Sacramento, Calif., (January 3, 2018) – As the end of the year approached, much of the State was subjected to warmer than average afternoon temperatures, while evening temperatures were seasonal. Along the northern coast, occasional light rain appeared towards the start of the week before giving way to high pressure aloft. High pressure dominated the central interior region throughout the week. Hazy conditions still existed most nights. Towards the south, the beginning of the week brought high clouds and mist/haze over the region. Conditions then began to dry out as high pressure strengthened aloft, followed by a warming trend over the region. As the end of the week arrived, this high broke down and moved northward, allowing the regional temperatures to cool off.
Temperature highs ranged in the 40s to 50s in the mountains, 50s to 60s in the valley, 50s to 80s along the coast, and 60s to 70s in the desert. Temperature lows were in the 10s and 30s in the mountains, 20s to 30s in the desert, 20s to 40s along the coast, and 30s to 40s in the valley.
Fields that were planted earlier in the season had signs of good growth. Most fields were irrigated due to the lack of rain to maintain growth. Planting was ongoing for wheat, other cereal grains, and forage. Black-eyed beans were being exported to Malaysia.
Pruning continued in stone fruit orchards and vineyards. Persimmon harvest continued. Table grapes from cold storage continued to be exported. Some older, poorly producing orchards and vineyards were removed and prepared for replanting. Some growers prepared to apply winter dormant sprays. The Navel orange harvest continued. Pomelos were harvested. Cold overnight temperatures continued to be a concern for citrus growers. Olive growers continued to prune groves. Strawberry fields continued to thrive.
Pruning continued in nut orchards. Pistachios, almonds, walnuts, and pecans continued to be packed and shipped primarily to foreign markets. Some older orchards were pushed out and the ground was prepped for planting.
Fields were being prepared and planted with winter vegetable crops. Lettuce continued to grow well. In the already planted winter vegetable fields, the crops continued to develop. Work continued preparing tomato beds and planting onions. Carrot harvest was two weeks away. Brussel sprouts were harvested in San Mateo County.
In Tulare County, the lack of rainfall has left rangeland forage conditions poor. More rain was needed for germination and growth of rangeland forage. Supplemental feeding has been ongoing. Coral cleaning in dairies continued. Sheep were grazing on idle cropland, stubble fields, and dormant alfalfa fields. Bees were moved into almond orchards in preparation for bloom.
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