Record rainfall in December flooded some fields. The cabbage crop is in fair to good condition in most areas. Acreage for harvest is forecast at 26,700 acres, down 11 percent from last year and 7 percent less than in 1996. In California, producers reported to that the crop was in good condition with sizing about normal for this period. Very few problems were reported.
Baby carrots remain in high demand.
Florida producers around Lake Apopka were planting by early September. Normal to above normal temperatures for most of October accelerated growth. Heavy rains in late October, and several storms during November and December interrupted some fieldwork but caused no significant damage. California acreage is forecast at 9,800 acres up 3 percent from 1997 and 15 percent above 1996. Producers reported that the crop was in good condition.