fl-crop-weather State Florida Crop Weather Week Ending/Released Dates Week Ending June 16, 2002 Released 4:00 P.M. June 17, 2002 Report Code FL CW2402 Weather Summary Scattered storms starting about mid-week brought welcomed rain to many southern and some central Peninsula localities during the week of June 9 through 15. Rainfall totaled from traces over the Panhandle and in some central and most northern Peninsula localities to over five and quarter inches at Miami. Some northern and central Peninsula, and many western Panhandle areas recorded no measurable rain for the week. This rain greatly reduced the danger of wildfire in most southern Peninsula localities. However, fire danger remains high across the western Panhandle and in many northern Peninsula areas. Hail fell during some thunderstorms. Temperatures at the major stations averaged from three degrees below normal at Miami to two degrees above at Daytona Beach and Tampa. Daytime highs were in the 80s and 90s. Nighttime lows were in the 60s and 70s. Field Crops Report Topsoil and subsoil moisture remain mostly short to adequate in the Panhandle, and very short to short in most northern Peninsula and Big Bend localities. Some central Peninsula areas report short moisture supplies while most southern Peninsula supplies are adequate. Peanut condition is rated fair to mostly good with 35 percent of the crop pegged. Cotton condition is mostly good with some growers treating acreage for aphids. Irrigated corn is in good to excellent condition. Cutting and baling of irrigated hay is active in drier areas. Hay producers are fertilizing some dryland acreage as needed. Soil Moisture Chart Topsoil Subsoil Moisture Rating This Last Last This Last Last week week year week week Year Percent Very short 2 31 12 10 13 24 Short 55 54 43 45 66 36 Adequate 43 15 39 45 21 38 Surplus 0 0 6 0 0 2 Livestock Report Pasture and cattle improved slightly over the previous week. In the Panhandle, pasture condition improved at most locations following recent rains. In the northern counties, the condition of cattle is fair, and the condition of pasture is fair due to dry soil conditions. In the central area, the condition of both cattle and range is fair, with the condition limited by drought. In the south, the condition of cattle and range is fair to good. Statewide, cattle and calves are in fair to good condition. Livestock Condition Chart Range Cattle Condition This Last This Last week week week week Percent Very poor 0 5 0 0 Poor 10 30 5 5 Fair 65 50 70 80 Good 25 15 25 15 Excellent 0 0 0 0 Fruit Report CITRUS: Rains and thunderstorms covered most of Florida's citrus belt this week. Rainfall totals were generally in the one to three inch range. Many of the growers and caretakers slowed or stopped their irrigation programs. Some of the well- cared-for groves are showing an abundance of new foliage. Virtually all of the new crop fruit is in good condition and continues to make good progress. Harvest of Valencia oranges slowed considerably this week due to very low supplies in most areas. Very few white and colored grapefruit remain to be picked. There were about 8 to 10 fresh fruit packing houses running and 6 to 8 processors still open this week. Several plan to close soon for the season. Caretakers have been very active mowing, chopping and discing cover crops that are making aggressive growth with the help of the summer rains. Hedging and topping continue in harvested groves. Dead trees are being removed at a rapid pace and burned as permits are granted. Summer fertilizations and sprays are being applied in all areas. Estimated boxes harvested week ended Crop Jun 2 Jun 9 Jun 16 Valencia oranges 5,255,000 4,995,000 3,030,000 All grapefruit 292,000 224,000 61,000 Vegetable Report Tomato picking remains active in the Quincy area while watermelon and cantaloupe harvesting continues in northern Peninsula and Panhandle localities. Okra harvesting is active while very light supplies of cucumbers, eggplant, squash and peppers continue to be marketed. Potato supplies are declining seasonally with several producers finished. 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.