WEATHER
A low pressure moved across the northern part of the state bringing rain as well as some
light snow at the higher elevations of the Sierras.
Temperature lows ranged from the 20s to upper 40s in the Sierras and the desert, low 30s
to low 60s along the coast, and upper 30s to mid 50s in the Central Valley. Temperature
highs ranged from upper 30s to high 60s in the Sierras, low 50s to low 80s in the valley, low
50s to the 80s along the coast, and low 60s to high 80s in the desert.
FIELD CROPS
In Tulare County, wheat and alfalfa continued to mature. Silage crops were being cut.
Spring silage began planting in fields.
FRUIT CROPS
Stone fruit orchards were in bloom. Pomegranates were starting to leaf-out. Citrus packing
houses were putting in long days to make up for the backlog. Navel oranges had some
quality issues due to the rains. Some citrus groves were being topped and skirted. Valencia
oranges harvest was underway. Lemons, tangelos and grapefruit were harvested.
Seedless tangerines were being tented to prevent cross pollination.
NUT CROPS
Almond bloom was winding up with petal drop. Some orchard clean up from winter storms
occurred where orchard floors were accessible.
VEGETABLE CROPS
Winter vegetables continue to be grown and harvested in Tulare County. In the Sacramento
Valley, asparagus harvest was halted due to rain. Processing tomato planting began.
LIVESTOCK
The winter’s abundance of rain and recent warming temperatures have promoted range
development. Rangeland and non-irrigated pasture were in good condition. Bees were
active when weather conditions permitted. Some hives were moved from almond to stone
fruit orchards.