The Week in Florida Agriculture
April 5-11, 2010
Planting of corn, tobacco and peanuts continues. Planting of melons continues. Spring tomato crops are in excellent condition. Planting of melons continues. Potato crop survived the freezing winter weather and will not need to be replanted. Planting of watermelons is nearly complete. Blueberry crop is two weeks behind schedule due to the cold. Cabbage production is below normal. Light harvesting of blueberries is under way. Light volumes of cucumbers are being marketed. Potato harvest is progressing. After being delayed by cold weather, the harvest of spring vegetables is under way. Planting of watermelons is nearly complete. Weather Summary: Mostly dry conditions is enabling field work to progress. Seafood: Black, red, yellowedge and scamp grouper, flounder, red snapper, yellowfin tuna, soft shell crabs, oysters and stone crab claws are plentiful. Forestry: Land owners are advised to continue prescribed burning where appropriate, protect forest lands from wildfire with control lines and other measures, beware of strong winds during March and dry conditions in April and May, and begin plans to prepare sites for pine planting next winter. April 11-17 is Wildfire Awareness Week. Vegetables: Snap beans, cabbage, celery, sweet corn, eggplant, endive, escarole, peppers, radishes, squash, strawberries, specialty items, and tomatoes are moving through the market. Livestock and Pastures: Statewide, pasture condition is poor to excellent with most fair to good. Statewide, cattle condition is poor to excellent with most fair to good. Citrus: Most packinghouses remain open. Varieties being packed include Temples, Valencia, white and colored grapefruit, and Honey tangerines. Fifteen processors are open and accepting fruit. Valencia oranges and grapefruit comprise the majority of fruit going to the plants.
