Cr Pr 2-2 (4-05)

Washington, D.C.

Crop

Production

Released April 8, 2005, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department of

Agriculture. For information on Crop Production call (202) 720-2127, office hours 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET.

All Orange Production Down 2 Percent 

The U.S. all orange April 1 forecast for the 2004-05 season is 9.19 million tons, down 2 percent from the

March 1 forecast and 29 percent below last season's final utilization. Florida's all orange forecast, at

151 million boxes (6.80 million tons), is down 1 percent from the previous forecast and 38 percent below the

previous season. Early and midseason varieties in Florida are forecast at 79.2 million boxes (3.56 million

tons), down 2 percent from last month and 37 percent below the previous season. Harvest of the early and

midseason varieties is almost complete with the row count survey conducted March 30-31 showing 97 percent

of the rows harvested. Florida’s Valencia forecast is 72.0 million boxes (3.24 million tons), unchanged from

the March forecast but 38 percent below last season's final utilization. Most citrus trees in Florida groves are

in excellent condition and showing new growth. Citrus trees were in full bloom or approaching the peak

bloom by the end of the March. However, trees damaged severely by the hurricanes are showing some die

back of small limbs.

California's all orange forecast, at 61.0 million boxes (2.29 million tons), is down 5 percent from the January

forecast but 17 percent above the previous season. California’s navel orange forecast, at 43.0 million boxes

(1.61 million tons), is down 2 percent from the previous forecast but 13 percent above last season. Harvesting

of navel oranges was active throughout March, although at a slow pace due to continued rainfall. Despite the

heavy precipitation, good fruit quality is reported. The Valencia forecast, at 18.0 million boxes

(675,000 tons), is down 10 percent from the previous forecast but up 29 percent from last season. Harvesting

of the Valencia crop is well underway with no major problems reported. However, bearing acreage

reductions continue in both the Central Valley and southern areas. Fruit quality is good in both districts. 

Most of the Central Valley Valencia crop is being packed for export. The Texas all orange forecast is

1.98 million boxes (84,000 tons), up 13 percent from the January 1 forecast and 20 percent more than last

season's utilized production. Texas citrus farmers report an excellent year with no major diseases affecting

the crop. High demand for citrus fruit continues due to Florida’s limited citrus supply this season. Arizona's

all orange utilization forecast, at 430,000 boxes (16,000 tons), is unchanged from the previous forecast but

9 percent below the 2003-04 season. Arizona’s navel orange harvest is complete, while picking of Valencia

oranges is behind schedule. Arizona’s citrus groves are reported to be in good condition. Good fruit quality

is also reported.

Florida frozen concentrated orange juice (FCOJ) yield for the 2004-05 season, at 1.58 gallons per box at

42.0 degrees Brix, is unchanged from last month. The early-midseason portion is final at 1.53 gallons per

box. The Valencia portion remains at 1.66 gallons per box. All projections of yield assume that the

processing relationship this year will be similar to those of the past several years.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 2005 2 NASS, USDA

This report was approved on April 8, 2005.

Secretary of

Agriculture

Mike Johanns

Agricultural Statistics Board

Chairperson

Rich Allen
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 2005 3 NASS, USDA

Contents

Page

Noncitrus Fruits & Tree Nuts

Papayas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Citrus Fruits

Grapefruit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Lemons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Oranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Tangelos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Tangerines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Temples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Potatoes & Miscellaneous Crops

Potatoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Crop Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Crop Summary ........................................................................6

Information Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Reliability of Production Data in this Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Weather Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Weather Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 2005 4 NASS, USDA

Citrus Fruits: Utilized Production by Crop, State, and United States,

2002-2003, 2003-2004 and Forecasted April 1, 2005 1 2

Crop and State

Utilized Production

Boxes

Utilized Production

Ton Equivalent

2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05

1,000 Boxes 3 1,000 Boxes 3 1,000 Boxes 3 1,000 Tons 1,000 Tons 1,000 Tons

Oranges

 Early Mid &

 Navel 4

 AZ

 CA

 FL

 TX

 US

 Valencia

 AZ

 CA

 FL

 TX

 US

 All

 AZ

 CA

 FL

 TX

 US

Temples

 FL

Grapefruit

 White Seedless 5

 FL

 Colored Seedless

 FL

 All

 AZ

 CA

 FL

 TX

 US

Tangerines

 AZ 6

 CA 6

 FL

 US

Lemons

 AZ

 CA

 US

Tangelos

 FL

200

42,000

112,000

1,350

155,550

270

20,000

91,000

220

111,490

470

62,000

203,000

1,570

267,040

1,300

16,200

22,500

130

5,600

38,700

5,650

50,080

430

2,800

5,500

8,730

3,000

24,000

27,000

2,350

300

38,000

126,000

1,420

165,720

170

14,000

116,000

230

130,400

470

52,000

242,000

1,650

296,120

1,400

15,900

25,000

140

5,400

40,900

5,700

52,140

690

2,700

6,500

9,890

3,000

18,000

21,000

1,000

240

43,000

79,200

1,750

124,190

190

18,000

72,000

230

90,420

430

61,000

151,200

1,980

214,610

650

3,500

9,500

160

5,400

13,000

6,500

25,060

400

3,000

4,450

7,850

2,400

19,500

21,900

1,550

8

1,575

5,040

57

6,680

10

751

4,095

9

4,865

18

2,326

9,135

66

11,545

59

689

957

4

187

1,646

226

2,063

16

105

261

382

114

912

1,026

105

12

1,426

5,670

60

7,168

6

526

5,220

10

5,762

18

1,952

10,890

70

12,930

63

675

1,063

5

181

1,738

228

2,152

25

101

309

435

114

684

798

45

9

1,613

3,564

74

5,260

7

675

3,240

10

3,932

16

2,288

6,804

84

9,192

29

149

404

5

181

553

260

999

15

113

211

339

91

741

832

70

 1 The crop year begins with the bloom of the first year shown and ends with the completion of harvest the following year. 2 2003-04 open for revision but none made. 3 Net lbs. per box: oranges-AZ & CA-75, FL-90, TX-85; grapefruit-AZ & CA-67, FL-85, TX-80; lemons-76; tangelos & Temples90; tangerines-AZ & CA-75, FL-95. 4 Navel and miscellaneous varieties in AZ and CA. Early (including Navel) and midseason varieties in FL and TX. Small

quantities of tangerines in TX. 5 Includes seedy. 6 Includes tangelos and tangors.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 2005 5 NASS, USDA

Potatoes: Area Planted and Harvested, Yield, and Production

by Seasonal Group, State, and United States, 2003-2005

Seasonal

Group

and

State

Area

Yield Production

Planted Harvested

2004 2005 2004 2005 2004 2005 2003 2004 2005

1,000 Acres 1,000 Acres 1,000 Acres 1,000 Acres Cwt Cwt 1,000 Cwt 1,000 Cwt 1,000 Cwt

Winter

 CA

 FL

 Total

Spring

 AZ

 CA

 FL

 Hastings

 Other FL

 NC

 TX

 Total

Summer 1

 AL

 CA

 CO

 DE

 IL

 KS

 MD

 MO

 NJ

 NM 2

 TX

 VA

 Total

13.0

5.7

18.7

6.2

17.5

24.8

18.2

6.6

17.0

11.0

76.5

2.3

7.0

5.9

3.3

5.0

3.5

4.7

6.9

2.3

1.2

10.4

6.0

58.5

14.0

6.0

20.0

4.0

13.8

23.6

17.3

6.3

14.0

9.5

64.9

13.0

5.5

18.5

6.2

17.5

24.5

18.0

6.5

13.5

10.5

72.2

1.3

7.0

5.8

3.1

4.8

3.4

4.6

6.2

2.2

1.0

9.6

5.0

54.0

14.0

5.8

19.8

4.0

13.8

23.2

17.0

6.2

13.0

9.1

63.1

250

285

260

285

475

313

320

295

200

210

314

175

350

365

260

415

400

260

310

270

340

440

240

341

250

270

256

280

390

302

305

295

190

210

284

2,635

1,392

4,027

2,090

8,360

8,008

5,684

2,324

2,975

3,000

24,433

333

2,772

2,304

864

2,196

1,026

1,104

1,882

675

532

3,528

1,550

18,766

3,250

1,568

4,818

1,767

8,313

7,678

5,760

1,918

2,700

2,205

22,663

228

2,450

2,117

806

1,992

1,360

1,196

1,922

594

340

4,224

1,200

18,429

3,500

1,566

5,066

1,120

5,382

7,014

5,185

1,829

2,470

1,911

17,897

 1 2004 revised.

Papayas: Area and Fresh Production, by Month, Hawaii, 2004-2005

Month

Area Fresh Production 1

Total in Crop Harvested 2004 2005

2004 2005 2004 2005

Acres Acres Acres Acres 1,000 Pounds 1,000 Pounds

Feb

Mar

2,200

2,110

2,250

2,490

1,345

1,160

1,410

1,435

2,775

2,815

2,280

2,310

 1 Utilized fresh production.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 2005 6 NASS, USDA

Crop Summary: Area Planted and Harvested, United States, 2004-2005

(Domestic Units) 1

Crop

Area Planted Area Harvested

2004 2005 2004 2005

1,000 Acres 1,000 Acres 1,000 Acres 1,000 Acres

Grains & Hay

 Barley

 Corn for Grain 2

 Corn for Silage

 Hay, All

 Alfalfa

 All Other

 Oats

 Proso Millet

 Rice

 Rye

 Sorghum for Grain 2

 Sorghum for Silage

 Wheat, All

 Winter

 Durum

 Other Spring

Oilseeds

 Canola

 Cottonseed

 Flaxseed

 Mustard Seed

 Peanuts

 Rapeseed

 Safflower

 Soybeans for Beans

 Sunflower

Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops

 Cotton, All

 Upland

 Amer-Pima

 Sugarbeets

 Sugarcane

 Tobacco

Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils

 Austrian Winter Peas

 Dry Edible Beans

 Dry Edible Peas

 Lentils

 Wrinkled Seed Peas

Potatoes & Misc.

 Coffee (HI)

 Ginger Root (HI)

 Hops

 Peppermint Oil

 Potatoes, All

 Winter

 Spring

 Summer

 Fall

 Spearmint Oil

 Sweet Potatoes

 Taro (HI) 3

4,527.0

80,930.0

4,085.0

710.0

3,347.0

1,380.0

7,486.0

59,674.0

43,350.0

2,561.0

13,763.0

865.0

523.0

73.0

1,430.0

8.7

175.0

75,208.0

1,873.0

13,658.6

13,409.0

249.6

1,346.0

30.5

1,354.3

530.0

345.0

1,193.4

18.7

76.5

58.5

1,039.7

97.4

3,974.0

81,413.0

4,267.0

3,358.0

7,400.0

58,592.0

41,613.0

2,608.0

14,371.0

1,047.0

919.0

1,597.0

73,910.0

2,750.0

13,815.0

13,540.0

275.0

1,299.0

1,663.5

20.0

64.9

94.9

4,021.0

73,632.0

6,103.0

61,916.0

21,707.0

40,209.0

1,792.0

595.0

3,325.0

320.0

6,517.0

352.0

49,999.0

34,462.0

2,363.0

13,174.0

828.0

516.0

68.7

1,394.0

7.8

159.0

73,958.0

1,711.0

13,057.0

12,809.0

248.0

1,306.7

952.1

409.1

21.5

1,219.3

507.8

329.0

5.8

0.2

27.7

77.7

1,167.5

18.5

72.2

54.0

1,022.8

15.1

93.3

0.4

62,940.0

319.9

19.8

63.1

 1 Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the

full 2005 crop year. 2 Area planted for all purposes. 3 Area is total acres in crop, not harvested acreage.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 2005 7 NASS, USDA

Crop Summary: Yield and Production, United States, 2004-2005

(Domestic Units) 1

Crop Unit

Yield Production

2004 2005 2004 2005

1,000 1,000

Grains & Hay

 Barley

 Corn for Grain

 Corn for Silage

 Hay, All

 Alfalfa

 All Other

 Oats

 Proso Millet

 Rice 2

 Rye

 Sorghum for Grain

 Sorghum for Silage

 Wheat, All

 Winter

 Durum

 Other Spring

Oilseeds

 Canola

 Cottonseed 3

 Flaxseed

 Mustard Seed

 Peanuts

 Rapeseed

 Safflower

 Soybeans for Beans

 Sunflower

Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops

 Cotton, All 2

 Upland 2

 Amer-Pima 2

 Sugarbeets

 Sugarcane

 Tobacco

Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils

 Austrian Winter Peas 2

 Dry Edible Beans 2

 Dry Edible Peas 2

 Lentils 2

 Wrinkled Seed Peas 3

Potatoes & Misc.

 Coffee (HI)

 Ginger Root (HI)

 Hops

 Peppermint Oil

 Potatoes, All

 Winter

 Spring

 Summer

 Fall

 Spearmint Oil

 Sweet Potatoes

 Taro (HI) 3

Bu

“

Ton

“

“

“

Bu

“

Cwt

Bu

“

Ton

Bu

“

“

“

Lb

Ton

Bu

Lb

“

“

“

Bu

Lb

Bale

“

“

Ton

“

Lb

Cwt

“

“

“

“

Lb

“

“

“

Cwt

“

“

“

“

Lb

Cwt

Lb

69.4

160.4

17.6

2.55

3.47

2.05

64.7

25.3

6,942

26.9

69.8

13.5

43.2

43.5

38.0

43.2

1,618

20.3

819

3,057

1,394

1,105

42.5

1,197

846

835

1,425

22.9

30.8

2,159

1,228

1,460

2,249

1,271

1,220

40,000

1,990

92

391

260

314

341

401

116

176

256

284

279,253

11,807,217

107,336

157,774

75,383

82,391

115,935

15,065

230,818

8,615

454,899

4,763

2,158,245

1,499,434

89,893

568,918

1,339,530

8,411.0

10,471

56,290

4,261,700

10,875

175,765

3,140,996

2,047,863

23,006.0

22,270.0

736.0

29,932

29,295

883,171

264

17,799

11,419

4,182

899

7,100

6,000

55,203.9

7,146

455,933

4,818

22,663

18,429

410,023

1,746

16,399

5,200

5,066

17,897

 1 Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the

full 2005 crop year. 2 Yield in pounds. 3 Yield is not estimated.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 2005 8 NASS, USDA

Fruits and Nuts Production, United States, 2003-2005

(Domestic Units) 1

Crop Unit

Production

2003 2004 2005

1,000 1,000 1,000

Citrus 2

 Grapefruit

 Lemons

 Oranges

 Tangelos (FL)

 Tangerines

 Temples (FL)

Noncitrus

 Apples

 Apricots

 Bananas (HI) 3

 Grapes

 Olives (CA)

 Papayas (HI)

 Peaches

 Pears

 Prunes, Dried (CA)

 Prunes & Plums (Ex CA)

Nuts & Misc.

 Almonds (CA)

 Hazelnuts (OR)

 Pecans

 Walnuts (CA)

 Maple Syrup

Ton

“

“

“

“

“

1,000 Lbs

Ton

Lb

Ton

“

Lb

Ton

Ton

“

“

Lb

Ton

Lb

Ton

Gal

2,063

1,026

11,545

105

382

59

8,713.1

97.6

22,500.0

6,552.5

118.0

42,600.0

1,259.5

928.1

181.0

16.3

1,040,000

37.9

282,100

326.0

1,260

2,152

798

12,930

45

435

63

10,078.3

100.7

5,972.5

104.0

35,500.0

1,279.1

893.3

49.0

24.9

1,020,000

37.0

181,000

325.0

1,507

999

832

9,192

70

339

29

 1 Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the

full 2005 crop year, except citrus which is for the 2004-05 season. 2 Production years are 2002-2003, 2003-2004, and 2004-2005. 3 2004 not published to avoid disclosure of individual operations.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 2005 9 NASS, USDA

Crop Summary: Area Planted and Harvested, United States, 2004-2005

(Metric Units) 1

Crop

Area Planted Area Harvested

2004 2005 2004 2005

Hectares Hectares Hectares Hectares

Grains & Hay

 Barley

 Corn for Grain 2

 Corn for Silage

 Hay, All 3

 Alfalfa

 All Other

 Oats

 Proso Millet

 Rice

 Rye

 Sorghum for Grain 2

 Sorghum for Silage

 Wheat, All 3

 Winter

 Durum

 Other Spring

Oilseeds

 Canola

 Cottonseed

 Flaxseed

 Mustard Seed

 Peanuts

 Rapeseed

 Safflower

 Soybeans for Beans

 Sunflower

Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops

 Cotton, All 3

 Upland

 Amer-Pima

 Sugarbeets

 Sugarcane

 Tobacco

Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils

 Austrian Winter Peas

 Dry Edible Beans

 Dry Edible Peas

 Lentils

 Wrinkled Seed Peas

Potatoes & Misc.

 Coffee (HI)

 Ginger Root (HI)

 Hops

 Peppermint Oil

 Potatoes, All 3

 Winter

 Spring

 Summer

 Fall

 Spearmint Oil

 Sweet Potatoes

 Taro (HI) 4

1,832,030

32,751,560

1,653,160

287,330

1,354,500

558,470

3,029,510

24,149,470

17,543,310

1,036,410

5,569,750

350,060

211,650

29,540

578,710

3,520

70,820

30,435,930

757,980

5,527,500

5,426,490

101,010

544,710

12,340

548,070

214,490

139,620

482,960

7,570

30,960

23,670

420,760

39,420

1,608,240

32,947,030

1,726,810

1,358,950

2,994,710

23,711,600

16,840,360

1,055,430

5,815,800

423,710

371,910

646,290

29,910,640

1,112,900

5,590,790

5,479,500

111,290

525,690

673,200

8,090

26,260

38,410

1,627,260

29,798,130

2,469,820

25,056,790

8,784,610

16,272,180

725,200

240,790

1,345,590

129,500

2,637,360

142,450

20,234,100

13,946,430

956,280

5,331,390

335,080

208,820

27,800

564,140

3,160

64,350

29,930,060

692,420

5,284,040

5,183,670

100,360

528,810

385,310

165,540

8,700

493,440

205,500

133,140

2,350

60

11,230

31,440

472,480

7,490

29,220

21,850

413,920

6,110

37,760

150

25,471,190

129,440

8,010

25,540

 1 Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the

full 2005 crop year. 2 Area planted for all purposes. 3 Total may not add due to rounding. 4 Area is total hectares in crop, not harvested hectares.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 2005 10 NASS, USDA

Crop Summary: Yield and Production, United States, 2004-2005

(Metric Units) 1

Crop

Yield Production

2004 2005 2004 2005

Metric Tons Metric Tons Metric Tons Metric Tons

Grains & Hay

 Barley

 Corn for Grain

 Corn for Silage

 Hay, All 2

 Alfalfa

 All Other

 Oats

 Proso Millet

 Rice

 Rye

 Sorghum for Grain

 Sorghum for Silage

 Wheat, All 2

 Winter

 Durum

 Other Spring

Oilseeds

 Canola

 Cottonseed 3

 Flaxseed

 Mustard Seed

 Peanuts

 Rapeseed

 Safflower

 Soybeans for Beans

 Sunflower

Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops

 Cotton, All 2

 Upland

 Amer-Pima

 Sugarbeets

 Sugarcane

 Tobacco

Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils

 Austrian Winter Peas

 Dry Edible Beans

 Dry Edible Peas

 Lentils

 Wrinkled Seed Peas 3

Potatoes & Misc.

 Coffee (HI)

 Ginger Root (HI)

 Hops

 Peppermint Oil

 Potatoes, All 2

 Winter

 Spring

 Summer

 Fall

 Spearmint Oil

 Sweet Potatoes

 Taro (HI) 3

3.74

10.06

39.43

5.71

7.78

4.59

2.32

1.42

7.78

1.69

4.38

30.33

2.90

2.93

2.56

2.90

1.81

1.27

0.92

3.43

1.56

1.24

2.86

1.34

0.95

0.94

1.60

51.35

68.97

2.42

1.38

1.64

2.52

1.42

1.37

44.83

2.23

0.10

43.77

29.19

35.18

38.25

44.93

0.13

19.70

28.68

31.79

6,080,020

299,917,130

97,373,580

143,130,170

68,386,310

74,743,860

1,682,790

341,670

10,469,730

218,830

11,554,970

4,320,920

58,737,800

40,807,910

2,446,490

15,483,410

607,600

7,630,330

265,980

25,530

1,933,070

4,930

79,730

85,483,900

928,900

5,008,970

4,848,720

160,250

27,153,850

26,575,980

400,600

11,970

807,350

517,960

189,690

40,780

3,220

2,720

25,040

3,240

20,680,770

218,540

1,027,980

835,930

18,598,330

790

743,850

2,360

229,790

811,790

 1 Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the

full 2005 crop year. 2 Production may not add due to rounding. 3 Yield is not estimated.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 2005 11 NASS, USDA

Fruits and Nuts Production, United States, 2003-2005

(Metric Units) 1

Crop

Production

2003 2004 2005

Metric tons Metric tons Metric tons

Citrus 2

 Grapefruit

 Lemons

 Oranges

 Tangelos (FL)

 Tangerines

 Temples (FL)

Noncitrus

 Apples

 Apricots

 Bananas (HI) 3

 Grapes

 Olives (CA)

 Papayas (HI)

 Peaches

 Pears

 Prunes, Dried (CA)

 Prunes & Plums (Ex CA)

Nuts & Misc.

 Almonds (CA)

 Hazelnuts (OR)

 Pecans

 Walnuts (CA)

 Maple Syrup

1,871,520

930,770

10,473,450

95,250

346,540

53,520

3,952,200

88,520

10,210

5,944,360

107,050

19,320

1,142,600

841,910

164,200

14,790

471,740

34,380

127,960

295,740

6,300

1,952,260

723,930

11,729,900

40,820

394,630

57,150

4,571,440

91,380

5,418,160

94,350

16,100

1,160,390

810,350

44,450

22,590

462,660

33,570

82,100

294,840

7,530

906,280

754,780

8,338,840

63,500

307,540

26,310

 1 Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the

full 2005 crop year, except citrus which is for the 2004-05 season. 2 Production years are 2002-03, 2003-04, and 2004-05. 3 2004 not published to avoid disclosure of individual operations.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 2005 12 NASS, USDA
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 2005 13 NASS, USDA

March Weather Summary

The mid-March arrival of much-needed precipitation improved prospects for Northwestern pastures and

winter grains, but provided only limited relief from long-term, hydrological drought. Farther south, mid- to

late-March precipitation maintained abundant high-elevation snow packs from the Sierra Nevada eastward to

the Four Corners States, but slowed spring fieldwork in California. Meanwhile, heavy snow blanketed the

northern High Plains, providing highly beneficial moisture for pastures and winter wheat, despite underlying

subsoil moisture shortages. Significant precipitation also dampened portions of the central Plains, especially

across central Nebraska. In contrast, most of Oklahoma and adjacent areas experienced a March drying trend,

promoting fieldwork but reducing topsoil moisture reserves. Drier-than-normal weather also prevailed in

much of the Midwest, allowing spring planting preparations to begin in many areas and helping to reduce

pockets of lingering wetness across the southern and eastern Corn Belt. Elsewhere, frequent storminess

affected the South and East. The first half of the month featured three major Northeastern snowstorms, while

a series of disturbances crossed the South. Rainfall, initially beneficial across the Southeast, began to hamper

planting operations and other spring fieldwork late in the month. In the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern States,

a pair of late-month storms produced heavy rain, combining with melting snow to cause local flooding and

setting the stage for more widespread flooding in early April.

Cold weather prevailed across the eastern half of the nation during the first 3 weeks of March, followed by a

late-month warming trend. Monthly temperatures generally ranged from 2 to 6 degrees F below normal in the

Great Lakes and Northeastern States. In contrast, early-month warmth in the West yielded to stormy, cooler

weather thereafter. Nevertheless, March readings averaged as much as 5 degrees F above normal across the

northern Plains and the Northwest.

March Crop Summary

Heavy precipitation fell along the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf Coasts. Temperatures were above normal in the

northern and central Great Plains, northern Rocky Mountains, Great Basin, and along the Pacific Coast, while

below-normal temperatures prevailed elsewhere.

Persistent precipitation hindered fieldwork in the Ohio Valley and southern Corn Belt. Growers in these areas

were concerned about the effects of soil heaving on winter wheat acreage. In other areas of the Corn Belt,

precipitation and temperatures were mostly below normal. However, soil moisture in the region was adequate

to surplus. Field preparation was active under mostly favorable conditions.

In the northern Great Plains, dry conditions continued to cause soil moisture concerns. Though temperatures

averaged above normal for the month, the lack of snow cover left winter wheat exposed to brief periods of

bitterly cold temperatures. Precipitation levels were near normal in the central Great Plains, with

above-normal temperatures. In the southern Great Plains, planting of summer crops was active, with some

weather delays.

In the Pacific Northwest, periods of heavy rainfall helped to increase soil moisture levels. However, after dry

conditions prevailed throughout most of the winter, more rainfall is needed to replenish soil moisture to

adequate levels. Upper elevation snowpacks remained well below normal, leaving little prospects for

meltwater in the spring and summer. Though conditions in California were considerably drier than in

February, many growers continued to experience fieldwork delays.

Frequent rainfall in the Southeast severely hampered field preparation and planting. Precipitation was lighter

in the Delta, but enough to maintain soggy conditions from heavy rainfall in February and delay planting. In

the middle and upper Atlantic Coast States, heavy precipitation caused local flooding.

Grapefruit: The U.S. grapefruit forecast is 999,000 tons, up 1 percent from the previous forecast but

54 percent below last season's final utilization. Florida's grapefruit forecast, at 13.0 million boxes

(553,000 tons), is unchanged from March but 68 percent below last season's final utilization. If realized, this

will be the lowest grapefruit utilization since the 1935-36 season. The white grapefruit forecast is

3.50 million boxes (149,000 tons), up 17 percent from March but 78 percent below last season. The colored

grapefruit forecast, at 9.50 million boxes (404,000 tons), is down 5 percent from March 1 and 62 percent

below last season's final utilization. Results of the row count survey conducted on March 30-31, in
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 2005 14 NASS, USDA

conjunction with utilization through that time, are the primary indicators for the April grapefruit forecast. 

Results of the size and drop surveys conducted during March indicate a high drop rate for all grapefruit

varieties.

California's grapefruit forecast, at 5.40 million boxes (181,000 tons), is up 2 percent from the previous

forecast but unchanged from last season's final utilization. Pummelos and Oroblanco grapefruit varieties are

being harvested in the Central Valley, while the Rio Red variety continues to be harvested in the Coachella

Valley. Texture is smooth for all varieties with good quality. The Texas grapefruit forecast is 6.50 million

boxes (260,000 tons), 5 percent above the previous forecast and 14 percent higher than last season. Favorable

weather conditions, combined with a good market for grapefruit this season, are contributing factors to Texas’

grapefruit utilized production increase. Arizona's grapefruit forecast, at 160,000 boxes (5,000 tons), is down

11 percent from March but is 14 percent above last season's final utilization. Harvest is expected to pick up

once Florida and Texas are complete. Good fruit quality is being reported in both Maricopa and Yuma

counties.

Tangerines: The 2004-05 U.S. tangerine crop forecast is 339,000 tons, virtually unchanged from the

previous forecast but 22 percent below last season's final utilization of 435,000 tons. Florida's tangerine crop,

at 4.45 million boxes (211,000 tons), is down 1 percent from the previous forecast and 32 percent below last

season's utilization of 6.50 million boxes. Harvest of Florida’s Fallglo tangerines is complete. A small

decrease in early tangerines ocurred because harvest of the Sunburst variety was smaller than expected. The

Honey variety drop rate for April is at 67 percent with 36 percent of the rows remaining to be harvested. 

California's forecast of tangerine production, at 3.00 million boxes (113,000 tons), is up 3 percent from the

January 1 forecast and 11 percent above last season's utilized production. Fruit quality is reported as very

good to excellent. California’s tangerine harvest is progressing well. The Arizona tangerine forecast, at

400,000 boxes (15,000 tons), is down 11 percent from the previous forecast and 42 percent below last season. 

A light crop with small fruit size, combined with quality problems and a decreased demand for the Fairchild

tangerine variety, are contributing to the decrease in utilized production.

Lemons: The forecast for the 2004-05 U.S. lemon crop, at 832,000 tons, is unchanged from the January 1

forecast but up 4 percent from last season. California production is forecast at 19.5 million boxes

(741,000 tons), unchanged from the previous forecast but 8 percent above the 2003-04 season. Harvest in the

South Coastal area is progressing well, while it is complete in the Desert region and winding down in the

Central Valley. Fruit quality is reported as very good and export demand is gradually increasing. Arizona's

2004-05 lemon forecast, at 2.40 million boxes (91,000 tons), is unchanged from the previous forecast but

20 percent below the previous season. This is a relatively light crop compared to the previous season. 

Extremely hot temperatures during the bloom in March 2004 and lack of precipitation during August

negatively impacted the crop. Arizona’s lemon harvest is complete for this year.

Tangelos: Florida’s tangelo forecast, at 1.55 million boxes (70,000 tons), is up 3 percent from March 1 and

55 percent more than last season’s utilized production. Tangelo harvest is virtually complete and the increase

is based primarily on certified utilization.

Temples: Florida’s Temple forecast is 650,000 boxes (29,000 tons) for the 2004-05 season, down 7 percent

from March and 54 percent below last season’s final utilization of 1.40 million boxes. Temple harvest is

virtually complete. If attained, this crop will be the smallest since the 1953-54 season.

Florida Citrus: Florida’s weather in the citrus areas during March brought slightly higher amounts of

rainfall than normal with cool nighttime temperatures and moderate to warm days. Several cold fronts passed

through the State bringing overnight temperatures into the upper 40's in some northern locations. Daytime

highs reached the low 80's some days with mostly clear skies. The cold fronts brought varying amounts of

rainfall to most citrus growing areas each week of the month. The last part of the month brought rainfall

amounts over four inches in some upper interior and west coast areas and varying amounts in east coast areas. 

The last of the month also brought windy weather with clear skies. Most citrus trees in all areas are in

excellent condition following the favorable weather of the past several months. Hurricane damaged trees are

showing new growth and some bloom. Severely damaged trees are showing some die back of small limbs. 

By late-month, upper interior and coastal area orange trees were in full bloom with grapefruit slightly later. 

Lower interior areas were also near full bloom by the end of the month.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 2005 15 NASS, USDA

Early-midseason orange harvest is mostly over as the season nears completion. Valencia oranges are

beginning to be harvested with good demand reported for fresh shipments and most processing fruit going

into chilled juice. Weekly harvest by the last of the month was up to five million boxes on the hurricane

reduced crop. Grapefruit harvest for fresh shipments peaked during the month with excellent quality

reported. Grapefruit harvest for processing was also high for the limited amount of fruit available. Honey

tangerine harvest is strong with good demand reported. Temple and tangelo harvests are complete for the

season.

Arizona Citrus: Citrus growers in Yuma County reported nearly all of the navel oranges, lemons, and

tangerines have been harvested at this time. Nearly 5 percent of the Valencia oranges and 15 percent of the

grapefruit have also been harvested. Harvest of Valencia oranges is slightly behind schedule. In Maricopa

County, nearly all of the navel oranges, lemons, and tangerines have been harvested. Grapefruit are

15 percent harvested and Valencia oranges are 25 percent harvested at this time. Citrus groves are in good

condition. Good fruit quality is reported.

Texas Citrus: Water supplies have remained adequate throughout harvest season. Harvest activities were

delayed by frequent precipitation in some citrus areas. Grapefruit producers have had an outstanding year

with no major disease problems reported for grapefruit groves. As national grapefruit supplies dwindle,

Texas growers have been able to take advantage of export markets. Grapefruit harvest is 80 percent complete. 

Damage from the late December freeze and snow became more evident, impacting the Valencia crop most

severely. There are approximately six weeks left of the Valencia harvest season with about 60 percent of the

crop remaining to be harvested. Harvest of navel oranges is complete as of April 1.

California Citrus: Buds were swelling in many orange groves by month’s end, and topping and hedging

activities were underway. Periods of rain during the month caused some delays and cancellations in

harvesting of citrus fruit. Harvesting of Navel oranges continued throughout the month, but with declining

quality and pack-outs. Valencia oranges were picked as maturity tests allowed. Lemons were harvested in

many locations. More volume, however, shifted to the South Coastal region as the lemon harvest neared

completion in the Central Valley. OroBlanco and MeloGold variety grapefruit were picked in the Central

Valley. Mandarins, tangelos, and tangerines were also picked and packed.

California Noncitrus Fruits and Nuts: Periods of rainy weather continued to delay field work and

development of fruit and nut crops during March. The continued wet weather triggered an increase in

fungicide use in all tree fruit orchards and grape vineyards. The increased precipitation also created

unfavorable conditions for bees to pollinate in almond and plum orchards, resulting in lighter than anticipated

fruit set. A period of above normal temperatures in the middle of the month promoted bloom and stimulated

growth in many pear and cherry orchards in northern areas of the State. By month’s end, most tree fruit

orchards were leafing out and blooms were rapidly disappearing. Early varieties of apricots and cherries were

being thinned as fruit began to develop. Apple orchards were blooming across the State and early varieties

began developing fruit by the end of the month. Kiwifruit vines began pushing foliar growth, green shoots

were elongating and developing fruit in persimmon orchards, and strawberry plants were blooming and

developing well in the San Joaquin Valley. Bees were removed from almond orchards by month’s end as

bloom was complete. Almond trees were leafed out and crews in some areas were propping up branches. 

Catkins (walnut male inflorescences) were elongating in walnut orchards, prompting walnut growers to apply

preventive sprays for blight. Growers continued to prune, shred, and remove weeds in nut orchards as

weather conditions permitted. Canes and shoots were growing rapidly in grape vineyards and immature

clusters began appearing. Growers also applied pesticides to control vine mealybug and cutworms, and

prepared the ground for new plantings. Avocado harvesting continued but the rains caused delays. Pruning

and shredding activities in olive orchards continued.

Winter Potatoes: The 2005 U.S. winter potato crop in California and Florida combined is forecast at

5.07 million cwt, 9 percent above the January forecast and 5 percent more than last year. Area for harvest, at

19,800 acres, is unchanged from January but up 7 percent from a year ago. The average yield of 256 cwt per

acre is up 21 cwt from January but 4 cwt below a year ago.

California’s average yield is forecast at 250 cwt per acre, 25 cwt per acre above the January forecast. The

cool, wet weather earlier in the season was not as damaging as previously expected. Yields in Florida are
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 2005 16 NASS, USDA

forecasted at 270 cwt per acre, 10 cwt per acre above the January forecast. Growing conditions on Florida’s

Southern Peninsula have been good for potatoes.

Spring Potatoes: Spring production in 2005 is forecast at 17.9 million cwt, down 21 percent from last year. 

Area for harvest is forecast at 63,100 acres, 13 percent below 2004. The average yield is forecast at 284 cwt

per acre, down 30 cwt from a year ago.

Spring potato production in Florida is forecast at 7.01 million cwt, down 9 percent from a year ago. Florida’s

spring harvested acreage decreased 5 percent and average yield is expected to be 11 cwt per acre below last

year. Mild conditions in February and March helped crop development. Harvest is expected to start in the

Hastings area during early April. North Carolina’s spring potato crop is forecast at 2.47 million cwt, down

9 percent from last year. Area for harvest is expected to be down 4 percent from a year ago due to fewer

contract acres for processing. Average yield is expected to decrease 10 cwt per acre from a year ago. 

California’s spring potato production forecast, at 5.38 million cwt, is 35 percent below last year. Area for

harvest is down 21 percent and yield is down 85 cwt per acre from a year ago. Generally poor market

conditions prompted growers to reduce table stock acreage. Also, a reduction in contracted acres for chips is

due to a plant closure. Wet conditions have some growers expecting a late harvest. Texas spring potato

production is forecast at 1.91 million cwt, 13 percent below last season. Acreage for harvest is decreased

13 percent but the average yield forecast is unchanged from a year ago. Producers report good growing

conditions with near perfect weather. Arizona’s production is forecast at 1.12 million cwt, down 37 percent

from last year. Growers report a 35 percent decrease in acreage for harvest and expect yield to be down 5 cwt

per acre from last year. The reduction in acres is due to a decrease in acres planted for chips. 

Summer Potatoes, 2004 Revisions: The final estimate of 2004 summer potato crop production is

18.4 million cwt, down 2 percent from both the preliminary estimate in the January Crop Production

2004 Summary and the 2003 crop. Harvested area covered 54,000 acres, down 1 percent from the January

estimate and down 8 percent from 2003. The average yield of 341 cwt per acre is down 4 cwt from the

January preliminary estimate. 

Papayas: Hawaii fresh papaya utilization is estimated at 2.31 million pounds for March, 1 percent higher

than last month but 18 percent less than a year ago. Area in crop totaled 2,490 acres, up 11 percent from last

month and 18 percent higher than a year ago. Harvested area totaled 1,435 acres, up 2 percent from last

month and 24 percent higher than March 2004. The weather conditions were variable during March with a

mix of showers and sunny periods. Production has been relatively low for the past several months due to

cooler temperatures and irregular amounts of precipitation.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 2005 17 NASS, USDA

Reliability of April 1 Orange Forecast

Survey Procedures: The orange objective yield survey for the April 1 forecast was conducted in Florida,

which accounts for nearly 75 percent of the U.S. production. In July and August, the number of bearing trees

and the number of fruit per tree were determined. In subsequent months, fruit size measurement and fruit

droppage surveys are conducted to develop the current forecast of production. Arizona, California, and Texas

conduct grower and packer surveys on a quarterly basis in October, January, April, and July. California also

conducts objective measurement surveys in September for navel oranges and in March for Valencia oranges.

Estimating Procedures: State level objective yield estimates for Florida oranges were reviewed for errors,

reasonableness, and consistency with historical estimates. Reports from growers and packers in Arizona,

California, and Texas were also used for setting estimates. These four States submit their analyses of the

current situation to the Agricultural Statistics Board (ASB). The ASB uses the survey data and the State

analyses to prepare the published April 1 forecast. 

Revision Policy: The April 1 production forecasts will not be revised. A new forecast will be made each

month throughout the growing season. End-of-season estimates will be published in the Citrus Fruits

Summary released in September. The production estimates are based on all data available at the end of the

marketing season, including information from marketing orders, shipments, and processor records. 

Allowances are made for recorded local utilization and home use.

Reliability: To assist users in evaluating the reliability of the April 1 production forecasts, the "Root Mean

Square Error," a statistical measure based on past performance, is computed. The deviation between the

April 1 production forecast and the final estimate is expressed as a percentage of the final estimate. The

average of squared percentage deviations for the latest 20-year period is computed. The square root of the

average becomes statistically the "Root Mean Square Error." Probability statements can be made concerning

expected differences in the current forecast relative to the final end-of-season estimate, assuming that factors

affecting this year's forecast are not different from those influencing recent years. 

The "Root Mean Square Error" for the April 1 orange production forecast is 3.2 percent. This means that

chances are two out of three that the current orange production forecast will not be above or below the final

estimates by more than 3.2 percent. Chances are nine out of 10 (90 percent confidence level) that the

difference will not exceed 5.6 percent.

Changes between the April 1 orange forecast and the final estimates during the past 20 years have averaged

183,000 tons, ranging from 1,000 tons to 716,000 tons. The April 1 forecast for oranges has been below the

final estimate 7 times and above 13 times. The difference does not imply that the April 1 forecasts this year

are likely to understate or overstate final production.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 2005 18 NASS, USDA

Information Contacts

Listed below are the commodity specialists in the Crops Branch of the National Agricultural Statistics Service

to contact for additional information.

Joe Prusacki, Chief (202) 720-2127

Field Crops Section

Greg Thessen, Head (202) 720-2127

Lance Honig - Wheat, Rye (202) 720-8068

Darin Jantzi - Corn, Proso Millet, Flaxseed (202) 720-9526

Troy Joshua - Cotton, Cotton Ginnings (202) 720-5944

Dennis Koong - Hay, Oats, Sorghum (202) 720-7688

Jason Lamprecht - Soybeans, Sunflower, Other Oilseeds (202) 720-7369

Dennis Koong - Peanuts, Rice (202) 720-7688

Brian Young - Crop Weather, Barley, Sugar Crops (202) 720-7621

Fruit, Vegetable & Special Crops Section

Jim Smith, Head (202) 720-2127

Leslie Colburn - Berries, Grapes, Maple Syrup, Tobacco (202) 720-7235

Debbie Flippin - Austrian Winter Peas, Dry Edible Peas, 

 Lentils, Mint, Mushrooms, Peaches, Pears,

 Wrinkled Seed Peas (202) 720-3250

Jorge Garcia-Pratts - Citrus, Tropical Fruits (202) 720-5412

Rich Holcomb - Floriculture, Nursery, Nuts (202) 720-4215

Terry O’Connor - Apples, Apricots, Cherries, Cranberries,

 Plums, Prunes (202) 720-4288

Kim Ritchie - Hops (360) 902-1940

Cathy Scherrer - Dry Beans, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes (202) 720-4285

Biz Wallingsford - Fresh and Processing Vegetables, Onions,

 Strawberries (202) 720-2157
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 on the worldwide Internet. For access, connect to the Internet and go

to the NASS Home Page at: www.usda.gov/nass/. Select “Today’s Reports” or Publications and then Reports Calendar or Publications and then Search, by Title or Subject.

E-MAIL SUBSCRIPTION

All NASS reports are available by subscription free of charge direct to your e-mail address. Starting with the NASS

Home Page at www.usda.gov/nass/, click on Publications, then click on the Subscribe by E-mail button which

takes you to the page describing e-mail delivery of reports. Finally, click on Go to the Subscription Page and

follow the instructions. 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

PRINTED REPORTS OR DATA PRODUCTS

CALL OUR TOLL-FREE ORDER DESK: 800-999-6779 (U.S. and Canada)

Other areas, please call 703-605-6220 FAX: 703-605-6900

(Visa, MasterCard, check, or money order acceptable for payment.) 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

ASSISTANCE

For assistance with general agricultural statistics or further information about NASS or its products or services, contact the Agricultural Statistics Hotline at 800-727-9540, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET, or e-mail: nass@nass.usda.gov.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis

of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family

status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for

communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET

Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten

Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call

202-720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.