In the south, cattle and pastures are mostly in fair condition. The fire hazzard conditions have decreased in some areas because of rains. There were several isolated showers throughout the citrus belt this week. However, more rain is needed in all areas. Lakes, ponds and streams, from which growers and caretakers withdraw water for their agriculture use, are all very low and some are too low for use until the summer rains arrive.
Irrigation continues to help maintain good tree condition during the current bloom period.
Some trees have had petal drop while others are still in full open bloom. Virtually all groves have had some quantity of bloom. Navels and Valencia trees were by far the most prolific during this bloom period. Early and midseason orange harvest is down to the last few thousand boxes. Move ment of Valencias to processors is increasing.