We 1 (2-10) Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin Washington, D.C. Released February 9, 2010, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department of Agriculture. For information on "Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin" call Julie Schmidt at (202) 720-7621, office hours 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET. Due to inclement weather, the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is publishing the Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin before the scheduled release time of 12:00 pm ET. National Weather Summary January 31 - February 6, 2010 The National Weather Summary was not available at press time. Agricultural Summary February 1 - 7, 2010 Highlights: Warmer than normal temperatures continued in the Pacific Northwest, with recordings reaching as many as 10 degrees above average in some locations. Conversely, abnormally cool temperatures prevailed in the Mid-Atlantic States, the Delta, and portions of Texas. Above average precipitation fell throughout much of the southern half of the Nation, as well as in the northern Great Plains. Areas in the Delta and Southeast accumulated rainfall totaling 3 inches or more. Elsewhere, the majority of the Rocky Mountains, Great Lakes, and New England were relatively dry. In Florida, heavy rain and wet soils in the Panhandle and Big Bend areas hampered fieldwork for row crop farmers and caused erosion and fertilizer leaching in some fields. Potato growers in Putnam County were busy assessing their fields for damage due to standing water. Sugarcane harvest continued in southern areas of the State where freeze damage sustained last month caused some reduction in yield. Vegetable growers in Charlotte, Glades, and Hendry Counties planted spring melons, while planting in Walton County was delayed by surplus rainfall. Citrus producers spent the week harvesting early and mid-season oranges. Cold, wet conditions dominated much of Georgia during the week leaving many producers waiting for their fields to dry out before tilling fields or making fertilizer applications. Excessive rainfall slowed growth in some winter wheat fields and flooded other low-lying fields. The wheat crop in the Northern High Plains of Texas was reported in good condition with minimal insect pressure and leaf rust evident. In the Cross Timbers, producers postponed fertilizer applications to wheat fields after receiving additional precipitation during the week. Corn growers in the Blacklands and South Central areas of the State were waiting for drier field conditions before continuing tillage and fertilizing activities in preparation for planting. Fall planted onions had emerged from dormancy and were growing in the 3-leaf stage. Fresh market and processing spinach harvest stalled due to excessive moisture. Pecan producers lost portions of their crop due to embryo rot. Above average temperatures and mostly wet weather prevailed across much of Arizona during the week. Small grain producers began seeding their crops, while vegetable growers continued shipping a variety of fruit and produce. A wave of storm systems paraded across California, bringing light to moderate precipitation to the northern part of the State, while heavy rainfall in southern California caused numerous mudslides. As field conditions allowed, field crop producers were busy making herbicide applications to control recent weed growth in wheat and oat fields. As orchards dried out, fruit and nut producers continued pruning, shredding, tying, and cultivating activities. Swelling was evident in almond buds, with widespread blooming expected in the coming weeks. ACCESS TO REPORTS!! For your convenience, there are several ways to obtain NASS reports, data products, and services: INTERNET ACCESS All NASS reports are available free of charge. 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