Hawaii Weekly Crop Weather Report

Here is the PDF file for the *Hawaii Crop Weather* (crop progress and condition) Report for the week ending *May 13, 2007*

current_hi-0515a07.pdf

Please visit http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/ for more information.USDA NASS Hawaii Field Office
1421 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96814-2512
1-800- 804-9514

Agricultural Highlights

Fruits

Banana
Big Island orchards in eastern sections were in generally good condition. Sunny days and adequate soil moisture benefited fruit and orchard development. Younger stalks made good progress. Oahu orchards were in fair to good condition. Fields in windward areas were in fair condition as Banana Bunchy Top virus continued to keep production down. Leeward and central Oahu fields continued to make fair to good progress also hindered by Banana Bunchy Top virus damage. Irrigation levels remained at moderate to heavy levels during the week due to the windy and dry weather. Fruit development and ripening continued to make good progress with the sunny days and warmer temperatures. Kauai?s orchards were in fair to good condition.

Papaya
Favorable weather conditions are beneficial for orchard progress in the lower Puna area of the Big Island. Orchards in the Kapoho and Pohoiki area were in generally good condition. Spraying was ongoing for weed and disease control. Orchards on Kauai continued to make fair to good progress during the week. Spraying to contain insect populations continued on a regular schedule.

Vegetables

Chinese Cabbage
The Big Island?s Waimea crop made good progress with heavy irrigation. Insect and disease damage was generally light due to timely spraying. The crop was in generally good condition.

Head Cabbage
On the island of Hawaii, fields in Waimea were in good to fair condition. The quality of the harvested heads was fair due to weeds and warmer temperatures. Insect and disease damage was generally light. New plantings made good progress with heavy irrigation. On Maui, the head cabbage crop continued to show good growth and development during the week. Warm growing conditions in the Upcountry area allowed for the average head size to increase and development within the fields to be more uniform. However, the warm weather was also conducive for increasing insect populations. Increased irrigation was necessary for most fields, especially in the lower elevation areas. The clear weather has allowed for normal field activities to occur. Overall, the head cabbage crop was in fair to good condition. Central area fields on Oahu were in mostly good condition. Insect infestation was at light levels and mostly under control.

Sweet Corn
Adequate soil moisture and sunny days favored growth in east Hawaii fields. Overall crop conditions ranged from fair to good. Beneficial weather conditions allowed plants to make good progress in central Oahu fields. Ear worm infestation was light and under control. Windward fields made good progress during the week. Semi-head (Manoa) Lettuce Planting and harvesting remained steady on Oahu. Light to moderate insect infestation and damage to plants continued to lower yields. Spraying to control insects was active.

Dry Onions
Maui?s crop continued to show good growth and development during the week. Fields, at the various stages of development, benefited from this weeks? weather. Newly transplanted fields may have been stressed due the warm sunny days. Maturing fields showed good growth over the passed couple of weeks. Good yields are expected mainly due to increased bulb size and decreased occurrence quality defects. Overall, Maui?s dry onion crop was in good condition.

Miscellaneous

Ginger Root
Crop progress is good on the Big Island. Adequate soil moisture and sunny days benefited young ginger growth in East Hawaii fields.

Hawaii Weekly Crop Weather Report

Here is the PDF file for the *Hawaii Crop Weather* (crop progress and condition) Report for the week ending *May 6, 2007*

current_hi-051507.pdf

Please visit http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/ for more information.USDA NASS Hawaii Field Office
1421 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96814-2512
1-800- 804-9514

Agricultural Highlights

Fruits

Banana
Growing conditions are near ideal for orchards in the eastside of Hawaii Island. Light winds, sunny days, and adequate soil moisture provided good conditions for orchard progress. Spraying needed to be increased as higher disease incidences were observed. New plantings in the Pepeekeo area made steady growth. Oahu orchards were in fair to good condition. Fields in windward Oahu were in fair condition with light to moderate harvesting as the Banana Bunchy Top virus continued to hamper production. Leeward and central Oahu fields made fair to good progress. Irrigation remained at moderate to heavy levels during the week due to the windy and dry weather conditions. Fruit development and ripening continued to improve with the sunny days and warmer temperatures. Orchards on Kauai were in fair to good condition.

Papaya
Good soil moisture and sunny days helped boost orchard progress in the lower Puna area. Orchards in the Kapoho, Opihikao, and Pohoiki showed good flower and fruit set. Mature orchards have full fruit columns with medium-sized fruits. Orchards in the Kalapana area were in fair condition. Spraying was required to minimize disease damage. Orchards on Kauai made fair to good progress during the week. Spraying to contain insect populations continued on a regular schedule.

Vegetables

Chinese Cabbage
Plantings in the Waimea area of the Big Island made rapid progress. Weeds were a problem is some fields. Disease incidence was noticed on the wrapper leaves. Insect damage was light. Heavy irrigation was required as conditions have been mostly sunny and dry. New plantings made steady progress.

Head Cabbage
The Big Island?s Waimea crop was in good to fair condition. Insect and disease damage was generally light. Harvest of good quality, medium-size heads was in progress. New plantings made good progress with heavy irrigation. Maui?s head cabbage crop continued to make fair to good progress. Warm growing conditions required close monitoring of the fields for timely spraying due to increased insect pressure. Warmer temperatures also required increased irrigation for most fields, especially those in the lower elevation areas. Crop quality was good, and damage from insects continued to be low. Overall, the head cabbage crop was in mostly fair condition with some fields in good condition. On Oahu, insect infestations were at light levels. New plantings were in good condition.

Sweet Corn
Newly-planted fields in windward areas of the Island of Hawaii made good progress. Soil moisture was adequate, and crop was in fair to good condition. Weather conditions allowed central Oahu fields to make good progress. Light worm infestations were mostly under control. Windward fields made good progress during the week. Semi-head (Manoa) Lettuce Planting and harvesting on Oahu remained steady. Light to moderate insect infestation and damage to plants continued to slow crop progress and lower yields. Spraying to control insects was active. Most plantings on Kauai made good progress with the sunny and dry weather conditions.

Dry Onions
Weather conditions benefited Maui?s crop. Warm temperatures were good for the growth and development of the crop in all stages. Conditions have not been too hot, and the periodic brisk winds were good for air circulation within the fields. Insect pressure was low. Developing fields were in good condition. Bulbs were showing good size. Young fields were also developing well and showing vigorous growth. Overall, the dry onion crop was in good condition.

Miscellaneous

Ginger Root
On the Big Island, newly planted seeds were sprouting. Adequate soil moisture and sunny periods aided crop progress. Late planting continued in isolated areas. ?

Hawaii Weekly Crop Weather Report

Here is the PDF file for the *Hawaii Crop Weather* (crop progress and condition) Report for the week ending April 29, 2007

current_hi-050107.pdf

Please visit http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/ for more information.USDA NASS Hawaii Field Office
1421 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96814-2512

Agricultural Highlights

Fruits

Banana
Soil moisture in windward areas of the Big Island was high and the crop was in generally good condition. Mostly sunny days, following wet weather early in the week, were beneficial for fruit development and orchard condition.

Banana
Bunchy Top virus incidences remain isolated in the Puna and Kona areas. Oahu banana orchards were in fair to good condition. Fields in windward areas were in fair condition. Banana Bunchy Top virus continued to adversely affect production. Leeward and central Oahu fields made fair to good progress. Rouging and spraying for insect infestation was stepped up and has helped slow Banana Bunchy Top infections in the area. Irrigation levels were at moderate to heavy levels due to the windy and dry weather. Fruit development and ripening continued to improve due to mostly sunny skies and the longer daylight hours.

Papaya
Orchards on Hawaii Island were in fair to good condition. Showers increased soil moisture to satisfactory levels in most orchards. Active flowering occurred in most fields. Orchards on Kauai made fair to good progress during the week. Spraying to contain insects was on a regular schedule.

Vegetables

Chinese Cabbage
The Big Island?s Waimea crop continued to make steady progress. Planting was very active in selected fields. Irrigation was necessary due to dry and windy conditions. Excessive weeds were noticed in many fields. Quality of harvested heads was fair to good.

Head Cabbage
The Big Island?s Waimea crop was in generally good condition. Light insect damage was noticed on outer leaves. Irrigation kept crop progress normal. Crop progress in the Volcano area was slow due to wet conditions. On Oahu, increasing diamond back moth infestation was stemmed with increasing control measures. New plantings were in good to fair condition.

Sweet Corn
Planting and field prep were ongoing in the windward side of the Big Island. Frequent showers and warm temperatures boosted growth. Overall, the crop was making good progress with younger plantings making steady progress. Central Oahu fields made good progress having benefited from sunny skies, dry conditions, and warmer temperatures during the week. Light worm infestation was mostly under control. Windward area fields also made good progress.

Cucumbers
Harvesting is expected to pickup on Oahu fields as new plantings come into active harvest. Wind damage and scarring of fruits were light in exposed areas. Irrigation levels were heavy due to the dry weather.

Dry Onions
On Maui, growth and development of plantings have been very good. Fields, at all stages of development, were in good condition. Maturing fields are expected to have good yields and quality. Average bulb size is also anticipated to increase. Younger, newly-planted, fields also faired well during the week.

HAWAII MONTHLY LIVESTOCK REVIEW

Here is the PDF file for the *Hawaii Monthly Livestock Review *Report.

lvstk040507.pdf

Please visit the website for more information: http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/

————————————————————-
Contact Information:
Mark E. Hudson, Director
USDA NASS Hawaii Field Office
1421 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96814-2512

Office: (808) 973-9588 / (800) 804-9514
Fax: (808) 973-2909
————————————————————-

“HAWAII MONTHLY LIVESTOCK REVIEW” reports are available on our website http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/ and also PRINTED monthly. Subscriptions for PRINTED copies are free to those persons who report agricultural data to NASS (upon request) and available for $4 per year to all others.

February Egg Production Down 19 Percent From A Year Ago

Hawaii egg production totaled 6.4 million (17,778 cases) in February 2007, down 19 percent from February 2006. The average number of layers on hand during February 2007 was estimated at 395,000, down 2 percent from January and down 17 percent from February 2006.

The average rate of lay during February 2007 was 1,620 per 100 layers (57.9 percent rate of lay), down 3 percent from February 2006.

February Cattle Marketings Down 32 Percent From 2006

Total cattle marketings for February 2007 is estimated at 2,300 head, down 32 percent from February 2006. Cumulative cattle marketings for the first two months of 2007 totaled 8,100 head, down 15 percent from a year ago.

February exports down 42 percent from year ago

Exports of steers and heifers totaled 1,500 head in February 2007, down 42 percent from a year ago. During the first two months of 2007, 6,400 head have been exported, down 19 percent from the same period a year ago. A breakdown of February 2007 exports shows that both categories of cattle experienced a decline. At 700 head, February 2007 exports of steers were down 42 percent from February 2006. Exports of heifers also totaled 700 head in February 2007, down 50 percent from last February. Exports of other classes of cattle were not included.

Average live weight up 4 percent

The average live weight of steers and heifers exported from Hawaii in February 2007 was 446 pounds, up 16 percent or 61 pounds from a year ago. Commercial Beef Production Up 7 Percent Hawaii commercial beef production (local slaughter) during February 2007 totaled 478,000 pounds, up 7 percent from February 2006. Cumulative beef production (local slaughter) for the first two months of 2007 totaled 1.0 million pounds, up 13 percent from a year ago. Commercial kill totaled 800 head in February, unchanged from the February 2006?s total of 800 head. Average live weight per head increased to 1,093 pounds in February 2007, 3 percent heavier than in February 2006.

Commercial Beef Production

Up 7 Percent Hawaii commercial beef production (local slaughter) during February 2007 totaled 478,000 pounds, up 7 percent from February 2006. Cumulative beef production (local slaughter) for the first two months of 2007 totaled 1.0 million pounds, up 13 percent from a year ago. Commercial kill totaled 800 head in February, unchanged from the February 2006?s total of 800 head. Average live weight per head increased to 1,093 pounds in February 2007, 3 percent heavier than in February 2006.

Commercial Pork Production Down 8 Percent

Hawaii commercial pork production during February 2007 totaled 254,000 pounds, down 8 percent from February 2006. Cumulative pork production during the first two months of 2007 totaled 535,000 pounds, down 8 percent from a year ago. Total hog kill was 1,500 head in February 2007, down 12 percent from a year ago. Average live weight per head was 219 pounds in February 2007, down 2 percent from the 224-pound average a year ago.

Hawaii County

Hilo and Puna districts saw an increase in new grass growth as temperatures slowly began to rise and days lengthen. Ranchers reported adequate water supplies in streams as well as in stock ponds. Cattle and calves were in good condition with no unusual losses being reported.

Ka`u district pastures were in fair to good condition as soil moisture was adequate. Lower elevation pastures were fairly green, but growth was slow. Pahala pastures were beginning to show stress from low moisture. Further south, rainfall was more plentiful and grass growth was evident in the Kahuku and South Point areas.

North and South Kona districts received good showers early in the month, but new grass growth could not be sustained due to the rapid decrease in soil moisture due to dry weather. Pastures in the upper slopes experienced cloudy skies, cool afternoons, and showers which helped to spur re-growth. Coastal and low elevation pastures were very dry with only dry feed available for grazing. Prospects for new grass growth were poor. Stock water supplies were low.

North and South Kohala districts experienced heavy showers in isolated areas at the start of the month. The Puukapu and Mana areas had new grass growth and available feed supplies were good. Cooler temperatures had a slight slowing effect on grass growth. Increased soil moisture in thenormally dry Lalamilo pastures boosted new grass growth. Leeward Kohala mountain pastures, that were brown from a lack of rain, were observed with new grass growth. Adequate soil moisture in the Kapaau and Hawi pastures helped to produce adequate feed supplies. South Kohala coastal areas had only dry standing feed and were in poor condition. Pastures below Waikii received good showers and had fair new grass growth. Upper Waikii and Kilohana pastures remained very dry. A brush fire blackened about 50 acres of dry rangeland in the Kilohana area.

Hamakua district pastures were in generally good condition. Warmer temperatures and increasingly longer days have spurred grass growth. Stock water supplies are mostly adequate as streams were flowing at near normal levels.

Maui County

Maui Island:

Pastures on the east side of Maui received beneficial showers, but cool temperatures prevented optimal growth. Some pastures have been re-seeded to increase the quality of forage. Overall, these pastures were in fair to good condition. Lower pastures in Ulupalakua were drying out and mice have become a concern. Upper elevation pastures were in fair condition, but rainfall is needed. Pastures in Keokea were still able to provide feed, although there is a greater percentage of dry forage. Lower elevation pastures in Kulawere drying out. There was still a good amount of dry forage available, but green forage was of inferior quality. Haiku pastures were in fair condition. Previously irrigated pastures in the central area of the Maui were drying out and did not appear to be receiving irrigation. Pastures in Kahakuloa were able to maintain steady re-growth due to occasional showers and decreased grazing pressure.

Honolulu County

Except for some interior sections, rainfall was below normal on Oahu. Pastures were in fair condition with some supplemental feeding being supplied.

Kauai County

Windward areas record near or above normal rainfall while leeward sections were below normal. Pastures were in fair to good conditions with lots of weeds in some areas. Livestock conditions were generally good.

1/ Rainfall stations were selected from the National Weather Service?s Hydronet system of automated rain gages. Featured stations may vary each month. All rainfall data has not been quality controlled, and therefore is not certified by the National Weather Service. A complete listing of Hydronet stations, rainfall gage location maps, and other rainfall data may be found at the National Weather Service?s hydrology homepage: http://www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl/pages/hydrology.php

February Milk Production Down 23 Percent From Year Ago

Hawaii?s dairy cows produced 3.7 million pounds of milk in February 2007, down 23 percent from a year ago. Cumulative milk production for the first two months of 2007 totaled 8.1 million pounds, down 20 percent from the same period in 2006.

February?s Cow Herd

Down 16 Percent From Year Ago Hawaii?s cow herd, both dry and milking, numbered 3,700 head in February 2007, down 3 percent from January 2007 and down 16 percent from February 2006. Average milk per cow is estimated at 1,000 pounds for February 2007, down 8 percent from last February?s average of 1,090 pounds per cow.

Livestock Prices Higher Than Year-ago

Steers and heifers

The average dress weight farm price for steers and heifers is estimated at 99.0 cents per pound for February 2007, unchanged from January. Compared to a year ago, the February 2007 average dress weight farm price was 2 cents higher.

Cows

The average dress weight farm price for cows is estimated at 54.0 cents per pound in February 2007, unchanged from January. Compared to a year ago, the average dress weight farm price for cows was 2 cents per pound higher in February 2007.

Market hogs

The average dress weight farm price for market hogs is estimated at $1.30 per pound for February 2007, unchanged from January. Compared to a year ago, the dressed weight for market hogs was up 15 cents per pound this February.

Milk

The average farm price for milk was $26.90 per hundredweight during February 2007, up 10 cents per hundredweight from January. February 2007?s farm price for milk was 3 percent higher than a year ago.

Eggs

The average farm price for a dozen eggs was $1.05 in February 2007, unchanged from January. Compared to a year ago, the farm price for a dozen eggs was 7 percent higher in February 2007.

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.62 billion pounds in February, up 4 percent from the 3.49 billion pounds produced in February 2006.

Beef production, at 1.95 billion pounds, was 7 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.56 million head, up 9 percent from February 2006. The average live weight was down 10 pounds from the previous year, at 1,274 pounds.

Veal production totaled 12.2 million pounds, 7 percent above February a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 66,900 head, up 27 percent from February 2006. The average live weight was down 50 pounds from last year, at 307 pounds.

Pork production totaled 1.64 billion pounds, down slightly from the previous year. Hog kill totaled 8.12 million head, down slightly February 2006. The average live weight was down 2 pounds from the previous year, at 269 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 14.4 million pounds, was down 2 percent from February 2006. Sheepslaughter totaled 204,400 head, 1 percent above last year. The average live weight was 140 pounds, down 4 pounds from February a year ago.

U.S. egg production totaled 6.91 billion during February 2007, down 1 percent from last year. Production included 5.92 billion table eggs, and 998 million hatching eggs, of which 937 million were broilertype and 61 million were egg-type. The total number of layers during February 2007 averaged 347 million, down 1 percent from last year. February egg production per 100 layers was 1,992 eggs, down slightly from February 2006.

All layers in the U.S. on March 1, 2007 totaled 347 million, down 1 percent from last year. The 347 million layers consisted of 288 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 56.5 million layers producing broilertype hatching eggs, and 2.82 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on March 1, 2007, averaged 71.6 eggs per 100 layers, unchanged from March 1, 2006.

Excerpts from Livestock Slaughter (March 23, 2007) and Chickens and Eggs (March 23, 2007) releases.

Cattle/Beef: Low forage reserves continue to result in heavy cow and calf slaughter. Weekly year-to-date total calf slaughter is almost 28 percent above last year?s cumulative year-to-date total for the same period, while production is up only 6 percent. Farm-to-retail price spreads are increasing seasonally, along with increasing fed cattle and retail prices, and byproduct values are nearing record levels. Forecast beef exports for 2007, while up from the 2006 total, were reduced somewhat due to slow growth in shipments to major Asian markets.

Hogs/Pork: The USDA forecast for first-quarter 2007 commercial pork production was lowered 50 million pounds, to 5.325 billion pounds, due to slightly lower than expected slaughter and lower average dressed weights. First-quarter prices of live-equivalent 51-52 percent lean hogs are expected to range between $46 and $47 per hundredweight (cwt), more than 9 percent above first quarter a year ago. Hog prices will likely belower in the second half of this year as pork production accelerates seasonally and broiler production expands. U.S. packers and hog finishers are expected to import 9.35 million head of hogs from Canada this year, an increase of almost 7 percent over last year.

Dairy: Rapidly rising feed prices have limited production increases. The smaller production expansion in light of strong demand should boost prices for milk and dairy products in 2007. Exports of dry products continue to sharply raise prices in that segment of the market.

Poultry: With a decline in broiler meat production in January 2007, the estimate for first-quarter 2007 meat production was lowered by 75 million pounds to 8.75 billion pounds and the estimate for the second quarter was lowered by 50 million pounds, bringing the 2007 estimate to 35.9 billion pounds. Prices for almost all broiler products have strengthened considerably and are much higher than in the first 2 months of 2006. Turkey meat production in first-quarter 2007 isestimated at 1.41 billion pounds, up 4 percent from a year earlier. Even with the higher production and increased stock levels, prices for many turkey products were higher than at the start of 2006.

Poultry Trade: U.S. broiler exports finished strong in 2006, while turkey exports fell short. Broiler shipments were down, while turkey shipments were up, for January 2007. Broiler exports in January totaled 396 million pounds, a decline of 7 percent, while turkey exports totaled 42 million pounds, an increase of 13.3 percent from a year ago.

Sheep/Lamb: Typically, lamb demand exhibits some seasonality and is highest during the Passover/Easter holidays. As a result, production increases are expected in the weeks leading up to the holiday season. However, production for the first quarter 2007 is forecast 2 percent lower than for the same period last year. Choice Slaughter lamb prices at San Angelo have not seen significant increases despite lower production. Imports of lamb and mutton are expected to continue to increase, offsetting U.S. production declines.

HAWAII CROP WEATHER

Here is the PDF file for the *Hawaii Crop Weather* (crop progress and condition) Report for the week ending *April 1, 2007*

current_hi040107.pdf

Please visit http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/ for more information.USDA NASS Hawaii Field Office
1421 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96814-2512

Agricultural Highlights

Fruits
Banana

Orchards in eastern sections of Hawaii Island had adequate moisture. Spraying was required to minimize disease damage. Banana Bunchy Top virus damage was still localized in the Puna and Kona areas. Oahu orchards were in good to fair condition. Fields in windward Oahu made fair progress with light to moderate harvesting. Leeward and central Oahu fields remained in fair to good condition. Irrigation was at moderate to heavy levels. Fruit development and ripening continued to improve during the week with the favorable weather conditions. Kauai?s orchards were in fair to good condition.
Papaya
Papaya orchards in the lower Puna area of the Big Island were in fair to good condition. Spraying for disease and weed control was active during the week. Young papaya fields in the lower Kapoho area made steady progress. Fruit quality and yields were improving. Orchards on Kauai made fair to good progress during the week. Spraying to contain insect infestation and disease infestation remained slow in rainy areas.
Vegetables
Chinese Cabbage
The Big Island?s crop was making good progress with heavy irrigation. Light disease incidence was noticed on the wrapper leaves. Head quality and yields were generally good. New plantings made good growth.
Head Cabbage
On Hawaii Island, the Waimea crop made good progress with irrigation. Selective spraying was minimizing insect and disease damage. New plantings increased in the Lalamilo area and were making good progress. Maui?s crop was reported to be showing steady increased growth due to the warming conditions and longer day length. Rainfall received a couple of week ago increased the overall ground moisture and some producers may reduce irrigation for the week. Some areas reported that the increase moisture has increased incidences of rot. While there has been some loss due to the rot, overall production is not expected to be significantly affected. Overall the crop was in generally fair condition. On Oahu, new plants were in good condition. Insect infestation remained light to moderate.
Sweet Corn
Sunny, dry, and warm weather allowed plants to make good progress in central Oahu fields. Windward fields made fair to good progress, slightly slowed with the overcast skies and intermittent rains. Big Island plantings had adequate oil moisture and the crop was making steady progress. Overall, the crop condition was in fair condition.
Cucumbers
New plantings on Oahu made good progress during the week as the warmer and sunnier weather conditions were favorable for most fields located in the central part of the island. Flower and fruit set was good during the week.
Semi-head (Manoa) Lettuce
The dry weather and higher temperatures have caused an increase in insect infestation and light damage to Oahu?s Manoa lettuce crop. Spraying to control insects was active.
Dry Onions
The crop on Maui benefited from this week?s sunny weather and in generally fair condition. Average bulb size was larger, although there were some losses due to quality defects in development as a result of cooler conditions during the previous months. Overall, producers are expecting increased improvement in the condition of the dry onion crop. Yields are expected to increase and losses from defects are expected to decrease as growing conditions continue to improve.
Miscellaneous
Ginger Root

Most growers have finished harvest for the season. Planting and field preparation for next season?s crop was active in east Hawaii sections.

HAWAII CROP WEATHER

Here is the PDF file for the *Hawaii Crop Weather* (crop progress and condition) Report for the week ending *March 25, 2007*

current_hi032607.pdf

Please visit http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/ for more information.
USDA NASS Hawaii Field Office
1421 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96814-2512

Agricultural Highlights

Banana
Orchards in eastern sections of Hawaii Island were in good to fair condition. Young plants were making good progress. Soil moisture was adequate. Regular spraying was minimizing disease and insect damage. Oahu orchards were in fair to good condition. Fields in windward Oahu made fair to good progress with light to moderate harvesting. Leeward and central Oahu fields remained in fair to good condition. Irrigation levels were at moderate levels during the week. Fruit development and ripening continued to improve during the week with the favorable weather conditions. On Kauai, orchards were in fair to good condition. Harvesting was expected to continue light to moderate for on island market.
Papaya
Light showers and sunny days benefited orchard growth in the lower Puna areas of the Big Island. Routine spraying has minimized disease damage. Field activities such as weeding, leaf trimming, fertilizing, and harvesting were active. Fruit quality and yields were fair. Young plantings made steady progress. Orchards on Kauai made fair to good progress during the week. Pickings remained at light to very light levels from many older fields. Spraying to contain insects and diseases were slowed in areas where the winds were too blustery.
Head Cabbage
The Big Island?s Waimea crop was in good to fair condition. Weeds were a problem in isolated Puukapu and Lalamilo fields. Head quality was generally good. New plantings made steady progress. Maui?s head cabbage crop made good progress. Weather conditions enabled continued growth and uniform development. Insect pressure was present, but has been generally kept under control. Damage has been minimal for most fields. Overall, the head cabbage crop was in fair condition. New fields on Oahu were in good condition with fields in active harvest. Insect infestation remained under control and head quality was good.
Dry Onions
On Maui, some maturing fields were producing larger bulbs compared to previous harvests. Young fields have benefited from the increasing day length and are expected to do well with the changing weather conditions. Overall, the dry onion crop was generally in fair condition.
Sweet Corn
The Big Island crop was in good to fair condition. Soil moisture was adequate and sunny periods benefited crop growth. Harvesting was active. On Oahu, harvesting was active with the continued sunny, dry, and warmer weather allowing the plants to make good progress in central Oahu fields. Windward fields made fair to good progress. The drier weather also allowed more active field preparation and planting to occur.
Cucumbers
New plantings on Oahu made good to fair progress during the week as the winds slowed crop progress and caused some damage to fruits in exposed fields. Flower and fruit set was fair during the week.
Coffee
Light coffee flowering was observed in the Holualoa district of the Big Island. Coffee fields on Kauai continued to make good progress with good flowering from the last rains.
Ginger Root
Field preparation and planting continue to take place in eastern areas of Hawaii Island. Conditions were good for planting activities. Harvesting was light.

Hawaii Crop Weather

Here is the PDF file for the *Hawaii Crop Weather* (crop progress and condition) Report for the week ending *March 18, 2007*

current_hi031907.pdf

Please visit http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/ for more information.USDA NASS Hawaii Field Office
1421 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96814-2512

Agricultural Highlights

Fruits

Banana
Orchards in eastern sections of Hawaii County made good growth. Showers on Wednesday and Thursday helped to keep soil moisture adequate. Regular spraying minimized disease and insect damage. Banana Bunchy Top incidences remained isolated in the Puna and Kona areas. Oahu orchards were in fair to good condition. Fields in windward Oahu made fair to good progress with light to moderate harvesting. Leeward and central fields remained in fair to good condition. Irrigation levels were at moderate levels during the week. Fruit development and ripening continued to improve during the week with the increasing day length and beneficial sunny skies. Kauai?s orchards were in fair to good condition. Crop progress remained steady and made good recovery from previous wind damage.

Papaya
Warmer temperatures and sunny periods are benefiting orchard progress in the lower Puna areas of the Big Island. Soil moisture was adequate. Regular spraying was necessary to minimize disease damage. Mature trees in the Kapoho and Opihikao area have medium sized fruits and full fruit columns. Good weather conditions were encouraging good flower and fruit set. Growers are replanting in the lower Kapoho area. Orchards on Kauai made fair to good progress during the week. Rains and overcast skies slowed crop progress during the week. Sprayings to contain insect infestation was delayed, but are expected to be stepped-up as soon as the fields dry.

Vegetables

Head Cabbage
Big Island growers were harvesting medium to large heads. Head quality was generally good. Tall weeds were observed in the Puukapu fields. New plantings made steady progress in Lalamilo. Heavy irrigation was required. Selective spraying minimized damage from disease and insects. On Oahu, new fields were in good condition. Insect infestations remained under control and head quality was good. On Maui, weather conditions hampered field activities for most operations. Some plantings were delayed due to wet ground conditions. Producers may be able to get on schedule later in the month depending on future weather conditions. The crop was in fair condition during the past couple of weeks.

Dry Onions
Maui?s crop showed some improvement in growth and development during the past month, but with the recent weather may increase the chances of loss due to rain damage and disease from wet field conditions. The effect of this week?s rains on mature fields is uncertain, and the rains could also affect production from fields in the developing stages. Currently, crop conditions range from marginally fair to fair condition depending on the location of the field.

AgTourism Association meeting

Just a reminder, the AgTourism Association meeting will have a polycom
linkup from the Kahului Extension office.? You are all invited to attend if
you’re interested in this.? I have heard from a couple of people who are
interested.

I’m sending what I was sent via email, below.? You don’t have to respond to
Diane; I already have made the reservations.

Jan

Jan McEwen 310 Kaahumanu Ave? Bldg 214 Kahului? HI?? 96732 (808) 244-3242 Maui Cooperative Extension Service CTAHR / UH-Manoa

March 3, 2007

We hope you all are excited for the next meeting to discuss the formation of
the AgTourism Association. We anticipate a jammed-packed session and an
opportunity for the committees to report their findings and make
recommendations for the future.

COMMITTEES:

Each committee will be given the opportunity to share information and
respond to questions from the group. We would like to have the information
available to the group several days before the meeting so that everyone can
become familiar with the information in preparation for the meeting.

We’d like to have the committees send their final report to Diane Sands by
email (diane_sands@yahoo.com) by March 8th.? We’ll consolidate the reports
into one email and send another group email before March 12th. Just as a
reminder, the committees are focusing on Organization, Funding, the
Definition of AgTourism and County Bill 148. Committee members will receive
a separate email from Diane requesting this information.

NEXT MEETING
Monday, March 12 from 9:00am – Noon
CTAHR Conference Room

Facilitator: Donna Ching? donnac@hawaii.edu

Objectives: To regroup and share information gathered by committees. We also
would like to outline criteria for discussion with County Council when they
meet with Lani Weigert on March 19th.

Polycom
If you are interested in Polycom (videoconferencing) available at the
extension offices on Oahu, Maui or Kauai, please RSVP to Diane Sands
(diane_sands@yahoo.com) before March 7th. So far, we only have 1 person
reserved for the videoconferencing at the Gilmore location on Oahu. If we
don’t have attendees reserved for the other locations by March 7th, we will
cancel these locations.

We look forward to seeing you all again on March 12th and making further
progress with the AgTourism Association.

Sincerely,

Kent Fleming, Donna Ching and Diane Sands
Objectives:

To regroup and share information gathered by committees. We alsowould like to outline criteria for discussion with County Council when they meet with Lani Weigert on March 19th.Polycom

?If you are interested in Polycom (videoconferencing) available at theextension offices on Oahu, Maui or Kauai, please RSVP to Diane Sands() before March 7th.? So far, we only have 1 person reserved for the videoconferencing at the Gilmore location on Oahu.? If wedon’t have attendees reserved for the other locations by March 7th, we will cancel these locations.? We look forward to seeing you all again on March 12th and making further progress with the AgTourism Association.? Sincerely, Kent Fleming, Donna Ching and Diane Sands

Monthly Hawaii Vegtables

Intermittent periods of wet and windy weather interrupted a drier than normal
January. Sporadic periods of southwesterly winds and its associated
precipitation had interfered with the moderate to strong trade winds which
occurred during the first two-thirds of the month. At the end of the month, very
strong southwesterly winds also caused some crop damage. This drier than
normal weather pattern during the winter months resembles patterns
displayed in ?El-Nino like? conditions. Rainfall totals on the island of Kauai for
January were generally below 75 percent of normal. All leeward Oahu sites
and most windward sites recorded rainfall amounts below normal. The
exception occurred around the Punaluu Pump gage, which recorded abovenormal
rainfall due to the heavy rains and flash flooding associated with the
January 8 event. Conditions throughout Maui County were generally dry. The
Big Island of Hawaii experienced mixed conditions as rainfall amounts were
near to above normal levels along the southeasterly quadrant of the island,
while the remainder of the island was drier. This dry weather slowed crop
progress.

Expected vegetable acreage for harvest in February when compared with
acreage harvested in January are expected to increase for Chinese cabbage
(+9%), Head cabbage (+7%), dry onions (+67%), green onions (+60%),
and romaine (+40%), while decreases in harvested acreage are expected for
snap beans (-29%), mustard cabbage (-11%), and cucumbers (-3%). The
expected acreage for harvest for the remaining crops were unchanged.

Click the link below for the full PDF article:

monveg1.pdf

USDA NASS Hawaii Field Office
http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/
1421 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96814-2512
Office: (808) 973-9588 / (800) 804-9514
Fax: (808) 973-2909?

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