California Ag Network

Category: Weather

  • Governor Announces CA Wildfire Safety & Catastrophe Response Task Force

    SACRAMENTO – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the appointment of members of the California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board, as outlined in AB 1054, and the California Catastrophe Response Council, established by AB 111, both signed into law in July.

    The legislation created the California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board, a board of independent expert advisors, to advise a new Wildfire Safety Division within the California Public Utilities Commission on wildfire safety measures, including plans written by utilities, so the CPUC can more effectively regulate the safety of investor-owned utilities.

    AB 1054 also mandated that utilities tie executive compensation to safety performance, invest $5 billion in safety improvements without profit, and go through a new yearly wildfire safety review and certification process. It also requires new inspections of utility electrical equipment. Under the law, utilities must create a wildfire safety committee in their corporate board, and provide direct board-level safety reporting to the CPUC.

    The California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board will advise the Wildfire Safety Division within the California Public Utilities Commission on wildfire safety and mitigation performance, including plans written by utilities, so they can develop an appropriate scope and process for assessing the safety culture of an electric utility.

    The Advisory Board will meet at least quarterly throughout the state. Biographies of the members are below.

    California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board

    Jessica Block, 41, of San Diego, has been appointed to the California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board. Block has been a senior research associate and associate director of the WIFIRE Lab at the University of California, San Diego since 2011. She was a wildfire research officer at the University of Melbourne in 2010, a research associate at the University of Ballarat, Australia from 2008 to 2009, a research associate at San Diego State University in 2008, and a senior research developer at Arizona State University from 2005 to 2008. Block earned a Master of Science degree in geological sciences with an emphasis in urban ecology from Arizona State University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Block is a Democrat.

    Marcie Edwards, 62, of Castaic, has been appointed to the California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board. Edwards has been principal of MLE Consulting Inc. since 2017. She was general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power from 2014 to 2017, city manager of the City of Anaheim from 2013 to 2014, and general manager for Anaheim Public Utilities from 2001 to 2013. Edwards was interim chief executive officer for the California Independent System Operator in 2004. She held various positions at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power from 1976 to 2000, including assistant general manager for marketing and customer service business units, bulk power business unit director, energy control center manager and superintendent of load dispatching. Edwards earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of La Verne. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $400 per diem. Edwards is a Republican.

    Diane Fellman, 69, of San Francisco, has been appointed to the California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board. Fellman was a public utility regulatory specialist at the California Public Utilities Commission from 2017 to 2018. She was vice president of regulatory and legislative affairs for the Western Region at NRG Energy Inc. from 2010 to 2017, director of regulatory and legislative affairs for NextEra Energy Resources Inc. from 2004 to 2010 and an attorney in private practice from 1986 to 2004. Fellman was legal counsel at the California Public Utilities Commission from 1983 to 1986 and a hearing officer and officer manager at the California Energy Commission from 1977 to 1983. Fellman earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $400 per diem. Fellman is a Democrat.

    John Mader, 50, of Elk Grove, has been appointed to the California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board. Mader has been an electrical distribution engineer for the Pacific Gas and Electric Company since 1998. He is president of the Engineers and Scientists of California, Local 20, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE). This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $400 per diem. Mader is a Democrat.

    Alexandra Syphard, 49, of La Mesa, has been appointed to the California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board. Syphard has been chief scientist at Sage Insurance Holdings LLC since 2018 and adjunct professor in the Geography Department at San Diego State University since 2011. She was a senior research scientist at the Conservation Biology Institute from 2007 to 2019 and a postdoctoral research scientist for the University of Wisconsin-Madison, SILVIS Lab in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology from 2005 to 2007, and a geographic information system (GIS) analyst and environmental planner at Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, from 1998 to 1999. Syphard earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in geography from San Diego State University and the University of California, Santa Barbara, a Master of Science degree in environmental studies from the Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master of Public Health degree from the Medical College of Virginia. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $400 per diem. Syphard is a Democrat.

    Also, Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins today announced the Senate Rules Committee’s appointment of Ralph M. Armstrong Jr. to the California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board. Armstrong has held several positions with IBEW Local Union 1245 since 2007, including senior business representative and senior assistant business manager. Armstrong held several positions with Western Area Power Administration from 1995 to 2007, including occupational safety and health specialist and journeyman lineman. He was a journeyman lineman for the Florida Power and Light Company from 1989 to 1995 and held various positions for IBEW Local 349 from 1983 to 1989.

    The Governor today also announced members of the California Catastrophe Response Council, which will oversee the operations and management of the Wildfire Fund created under AB 1054 to pay eligible claims resulting from a wildfire determined to be caused by an electric utility. The Council will direct the Wildfire Fund administrator to prepare and present its operation plans on an annual basis. Biographies of the members are below.

    California Catastrophe Response Council

    Catherine Bando, 64, of Los Angeles, has been appointed to the California Catastrophe Response Council. Bando has served as executive director at the California Statewide Communities Development Authority since 2014 and has been principal at Bando Public Finance since 2012. She was director at Citigroup Global Markets from 2010 to 2011, partner at Greencoast Capital Partners from 2009 to 2010, managing director at J.P. Morgan in 2008 and managing director at ABC Capital Markets from 1990 to 2008. She earned a Master of Business Administration degree from American University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Bando is a Democrat.

    Paul Rosenstiel, 69, of San Francisco, has been appointed to the California Catastrophe Response Council. Rosenstiel has served as a special advisor to Governor Gavin Newsom since 2019. He was a member of the California State Teachers’ Retirement System Teachers’ Retirement Board from 2011 to 2019. Rosenstiel was special advisor at the Alameda County Treasurer’s Office from 2017 to 2019. He was managing director at Stifel from 2014 to 2015. Rosenstiel was managing director and manager at De La Rosa and Company from 2009 to 2014. He was deputy treasurer at the California State Treasurer’s Office from 2007 to 2009. Rosenstiel was policy director at Westly for Governor from 2005 to 2006. Rosenstiel was vice president of public finance at Dean Witter Reynolds from 1983 to 1986. He was an economist at Recht Hausrath and Associates from 1979 to 1981. Rosenstiel is chair of the California Budget and Policy Center. He is a board member of the Global Projects Center at Stanford University. He is a member of the Public Policy Institute of California, Planned Parenthood of Northern California, Financing the Future Working Group and the Chinese Community Health Care Association. Rosenstiel earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Stanford University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Rosenstiel is a Democrat.

    Rhoda Rossman, 60, of Albany, has been appointed to the California Catastrophe Response Council. Rossman has been an independent trustee of the Matthews Asia Funds since 2006. She was a fixed income specialist at Cypress Wealth Advisors from 2017 to 2018 and held several positions at PMI Mortgage Insurance from 1997 to 2010, including corporate investment officer, treasurer and portfolio manager. Rossman was portfolio manager at Montgomery Asset Management from 1995 to 1996, vice president at the Wells Fargo Bank Investment Management Group from 1993 to 1995 and assistant portfolio manager at RCM Capital Management Group from 1993 to 1995. She was a credit analyst and portfolio manager at Benham Capital Management from 1985 to 1987 and assistant vice president and underwriter at AMBAC Municipal Bond Insurance from 1983 to 1985. Rossman earned a Master of Public Administration degree in public finance from the Maxwell School of Syracuse University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Rossman is a Democrat.

    Additionally, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon today announced his appointment of former Assemblymember Richard Gordon to the California Catastrophe Response Council. Gordon currently serves as president and CEO of the California Forestry Association. Gordon served three terms (2010-2016) in the California State Assembly, where he was Rules Committee Chair for two years. Before that, Gordon was a member of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors and was president of CSAC in 2008. Gordon is a fourth-generation Californian born and raised in San Mateo County.

    The Council is comprised of nine members: the Governor, or his designee; the Treasurer, or her designee; the Insurance Commissioner, or his designee; the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency, or his designee; one member appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules; one member appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly; and three public members appointed by the Governor.

    This action is the most recent that the Governor has taken to address the recent utility-directed Public Safety Power Shutoffs, which have left thousands of Californians without power or electricity.

    The Governor has declared a statewide emergency due to the dangerous weather conditions. Governor Newsom announced the launch of a new state website, RESPONSE.CA.GOV this week, which serves as a one-stop portal for tools and resources available to Californians who have been impacted by wildfires and utility-directed power shutoffs, as well as community and business partnerships to support residents impacted by the wildfires and the shutoffs.

    The Governor also announced that the state has secured Fire Management Assistance Grants to help ensure the availability of resources to fight the Getty Fire, as well as the Kincade and Tick fires – for which the Governor previously declared a state of emergency in Sonoma and Los Angeles counties.

    This week and last week, the Governor met with emergency responders, volunteers, health officials, residents and state and local leaders in Los Angeles, Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Napa and Geyserville, and held briefings regarding the ongoing fire threats and the need to hold utilities accountable for the consequences of their power shutoff decisions.

    The Governor has called on the California Public Utilities Commission to reform power shutoff rules and regulations as part of its investigation into the utility-led shutoffs. He has also announced a $75 million program for state and local governments to mitigate the impacts of power shutoffs and unveiled a series of new partnerships and new tools to help secure medically vulnerable populations during these events.

  • California Crop Weather Report (For Week Ending: October 6, 2019)

    Weather

    Temperature highs ranged from the low 50s to low 80s in the mountains, low 60s to high 80s in the valley, low 60s to high 90s along the coast, and mid 60s to high 90s in the desert. Temperature lows ranged from the low 20s to low 40s in the mountains, mid 20s to mid 60s in the desert, mid 30s to mid 50s along the coast, and high 30s to mid 60s in the valley.

    Field Crops

    In Tulare County, cotton harvest began. Alfalfa continued to be cut, dried, and baled. Corn and sorghum harvest was wrapping up. Black-eyed peas were being harvested. In the valley, rice harvest continued at a steady pace and corn harvest was underway.

    Fruit Crops

    Stone fruit orchards were irrigated. Apricot, peach, plum, pluot, and nectarine harvest continued to wind down for the season. Some stone fruit orchards were pruned and topped.Olive, pomegranate, and Asian pear harvest continued. Persimmons and quince were showing color. Wine grape harvest continued. Marginal sugar levels were reported for some producers in Tulare County. Valencia oranges and kiwi continued to be harvested. Raisins were being rolled and picked up for processing in some areas. Lemon and lime harvest continued steadily. Citrus groves were pruned, hedge rowed, and skirted. Old citrus trees were being pushed out and replaced with new plantings.

    Nut Crops

    Orchards continued to be irrigated. Almond harvest continued to wrap up smoothly with hardshell varieties coming in slightly below the Nonpareil variety for a few producers. Walnut and pistachio harvest continued at a steady pace.

    Vegetable Crops

    In Monterey County, most lettuce and leafy greens production declined. Brassica harvest is continuing for a few more months. Fresno County reported processed tomato harvest finished, but is still ongoing in other parts of the State.

    Livestock

    Foothill rangeland and non-irrigated pasture were reported to be in fair to poor condition. Irrigated pasture was in good to excellent condition. Supplemental feeding of cattle was ongoing.

  • Winegrape Growers Affected by Wildfires Can Apply for Assistance Through WHIP+

    U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue this week announced thatgrowers who suffered crop losses due to natural disasters in 2018 or 2019 can apply for assistance through theWildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+). Winegrape growers who suffered losses due to smokeexposure events in 2018 are eligible.

    The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) worked with members of the Californiacongressional delegation to ensure winegrapes are covered by WHIP+. CAWG President John Aguirrecommended the actions of key members of the California congressional delegation. “The efforts of Sen. DianneFeinstein and Reps. Mike Thompson and Jim Costa were critical in ensuring California’s winegrape growersaffected by wildfires would qualify for assistance under WHIP+.”

    USDA is now accepting claims for WHIP+ assistance. USDA recommends growers contact their local FarmService Agency (FSA) county office to schedule an appointment. Growers in all California counties are eligiblefor assistance under WHIP+ for wildfire-related losses, provided their county received a Presidential EmergencyDisaster Declaration or Secretarial Disaster Designation or their FSA county committee approves a loss claimdue to a qualifying disaster event in 2018 or 2019.

    Winegrapes are the only commodity under WHIP+ eligible for payments due to quality losses. Growers canreceive WHIP+ payments for unharvested grapes resulting from wineries that rejected smoke exposed fruit,provided growers can document the fruit had elevated levels of smoke compounds. In addition, WHIP+ willcover quality losses attributable to smoke where the affected grapes had a value of less than 75 percent of theaverage market price of undamaged grapes of the same or similar variety. In this instance, growers must submitverifiable documentation that a reduced price resulted from smoke exposure.

    “WHIP+ represents a substantial improvement over the 2017 version of WHIP in that it covers quality losses,”Aguirre said. There are a variety of scenarios where the value of a grower’s crop may have been discounteddue to smoke exposure related quality issues, either at the time of sale or subsequent to being processed intowine. CAWG is reviewing the just released details of WHIP+ to determine how the program applies to thesedifferent scenarios.

     

  • Sonoma County Winegrowers to Participate in Ag’s First Climate Certification Program

    Five years ago, the Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW) made a bold declaration to the wine world that its more than 1,800 winegrowers were committed to becoming the nation’s first 100% certified sustainable wine region in 2019.

    Today, Karissa Kruse, president of the Sonoma County Winegrowers, addressed the local winegrowing community to announce that Sonoma County now has a record-breaking 99%  of its local vineyards certified sustainable.  Kruse also announced that SCW will continue to build on its sustainability leadership as an exclusive participant in the California Land Stewardship Institute’s Climate Adaptation Certification Program which is the first program of its kind available in the world for agriculture.

    While carbon farm plans have been utilized by some farmers and ranchers in the past, this new climate adaptation certification marks the first time farmers will have a certification and a comprehensive greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction and carbon sequestration program that includes all three main GHG  – carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane. This voluntary climate adaptation program will be customized to site and operations with growers documenting their reductions, monitoring  their greenhouse gas emissions and undergoing an annual audit.  After launching and piloting the effort in Sonoma County vineyards, the program will be available to other wine regions around the world.

    “When our leadership realized that 99% of the vineyards in Sonoma County were going to be certified sustainable, they began looking ahead and identified climate adaptation certification as the next natural step for Sonoma County Winegrowers,” stated Kruse.  She added, “Climate change is a critical threat, yet there is little information available on the role agriculture can play.  This program addresses that by focusing on the importance of local solutions to combat a global concern. We are excited that this new certification program highlights the unique role and opportunity agriculture and local communities have in climate adaptation and mitigation.”

    The Climate Adaptation Certification program is a customized farm plan that will track the impact of climate friendly farming practices and develop recommendations that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The certification program will focus on proven scientific concepts that growers can implement without compromising their farming practices.  It will limit nitrous oxide emissions and focus on carbon sequestration to improve the health of the soil and the farm. The program meets both the State of California’s climate goals and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Healthy Soil goals.

    Each participating vineyard in Sonoma County will have its own land management program developed specifically to address the sequestration of nitrous oxide and carbon emissions.  The greenhouse gas reductions will be monitored and documented with the information shared with farmers and the general public.

    “Through the Climate Adaptation Certification program, both the grower and the public will be able to better understand the role of vineyards in climate change and the immediate benefits of agricultural practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon,” said Laurel Marcus, executive director of the California Land Stewardship Institute.  She added, “We are excited to collaborate on this pilot project with the Sonoma County Winegrowers who have demonstrated great leadership in land stewardship and environmental responsibility.”

    Sonoma County’s wine industry is primarily comprised of multi-generational family businesses.   There are 59,218 acres planted to vineyards, which accounts for only 6% of Sonoma County’s total acreage.  In fact, more than 40% of Sonoma County’s vineyard parcels are less than 20 acres, with 80% of the county’s vineyards less than 100 acres.

    Duff Bevill, Bevill Vineyard Management and past chair of the SCW board of directors, is often referred to as the godfather of sustainability by the locals and is credited with playing a key role in bringing the idea of committing to 100% sustainability to the SCW board and local growers.  He is excited about participating in the first Climate Adaptation Certification program for vineyards.

    “I have long felt that sustainability is the best approach to ensure we protect our land for future generations, improve the quality of life for our employees, and enhance the community where we live and work,” said Bevill.  He added, “That foundation is critical as we now look to reduce and document greenhouse gas emissions and further our carbon sequestration efforts.  Though the issue is big, there is little understanding as to what solutions can make a difference.   This program excites me because it has a lot of depth to it and it will enable us to actually monitor and determine how best to lower our impact through a combination of best management practices.”

    Sonoma County has some of the world’s most recognized grape growing areas in the world with the first vineyards dating back to 1812.  The region’s unique combination of rich geological history, fog patterns generated by its more than 50-miles of Pacific Ocean coastline and topography has given rise to 18 unique American Viticultural Areas (AVA), with plans to designate more. Each AVA offers distinct climate, soils, temperature areas, elevations and historical significance perfect for growing world-class Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and more.

    Sonoma County is also home to almost 500 wineries whose wines are renowned throughout the world.  In 2018, SCW launched its “Sustainably Farmed Grapes” logo for wineries to use on their wines beginning with the 2017 vintage.  To use the label, wines must be using at least 85% certified sustainable Sonoma County winegrapes following an audit by SCW.

    “What is most exciting is that given that we are a certified sustainable wine region and participating in the first Climate Adaptation Certification for vineyards, consumers can always purchase Sonoma County wines with confidence knowing that we are the global leader in growing and making great wine while minimizing the impact on the environment,” said SCW’s Kruse.

    About Sonoma County Winegrowers:

    The Sonoma County Winegrape Commission, also known as Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW), was established in 2006 as a marketing and educational organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier grape growing regions. SCW has oversight by California Department of Food and Agriculture which supports producer regions. With more than 1,800 growers, SCW’s goal is to increase awareness and recognition of the quality and diversity of Sonoma County’s grapes and wines through dynamic marketing and educational programs targeted to wine consumers around the world.

    In January 2014, SCW committed to becoming the nation’s first 100% sustainable winegrowing region in 2019. As of September 12, 2019, 99% of the vineyard acreage in Sonoma County has completed certification by a third-party auditor making Sonoma County the most sustainable wine region in the world.  SCW’s sustainability efforts have been recognized with California’s highest environmental honor, the 2016 Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA).  Learn more at www.sonomawinegrape.org

     

  • California Crop Weather Report ( For Week Ending: September 1, 2019)

    Weather

    Temperature highs ranged from the high 60s to high 90s in the mountains, low 70s to mid 100s along the coast, high 70s to mid 100s in the valley, and mid 80s to mid 110s in the desert. Temperature lows ranged from low 40s to mid 70s in the mountains, low 50s to mid 60s along the coast, mid 50s to high 80s in the valley, and low 50s to high 90s in the desert.

    Field Crops

    In Tulare, Fresno, and Kings Counties, alfalfa continued to be irrigated, cut, and baled. Cotton was in full bloom. Corn was being cut for silage. Harvesting of safflower continued. Garbanzo beans were harvested. Black-eye peas continued to set and fill pods. Sorghum was growing well. In Sacramento County, sunflower was drying down and harvesting began.

    Fruit Crops

    Nectarine, peach, pear, plum, pluot, fig, and Asian pear harvest continued. Post-harvest pruning and mechanical topping was ongoing. Dried pruning debris was shredded. After harvest, some older stone fruit orchards were pushed out and burned to clear for replanting. Pomegranate harvest began. Kiwis, olives, and persimmons were maturing well. Table and wine grape harvest continued. Irrigation and mechanical vineyard maintenance was ongoing. A limited amount of Valencia oranges were harvested. Gassing of Valencia oranges continued to counter re-greening. Ruby Red grapefruit and finger limes were harvested. Citrus groves were pruned, hedged, and skirted. Some groves were whitewashed for sunburn prevention.

    Nut Crops

    Orchards continued to be irrigated. Walnuts were developing well with no significant pest or disease problems reported. Orchard floor cleaning continued in preparation of harvest. Almond harvest was well underway and pistachio harvest began.

    Vegetable Crops

    Tulare County reported certified producers grew cucumbers, squash, tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplant, and jalapeños for local farmers’ markets and roadside stands. In Colusa, Sacramento, Solano, and Yolo counties, processed tomato harvest continued.

    Livestock

    Foothill rangeland and non-irrigated pasture remained in fair to poor condition. Water was hauled to livestock in some dry locations. Supplemental feeding was ongoing. Some cattle were moved to higher elevation pasture, while in the northern counties, cattle were grazing on recently harvested grain stubble.

  • California Crop Weather Report ( Week Ending: August 11, 2019)

    Weather

    Temperature highs ranged from the mid 60s to mid 90s in the mountains, high 60s to mid 100s along the coast, mid 70s to mid 100s in the valley, and low 90s to low 120s in the desert. Temperature lows ranged from the mid 30s to low 60s in the mountains, high 40s to mid 60s along the coast, mid 50s to mid 70s in the valley, and high 40s to low 90s in the desert.

    Field Crops

    In Tulare County, cotton fields were in full bloom and bolls were filling. Alfalfa continued to be cut and baled with some fields on their third cutting. Corn for silage was being cut. In Sacramento County, rice and safflower continued to grow and mature.

    Fruit Crops

    Stone fruit orchards were irrigated. Nectarine, peach, plum, and pluot harvests continued. Post-harvest pruning and mechanical topping was ongoing. Some older stone fruit orchards were pushed out after harvest. Olives and persimmons were maturing well. Asian pears, figs, and pears were harvested. Table grape harvest continued. Irrigation and mechanical vineyard maintenance was
    ongoing. Some Valencia oranges were harvested. Gassing of Valencia oranges continued to counter re-greening. Ruby red grapefruit were harvested. Citrus groves were pruned, hedged, 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. Almonds were treated for Navel orange worms and mites. Orchard floors were cleaned up in preparation of almond harvest. Almond harvest was underway in the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley.

    Vegetable Crops

    Tomato harvest increased in the valley. Corn crop matured at a slower rate due to mild weather conditions. In Tulare County, certified producers grew tomatoes, squash, peppers, and cucumbers for local Farmers’ markets. In Kern County, sweet potatoes were doing well in high heat.

    Livestock

    Rangeland grasses continued to dry. Foothill rangeland and non-irrigated pasture remained in fair to good condition, though water was hauled to livestock in some locations and supplemental feeding had commenced. Some cattle were moved to higher elevation range. Sheep grazed in fallow fields. Bees were active in sunflower fields.

  • California Crop Weather Report (Week Ending: August 4, 2019)

    Weather

    Temperature highs ranged from the mid 70s to high 90s in the mountains, mid 60s to low 100s along the coast, high 80s to mid 100s in the valley, and mid 90s to mid 110s in the desert.  Temperature lows ranged from low 40s to mid 60s in the mountains, high 40s to high 60s along the coast, low 50s to low 90s in the desert, and mid 50s to mid 70s in the valley.

    Field Crops 

    In Tulare County, corn for silage was maturing with some fields being harvested. Black-eyed beans were sizing up, and pods drying. Cotton continued to be irrigated and cultivated. Alfalfa was cut and baled.  In Siskiyou, Trinity and Modoc counties, cattle were moved to range land at higher elevations. San Mateo County, hay continued to be cut and baled.  Fresno County corn continued to be harvested for silage. Alfalfa yields are good with lower quality with prices decreasing. In Fresno County, alfalfa seed has been dried and harvest expected to begin soon.

    Fruit Crops

    Stone fruit orchards were irrigated. Apricot, peach, plum, pluot, and nectarine harvest continued. Post- harvest pruning and mechanical topping was ongoing. Some older stone fruit orchards were pushed out after harvest. Persimmons, figs and olives were maturing well. Grape harvest was underway. Irrigation and mechanical vineyard maintenance continued. Valencia oranges were harvested. Citrus groves were pruned and hedged. Some citrus were pushed out in preparation for new plantings.

    Nut Crops

    Orchards continue to be irrigated. Almonds, walnuts, and pistachios were developing well. Almonds were treated for Navel Orangeworm and mites. Orchard floors were cleaned up in preparation of almond harvest. Almond harvest began in Fresno County with the first shaking reported this season.

    Vegetable Crops

    Monterey County is reported good weather conditions for lettuce.  In San Mateo County, fall squash plants are in flower.  In the Sacramento Valley, tomato harvest began.  Tulare County summer vegetables continue to be sold at roadside stands and famer’s markets. Producers are picking tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, and squash. In Fresno county processing tomatoes and garlic have been reported with below average yields and carrot harvest will begin soon.

    Livestock

    Rangeland grasses continued to dry. Foothill rangeland and non-irrigated pasture remained in fair to good condition, though water was hauled to livestock in some locations and supplemental feeding had commenced. Some cattle were moved to higher elevation range. Sheep grazed in fallow fields. Bee were active in sunflower fields.

  • California Crop Weather Report ( For Week Ending: July 28, 2019)

    WEATHER

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

    FIELD CROPS

    In Tulare County, corn for silage continued to mature. Black-eyed beans are sizing up, and pods are beginning to dry. Cotton continued to be irrigated and cultivated. Alfalfa hay was cut and baled. In San  Mateo County, hay continued to be cut and baled.  Fresno County corn was to be harvested for silage. Alfalfa yields are good, with lower quality decreasing prices.

     FRUIT CROPS

    Stone fruit orchards were irrigated. Apricot, peach, plum, pluot, and nectarine harvest continued. Post-harvest pruning and mechanical topping was ongoing. Some older stone fruit orchards were pushed out after harvest. Persimmons and olives continued to mature. Grapes were growing well as harvest began. Some vineyards continue to have leaves thinned to allow better airflow and light. Irrigation and mechanical vineyard maintenance continued. Valencia and Navel oranges were harvested. Valencia were gassed to improve color. Citrus groves were pruned and hedge rowed. Some citrus were pushed out in preparation for new plantings.

    NUT CROPS

    Orchards continued to be irrigated. Almonds, walnuts, and pistachios were developing well. Almonds were treated for Navel Orangeworm and mites.

    VEGETABLE CROPS

    Monterey County reported good weather conditions for lettuce. In San Mateo County, fall squash plants were in flower. In Colusa, Sacramento, Solano, and Yolo counties tomato harvest is set to begin in early planted fields. In Tulare County, summer vegetables continued to be sold at roadside stands and farmers’ markets. Producers are picking tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, and squash. In Fresno county organic processing tomato and garlic harvests were completed with below average yields.

    LIVESTOCK

    Pastureland continued to dry. Only about a fifth of the five year average acres have burned so far this fire year. Late spring rains and moderate temperatures in the early summer months have contributed to this slow start to the fire season. Foothill rangeland and non-irrigated pasture remained in fair to good condition, though water was hauled to livestock in some locations. Sheep grazed in fallow fields. Bees were active in sunflower fields. 

  • California Crop Weather Report (Week ending: July 7, 2019)

    WEATHER

    Temperature highs ranged from the low 60s to low 90s in the mountains, mid 60s to mid 90s along the coast, low 70s to high 90s in the valley, and mid 80s to low 110s in the desert.  Temperature lows ranged from the high 30s to mid 60s in the mountains, high 40s to low 60s along the coast, low 50s to mid 80s in the valley, and low 50s to high 80s in the desert.

     FIELD CROPS

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

    FRUIT CROPS

    Stone fruit orchards were irrigated. Apricots, peaches, plums, pluots, and nectarines were harvested. Late season stone fruit were hand thinned. Older stone fruit orchards were pushed out after harvest. Persimmons and olives continued to mature. Grapes were growing well as fruit thinning activities continued. Mechanical vineyard maintenance continued. Grapefruit and Valencia and Navel oranges were packed for export to domestic markets. Citrus groves were thinned, topped and skirted. Some citrus was pushed out in preparation for new plantings.

     NUT CROPS

    Orchards continue to be irrigated. Almonds, walnuts, and pistachios were developing well. Sunburn protective sprays were applied to some walnut groves.

     VEGETABLE CROPS

    Black-eye peas progressed well in Kings County. In Tulare County, bell peppers, cucumbers, eggplant, and tomatoes continued to be harvested. Tomato, cucumber, and zucchini harvests continued in the Sacramento Valley. Cherry tomato harvest began.

    LIVESTOCK

    Foothill rangeland and non-irrigated pasture remained in fair to good condition. Sheep grazed in fallow fields. Bees were active in melon and sunflower fields.

     

  • California Crop Weather Report (WEEK ENDING: June 30, 2019)

    WEATHER

    Temperature highs ranged from the high 50s to mid 80s in the mountains, mid 60s to mid 90s along the coast, mid 70s to high 90s in the valley, and mid 80s to low 110s in the desert.  Temperature lows ranged from the mid 30s to high 50s in the mountains, mid 40s to high 50s along the coast, mid 40s to mid 80s in the desert, and mid low 50s to high 70s in the valley.

     

    FIELD CROPS

    In the Sacramento Valley, winter wheat harvest continued and rice continued to progress well. Safflower started to bloom and sunflowers continued to be planted. 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. Blackeye peas progressed well in Kings County.

     

    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.Cherry harvest drew to a close. Late season stone fruit were hand thinned. Reflective sheets were laid between rows to promote color development. Olives continued to mature. 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 thinned, topped and skirted. Some citrus groves were pushed out in preparation for new plantings.

     

    NUT CROPS

    Orchards continued to be irrigated. Almonds, walnuts, and pistachios were developing well. Sunburn protective sprays were applied to some walnut groves. Young nut orchard floors were mowed.

     

    VEGETABLE CROPS

    In Tulare County, zucchini, squash, cucumbers, and tomatoes continued to be harvested andeggplant 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 fair to good condition. Sheep grazed in fallow fields. Some cattle were moved to better range as lower elevation grasses and watering holes dried. Bees were active in melon and sunflower fields.