fl-crop-weather State Florida Crop Weather Week Ending/Released Dates Week Ending May 12, 2002 Released 4:00 P.M. May 13, 2002 Report Code FL-CW1902 Weather Summary Dry weather persisted during the week of May 5 through 11. No measurable rain fell except for less than a tenth inch at Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and Homestead. The danger of wildfire continues to increase in most areas. Temperatures averaged three to seven degrees above normal at the major stations. Daytime highs were in the 80s and 90s while nighttime lows were mostly in the 60s and 70s. Alachua, Hastings, Jacksonville and Pierson recorded at least one low in the upper 50s. Field Crops Report Topsoil and subsoil moisture supplies continue to dry out with almost all areas reporting very short to short supplies. Thirty-five percent of peanuts are planted compared with 41 percent for both last year and the five year average planted by May 12. Growers are irrigating some cotton and peanut acreage to ensure good stands. Other producers are waiting on rain to begin planting cotton and peanuts. Irrigated tobacco, soybeans and corn acreage is in good condition while dryland acreage is beginning to suffer from the hot, dry weather. Soil Moisture Chart Topsoil Subsoil Moisture Rating This Last Last This Last Last week week year week week Year Percent Very short 51 23 54 25 16 44 Short 48 57 42 74 64 51 Adequate 1 20 4 1 20 5 Surplus 0 0 0 0 0 0 Livestock Report The pasture in the Panhandle is in fair to good condition. Dry weather is causing critical condition in dryland forage. Winter forages are completely dried up and perennial pastures are not growing. In the north and central counties, pasture is very poor to poor. Cattle that are not being fed supplemental hay are losing weight. In the southeast, pasture is poor and cattle are in only fair condition due to drought. Statewide, cattle are mostly in fair condition. Livestock Condition Chart Range Cattle Condition This Last This Last week week week week Percent Very poor 5 5 0 0 Poor 40 30 5 10 Fair 50 40 85 50 Good 5 25 10 40 Excellent 0 0 0 0 Fruit Report CITRUS: All areas of Florida's citrus belt were dry this week. Rain is badly needed. Growers and caretakers are using all types of irrigation, and in addition some bedded groves are being flood irrigated where sufficient water is available. There is some new growth in the well-cared-for groves. However, there is afternoon leaf curl and wilt in many of the poorly cared for, non-irrigated groves. Harvest of Valencia oranges remains very active in all areas with some of the processing plants limiting deliveries. Fresh utilization of oranges, white and colored grapefruit and Honey tangerines is slowing as good usable supplies are running low. Temple and Honey tangerine harvest are just about complete for this season. Caretakers are mowing, chopping and discing cover crops prior to harvest crew's arrival and for fire protection. Hedging and topping continue in all areas. Dead trees are being removed at a very rapid pace. Many growers are stacking limbs and dead trees to be burned at a later time when there is more moisture in the surrounding areas. Second and third sprays are being applied in some of the better cared for fresh fruit groves. New trees are being planted in most areas. Estimated boxes harvested week ended Crop Apr 28 May 5 May 12 Valencia oranges 8,079,000 7,295,000 6,895,000 All grapefruit 1,529,000 1,309,000 1,083,000 Honey tangerines 18,000 6,000 1,000 Temples 16,000 2,000 1,000 Vegetable Report Watermelon harvesting is increasing around Arcadia and Wildwood. Harvesting of leafy crops such as endive, escarole and lettuce, is nearly finished around Lake Okeechobee due to the hot temperatures. Producers cut back some cucumber harvesting due to the low market. Eggplant cutting is slowing with most acreage completely harvested. Cabbage harvesting is virtually finished. Other vegetables, berries and melons available include tomatoes, peppers, blueberries, celery, cantaloupes, okra, potatoes, radishes, squash, snap beans and sweet corn. Comments/Contact Information To receive this report via e-mail, send message to listserv@newsbox.usda.gov with the following message: subscribeusda- fl-crop-weather your.name An example: subscribe usda-fl-crop-weather John Smith. The report will be e-mailed automatically to your e-mail address each week.