MAITLAND, Fla. — According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service in Florida, there were 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday, December 1, 2019. Precipitation estimates ranged from no rain to 0.63 inches in Moore Haven (Glades County). The average mean temperature ranged from 48.6°F in Niceville (Okaloosa County) to 76.9°F in Key West (Monroe County).
Citrus
Maximum temperatures in the citrus growing region ranged from the upper 70s to mid 80s. The highest maximum reading was in Palm Dale (Glades County), which reached 85°F. Citrus producing counties received little to no rainfall. The greatest rainfall was in LaBelle (Hendry County), at 0.33 inches. According to the November 27, 2019, U.S. Drought Monitor, abnormally dry conditions covered the complete southern area, the majority of the Indian River District, and almost all of the western and central growing areas. Only the northern area remained mostly free from abnormally dry conditions.
White and red grapefruit, early oranges, Navels, Sunburst, Fallglo, Early Pride and Orri tangerines were being harvested. Grove activities included mowing, applying herbicides under the trees, fertilizing, and general grove maintenance.
Irrigation was run across the citrus growing region. According to the Florida Citrus Mutual Market News Bulletin, a couple of processing plants were processing packinghouse eliminations. Plants were testing fruit for acceptable maturity levels and expect to begin processing field run fruit as soon as it meets satisfactory ratios
Fruits and Vegetables
Late planted vegetables were harvested in Volusia County. One packinghouse in Manatee County reported minor issues with erwinia and sour rot in tomatoes. Vegetable
growers continued planting winter crops.
Livestock and Pastures
Winter forages were planted in DeSoto, Escambia, and Walton counties. Pastures throughout the state continued their seasonal decline.
Field Crops
Producers in Jackson County reported planting cover crops. Sugarcane harvesting continued
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–USDA, NASS