fl-crop-weather State Florida Crop Weather Week Ending/Released Dates Week ending August 3, 2003 Released 4:00 P.M. August 4, 2003 Report Code FL-CW3003 Weather Summary Report Daily storms brought abundant rains to many localities during the week of July 27 through August 2. Rainfall totaled from about a third inch at Ft. Lauderdale to over four inches in Orlando and Pierson. Temperatures in the major cities averaged from one degree above normal to three degrees below. Daytime highs were in the 80s and 90s. Nighttime lows were in the 60s and 70s. Storms continued in many areas on Sunday, August 5 bringing from traces to two-thirds of an inch or more rain to many inland Peninsula areas. Field Crops Report The frequent showers interrupted hay making in many areas which lowered the quality. The excessive rains are delaying the spraying of pesticides on cotton and peanuts. Bollworm activity in cotton is increasing in Santa Rosa County while some rust is showing up in Marion County peanuts. Peanut condition declined slightly with a small acreage in very poor to poor condition due to flooding. Most peanut acreage is in good to excellent condition with ninety-five percent of the crop pegged. Last year, ninety-four percent of peanuts were pegged by this date while the five-year average is ninety percent pegged. Tobacco harvesting continued between showers in Taylor County and neared completion in Union County. Warm temperatures and plentiful moisture are boosting the growth and development of corn silage in Gilchrist County. Harvesting of corn silage is active in Jefferson County. Corn is being harvested for both grain and silage in St. John's County with sorghum-sudan grass silage cutting also active. Soil moisture is mostly adequate to surplus in most areas, while soil moisture supplies remain very short to short in a few southeastern coast localities. 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 0 0 4 Short 4 4 13 5 5 10 Adequate 65 70 67 65 80 66 Surplus 30 25 20 30 15 20 Vegetable Report The frequent showers are providing ample moisture to aid germination and growth of fall crop plantings which are getting underway in southern Peninsula localities. Okra harvesting remains active in Dade County. Livestock Report In the Panhandle and northern counties, most pasture is in good to excellent condition. Pasture grass growth is generally exceeding livestock needs. In the central and southwestern areas, grass is very high in moisture. Some cattle are grazing in standing water, but most pastures and cattle are in excellent condition. Statewide, the condition of 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 0 0 0 0 Fair 15 10 5 5 Good 65 75 70 75 Excellent 20 15 25 20 Fruit Report Citrus: Typical summer weather patterns of hot, humid weather continue through the citrus belt with moderate and widely scattered rainfall. Thunderstorms were severe in some areas with the heaviest rainfall in the upper interior areas of the citrus belt. Polk County areas reported the most rain, almost three inches for the week. Growers suspended irrigation in most areas as rainfall is sufficient at this time. In areas with heavy soils, growers are deep plowing middles to move water away from tree roots. Summer spraying continues to keep fruit clean for fresh markets. Fruit growth is reported good and trees are in excellent condition because of all the rainfall. 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.