fl-crop-weather Week ending August 8, 1999 Released 4:00 P.M. August 9, 1999 WEATHER SUMMARY: Hot, humid weather persisted during the week of August 1 through 7. Several localities recorded at least one daytime high of 100 degrees or more. Temperatures averaged one to four degrees above normal at the major stations. Daytime highs averaged in the 90s while lows remained in the 70s. Scattered showers continued to drop varying amounts of rain over the State. Precipitation for the week ranged from about a quarter inch at Orlando to almost six inches at Bradenton. Although frequent afternoon and evening showers occurred during the month of July, rainfall at most of the major stations was well below normal. Monthly totals ranged from five and a half inches below normal at West Palm Beach to about one and a third inches below at Daytona Beach. Ft. Pierce recorded only six tenths inch of rain falling during July. Pensacola rainfall totaled over eight inches for the month, about three quarters inch above normal. Temperatures during July averaged normal to one degree above at the major stations. FIELD CROPS: Topsoil moisture throughout the State is rated mostly short to adequate. Hay making continues. Some growers finished harvesting tobacco. Cotton, soybeans, and sugarcane condition continues mostly normal, but some areas are badly in need of rain. Corn harvesting is underway. Peanut condition is rated 23 percent fair, 54 percent good, and 23 percent excellent. Growers reported peanuts pegging at 93 percent. Moisture Topsoil Subsoil Rating Last week This week Last week This week Percent Very short 8 1 7 4 Short 39 50 21 25 Adequate 51 48 71 70 Surplus 2 1 1 1 LIVESTOCK AND PASTURES: Range and pasture condition was quite varied by location. In the western Panhandle, excessive rain and high humidity wore down the livestock. In the eastern Panhandle counties, extreme heat and short rainfall put stress on the livestock. The second hay cutting was about finished last week, but slow growth of forage followed the cutting. In the central area, pastures were in fair condition due to short soil moisture condition. West central pastures were looking pretty good following rains, and grass growth improved. However, some army worms were reported. In the southwest, pastures were in good condition following rains. Statewide, cattle were mostly in good condition. Range Cattle Condition Last week This week Last week This week Percent Very poor 0 0 0 0 Poor 0 5 5 5 Fair 25 50 10 25 Good 75 45 85 70 Excellent 0 0 0 0 CITRUS: Most areas of Florida's citrus belt received abundant rainfall this week, although some counties in the central and northern part of the State got only scattered showers on a few days during the middle of the week. Some growers in the areas of light rainfall are running their irrigation to keep their trees in active growth. New foliage continues to cover trees of all ages in the well-cared-for groves. New crop fruit of varying sizes is making good progress with the help of good cultural care. Caretakers are mowing, chopping, and discing cover crops that have grown tall and out of control. There are some mid- summer herbicides being applied in the better cared for groves. Growers are applying sprays between the summer rains. Dead tree removal and burning of grove debris continues in all areas. VEGETABLES: Tomato planting is underway in the Palmetto-Ruskin and East Coast regions with the crop rated in good condition. Producers in the Quincy area are finishing the planting of tomatoes. Bell pepper planting remains active in the East Coast area. Growers along the southeastern coast are irrigating prior to laying plastic due to dry soils. Land preparation for fall crop planting is active in all central and southern Peninsula areas. To receive this report via e-mail, send an e-mail message to nass-state-releases@news.usda.gov with the following message: subscribe fl-crop-weather. The report will be e-mailed automatically to your e-mail address each week.