fl-crop-weather State Florida Crop Weather Week Ending/Released Dates Week Ending August 18, 2002 Released 4:00 P.M. August 19, 2002 Report Code FL-CW3302 Weather Summary Another week of significant rains occurred over many areas of the Panhandle August 11 through August 17. Northern areas of Pensacola and Tallahassee had small amounts. Rainfall in the major cities ranged from a tenth of an inch at Tallahassee to over five inches in Daytona Beach. Average temperatures were mostly in the 80s for the State. Daytime highs were in the high 80s and 90s. Nighttime lows were in the 60s and 70s. Field Crops Report Some northern areas still show a shortage of topsoil and subsoil moisture while central and most southern areas have adequate supplies. Some of the oldest cotton fields are blooming and are in mostly good condition. Peanuts continue in mostly good condition. Hay harvest is active where weather permits, but armyworm problems persist with many growers spraying. Tobacco harvest is nearly complete in some areas. Some growers report corn yield down due to rust problems. Soil Moisture Chart Topsoil Subsoil Moisture Rating This Last Last This Last Last week week year week week Year Percent Very short 1 1 0 1 5 0 Short 20 20 21 28 20 16 Adequate 71 59 61 57 55 68 Surplus 8 20 18 14 20 16 Livestock Report In the Panhandle and the southwest, some pasture is stressed by drought. Pasture in the Panhandle is also hurt by armyworm and looper infestations. In the north counties, the conditions of cattle and pasture are good following recent rain. In the central and southwest areas, most cattle and pastures are in good condition. Statewide, most cattle are in good condition. Livestock Condition Chart Range Cattle Condition This Last This Last week week week week Percent Very poor 0 0 0 0 Poor 5 0 0 0 Fair 10 15 5 5 Good 80 80 90 90 Excellent 5 5 5 5 Fruit Report Citrus: This was another week of daily rains and afternoon thunderstorms that covered all areas of Florida. Lakes, ponds and water reservoirs are mostly refilled following this past dry winter and spring. A few streams and canals are being dumped into larger holding ponds. Moisture levels are very high in virtually all citrus producing counties. There is an abundance of new growth on trees of all ages. New crop fruit continues to make excellent progress. A few fresh fruit packing house fieldmen are testing grapefruit, Navels and Ambersweet oranges for early shipments. Caretakers are very busy mowing, chopping and discing cover crops and removing vines that have covered the tops of many trees. Dead trees are being removed and burned. Some resets are being planted in the larger groves. Growers are spraying, fertilizing, herbiciding and liming some groves. Ditches are being cleaned for more efficient water movement. Vegetable Report Fall crop planting continues actively in southern Peninsula areas. Okra harvesting remains active in Miami-Dade County. 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.