fl-crop-weather State Florida Crop Weather Week Ending/Released Dates Week ending July 6, 2003 Released 4:00 P.M. July 7, 2003 Report Code FL-CW2703 Weather Summary Report The week of June 29 through July 6th was warm and wet in most parts of Florida. High temperatures in the 90s were recorded at almost all stations, with Umatilla reaching 94 degrees and Immokalee, Pierson, and Lake Alfred all exceeding 93 degrees. The high temperature for the week in Pensacola was only 86 degrees. Pensacola received the most rainfall, over 10 inches, due to heavy rains from Tropical Storm Bill moving through southern Alabama. At the other end of the State, Miami recorded over 5 inches of rain for the week. Many other stations recorded less than an inch of rain, with Tampa, Jacksonville, Alachua, Dover, and Homestead reporting less than one half inch. Field Crops Report Many fields in the Panhandle have received abundant rain, almost too much. Some areas cannot put up hay yet. Some field work has been suspended this week due to the rain. There is some increased concern about insect and disease problems, and spraying schedules have been tightened up to work around the showers. Topsoil and subsoil moisture are adequate to surplus across the State. Silage is being harvested in the northern Peninsula. The condition of the peanut crop is good to excellent, with 20% rated fair, 40% good, and 40% excellent. The crop is 75% pegged, compared to 50% last week and 62% last year. The 5-year average at this point of the season is 57% pegged. In St. John's County, cover crops of corn and sorghum have been planted. Soil Moisture Chart Topsoil Subsoil Moisture Rating This Last Last This Last Last week week year week week Year Percent Very short 1 1 1 0 0 5 Short 5 5 7 5 6 11 Adequate 51 54 61 52 58 54 Surplus 43 40 31 43 36 30 Vegetable Report In the Panhandle, melon harvest is continuing. Harvesting in Hillsborough County and surrounding areas is also continuing as growers are getting back into the fields after somevery heavy rains. Other vegetables being harvested include eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes. Livestock Report Most pasture is in good condition in each of the areas of the State. Some pasture in the Panhandle and central areas is in poor to fair condition due to excessive rainfall. Haying is active when the weather permits. Statewide, the condition of the cattle is mostly good. Livestock Condition Chart Range Cattle Condition This Last This Last week week week week Percent Very poor 0 0 0 0 Poor 5 5 0 0 Fair 5 10 5 10 Good 85 75 90 80 Excellent 5 10 5 10 Fruit Report Citrus: Weather patterns are near normal for summer in the citrus belt. The first of the week, Tropical Storm Bill moved up the Gulf providing bands of rain over western and central Florida. Rainfall for the week totaled from traces in southern areas to over 2.5 inches in some central and east coast areas. Some lower interior areas were able to dry out from the previous week's heavy rainfall. Trees statewide are in excellent condition from the abundant and timely rainfall. Young trees in many groves have an abundance of new flushed growth. Older trees are also showing new flush. Harvest of Valencias and grapefruit is complete for the season. Only small, fresh squeeze plants will continue to operate through the summer. Growers and caretakers continue routine summer practices of mowing or discing with dead tree removal and resetting active in groves where necessary. Summer oil sprays and insecticides are being applied to fresh fruit crops where necessary. Comments/Contact Information To receive this report via e-mail, log onto http://www.usda.gov/nass/sso-rpts.htm Then click on “Subscribe” (upper right part of screen), then select “Florida Crop-Weather”, enter your name and your e-mail address, then click on “Subscribe”. The report will be sent automatically to your e-mail address each week.