With a tropical weather system passing through Florida, citrus growers in the state are welcoming a good dose of moisture. "We are keeping our eyes on what's developing here, but it looks like nothing we can't handle," says Steven Callaham of the Dundee Citrus Growers. "There was some rainfall last week. We went from feast to famine–we were pretty dry during May and June, and since then there have been good, steady rainfalls, so overall our soil moisture levels are good."
© Dundee CitrusCallaham says rains have recently been spotty. Photo: Dundee Citrus Growers
That said, the recent rains have been spotty. "One grove will get three inches of rain and then a grove a mile away will get 1/10th of an inch," says Callaham, adding that some slight hail damage has also been seen on some fruit, albeit very minor.
2024 moisture levels
The moisture is welcome following a season last year that didn't have quite this moisture level at this time in the growing season. "Cell division occurs in May, June, and early July, and that ultimately will lead to fruit sizing. This year, getting rainfall during the latter end of this period will hopefully help us with fruit size," says Callaham.
© Feek Family CitrusFeek says he is seeing better-sized fruit in July than he has in a few years. Photo: Feek Family Citrus.
At Feek Family Citrus, Doug Feek feels similarly. "The rainfall we have had to date has been good for our citrus crop in Florida. We are seeing better-sized fruit in July than we have seen in quite a few years," he says. "It's exciting to see the quality and size we have now, and we're looking forward to a great season."
For more information:
Steven Callaham
Dundee Citrus Growers
http://dun-d.com/
Doug Feek
Feek Family Citrus
https://feekfamilycitrus.com/
