MAITLAND, Fla. — According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service in Florida, there were 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday, January 17, 2021. Precipitation for the state ranged from no rain in a few locations to 1.7 inches in Key West (Monroe County). The average mean temperature ranged from 43.4°F in Chipley (Washington County) to 67.8°F in Curry Hammock State Park (Monroe County).
Citrus
Maximum temperatures in the citrus growing region ranged from the mid to upper 70s. The highest maximum reading was in Sebring (Highlands County), at 77°F. The citrus region received very little rain for the week, with only a few stations reporting any precipitation. According to the January 14, 2020, U.S. Drought Monitor, abnormally dry conditions covered most of Marion County, and very small parts of Putnam and Lake County. The rest of the citrus growing region remained drought free.
Harvesting for the fresh market included early and mid- season non-Valencia oranges, Navels, grapefruit, and tangerines and tangelos. Weekly early and mid-season orange harvest, and mandarin harvest, is lagging behind last season. Grapefruit harvest is about the same.
Grove activities included mowing, fertilizing, maintenance hedging, spraying and general grove maintenance. Irrigation was run in most areas. Field personal have noticed several groves with new trees in the ground. Grove owners have been busy pulling out old trees and replanting.
Crops
A variety of fruits and vegetables were planted and marketed. Most of the state experienced dry conditions and below normal temperatures. Several days of below freezing temperatures were reported in the Panhandle. Vegetable growers transitioned from fall crops to planting spring crops. No pest pressure was reported and fungal issues were noted to be minimal.
Sugarcane planting and harvesting continued in the southern part of the state. The cool weather helped harvesting and replanting activities.
Livestock and Pastures
Cattle and pasture and ranges remained in mostly fair to good condition throughout the state. Due to short days and cold weather, pastures experienced seasonal decline.
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–USDA, NASS
