The Week in Florida Agriculture
April 19-25, 2010
Dry conditions are enabling field preparations to proceed, but peanut and cotton planting has been delayed in non-irrigated fields. Tomatoes are being staked. Potatoes are progressing well and harvesting will begin soon. Ryegrass is being baled for hay. Cabbage and greens harvest is near completion. Tomatoes, cucumbers and herbs are being harvested. Indoor foliage and landscape plants are shipping. Rice planting has been slowed by rain. The first watermelons of the season are being harvested. The sugarcane harvest has ended and all mills are closed. Weather Summary: Seasonal temperatures with scattered rainfall. Seafood: Yellowedge and snowy grouper, red snapper, golden tilefish, flounder, gulf shrimp, oysters, soft shell crab 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 and dry conditions, and begin plans to prepare sites for pine planting next winter. Vegetables: In south Florida, vegetable volume is increasing but remains at levels well below normal. Snap beans, cabbage, cantaloupe, celery, sweet corn, cucumber, eggplant, endive, escarole, pepper, radish, squash, strawberry, and tomato are moving through the market. Livestock and Pastures: Statewide, pasture condition is mostly fair due to drought, nighttime cold and local flooding. Statewide, cattle condition is very poor to excellent with most fair to good. Citrus: Most packinghouses are open. Varieties being 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.
