continuous signup enrollment contracts last for 10 to 15 years. Soil rental rates are set at 90 percent of 2018 rates. Incentive payments are not offered for these practices.

    Producers with Expiring CRP Contracts

    Letters are in the mail to all producers with expiring CRP contracts, describing possible options.

    A one-year extension is being offered to existing CRP participants with expiring CRP contracts of 14 years or less that have practices not eligible for re-enrollment under this CRP signup.

    Alternatively, producers with expiring contracts may have the option to enroll in the Transition Incentives Program, which provides two additional annual rental payments on the condition the land is sold or rented to a beginning farmer or rancher or a member of a socially disadvantaged group.

    CRP Continuous CREP Signup

    This signup also enables producers to sign up under existing Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) agreements. CREP is part of CRP and targets high-priority conservation concerns identified by a state, and federal funds are supplemented with non-federal funds to address those concerns. Download this fact sheet to learn more.

    Other Future CRP Signup Options

    FSA is still planning a CRP general signup in December 2019, with a CRP Grasslands signup to follow. Those that extend their contracts may be eligible for one of these signup types or another continuous signup in the future.

    More Information

    On December 20, 2018, President Trump signed into law the 2018 Farm Bill, which provides support, certainty and stability to our nation’s farmers, ranchers and land stewards by enhancing farm support programs, improving crop insurance, maintaining disaster programs and promoting and supporting voluntary conservation. FSA is committed to implementing these changes as quickly and effectively as possible, and today’s updates are part of meeting that goal.

    Producers interested in applying for CRP continuous practices, including those under existing CREP agreements, or who want to extend their contract, should contact their USDA service center by August 23. To locate your local FSA office, visit www.farmers.gov. More information on CRP can be found at www.fsa.usda.gov/crp.

  • California Crop Weather Report ( Week Ending: June 23, 2019)

    WEATHER

    Temperature highs ranged from the mid 60s to high 80s in the mountains, mid 60s to low 100s along the coast, high 70s to high 100s in the desert, and low 80s to high 100s in the valley. Temperature lows ranged from the low 30s to high 50s in the mountains, mid 40s to high 50s along the coast, mid 40s to low 80s in the desert, and mid 50s to mid 80s in the valley.

    FIELD CROPS

    In the Sacramento Valley, winter wheat harvest began and rice continued to progress well. Safflower progressed well and sorghum was planted in Kings County. Cutting of alfalfa continued. In Tulare County, corn, cotton, and safflower progressed well. Wheat and oats continued to be harvested. Silage crops were being cut. In Fresno County, barley was harvested. Cotton progressed well.

    FRUIT CROPS

    Nutrient sprays and pesticides, herbicides and fungicides were applied to orchards and vineyards. Stone fruit orchards were irrigated. Apricots, peaches, plums, pluots, and nectarines were harvested. Late season stone fruit were hand thinned. Reflective sheets were laid between rows to promote color development. Olives were maturing. Grapes were growing well as fruit thinning activities continued. Mechanical vineyard maintenance continued. Mandarins, lemons, grapefruit and Valencia and Navel oranges were packed for export and domestic markets. Citrus groves were treated with post-emergent herbicides, foliar fungicides, and nutrient applications. Citrus groves were thinned, topped, and skirted. Some citrus were pushed out in preparation for new plantings.

    NUT CROPS

    Orchards continued to be irrigated. Almonds, walnuts, and pistachios were developing well. Young nut orchard floors were moved.

    VEGETABLE CROPS

    Blackeye peas progressed well in Kings County. In Tulare County, zucchini, squash, cucumbers, and tomatoes continued to be harvested and eggplant progressed well. Tomato, cucumber, and zucchini harvests continued in the Sacramento Valley. Cherry
    tomatoes progressed well and will be harvested soon.

    LIVESTOCK

    Foothill rangeland and non-irrigated pasture remained in good condition. Some rangeland was burned as grasses began to dry. Sheep grazed in fallow fields. Some bees were moved to melon and sunflower fields for pollination.

     

  • Joel Nelsen Reappointed to Senior Trade Policy GRP

    CCM’s Joel Nelsen was reappointed to the Administration’s Fruit & Vegetable Trade Advisory Committee this week as announced by USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue and Trade Ambassador Robert Lighthizer. These positions are highly coveted as they have direct engagement with Administration officials on trade policy. Nelsen has served since the George W. Bush Administration, and for the past fours, his colleagues have asked him to chair the Fruit & Vegetable Committee. There are several trade advisory committees all serving varied business sectors in the United States. Agriculture, because of its diversity, has over six committees representing the varied Ag commodity sectors.

    “To be able to continue serving in this role is both gratifying and humbling,” Nelsen states. “I had the support of Valley Congressmen McCarthy, Nunes, and Costa along with Congressional members Ken Calvert and Julia Brownly. Additionally, Senator Feinstein sent a letter on my behalf, all of which were gratefully appreciated.”

    There are upwards of two dozen seats available on each committee half of which expire every two years. The role is to initiate and/or advise the Administration on a myriad of policy and technical issues that can and do affect the produce industry. “The give and take are real, as is the opportunity for accountability,” Nelsen continues. “Certainly these past two years have been challenging, and most likely, these disputes will carry on as the Administration seeks to balance trade and initiate policies that correct deficiencies in existing agreements. I truly do appreciate the fact that our California Congressional members and the Administration continue to believe I bring value to the process. It is very rewarding.”

  • More than 960 Food & Ag Groups Urge Congressional Ratification of USMCA

    Today, organizations representing U.S. food and agriculture including the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) called on members of Congress to swiftly ratify the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

    In a letter sent to Congress, more than 960 groups representing the U.S. food and agriculture value chain at the national, state and local levels called on Congress to support ratification of USMCA. The letter reiterates that USMCA will benefit the U.S. economy by boosting agricultural export markets and creating a more level playing field for American businesses with customers in Mexico and Canada.

    “USMCA meets the U.S. dairy industry’s top priorities to ensure a more level playing field, including preserving duty-free market access to Mexico, eliminating the unfair Canadian Class 7 pricing program and increasing market access to the Canadian market,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of IDFA. “The U.S. dairy industry, which supports more than 3 million jobs in the United States and pumps $620 billion into the U.S. economy, is making a strong appeal to Congress to vote to ratify this important trade deal. USMCA will ensure that our dairy industry grows valuable market share and continues to be viewed by our North American customers as a reliable supplier.”

    Over the last 25 years, U.S. food and agricultural exports to Canada and Mexico have more than quadrupled under the former North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, growing from $9 billion in 1993 to nearly $40 billion in 2018 and helping support more than 900,000 American jobs in food and agriculture and related sectors of the economy. USMCA builds on the success of the NAFTA agreement, makes improvements to further enhance U.S. food and agricultural exports to our neighbors, and would deliver an additional $2.2 billion in U.S. economic activity.

    The International Trade Commission’s recent report on USMCA confirmed that the agreement will improve market access for U.S. farmers, ranchers and food producers, as well as positively impact both the U.S. agriculture sector and the broader national economy.

    One in four American manufacturing jobs are related to agriculture, and USMCA, once implemented, will strengthen the U.S. farm and agriculture economy and further support and secure vital market access for U.S. farmers, ranchers, and agri-businesses.

     

  • Western Growers Statement on U.S. and Mexico Trade Deal

    In response to the deal reached by the U.S. and Mexico to avert the addition of five percent tariffs on all Mexican goods, Western Growers President and CEO Tom Nassif issued the following statement:

    “We are pleased that this potential impediment to trade between our two countries has been avoided. Mexico represents one of the largest export markets for U.S. agricultural goods, and any tit-for-tat escalation of tariffs would be devastating for American farmers, in particular given the current barriers to access to Chinese markets.

    “As significant as this deal is in maintaining our regular flow of trade with Mexico, it is equally critical in clearing the pathway for passage and implementation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Like NAFTA before it, the USMCA maintains zero-tariff treatment for all produce, a provision that led to the tripling of U.S. exports to Mexico over the past 25 years. Additionally, the USMCA contains favorable terms that will advance science-based sanitary and phytosanitary measures and strengthen Mexico’s labor standards.

    “With the threat of tariffs no longer standing in the way, as well as other early obstacles that have now been removed, the onus is on Congress to pass the USMCA, which we urge with the greatest expediency.”

     About Western Growers:

    Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in Arizona, California, Colorado and New Mexico. Our members and their workers provide half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including half of America’s fresh organic produce. For generations we have provided variety and healthy choices to consumers. Connect with and learn more about Western Growers on our Twitter and Facebook.

     

  • California Crop Weather (Week Ending: June 2, 2019)

    Weather

     Temperature highs ranged from the mid 50s to mid 80s in the mountains, low 60s to mid 90s along the coast, high 60s to high 90s in the valley, and low 70s to low 100s in the desert.  Temperature lows ranged from the low 30s to high 40s in the mountains, low 40s to low 60s in the desert, high 30s to mid 50s along the coast, and mid 40s to high 50s in the valley.

     Field Crops

     In the Sacramento Valley, winter wheat progressed well and rice continued to be planted. Corn and safflower continued to progress well in Kings. Cutting of alfalfa continued. In Tulare, Corn and cotton continued to progress well. Wheat, alfalfa, and oats continued to be harvested. Silage crops were being cut.

     Fruit Crops

     Pomegranates started to bloom. Stone fruit thinning was ongoing as late season immature fruit developed. Early varieties of apricot, peach, and nectarine were harvested. Though intermittent rain hampered harvest, cherry harvest continued at an accelerated rate with the forecast of more rain. Nutrient sprays and pesticides, herbicides and fungicides were applied to orchards and vineyards. Mechanical vineyard maintenance continued. Shoot thinning and positioning were also underway in grape vineyards. Late Navel orange quality declined and harvest was wrapping up for the season. Star Ruby grapefruit were harvested. Seedless tangerines remained netted for the bloom. Valencia orange and lemon harvesting continued. Citrus groves were thinned, topped and skirted. Olive bloom was progressing well. Some olive trees were pruned.

     Nut Crops

     Almonds were sizing well. Walnut and pistachio bloom continued. Young nut orchard floors were mowed and irrigations systems repaired.

     Vegetable Crops

     In the Sacramento Valley, tomatoes for processing continued to be planted and asparagus harvest concluded. Blackeye peas were planted in Kings County. In Tulare County, zucchini continued to be harvested. Broccoli, asparagus, and carrot harvest concluded in Fresno County. In San Mateo County, artichokes and peas were harvested.

     Livestock

     Foothill rangeland and non-irrigated pasture remained in good condition. Late season precipitation benefitted grass and forb growth. Sheep grazed in fallow fields.  Some bees were moved out of state, while others were moved to kiwi vineyards and melon fields for pollination.

  • Writing Corrective Actions for Your Food Safety Audit

    You have just been audited, by a customer or by a third-party, and are now facing a Corrective Action Request (CAR). What is a Corrective Action Request? What do you do? Your first instinct should be to ask why.

    Why?

    Exactly!

    When you understand what caused the problems, you can create long-term solutions to prevent them from happening again or negatively impacting other processes. Why—again—is this important? The bottom line is that every business is run on revenue, margins and overall profitability. Top management meetings are inundated by numbers. Certainly, your work is important on many levels, but underlying every other aspect of your work is your responsibility to help improve food safety and quality. A simple mistake means time and money is spent to rework or destroy product. CAPA (Corrective action and Preventive Actions) derived from 5 Whys or fishbone are tools that can be used to address a systemic issue, control processes, and ultimately help prevent a costly food safety or quality incident.

    So, what should you do after you clearly defined why this corrective action was issued?

    Investigate

    Find out what caused the problem. Not just what happened, but what started the problem. In order to find the right solution, you must first identify the root cause of the issue.

    The 5 Whys Method

    The 5 Whys, a root cause analysis method, is just one tool that can be used to better understand the root cause of a problem. In this method, you ask “why” as many times as you can until the root cause is determined—not necessarily just five times.

    The Fishbone Method

    Another simple root cause analysis tool is called the Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagram. In this methodology, factors are broken into categories. This is also known as the 6M: Manpower, Method, Machine, Materials, Measurements, and Mother Nature.  These are commonly-used categories for manufacturing environments, and each likely cause is assigned to the appropriate category.

    Manpower

    To determine the root cause, start an investigation that includes the people involved in the process. Interview them, discuss the process together, and let them help you understand what may have led to the issue in the first place. It’s critical that the focus be on gaps in processes and systems, rather than individuals, as a problem is seldom isolated to an individual. Focusing on the individual also puts them on the defensive. If the lines of communication are not as open as we would like them to be, the employees are less likely to discuss what they need or why they do the things that they do for a procedure.

    Method

    Next look at the standard operating procedure and verify that what you say is indeed what you do. Variation, inconsistency or discrepancy in systems and practices play a very important role in the outcome of the process, as do the practices of employees who are directly involved in executing the technical aspects of the job. Resources are important to consider as well; if your team members are not provided with what’s needed to do their job properly, they will find ways to improvise.

    The company values set by the leaders of the organization in terms of food safety and quality can also greatly influence the decision-making process of your team. We must ask our team to answer this: Is it more important to make product on time, which may need to be re-worked; or is it more important to make good product the first time around? To be fair this is a challenging question to grapple with. There are often internal pressures, such as the production department’s demand to meet the daily quota in accordance with the shipping schedule. These pressures can result in higher prices if output is given higher priority than food safety and quality. It won’t matter that you were able to meet your production schedule, if the product does not meet defined food safety and quality specifications, and ultimately customer expectations.

    Machine, Materials, Measurements, and Mother Nature

    The rest of the categories laid out in the fishbone format relate to issues other than personnel activities such as equipment, materials, product specifications, and the environment. Even the different seasons and changes in weather can play a role in how agricultural raw materials may impact process. The equipment used to measure product specifications can prove to be out of calibration and incorrect readings at times. That’s why it’s so important to calibrate at least annually by a third party and verify measuring devices daily or at frequencies deemed appropriate for product specifications. A lot of these things can go back to policies laid out in the prerequisite programs set in place by the facility.  The development of PRPs (prerequisite programs) and effective execution of those program can a play a pivotal role.

    The items noted above are just a few examples of what to look for when conducting your own investigation for determining root cause and developing corrective actions to prevent it from reoccurring.

    After Root Cause – Fixing the Problem

    Once a root cause is identified, make sure you find a solution that thoroughly addresses the issue. If you don’t, it is very possible the problem will happen again. CAPA investigators frequently identify non-conformity as a root cause, thus leading to develop an ineffective solution.

    Example

    Let’s say that there’s a specific area of the facility where you frequently find trash on the floor. The non-conformity is that the trash on the floor may pose a risk for pest harborage and provide unhygienic conditions for the facility that can lead to product cross contamination. If the ‘fix’ that the company applied was to train people to pick up the trash and dispose of it in a different location, and this non-conformity still continues to occur, then the solution did not permanently address the problem. It may have been just a correction.

    The corrective action in this simple scenario may be to place an appropriate trash receptacle in this location or in the close proximity, assign responsible personnel as when to remove the trash and verify during the pre-op and throughout the day. It is important to know the difference between a correction and a corrective action, that way your CAPA responses will be more likely to be effective, and less likely to reoccur.

    Final Thoughts

    In developing CAPAs, there are two important things to document:

    1. Provide a summary of the root cause of the problem. The summary must identify the main cause(s) of the problem and should also lead to corrective actions which will prevent the problem from happening again.
    2. Provide evidence of the solution. Justify that the solution works by documenting pictures, revised documents or records, training records, etc.  It is not only important to find the cause of the issue but to also prove that your team efficiently implemented a solution to prevent the non-conformance from recurring.

    If you would like more information about how to correctly write corrective actions, contact Sam Greenlee, Safe Food Certifications, LLC (samg@safefoodcertifications.com; Tel: 916-246-2806).

  • Organic Trade Association holds Bold Ideas & Critical Conversations Conference

    The Organic Trade Association promised to look at the world of organic a little differently at its 2019 policy conference, and it kept its word.

    Bold ideas and Critical Conversation

    The association invited other organizations that are working to advance food and farming priorities to share their bold ideas with the organic community. It hosted social influencers from around the country to educate them on the association’s work and the advocacy of its members. And it featured in-depth, no-holds-barred conversations on everything from how to make organic affordable for consumers and still profitable for farmers to the emerging hemp market and the opportunities it offers for organic.

    The 250-plus attendees at the Organic Trade Association’s Bold Ideas + Critical Conversations conference on May 23 represented the diversity of today’s organic sector: organic grain and livestock farmers from Montana, organic fruit and vegetable growers from California and organic dairy producers from the Midwest, national organic brands and small organic businesses, organic certifiers and organic distributors, organic importers and organic exporters, and organic policymakers and organic trendsetters.

     

    “This year’s conference was about new ideas and innovative thinking. Organic has come a long way, but we are dealing with some big challenges, and we are pleased that our conference enabled a frank discussion – and also some brainstorming – on how to keep organic advancing,” said Laura Batcha, CEO and Executive Director of the Organic Trade Association. “Now we need to make sure that this constructive conversation and positive action continue.”

     

    Even the venue of the conference – Washington’s historic Union Market — represented organic’s embrace of the future and its respect for the past. Originating as Centre Market over 200 years ago, what is now today’s Union Market was at one time the city’s largest farmers’ market, with hundreds of vendors of produce, meat, eggs and everything in between. After surviving some turbulent times, it is now back on strong footing as a thriving revitalized economic growth center for the community that honors its culinary beginnings and also fosters a diverse culture of sights and sounds.

     

    Collaboration and transparencyCritical Conversations Conference

     

    Making its debut at the conference was Coalition Alley. The Organic Trade Association assembled a broad coalition of partners to connect with the conference attendees about their diverse priorities. What did they have in common? All of the passionate advocates are doing important work to promote the best practices in farming, to educate the public about healthy food and lifestyle choices, and to create sound policy changes to advance agriculture.

     

    Participants in Coalition Alley were American Farmland Trust, Organic Farming Research Foundation, National Farmers Union, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, Partnership for a Healthier America, ShiftCon, USDA’s National Organic Program and The Organic Center.

     

    Also marking a first at the annual conference was the Organic Trade Association’s first-ever Influencer Program. Seven widely followed social media influencers were chosen to cover the conference and other activities during Organic Week to get a behind-the-scenes look at organic advocacy in action.

     

    The following of these enthusiastic and committed organic activists on Instagram alone totals some 263,000, but their reach and influence go far beyond that. Being able to experience directly the organic advocacy process in the nation’s capital, and to chronicle that experience to their hundreds of thousands of followers, was an invaluable learning lesson for all involved.

     

    “Organic has nothing to hide,” said Batcha in kicking off the conference. “Organic is fighting for good, we wear the white hats, and we’ve turned back the curtain for the media on our lobbying efforts.”

     

    “We all need to commit to dig in and improve the way the public/private partnership between the government and the organic sector works,” Batcha told attendees. “We need to keep organic advancing … All of agriculture can learn from organic, and everyone could benefit from organic moving forward.”

     

    The impressive list of speakers and leaders at the conference included former Chief Agricultrual Trade Negotiator at the Office of U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Darci Vetter; Rudy Arredondo, President and CEO of the National Latino Farmers and Ranchers Trade Association; Alice Rolls, President and CEO of Georgia Organics; Jeff Huckaby, President and CEO of Cal-Organic/Grimmway Farms; Gary Hirshberg, Co-founder of Stonyfield Farm; Carla Vernon, President of the Natural & Organic Operating Unit, General Mills; David Wasserman, U.S. House Editor and Senior Election Analayst, The Cook Political Report; Naomi Starkman, Founder and Editor-in-chief of Civil Eats, and many more.

     

  • Tulare County Crop Report (For the Week Ending June 1, 2019)

    SMALL GRAINS AND OTHER FIELD CROPS:

    Winter wheat is being green chopped for silage; some is being dried, with harvest nearing completion. Harvested fields are being disked and planted for silage or other forage crops. Alfalfa fields are making excellent progress, with the rain providing an added boost. Local dairies continue to cut oats for silage and baled hay. Corn and cotton are progressing nicely. Newly planted fields of Black-eyed beans continue to thrive with recent rains.

    DECIDUOUS TREE FRUITS, NUTS, AND GRAPES:

    Early varieties of peaches, nectarines, and apricots are being picked and packed for both domestic and international consumers. Harvested peaches are being exported to Taiwan, Brazil, Costa Rica, the Philippines, and Canada. Nectarines are being harvested and packed for domestic markets, with exports to Costa Rica, Chile, Canada, and Brazil. Apricots are being harvested as well, with some domestic shipments and international shipments to Canada, Mexico, and Brazil. Late spring rains and hail have stone fruit growers worried about the quality of fruit they may have available for export markets. Mechanical maintenance continues, with orchards being thinned, topped, and/or skirted for late variety stone fruit trees. Cherries continue to be picked and packed for domestic outlets. Intermittent rain has slowed down harvest and has growers scrambling to harvest fruit before more rain. Leaf removal is continuing in some grape vineyards to promote good air circulation. Walnuts and pistachios are still blooming. Last season’s pistachio nuts continue to be exported to Europe, Italy, Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, and Israel. Almonds are still being sent to Japan, Korea, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, the Netherlands, Israel, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Chile, Mexico, Colombia, Russia, and India. Pecans are being exported to the United Kingdom and Israel. Pomegranates are starting to bloom in most locations.

    CITRUS, AVOCADOS, AND OLIVES:

    Late navel oranges are still being packed for domestic markets, with some exports to Japan, Korea, and Ecuador. Star Ruby grapefruit are being picked and exported to Japan, Mexico, and El Salvador. Valencia oranges continue to be harvested and shipped to both the domestic markets and to Japan. Mechanical maintenance for citrus groves continues with orchards being thinned, topped, and/or skirted. Some older citrus groves are being removed and replanted with stone fruit and/or citrus. Olive orchards continue blooming with some pruning taking place to thin out trees.

    VEGETABLES, MELONS, AND BERRIES:

    Summer vegetables continue to grow, and the fields are being prepped for harvest. Early planted melons are being picked and shipped domestically. Zucchini is being harvested. Strawberry and blueberry growers are picking their locally grown berries for sale to the public and for export. Exports of blueberries are still being sent to Taiwan,
    Canada, and Thailand.

    LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY:

    Rangeland forage continues to remain in good condition. Late season rains have aided in the growth of grasses and forbs. Forecasted rain in the upcoming weeks will provide an added boost for forage quality. Cool and wet conditions are benefiting grazing conditions for local cattlemen.

    ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

    Wholesale nursery shipments have slowed down, with less demand from retail outlets as summer approaches. Mature olive trees are being dug from groves and sold for use in landscaping. Bare-root roses are being sent domestically.

    Prepared by:
    Tom Tucker

    Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer

  • California Crop Weather Report (WEEK ENDING: May 26, 2019)

    WEATHER
     
    Temperature highs ranged from the low 40s to low 70s in the mountains, mid 50s to low 80s along the coast, high 50s to mid 80s in the valley, and mid 50s to low 90s in the desert.  Temperature lows ranged from the low 30s to high 40s in the mountains, mid 30s to high 60s in the desert, low 40s to low 60s along the coast, and low 40s to low 60s in the valley.
     
    FIELD CROPS
     
    In the Sacramento Valley, winter wheat progressed well. Corn and safflower continued to be progressing well in Kings County. Alfalfa harvest continued. In Tulare County, corn and cotton continued to be planted. Wheat, alfalfa, and oats continued to be harvested. Silage crops were being cut. 
     
    FRUIT CROPS
     
    Stone fruit thinning was on going as late season immature fruit developed. Early varieties of apricot, peach, and nectarine were harvested. Though intermittent rain hampered harvest, cherry harvest continued at an accelerated rate with the forecast of more rain. Nutrient sprays and pesticides, herbicides and fungicides were applied to orchards and vineyards. Mechanical vineyard maintenance continued. Shoot thinning and positioning were also underway in grape vineyards. Late Navel orange quality declined and harvest was wrapping up for the season. Star Ruby grapefruit were harvested. Seedless tangerines remained netted for the bloom. Valencia orange and lemon harvesting continued. Citrus groves were thinned, topped and skirted. Olive bloom was progressing well. Some olive trees were pruned.
     
    NUT CROPS
     
    Almonds were sizing well. Walnut and pistachio bloom continued. Young nut orchard floors were mowed and irrigations systems repaired.
     
    VEGETABLE CROPS
     
    In the Sacramento Valley, tomatoes for processing continued to be planted. Blackeye peas were planted in Kings County. In Tulare County, zucchini continued to be harvested. Broccoli, asparagus, and carrot harvest concluded in Fresno County. In San Mateo County, artichokes and peas were harvested.
     
    LIVESTOCK
     
    Foothill rangeland and non-irrigated pasture were in good to fair condition. Late season precipitation benefitted grass and forb growth. Sheep grazed in fallow fields.  Some bees were moved out of state, while others were moved to kiwi vineyards and melon fields for pollination.