The 2000 prune season is progressing well. The Northern and Central prune growing areas are experiencing a heavier fruit set than the previous year. The Southern area is slightly lighter than last year. Growers and caretakers used their irrigation equipment around the clock to help keep their trees in good condition. Many lakes, ponds, streams, and water reservoirs have dried up and are no longer usable for irrigation purposes.
Rain is needed to rebuild Florida's water supply.
Due to the constant irrigation, most of the new crop fruit is in OK to good condition. The dry weather has limited growth. May. Six to eight million boxes of late oranges were picked each week during the month. Grapefruit movement slowed considerably toward the end of the month as supplies were finally running low. By the end of May, the Honey tangerine harvest was just about over for this season.