fl-crop-weather State Florida Crop Weather Week Ending/Released Dates Week ending June 20, 2004 Released 4:00 P.M. June 21, 2004 Report Code FL-CW2404 Weather Summary Report Many areas experienced warm temperatures and abundant rains during the week of June 13 through 19. Temperatures averaged one to three degrees above normal in the major cities with several reports of daily record highs set. Daytime highs were in the 80s and 90s while nighttime lows were in the 70s. Rainfall totaled from less than a tenth inch at Immokalee to nearly seven inches in Jacksonville. Several Panhandle and Peninsula localities reported two to four inches of rain for the week while some central and southeast coastal localities reported less than a third inch for the week. Field Crops Report Peanut condition is rated one percent poor, nineteen percent fair, sixty-five percent good and fifteen percent excellent with forty-five percent of the acreage pegged. Producers in Jefferson County are preparing to dig green peanuts with activity expected to begin in early July. The recent wet weather caused some foliar disease on tobacco in Jefferson County. Tobacco harvesting is underway in Taylor County. Irrigated corn acreage is in very good condition in the Panhandle. Oldest cotton plants in Santa Rosa County are showing good retention of squares. The abundant rainfall delayed some hay making in the Panhandle and northern Peninsula. The scattered rains raised soil moisture supplies in some areas while continued drought lowered supplies in others. Surplus moisture was reported for Holmes, Washington, Jackson and a few spots in Marion and Seminole counties. Very short moisture was reported for some areas of St. Lucie and Broward counties. Some localities in the Big Bend area, northern Peninsula and southeastern coast are still suffering from drought with the danger for wildfire still high. Percentage of Peanuts Pegged To Date This year 45% Last year 34% 5 - year average 39% Soil Moisture Chart Topsoil Subsoil Moisture Rating This Last Last This Last Last week week year week week Year Percent Very short 5 1 1 5 1 1 Short 25 29 4 30 24 4 Adequate 60 67 62 60 72 67 Surplus 10 3 33 5 3 28 Vegetable Report Rain curtailed the harvesting of some crops for a day or two; however, the precipitation did not significantly affect potato digging in the Hastings area. Tomato harvesting is active in the Quincy region with some curtailed due to low prices. Some producers inJefferson County experienced some foliar disease in watermelons; meanwhile, in Taylor County watermelon harvesting is underway. Other vegetables and non-citrus fruits that continue to be marketed include cantaloupe, sweet corn, and okra, in addition to very light supplies of cucumbers and peppers. Livestock Report The condition of pasture and range improved in the Panhandle through the central counties following good rainfall. The pasture and hayfield condition improved due to mid-90s temperatures and rainfall. The range condition in the southwest is still fair to good due to drought. Statewide, cattle are in fair to good condition. Range Cattle Condition This Last This Last week week week week Percent Very poor 0 5 0 0 Poor 5 25 5 5 Fair 60 50 44 50 Good 35 20 50 40 Excellent 0 0 1 5 Fruit Report Citrus: Afternoon thunderstorms dominated the weather on several days with most areas receiving at least some rainfall. Coastal areas received from one third to one and one third inches while some interior stations recorded over two. Temperatures returned to the mid 90s on several afternoons accompanied by high humidity levels before the arrival of afternoon clouds and rain. Growers in most areas report trees in good condition with a flush of new growth showing in many groves. Cultural practices are continuing including fertilizations, hedging, and resetting of young trees. Some summer sprays are planned as rainfall permits. Most fresh fruit packinghouses are closed for the season with only a few continuing to pack Valencia oranges. Valencia orange weekly harvest is declining as plants close for the season. Estimated boxes harvested week ended Crop Jun 6 Jun 13 Jun 20 Valencia oranges 4,882,000 4,162,000 2,933,000 Grapefruit 53,000 18,000 5,000 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.