Normal Rainfall Patterns Continue

Weather Summary:

Florida was back to normal with seasonal rainfall patterns. The least amount of rain was in North Port with only 0.03 of an inch while Palmdale had the most with 3.91 inches. Despite recent rains, many parts of Collier County’s wetlands remain completely dry. Minimum temperatures ranged from 61 degrees in Monticello to 71 degrees in Bronson, while the maximum temperatures were 88 degrees in Alachua to 94 degrees in Ocklawaha.

Field Crops:

Although soil moisture is good, frequent rainfall hindered hay harvesting in several northern counties. Cotton bowl rot, due to wet weather in Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Washington counties, was reported. Soybean growers reported the crop was in good condition. The peanut harvest has been delayed by daily rains for the past two weeks and white mold was widespread throughout Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Peanut harvesting should resume in a few days as soils begin to dry. Corn harvest in Washington County was almost complete and peanut harvest was about to start. Columbia County growers were harvesting peanuts and cutting hay.

Fruits & Vegetables:

In the southern counties, vegetable growers continued to prepare land and planting increased seasonally. Flagler County growers were beginning to plant cabbage but were also hindered by rain.

Livestock and Pastures:

Statewide, the condition of pasture was mostly good with the condition limited by recent flooding of low lying pastures and disease pressure. The cattle condition was mostly good and slightly improved over the previous week.

Citrus:

Daily high temperatures remained in the low to mid-90s across the citrus region. All of the FAWN stations in the citrus growing region recorded some precipitation this week, with Palmdale receiving the most at 3.91 inches. Six stations received more than two inches and another six received more than an inch. North Port recorded the least with 0.03 of an inch recorded. The citrus region remains entirely drought free, per the U.S. Drought Monitor, last updated September 4, 2012. Application of fall miticide, young tree care, irrigation, and grove maintenance were the primary grove activities.

By USDA, NASS – Florida Crop Progress and Condition Report