fl-crop-weather State Florida Crop Weather Week Ending/Released Dates Week ending July 10, 2005 Released 4:00 P.M. July 11, 2005 Report Code FL-CW2805 Weather Summary Report TWO TROPICAL SYSTEMS PUMMEL THE PANHANDLE Another week of significant rains occurred over many areas throughout the Peninsula, especially in the Panhandle during the week of July 4 through 10. The formation of Tropical Storm Cindy off the eastern coast in the Atlantic caused some sporadic showers in the Panhandle mid-week, while Hurricane Dennis was churning out in the Gulf of Mexico. Outer rain bands crossed the Peninsula as Hurricane Dennis moved northward in the Gulf of Mexico towards the northwestern coastline as significant rains and intermittent squalls tore through the Panhandle as Dennis made landfall on July 10. Recorded rainfall for the week in the Panhandle as well as the northern Peninsula ranged from a little over three inches in Carabelle to nearly seven inches in Jefferson and Madison counties; however some localities may have received more precipitation than the “official” recorded amount. Areas in the southern Peninsula received up to six inches of rain with most areas reporting over two to four inches for post Hurricane Dennis preliminary totals. Elsewhere, in central Peninsula localities rainfall totals ranged from nearly an inch in Apopka to nearly four inches in Bronson. Temperatures in the major cities were around two degrees above normal. Daytime temperatures averaged mostly low to mid 90s with nighttime lows in the low 70s with a few areas recording at least one evening low in the 60s. Field Crops Report Growers in the Panhandle as well as the northern Peninsula are currently assessing the fields to determine the impact of the wind gusts and rains. Hamilton County growers have reported problems with flood damage to corn as well as tobacco in low lying areas. Growers are applying fungicides to peanuts to prevent rust. Growers in Jackson County are assessing the damage to cotton and peanut fields with some growers reporting flood damage. Statewide peanuts are rated 1 percent very poor, 1 percent poor, 8 percent fair, 75 percent good, and 15 percent excellent. Sixty percent of peanuts are pegged compared with 79 percent last year and the five-year average of 70 percent pegged. Haymakers in Washington County have lost most of their hay due to continuous rains. However, rainfall in Taylor County is advancing the growth of hay with most hayfields in good condition. Asian soybean rust was found in Leon County on kudzu. Topsoil moisture in the Panhandle is mostly adequate with some areas reporting surplus moisture. A few spots in the northern and central Peninsula reported short and surplus supplies with most areas recording mostly adequate soil moisture supplies. Southeastern Peninsula soil moisture supplies are adequate to surplus with a few pockets of short supplies. Percentage of Peanuts Pegged to date: This year Last year 5-year average 60 79 70 Soil Moisture Chart Topsoil Subsoil Moisture This Last Last This Last Last Rating week week year week week Year Percent Very short 0 0 5 0 0 5 Short 11 13 15 4 5 24 Adequate 56 34 69 62 42 66 Surplus 33 53 11 34 53 5 Vegetable Report Tomato picking is nearing completion around the Quincy area as growers begin to prepare for the fall tomato planting season. Northern Peninsula growers are still harvesting light supplies of watermelons as the season comes to a close. Okra harvesting continues around Dade County. Most southern Peninsula growers are preparing fields for fall crop planting which is expected to start in late July or early August. Growers continue to market light supplies of potatoes. Livestock Report In the Panhandle, north and central areas, cattle and pasture are in fair to excellent condition, with most in good condition. Range in the southwest is poor to good, as many locations have standing water. Statewide, most cattle are 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 16 5 4 Fair 20 23 20 15 Good 65 54 70 66 Excellent 10 7 5 15 Fruit Report Citrus: Florida’s citrus producing areas escaped the winds and heavy rains of Hurricane Dennis as it passed through the Gulf late in the week. Rainfall early in the week and from the storm, however, totaled over six inches in southwest areas and along the coast. Winds from the storms’ were described as gusty. No loss of fruit or trees or damage to trees has been reported. Statewide, lakes, rivers, and canals are at very high levels from almost daily thunderstorms. In addition to the hurricanes last summer, the high moisture levels since spring and frequent rainstorms are being cited as possible reasons for the spread of citrus canker to more areas. Caretakers and growers continue cultural practices as weather permits but are trying to limit grove access where possible to minimize the spread of canker during the wet weather conditions. Harvest of Valencia oranges is near complete except for limited fresh shipments and fresh squeeze plants. 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.