The Week in Florida Agriculture
September 27 - October 3, 2010
Cool weather and lack of rain has slowed forage growth. Cotton and soybean yields appear lower than expected. Peanut crop condition is reported as 1 percent very poor, 22 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 45 percent good, and 12 percent excellent. Peanut harvesting is 49 percent complete, compared to 29 percent this time last year and the five-year average of 33 percent. Preparations continue for planting strawberries. Cabbage planting continues. Cool weather and lack of rain has slowed forage growth. Sugarcane harvest has been delayed by Tropical Storm Nicole. Land preparation and planting of fall vegetables continues. Weather Summary: Average temperatures ranged between 1 degree above to 3 degrees below normal, with highs in the 80s and 90s and lows in the 50s and 60s. Varying precipitation fell across the state. Over 65 percent of soil moisture levels were reported as adequate or surplus. Seafood: Spiny lobster, grouper, scamp, flounder, live blue crabs, and crab meat are in good supply. Stone crab season opens October 15. Forestry: Landowners should establish fire lines and prepare plans for dormant season prescribed burns. For winter tree planting, landowners should order seedlings, select planting contractors, and complete site preparation. Vegetables: Light harvesting of cucumbers and squash has begun. Avocados, cucumbers, okra and squash are moving through the market. Livestock and Pastures: Statewide, pasture condition is fair to excellent with most fair to good. Statewide, cattle condition is poor to excellent with most good. Citrus: Growing conditions continue to be good across the citrus region.
