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.
