The Week in Florida Agriculture
March 1-7, 2010
Fields are being prepared for planting of peanuts and cotton. However, soil temperatures will need to increase before some crops can be planted. Potatoes are being planted. Some acreage that was not used for winter wheat is being planted with cotton and peanuts. Water levels are just below flooding. Cold weather has hindered the growth of the watermelon crop. Hay feeding is active, but supplies are low for some regions. Beans, cabbage, and sweet potatoes are being harvested. Preparing for spring vegetable planting continues with plastic and drip irrigation systems being laid. Weather Summary: Abnormal cold and moisture. Seafood: Amberjack, red snapper, swordfish, yellowfin tuna, grouper, oysters, and blue crab meat are plentiful. Forestry: Landowners are beginning to plant bare-root tree seedlings. Forestry officials remind landowners who are preparing for dormant season prescribed burning to develop plans and obtain authorizations. The first week in March is “Prescribed Fire Awareness Week” in Florida. Vegetables: Cold weather is hindering vegetable growth in many areas. Production is below normal for cabbage, celery, sweet corn, endive, escarole, radishes, and tomatoes. Moving through the market are beans, cabbage, celery, sweet corn, eggplant, endive, escarole, peppers, radishes, strawberries, and tomatoes. Livestock and Pastures: Throughout the state, cattle condition ranges from poor to excellent, with most fair. Statewide, pasture condition is very poor to excellent, with most fair to good. Citrus: Fifteen processors are open and accepting fruit. Valencia oranges and grapefruit comprise the majority of fruit going to the plants.
