fl-crop-weather State Florida Crop Weather Week Ending/Released Dates Week ending October 5, 2003 Released 4:00 P.M. October 6, 2003 Report Code FL-CW3803 Weather Summary Report Drier conditions over the Panhandle and most northern Peninsula localities allowed field work to progress rapidly during the week of September 28 through October 4. Several localities (mainly in the Panhandle) reported no rainfall, while three inches or more was reported in Alachua, Daytona Beach and Miami. Most reports indicated from a quarter inch to two inches of rain for the week. Temperatures in the major cities averaged normal to five degrees below. Daytime highs were in the 70s and 80s. Bronson, Miami and Umatilla recorded at least one high in the 90s. Nighttime lows were in the 60s and 70s with several Panhandle and a few northern Peninsula areas reporting at least one low in the 50s. Field Crops Report Mostly dry weather over the Panhandle and several northern Peninsula localities is hardening soils which makes peanut digging more difficult. However, the clear weather allows harvesting to progress at a rapid pace. Some northern producers are trying to bale the last cutting of hay. Cotton picking is slowly gaining momentum in the Panhandle. Sugarcane is in good condition in the Everglades region with harvesting getting underway soon. Drier weather over the Panhandle and some northern Peninsula localities lowered soil moisture supplies with ratings ranging from very short to mostly adequate over the area. Wetter conditions over the central and southern Peninsula increased soil moisture in most areas with supplies rated mostly adequate to surplus. Supplies remain very short to short in a small area of the southeastern Peninsula. Peanut Progress Chart Percentage of Peanuts Harvested To Date This year 65% Last year 52% 5 - year average 53% Soil Moisture Chart Topsoil Subsoil Moisture Rating This Last Last This Last Last week week year week week Year Percent Very short 1 1 4 0 0 5 Short 14 6 14 10 5 19 Adequate 55 76 60 55 75 55 Surplus 30 17 22 35 20 21 Vegetable Report Tomato picking is slowly increasing around Quincy and getting underway in the southern Peninsula. Planting of cabbage and fall vegetables is active in St. John's County. Okra harvesting continues in Dade County. Other crops availableinclude very light amounts of cucumbers and Bell peppers. Planting of crops for late fall and winter harvesting continues over the southern Peninsula with some activity delayed by rainfall. Livestock Report In the Panhandle and northern counties, growers are making the last cutting of hay. The growth of permanent pasture grass stopped seasonally in most places due to the cooler temperatures. Land preparation is active for planting cool season forage small grains. Rain is needed for the newly planted forage. In Madison County, armyworms are still a problem and there is disease pressure in forages. Grass growth is slow in the Big Bend area due to dry soil condtions. In the southwest, pastures are very wet but cattle have plenty of grass. Statewide, the condtion of cattle ranges from fair to excellent, with most 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 1 5 0 0 Fair 20 25 10 15 Good 64 60 75 75 Excellent 15 10 15 10 Fruit Report Citrus: Moderate to heavy rainfall occurred early in the week as a tropical system approached the southwestern growing areas of the State. Although scattered and light in some areas, most southern and coastal areas received heavy rainfall. By mid-week, temperatures moderated as a cool front approached from the north and rainfall was less prevalent. Growers welcomed the cooler and dryer weather. Many low lying groves with heavy soils in the western and central areas continue to experience soggy ground. Growers are maintaining middles and lateral ditches to keep water moving away from tree roots. Mowing and discing continues to control summer cover crop growth. Fruit growth is reported good and the majority of trees in sand hill locations are in excellent condition because of all the summer rainfall. Natural color break is showing on some early tangerine and grapefruit crops. More fresh fruit packing houses are open with most planning to be open by the middle of October. Varieties being packed include early oranges (Navels, Ambersweet, and Hamlins), white and colored grapefruit, and Fallglo tangerines. 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.