Crop Progress Report – February 16, 2026
This report covers the conditions and activities observed from February 1 to February 15, 2026. Written updates will be posted regularly on Mondays throughout bloom and will have a more regionalized focus. Additional updates will be posted as needed.
Weather conditions over the past two weeks have been quite diverse. Dense morning fog covered much of the Central Valley during the first week of the month, with bright sunshine driving afternoon temperatures into the lower 70’s. However, a fairly vigorous weather system swept over the state on February 10 and 11, with Sacramento Valley growers receiving over one inch of rain. Rainfall was also reported in the northern San Joaquin Valley, with one-half inch recorded in the Stanislaus/San Joaquin County area, tapering down to a few tenths farther down the Valley.
The prime topic of conversation throughout California’s almond growing region has been the pace of development of the 2026 bloom. Growers and observers in all areas have noted a rapid progression, with orchards moving quickly from pink tip through popcorn, and into bloom in just a few days. Observers in the Durham area of Butte County have reported the most advanced bloom, with the majority of orchards planted to Nonpareil and its associated pollinizers reaching their peak bloom as rainfall spread across the Sacramento Valley. Traveling south, the percentage of open, viable bloom diminishes. However, advanced examples of the Nonpareil and its associated pollinizers reached their peak bloom in the final days of the period and have begun to shed petals. As seen in the photos accompanying this report, the majority of the Nonpareil plantings are progressing rapidly and will reach their peak condition in the coming week.
Plantings of the self-fertile Independence variety are exhibiting a wide range of development, with some plantings just starting to bloom and others very near their peak. Orchards planted to the late-bloom Butte and Padre started presenting their first flowers for pollination just before Valentine’s Day, with Butte running well ahead of the Padre.
The rapid pace of development has increased the sense of urgency throughout the Central Valley. While nearly all orchards received their hives ahead of the bloom, beekeepers could be seen tending to their colonies and placing the last hives in the most delayed varieties and orchards. Weather conditions have been less than optimal for bee flight. Rainfall, followed by dark cloudy skies and periods of gusty winds have limited bee activity on several days.
Growers spent much of the period preparing for a new series of storms predicted to arrive at the beginning of the week. Preventative fungal treatments were applied on the most susceptible varieties during the final week of the period. As this report was being prepared, rainfall approached the Valley from the west with forecasters calling for chilly temperatures after the latest storm system moves from the area later this week. Morning temperatures may drop into the upper 20’s.
By Mel Machado
Photo Credits: Kabir Tumber, Anthony Scudder and Mel Machado
