Weather and Crop Report

Weather Summary:

 

Temperatures averaged three to seven degrees below normal recorded levels at major cities and virtually no rain fell across the Sunshine State. Minimum temperatures ranged from 33 degrees in Putnam Hall to 54 degrees in Fort Lauderdale. Maximum temperatures ranged from 75 degrees in Jay to 83 degrees in Homestead. One percent of Florida was abnormally dry, especially along the northern area of the State according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The Florida Automated Weather Network (FAWN) reported minimal amounts of rain throughout the State; with Ona reporting the most with 0.5 of an inch of rain.

 

 

 

Field Crops: 

 

Peanut harvest was 98 percent complete. Cotton picking was underway; cool, damp mornings limited the number of hours to harvest each day. Sugarcane harvest and planting was in full swing. Rice harvest was finished. Some farmers were getting fields ready to plant wheat in Jackson County. In Jefferson County, moisture was insufficient to continue planting wheat and winter forages.

Fruits and Vegetables:

 

In Palm Beach County, early planted winter vegetables were nearing harvest. The vegetable crop in St. Lucie County was progressing well. Tomato harvest continued in Gadsden County.

Livestock and Pastures:

 

Statewide, the condition of pasture decreased from the previous week with most in fair condition. The first limiting factor of the pasture condition was flooding, followed by seasonal decline, light frost, and drought. The cattle condition was very poor to excellent, with most in fair condition. Fall calving was in progress.

Citrus:

Daily high temperatures were in the upper 70s to the lower 80s across the citrus region. Seventeen of the 24 FAWN stations in the citrus growing region recorded measurable precipitation, with Ona receiving the most at 0.51 of an inch. The citrus region remained entirely drought free, per the U.S. Drought Monitor, last updated November 6, 2012. Ten processors and 37 packinghouses were open. Application of fall miticide and herbicide, young tree care, general grove maintenance, and harvesting of grapefruit, tangerines, and oranges were the primary grove activities.