fl-crop-weather State Florida Crop Weather Week Ending/Released Dates Week ending October 12, 2003 Released 4:00 P.M. October 14, 2003 Report Code FL-CW3803 Weather Summary Report Warmer temperatures aided the germination of small grains and the maturation of late field crops and vegetables during the week of October 5 through 11. Temperatures averaged one to two degrees above normal in the major cities. Daytime highs were mostly in the 80s. Nighttime lows were mostly in the 60s and 70s. Tallahassee, Jay and Quincy recorded at least one low in the 50s. Virtually no rain fell over the west central and southern Peninsula. Alachua reported over three inches of rain for the week. Most localties reported one to two inches. Field Crops Report Rains this week perked up crops and helped soften soils which had hardened and had made digging peanuts difficult. The amount of rain, however, was barely enough for drilling small grains. Cotton harvest is progressing with yields variable. Weekend rains halted harvest temporarily. Armyworms continue to be a problem in new growth hay fields. Peanuts in Marion County look very good. Topsoil and subsoil moisture supplies declined slightly with supplies rated mostly adaquate to surplus. A few localities in southwestern Peninsula reported surplus soil moisture while soil moisture is rated short in a small area in the southeastern Peninsula and a few areas in the northern Panhandle. Peanut Progress Chart Percentage of Peanuts Harvested To Date This year 80 Last year 68 5 - year average 69 Soil Moisture Chart Topsoil Subsoil Moisture Rating This Last Last This Last Last week week year week week Year Percent Very short 1 1 5 1 0 5 Short 19 14 19 17 10 20 Adequate 64 55 69 63 55 68 Surplus 16 30 7 19 35 7 Vegetable Report The drier, warmer weather across the west central and southern Peninsula aided the maturation of oldest fields with harvesting slowly gaining momentum. Tomato picking around Quincy remained active with scattered rains delaying some progress. Other vegetables available include very light amounts of cucumbers, okra, peppers and squash. Livestock Report In the Panhandle, cool nights have slowed growth of warm season forages. Hay is now being fed. In Jackson and Jefferson counties, rain fell that was needed for planting winter small grains for grazing. In the northern counties, winter annual pastures are being planted now that ithas rained. Baker County reports mole cricket damage on pastures. In Taylor County, there is armyworm damage to cool season forages. In the Big Bend area, the condition of pasture is fair due to drought. In the west central areas, the condition of cattle and pasture is good following rain. In the southwest, the range is in good condition as it is drying out. Statewide, the condition of the cattle is poor 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 5 1 1 0 Fair 30 20 15 10 Good 60 64 80 75 Excellent 5 15 4 15 Fruit Report Citrus: Rainfall was widely scattered with some interior and southern areas receiving none. Coastal areas received light amounts with Ft. Pierce reporting almost 1.50 inches. Warmer temperatures returned with highs in the upper 80s accompanied by high humidity levels. Growers welcomed the dryer weather. Mowing and discing continues to control summer cover crop growth. Some summer spraying continues with fresh fruit crops receiving more sprays then normal to keep insect populations from building up. 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 more crops including early tangerines, early oranges, and grapefruit. 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. Estimated boxes harvested week ended Crop Sep 28 Oct 5 Oct 12 Navel oranges 25,000 18,000 74,000 Early & Mid oranges 20,000 17,000 69,000 Grapefruit 61,000 121,000 334,000 Tangerines 78,000 84,000 89,000 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.