Weather Summary:
Scattered showers
have kept Florida drought-free compared to a year ago when the State was 46
percent dry. Rainfall ranged from 0.41 of an inch of rain in Ona to 4.68 inches
in Bronson according to the Florida Automated Weather Network (FAWN). The U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers released water from Lake Okeechobee once it crested to
15 feet. The Corps keeps the lake’s water levels below 15.5 feet to ease the
strain on the 70-year old dike. Temperatures have also remained steady with
minimum temperatures ranging from 59 degrees in Jay to 72 degrees in Fort
Lauderdale, while the maximum temperatures ranged from 86 degrees in Quincy to
92 degrees in Bronson.
Field Crops:
Continuous showers
caused problems for field crop growers. Armyworms and grass loopers were
prevalent in several fields. In Gadsden County, some disease problems were
reported in cotton and peanuts. Cotton was defoliated in Washington County. The
majority of corn harvesting finished in Washington County except for very wet
areas. Peanut harvesting throughout the Panhandle and northern Peninsula was
delayed due to the daily rains. Peanut condition was rated 1 percent very poor,
2 percent poor, 10 percent fair, 66 percent good, and 21 percent excellent.
Standing water in sugarcane fields delayed planting.
Fruits & Vegetables:
Most areas that experienced daily showers
disrupted schedules for some vegetable growers. Growers were operating pumps to
manage water levels. Vegetable planting continued. Vegetable growers laid
plastic and were also staking, tying, and spraying as needed. Avocadoes were
marketed in southern Florida. Okra harvesting continued in Miami-Dade County.
In Putnam County, growers planted cabbage.
Livestock and
Pastures:
Statewide, the
condition of pasture was mostly good with some pastures flooded. Pasture
quality was in seasonal decline. The cattle condition ranged from very poor to
excellent with most in good condition.
Citrus:
Daily high
temperatures were in the upper 80s to low 90s across the citrus region. All of
the FAWN stations in the citrus growing region recorded some precipitation this
week, with Immokalee receiving the most at 3.12 inches. Eleven stations
received more than two inches and another eleven received more than an inch.
Ona recorded the least with 0.41 inches recorded. The citrus region remained
entirely drought free, as per the U.S. Drought Monitor, last updated September
18, 2012. Application of fall miticide and herbicide, young tree care, harvest
preparations for Navels and grapefruit, and general grove maintenance were the
primary grove activities.
By USDA, NASS –
Florida Crop Progress and Condition Report
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