The Week in Florida Agriculture
June 14-20, 2010
Parts of the Panhandle and northern peninsula are experiencing drought conditions. Peanut condition is rated 32 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 15 percent excellent. Peanuts pegging is 16 percent completed, compared with 10 percent this time last year, and the five-year average of 17 percent. Cotton crops are being fertilized. Cotton crops are in good condition. Planting of soybeans continues. Quincy area tomato harvest continues. Hot, humid temperatures last week resulted in some losses of vegetables due to sunscald and heat damage. Hay harvesting is active across the state. Tomato harvest is concluding in the central and southern Peninsula. Okra harvest continues. Weather Summary: Hot temperatures continue. Harvest season ends for most vegetables. Seafood: Yellowfin tuna, grouper, flounder, yellowtail snapper, amberjack, oysters, shrimp, blue crab and clams are plentiful. For information about Florida seafood availability, visit www.FL-Seafood.com or call 1-800-357-4273. Forestry: Signup period for Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Cost Share Program runs through July 1. For information, contact local Division of Forestry offices or visit http://www.floridaforestservice.com/. Vegetables: Watermelons are being marketed with supplies declining seasonally. Very light supplies of avocados, blueberries, sweet corn, and cantaloupes are being marketed. Livestock and Pastures: Statewide, pasture condition is poor to excellent with most good. Statewide, cattle condition is poor to excellent with most good. Citrus: Statewide, fruit is approximately golf ball-sized and there appears to be a good set. A few packinghouses remain open. Varieties being packed include Valencia and a few colored grapefruit. Valencia oranges comprise the majority of fruit going to the plants.
