The Week in Florida Agriculture
April 12-18, 2010
The warmer weather is enabling forage growth. Peanut planting is under way. Lack of rain has affected pasture conditions and newly planted row crops. Watermelon planting is complete. Potato plants survived earlier flooding and are in good condition. Light harvesting of blueberries is under way. Rice planting is in progress. Spring vegetable planting is nearing completion. Sugarcane harvest nearing completion. One sugar mill remains in operation. Weather Summary: Rain in southern Florida, dry in northern part of state. Seafood: Yellowedge grouper, flounder, red snapper, yellowfin tuna, oysters, soft shell crabs and blue crab meat 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. Vegetables: In south Florida, endive, escarole, and radish supplies are expected to decrease, while eggplant and squash supplies are expected to increase. Movement for strawberries and celery is expected to decrease. Overall, movement of tomatoes is expected to increase as production increases. Snap beans, cabbage, celery, sweet corn, cucumber, eggplant, endive, escarole, pepper, radish, squash, strawberry, and tomato are moving through the market. Livestock and Pastures: Across the state, pasture condition is poor to excellent with most fair to good. Cattle condition is very poor to excellent with most fair to good. Citrus: The citrus bloom is finished for the season in most citrus-producing areas. Most packinghouses remain open. Varieties packed include 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.
