Crop Production 

ISSN: 1936-3737

Released September 12, 2012, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States 

Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Corn Production Down Slightly from August Forecast

Soybean Production Down 2 Percent

Cotton Production Down 3 Percent

Corn production is forecast at 10.7 billion bushels, down less than 1 percent from the August forecast and down 

13 percent from 2011. This represents the lowest production in the United States since 2006. Based on conditions as of 

September 1, yields are expected to average 122.8 bushels per acre, down 0.6 bushel from the August forecast and 

24.4 bushels below the 2011 average. If realized, this will be the lowest average yield since 1995. Area harvested for grain 

is forecast at 87.4 million acres, unchanged from the August forecast but up 4 percent from 2011.

Soybean production is forecast at 2.63 billion bushels, down 2 percent from August and down 14 percent from last year. 

Based on September 1 conditions, yields are expected to average 35.3 bushels per acre, down 0.8 bushel from last month 

and down 6.2 bushels from last year. Compared with last month, yield forecasts are lower or unchanged across the Great 

Plains and most of the Corn Belt as lingering drought conditions continued to hamper yield expectations. Area for harvest 

in the United States is forecast at 74.6 million acres, unchanged from August but up 1 percent from last year.

All cotton production is forecast at 17.1 million 480-pound bales, down 3 percent from last month but up 10 percent from 

last year. Yield is expected to average 786 pounds per harvested acre, down 4 pounds from last year. Upland cotton 

production is forecast at 16.5 million 480-pound bales, up 12 percent from 2011. Pima cotton production, forecast at 

657,000 bales, is down 23 percent from last year.

California Navel orange production for the 2012-2013 season is forecast at 1.86 million tons (46.5 million boxes), up 

6 percent from last season. Producers reported good growing conditions this year. Fruit set is expected to be higher than 

average while fruit size is expected to be lower than average. This initial forecast is based on an objective measurement 

survey conducted in California’s Central Valley during July and August. Survey results also showed that harvest is 

expected to be earlier than the previous two seasons.
2 Crop Production (September 2012)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

This report was approved on September 12, 2012.

Acting Secretary of

Agriculture

Karis T. Gutter

Agricultural Statistics Board

Chairperson

Hubert Hamer
Crop Production (September 2012) 3

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Contents

Corn for Grain Area Harvested, Yield, and Production – States and United States: 2011 and Forecasted 

September 1, 2012 .................................................................................................................................................................. 6

Corn Production – United States Chart................................................................................................................................... 7

Sorghum for Grain Area Harvested, Yield, and Production – States and United States: 2011 and Forecasted 

September 1, 2012 .................................................................................................................................................................. 7

Rice Area Planted and Harvested, Yield, and Production by Class – States and United States: 2011 and Forecasted 

September 1, 2012 .................................................................................................................................................................. 8

Soybeans for Beans Area Harvested, Yield, and Production – States and United States: 2011 and Forecasted 

September 1, 2012 ................................................................................................................................................................ 10

Soybean Production – United States Chart........................................................................................................................... 11

Peanut Area Planted and Harvested, Yield, and Production – States and United States: 2011 and Forecasted 

September 1, 2012 ................................................................................................................................................................ 11

Cotton Area Planted by Type – States and United States: 2011 and 2012 ........................................................................... 12

Cottonseed Production – United States: 2011 and Forecasted September 1, 2012............................................................... 12

Cotton Production – United States Chart.............................................................................................................................. 12

Cotton Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by Type – States and United States: 2011 and Forecasted 

September 1, 2012 ................................................................................................................................................................ 13

Sugarcane for Sugar and Seed Area Harvested, Yield, and Production – States and United States: 2011 and 

Forecasted September 1, 2012 .............................................................................................................................................. 14

Sugarbeet Area Harvested, Yield, and Production – States and United States: 2011 and Forecasted 

September 1, 2012 ................................................................................................................................................................ 14

Tobacco Area Harvested, Yield, and Production – States and United States: 2011 and Forecasted 

September 1, 2012 ................................................................................................................................................................ 14

Tobacco Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by Class and Type – States and United States: 2011 and 

Forecasted September 1, 2012 .............................................................................................................................................. 15

Potato Area Planted and Harvested, Yield, and Production by Seasonal Group – States and United States: 

2011 and 2012....................................................................................................................................................................... 16

Percent of Fall Potatoes Planted to Major Varieties – Selected States: 2012 Crop .............................................................. 17

Percent of Fall Potatoes Planted to Major Varieties – Seven-State Total: 2012 Crop.......................................................... 18

Utilized Production of Oranges by Crop – States and United States: 2011-2012 and Forecasted 

September 1, 2012 ................................................................................................................................................................ 19

Utilized Production of Nuts by Crop – States: 2011 and Forecasted September 1, 2012..................................................... 19
4 Crop Production (September 2012)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Crop Area Planted and Harvested, Yield, and Production in Domestic Units – United States: 2011 and 2012...................20

Crop Area Planted and Harvested, Yield, and Production in Metric Units – United States: 2011 and 2012........................22

Fruits and Nuts Production in Domestic Units – United States: 2011 and 2012...................................................................24

Fruits and Nuts Production in Metric Units – United States: 2011 and 2012 .......................................................................25

Corn for Grain Plant Population per Acre – Selected States: 2008-2012 .............................................................................26

Corn for Grain Number of Ears per Acre – Selected States: 2008-2012 ..............................................................................27

Soybean Pods with Beans per 18 Square Feet – Selected States: 2008-2012 .......................................................................28

Cotton Cumulative Boll Counts – Selected States: 2008-2012.............................................................................................29

Percent of Normal Precipitation Map....................................................................................................................................30

Departure from Normal Temperature Map ...........................................................................................................................30

August Weather Summary ....................................................................................................................................................31

August Agricultural Summary ..............................................................................................................................................31

Crop Comments ....................................................................................................................................................................33

Statistical Methodology.........................................................................................................................................................38

Reliability of September 1 Crop Production Forecasts.........................................................................................................39

Information Contacts.............................................................................................................................................................40
Crop Production (September 2012) 5

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

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6 Crop Production (September 2012)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Corn for Grain Area Harvested, Yield, and Production – States and United States: 2011 and Forecasted 

September 1, 2012

State

Area harvested Yield per acre Production

2011 2012 2011

2012

2011 2012

August 1 September 1

(1,000 acres) (1,000 acres) (bushels) (bushels) (bushels) (1,000 bushels) (1,000 bushels)

Alabama .........................

Arkansas .........................

California ........................

Colorado .........................

Delaware ........................

Georgia ...........................

Illinois ..............................

Indiana ............................

Iowa ................................

Kansas ............................

Kentucky .........................

Louisiana ........................

Maryland .........................

Michigan .........................

Minnesota .......................

Mississippi ......................

Missouri ..........................

Nebraska ........................

New Jersey .....................

New York ........................

North Carolina .................

North Dakota ...................

Ohio ................................

Oklahoma .......................

Pennsylvania ..................

South Carolina ................

South Dakota ..................

Tennessee ......................

Texas ..............................

Virginia ............................

Washington .....................

Wisconsin .......................

Other States 1.................

United States ..................

250

520

150

1,300

182

270

12,400

5,750

13,700

4,200

1,300

570

430

2,190

7,700

740

3,070

9,600

81

620

815

2,060

3,220

190

960

330

4,950

735

1,470

340

125

3,320

443

83,981

260

640

180

970

187

285

12,600

6,050

13,600

4,200

1,490

560

425

2,290

8,250

800

3,350

9,100

82

640

780

3,200

3,620

330

1,000

300

5,300

870

1,580

350

125

3,450

497

87,361

114.0

142.0

185.0

133.0

130.0

158.0

157.0

146.0

172.0

107.0

139.0

135.0

109.0

153.0

156.0

128.0

114.0

160.0

123.0

133.0

84.0

105.0

158.0

90.0

111.0

65.0

132.0

131.0

93.0

118.0

225.0

156.0

162.3

147.2

85.0

160.0

190.0

135.0

105.0

175.0

116.0

100.0

141.0

93.0

65.0

165.0

110.0

114.0

155.0

147.0

75.0

147.0

127.0

119.0

114.0

100.0

126.0

100.0

118.0

118.0

98.0

82.0

150.0

91.0

225.0

132.0

163.3

123.4

100.0

175.0

190.0

135.0

115.0

185.0

110.0

100.0

140.0

91.0

70.0

170.0

115.0

114.0

156.0

150.0

75.0

145.0

127.0

120.0

120.0

105.0

126.0

110.0

125.0

122.0

96.0

87.0

152.0

95.0

215.0

130.0

164.0

122.8

28,500

73,840

27,750

172,900

23,660

42,660

1,946,800

839,500

2,356,400

449,400

180,700

76,950

46,870

335,070

1,201,200

94,720

349,980

1,536,000

9,963

82,460

68,460

216,300

508,760

17,100

106,560

21,450

653,400

96,285

136,710

40,120

28,125

517,920

71,899

12,358,412

26,000

112,000

34,200

130,950

21,505

52,725

1,386,000

605,000

1,904,000

382,200

104,300

95,200

48,875

261,060

1,287,000

120,000

251,250

1,319,500

10,414

76,800

93,600

336,000

456,120

36,300

125,000

36,600

508,800

75,690

240,160

33,250

26,875

448,500

81,490

10,727,364

1 Other States include Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Individual State level estimates will 

be published in the Crop Production 2012 Summary.
Crop Production (September 2012) 7

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Sorghum for Grain Area Harvested, Yield, and Production – States and United States: 2011 and 

Forecasted September 1, 2012

State

Area harvested Yield per acre Production

2011 2012 2011

2012

2011 2012

August 1 September 1

(1,000 acres) (1,000 acres) (bushels) (bushels) (bushels) (1,000 bushels) (1,000 bushels)

Arkansas .......................

Colorado ........................

Illinois ............................

Kansas ..........................

Louisiana .......................

Mississippi .....................

Missouri .........................

Nebraska .......................

New Mexico ...................

Oklahoma ......................

South Dakota .................

Texas ............................

Other States 1................

United States .................

90

140

20

2,000

124

50

33

70

21

80

110

1,150

41

3,929

110

160

25

2,200

105

63

60

80

30

180

130

1,900

55

5,098

72.0

35.0

91.0

55.0

87.0

74.0

72.0

94.0

64.0

21.0

60.0

49.0

44.5

54.6

80.0

27.0

60.0

40.0

100.0

79.0

55.0

60.0

65.0

28.0

38.0

56.0

56.4

48.6

80.0

22.0

60.0

40.0

100.0

77.0

55.0

56.0

55.0

28.0

36.0

56.0

60.0

48.3

6,480

4,900

1,820

110,000

10,788

3,700

2,376

6,580

1,344

1,680

6,600

56,350

1,825

214,443

8,800

3,520

1,500

88,000

10,500

4,851

3,300

4,480

1,650

5,040

4,680

106,400

3,300

246,021

1 Other States include Arizona and Georgia. Individual State level estimates will be published in the Crop Production 2012 Summary.

8.0

9.0

10.0

11.0

12.0

13.0

14.0

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Billion bushels

Corn Production – United States
8 Crop Production (September 2012)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Rice Area Planted and Harvested, Yield, and Production by Class – States and United States: 2011 and 

Forecasted September 1, 2012

[Sweet rice acreage included with short grain. Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

State

Area planted Area harvested

2011 2012 12011 2012

(1,000 acres) (1,000 acres) (1,000 acres) (1,000 acres)

Long grain

Arkansas .......................

California ......................

Louisiana ......................

Mississippi ....................

Missouri ........................

Texas ............................

United States ................

Medium grain

Arkansas .......................

California ......................

Louisiana ......................

Missouri ........................

Texas ............................

United States ................

Short grain 

Arkansas .......................

California ......................

United States ................

All rice

Arkansas .......................

California ......................

Louisiana ......................

Mississippi ....................

Missouri ........................

Texas ............................

United States ................

940

7

375

160

137

175

1,794

255

535

48

6

7

851

1

43

44

1,196

585

423

160

143

182

2,689

1,175

6

375

125

176

132

1,989

110

505

30

4

3

652

1

57

58

1,286

568

405

125

180

135

2,699

910

7

370

158

122

173

1,740

243

530

48

6

7

834

1

43

44

1,154

580

418

158

128

180

2,618

1,170

6

370

123

173

131

1,973

109

500

30

4

3

646

1

57

58

1,280

563

400

123

177

134

2,677

See footnote(s) at end of table. --continued
Crop Production (September 2012) 9

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Rice Area Planted and Harvested, Yield, and Production by Class – States and United States: 2011 and 

Forecasted September 1, 2012 (continued)

[Sweet rice production included with short grain. Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

Class and State

Yield per acre Production

2011

2012

2011 2012 2

August 1 September 1

(pounds) (pounds) (pounds) (1,000 cwt) (1,000 cwt)

Long grain

Arkansas ...............................

California ...............................

Louisiana ...............................

Mississippi .............................

Missouri .................................

Texas ....................................

United States .........................

Medium grain

Arkansas ...............................

California ...............................

Louisiana ...............................

Missouri .................................

Texas ....................................

United States .........................

Short grain 

Arkansas ...............................

California ...............................

United States .........................

All rice

Arkansas ...............................

California ...............................

Louisiana ...............................

Mississippi .............................

Missouri .................................

Texas ....................................

United States .........................

6,760

5,500

6,300

6,850

6,500

7,200

6,691

6,800

8,500

6,500

6,300

7,000

7,861

6,000

6,900

6,880

6,770

8,350

6,320

6,850

6,490

7,190

7,067

6,980

8,400

6,400

6,700

6,700

7,900

7,196

7,200

8,400

6,450

6,900

6,700

8,000

7,334

61,516

385

23,310

10,823

7,930

12,456

116,420

16,524

45,050

3,120

378

490

65,562

60

2,967

3,027

78,100

48,402

26,430

10,823

8,308

12,946

185,009

138,268

54,020

4,030

92,160

47,292

25,800

8,487

11,859

10,720

196,318

1 Updated from Acreage released June 2012.

2

Indicated September 1, 2012, rice class estimates are based on a 5-year average of class percentages. The class percentages are adjusted as data 

become available through the growing season. State estimates by class will be published in the Crop Production 2012 Summary.
10 Crop Production (September 2012)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Soybeans for Beans Area Harvested, Yield, and Production – States and United States: 2011 and 

Forecasted September 1, 2012

State

Area harvested Yield per acre Production

2011 2012 2011

2012

2011 2012

August 1 September 1

(1,000 acres) (1,000 acres) (bushels) (bushels) (bushels) (1,000 bushels) (1,000 bushels)

Alabama ..........................

Arkansas ..........................

Delaware .........................

Georgia ............................

Illinois ...............................

Indiana .............................

Iowa .................................

Kansas .............................

Kentucky ..........................

Louisiana .........................

Maryland ..........................

Michigan ..........................

Minnesota ........................

Mississippi .......................

Missouri ...........................

Nebraska .........................

New Jersey ......................

New York .........................

North Carolina ..................

North Dakota ....................

Ohio .................................

Oklahoma ........................

Pennsylvania ...................

South Carolina .................

South Dakota ...................

Tennessee .......................

Texas ...............................

Virginia .............................

Wisconsin ........................

Other States 1..................

United States ...................

295

3,270

168

135

8,860

5,290

9,230

3,750

1,480

980

465

1,940

7,020

1,800

5,200

4,830

86

277

1,360

3,950

4,540

265

490

360

4,070

1,250

90

550

1,600

35

73,636

325

3,200

178

180

8,350

4,990

9,440

3,350

1,380

1,110

475

1,990

6,920

2,100

5,150

5,000

93

337

1,630

4,550

4,580

290

520

410

4,450

1,290

85

540

1,680

42

74,635

33.0

38.0

39.0

22.0

47.0

45.0

50.5

27.0

39.0

35.0

38.5

44.0

38.5

39.0

36.5

53.5

37.0

43.0

30.0

28.5

47.5

13.0

44.0

25.0

37.0

32.0

19.0

39.0

46.0

35.7

41.5

33.0

39.0

30.0

28.0

37.0

37.0

43.0

22.0

29.0

42.0

37.0

36.0

38.0

39.0

30.0

43.0

36.0

42.0

32.0

28.0

42.0

20.0

42.0

26.0

31.0

26.0

35.0

34.0

36.0

39.7

36.1

38.0

39.0

37.0

31.0

37.0

37.0

39.0

21.0

34.0

42.0

42.0

37.0

38.0

41.0

28.0

40.0

37.0

43.0

34.0

28.0

40.0

16.0

45.0

29.0

28.0

31.0

29.0

36.0

36.0

39.7

35.3

9,735

124,260

6,552

2,970

416,420

238,050

466,115

101,250

57,720

34,300

17,903

85,360

270,270

70,200

189,800

258,405

3,182

11,911

40,800

112,575

215,650

3,445

21,560

9,000

150,590

40,000

1,710

21,450

73,600

1,249

3,056,032

12,350

124,800

6,586

5,580

308,950

184,630

368,160

70,350

46,920

46,620

19,950

73,630

262,960

86,100

144,200

200,000

3,441

14,491

55,420

127,400

183,200

4,640

23,400

11,890

124,600

39,990

2,465

19,440

60,480

1,667

2,634,310

1 Other States include Florida and West Virginia. Individual State level estimates will be published in the Crop Production 2012 Summary.
Crop Production (September 2012) 11

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Peanut Area Planted and Harvested, Yield, and Production – States and United States: 2011 and 

Forecasted September 1, 2012

State

Area planted Area harvested

2011 2012 12011 2012

(1,000 acres) (1,000 acres) (1,000 acres) (1,000 acres)

Alabama ..............................

Florida .................................

Georgia ...............................

Mississippi ...........................

New Mexico .........................

North Carolina .....................

Oklahoma ............................

South Carolina .....................

Texas ..................................

Virginia ................................

United States .......................

170.0

170.0

475.0

15.0

6.6

82.0

24.0

77.0

105.0

16.0

1,140.6

220.0

210.0

735.0

52.0

8.0

107.0

24.0

110.0

150.0

20.0

1,636.0

166.0

157.0

465.0

14.0

6.6

81.0

22.0

73.0

97.0

16.0

1,097.6

215.0

200.0

725.0

48.0

8.0

106.0

22.0

105.0

145.0

20.0

1,594.0

State

Yield per acre Production

2011

2012

2011 2012

August 1 September 1

(pounds) (pounds) (pounds) (1,000 pounds) (1,000 pounds)

Alabama ..............................

Florida .................................

Georgia ...............................

Mississippi ...........................

New Mexico .........................

North Carolina .....................

Oklahoma ............................

South Carolina .....................

Texas ..................................

Virginia ................................

United States .......................

3,000

3,500

3,520

4,000

2,700

3,600

2,700

3,200

2,400

3,800

3,313

3,100

3,800

3,650

3,900

2,900

3,700

3,500

3,100

3,600

3,300

3,562

3,200

3,700

3,900

3,900

3,200

3,700

3,500

3,400

3,800

3,700

3,714

498,000

549,500

1,636,800

56,000

17,820

291,600

59,400

233,600

232,800

60,800

3,636,320

688,000

740,000

2,827,500

187,200

25,600

392,200

77,000

357,000

551,000

74,000

5,919,500

1 Updated from Acreage released June 2012.

2.0

2.2

2.4

2.6

2.8

3.0

3.2

3.4

3.6

3.8

4.0

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Billion bushels

Soybean Production – United States
12 Crop Production (September 2012)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Cotton Area Planted by Type – States and United States: 2011 and 2012

State

Upland American Pima All

2011 2012 12011 2012 12011 2012 1

(1,000 acres) (1,000 acres) (1,000 acres) (1,000 acres) (1,000 acres) (1,000 acres)

 Alabama ........................

 Arizona .........................

 Arkansas .......................

 California .......................

 Florida ...........................

 Georgia .........................

 Kansas ..........................

 Louisiana ......................

 Mississippi ....................

 Missouri ........................

 New Mexico ..................

 North Carolina ...............

 Oklahoma .....................

 South Carolina ..............

 Tennessee ....................

 Texas ............................

 Virginia ..........................

 United States ................

460.0

250.0

680.0

182.0

122.0

1,600.0

80.0

295.0

630.0

375.0

70.0

805.0

415.0

303.0

495.0

7,550.0

116.0

14,428.0

380.0

200.0

590.0

142.0

108.0

1,290.0

57.0

230.0

470.0

350.0

50.0

585.0

305.0

298.0

380.0

6,600.0

86.0

12,121.0

(NA)

10.0

(NA)

274.0

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

3.4

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

20.0

(NA)

307.4

(NA)

3.0

(NA)

225.0

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

3.0

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

8.0

(NA)

239.0

460.0

260.0

680.0

456.0

122.0

1,600.0

80.0

295.0

630.0

375.0

73.4

805.0

415.0

303.0

495.0

7,570.0

116.0

14,735.4

380.0

203.0

590.0

367.0

108.0

1,290.0

57.0

230.0

470.0

350.0

53.0

585.0

305.0

298.0

380.0

6,608.0

86.0

12,360.0

(NA) Not available.

1 Updated from Acreage released June 2012.

Cottonseed Production – United States: 2011 and Forecasted September 1, 2012

State

Production

2011 2012 1

(1,000 tons) (1,000 tons)

United States ........................... 5,370.0 5,810.0

1 Based on a 3-year average lint-seed ratio.

12.0

14.0

16.0

18.0

20.0

22.0

24.0

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Million bales

Cotton Production – United States
Crop Production (September 2012) 13

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Cotton Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by Type – States and United States: 2011 and 

Forecasted September 1, 2012

Type and State

Area harvested Yield per acre Production 1

2011 2012 2011

2012

2011 2012

August 1 September 1

(1,000 acres) (1,000 acres) (pounds) (pounds) (pounds) (1,000 bales) 2(1,000 bales) 2

Upland

Alabama ..........................

Arizona ............................

Arkansas .........................

California .........................

Florida .............................

Georgia ...........................

Kansas ............................

Louisiana .........................

Mississippi .......................

Missouri ...........................

New Mexico .....................

North Carolina .................

Oklahoma ........................

South Carolina .................

Tennessee .......................

Texas ..............................

Virginia ............................

United States ...................

American Pima

Arizona ............................

California .........................

New Mexico .....................

Texas ..............................

United States ...................

All 

Alabama ..........................

Arizona ............................

Arkansas .........................

California .........................

Florida .............................

Georgia ...........................

Kansas ............................

Louisiana .........................

Mississippi .......................

Missouri ...........................

New Mexico .....................

North Carolina .................

Oklahoma ........................

South Carolina .................

Tennessee .......................

Texas ..............................

Virginia ............................

United States ...................

443.0

248.0

660.0

181.0

118.0

1,495.0

65.0

290.0

605.0

367.0

58.0

800.0

70.0

301.0

490.0

2,850.0

115.0

9,156.0

10.0

273.0

3.4

18.5

304.9

443.0

258.0

660.0

454.0

118.0

1,495.0

65.0

290.0

605.0

367.0

61.4

800.0

70.0

301.0

490.0

2,868.5

115.0

9,460.9

377.0

198.0

580.0

141.0

105.0

1,285.0

52.0

220.0

460.0

330.0

47.0

580.0

175.0

296.0

375.0

4,900.0

85.0

10,206.0

3.0

224.0

2.9

7.5

237.4

377.0

201.0

580.0

365.0

105.0

1,285.0

52.0

220.0

460.0

330.0

49.9

580.0

175.0

296.0

375.0

4,907.5

85.0

10,443.4

742

1,548

929

1,474

744

791

510

846

952

969

1,059

616

597

828

796

589

676

772

960

1,380

875

1,038

1,340

742

1,526

929

1,418

744

791

510

846

952

969

1,049

616

597

828

796

592

676

790

719

1,576

1,011

1,675

857

925

535

873

926

913

1,072

837

556

829

755

618

914

771

960

1,402

828

960

1,363

719

1,564

1,011

1,514

857

925

535

873

926

913

1,058

837

556

829

755

619

914

784

764

1,576

993

1,685

1,051

934

434

895

991

945

1,072

869

466

859

755

598

988

774

1,120

1,350

828

960

1,328

764

1,569

993

1,479

1,051

934

434

895

991

945

1,058

869

466

859

755

598

988

786

685.0

800.0

1,277.0

556.0

183.0

2,465.0

69.0

511.0

1,200.0

741.0

128.0

1,026.0

87.0

519.0

813.0

3,500.0

162.0

14,722.0

20.0

785.0

6.2

40.0

851.2

685.0

820.0

1,277.0

1,341.0

183.0

2,465.0

69.0

511.0

1,200.0

741.0

134.2

1,026.0

87.0

519.0

813.0

3,540.0

162.0

15,573.2

600.0

650.0

1,200.0

495.0

230.0

2,500.0

47.0

410.0

950.0

650.0

105.0

1,050.0

170.0

530.0

590.0

6,100.0

175.0

16,452.0

7.0

630.0

5.0

15.0

657.0

600.0

657.0

1,200.0

1,125.0

230.0

2,500.0

47.0

410.0

950.0

650.0

110.0

1,050.0

170.0

530.0

590.0

6,115.0

175.0

17,109.0

1 Production ginned and to be ginned.

2

480-pound net weight bale.
14 Crop Production (September 2012)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Sugarcane for Sugar and Seed Area Harvested, Yield, and Production – States and United States: 

2011 and Forecasted September 1, 2012

State

Area harvested Yield per acre 1 Production 1

2011 2012 2011

2012

2011 2012

August 1 September 1

(1,000 acres) (1,000 acres) (tons) (tons) (tons) (1,000 tons) (1,000 tons)

Florida .......................

Hawaii .......................

Louisiana ..................

Texas ........................

United States ............

397.0

16.6

410.0

49.0

872.6

410.0

17.0

420.0

46.0

893.0

38.0

80.2

27.6

33.6

33.7

37.7

80.0

31.0

34.6

35.2

37.8

80.0

30.0

33.7

34.7

15,085

1,332

11,320

1,646

29,383

15,498

1,360

12,600

1,550

31,008

1 Net tons.

Sugarbeet Area Harvested, Yield, and Production – States and United States: 2011 and Forecasted 

September 1, 2012

[Relates to year of intended harvest in all States except California]

State

Area harvested Yield per acre Production

2011 2012 2011

2012

2011 2012

August 1 September 1

(1, 000 acres) (1, 000 acres) (tons) (tons) (tons) (1,000 tons) (1,000 tons)

California 1................

Colorado ...................

Idaho .........................

Michigan ...................

Minnesota .................

Montana ....................

Nebraska ..................

North Dakota .............

Oregon ......................

Wyoming ...................

United States ............

25.1

28.7

176.0

153.0

469.0

43.0

51.6

225.0

10.8

30.9

1,213.1

24.5

29.7

182.0

152.5

473.0

46.0

49.0

216.0

11.0

31.3

1,215.0

44.0

28.9

34.4

24.0

19.0

25.9

24.9

20.5

35.8

27.8

23.8

43.0

33.9

34.7

28.0

27.0

29.1

30.0

26.5

37.9

30.3

29.1

43.0

34.0

35.4

28.0

27.0

28.9

31.0

27.0

37.5

30.1

29.3

1,104

829

6,054

3,672

8,911

1,112

1,287

4,613

387

859

28,828

1,054

1,010

6,443

4,270

12,771

1,329

1,519

5,832

413

942

35,583

1 Relates to year of intended harvest for fall planted beets in central California and to year of planting for overwintered beets in central and southern 

California.

Tobacco Area Harvested, Yield, and Production – States and United States: 2011 and Forecasted 

September 1, 2012

State

Area harvested Yield per acre Production

2011 2012 2011

2012

2011 2012

August 1 September 1

(acres) (acres) (pounds) (pounds) (pounds) (1,000 pounds) (1,000 pounds)

Connecticut 1....................

Georgia ............................

Kentucky ..........................

Massachusetts 1...............

North Carolina ..................

Ohio 1...............................

Pennsylvania ...................

South Carolina .................

Tennessee .......................

Virginia .............................

Other States 2..................

United States ...................

2,070

11,900

77,500

570

162,300

1,600

9,700

15,500

22,000

21,900

(X)

325,040

(D)

10,500

87,200

(D)

164,400

1,800

9,600

13,500

23,500

23,080

2,700

336,280

1,494

2,250

2,221

1,570

1,550

2,100

2,129

1,700

2,062

2,197

(X)

1,841

(D)

2,300

2,093

(D)

2,244

2,000

2,349

2,000

2,179

2,228

1,485

2,187

(D)

2,400

2,103

(D)

2,394

2,000

2,359

2,000

2,238

2,333

1,485

2,277

3,092

26,775

172,140

895

251,565

3,360

20,655

26,350

45,363

48,125

(X)

598,320

(D)

25,200

183,380

(D)

393,515

3,600

22,650

27,000

52,600

53,852

4,010

765,807

(D) Withheld to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.

(X) Not applicable.

1 Estimates for current year carried forward from an earlier forecast.

2

Includes data withheld above.
Crop Production (September 2012) 15

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Tobacco Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by Class and Type – States and United States: 2011 

and Forecasted September 1, 2012

Class, type, and State

Area harvested Yield per acre Production

2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012

(acres) (acres) (pounds) (pounds) (1,000 pounds) (1,000 pounds)

Class 1, Flue-cured (11-14)

Georgia ............................................................................

North Carolina ..................................................................

South Carolina ..................................................................

Virginia .............................................................................

United States ....................................................................

Class 2, Fire-cured (21-23)

Kentucky ...........................................................................

Tennessee ........................................................................

Virginia .............................................................................

United States ....................................................................

Class 3A, Light air-cured

Type 31, Burley

 Kentucky .......................................................................

 North Carolina ..............................................................

 Ohio 1...........................................................................

 Pennsylvania ................................................................

 Tennessee ....................................................................

 Virginia .........................................................................

 United States ................................................................

Type 32, Southern Maryland Belt

 Pennsylvania ................................................................

Total light air-cured (31-32) ............................................

Class 3B, Dark air-cured (35-37)

Kentucky ...........................................................................

Tennessee ........................................................................

United States ....................................................................

Class 4, Cigar filler

Type 41, Pennsylvania Seedleaf

 Pennsylvania ................................................................

Class 5, Cigar binder

Type 51 Connecticut Valley Broadleaf

 Connecticut 1................................................................

 Massachusetts 1...........................................................

 United States ................................................................

Class 6, Cigar wrapper

Type 61, Connecticut Valley Shade-grown

 Connecticut 1................................................................

 Massachusetts 1...........................................................

 United States ................................................................

Total cigar types (41-61) .................................................

All tobacco

United States ....................................................................

11,900

160,000

15,500

19,500

206,900

9,100

6,900

400

16,400

64,000

2,300

1,600

5,000

14,000

2,000

88,900

3,000

91,900

4,400

1,100

5,500

1,700

1,350

440

1,790

720

130

850

4,340

325,040

10,500

162,500

13,500

20,000

206,500

9,000

6,500

380

15,880

74,000

1,900

1,800

4,700

16,000

2,700

101,100

2,900

104,000

4,200

1,000

5,200

2,000

1,700

400

2,100

(D)

(D)

600

4,700

336,280

2,250

1,550

1,700

2,230

1,666

3,400

2,890

2,100

3,154

2,000

1,550

2,100

2,200

1,610

1,900

1,938

2,000

1,940

3,000

2,620

2,924

2,150

1,650

1,680

1,658

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,761

1,841

2,400

2,400

2,000

2,400

2,374

3,400

3,000

1,900

3,200

1,900

1,850

2,000

2,400

1,900

1,900

1,924

2,300

1,935

2,900

2,700

2,862

2,350

1,500

1,700

1,538

(D)

(D)

1,300

1,853

2,277

26,775

248,000

26,350

43,485

344,610

30,940

19,941

840

51,721

128,000

3,565

3,360

11,000

22,540

3,800

172,265

6,000

178,265

13,200

2,882

16,082

3,655

2,228

739

2,967

864

156

1,020

7,642

598,320

25,200

390,000

27,000

48,000

490,200

30,600

19,500

722

50,822

140,600

3,515

3,600

11,280

30,400

5,130

194,525

6,670

201,195

12,180

2,700

14,880

4,700

2,550

680

3,230

(D)

(D)

780

8,710

765,807

(D) Withheld to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.

1 Estimates for current year carried forward from an earlier forecast.
16 Crop Production (September 2012)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Potato Area Planted and Harvested, Yield, and Production by Seasonal Group – States and 

United States: 2011 and 2012

[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2012 crop year. 

Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

Seasonal group

and State

Area planted Area harvested Yield per acre Production

2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012

(1,000 acres) (1,000 acres) (1,000 acres) (1,000 acres) (cwt) (cwt) (1,000 cwt) (1,000 cwt)

Spring 1

Arizona .................................

California ..............................

Florida ...................................

 Hastings area ....................

 All other areas ...................

North Carolina .......................

Texas ....................................

United States ........................

Summer

Colorado ...............................

Delaware ..............................

Illinois ....................................

Kansas ..................................

Maryland ...............................

Missouri ................................

New Jersey ...........................

Texas ....................................

Virginia ..................................

United States ........................

Fall 2

California ..............................

Colorado ...............................

Idaho .....................................

 10 Southwest counties ......

 All other counties ..............

Maine ....................................

Massachusetts ......................

Michigan ...............................

Minnesota .............................

Montana ................................

Nebraska ..............................

Nevada .................................

New Mexico ..........................

New York ..............................

North Dakota .........................

Ohio ......................................

Oregon ..................................

Pennsylvania ........................

Rhode Island .........................

Washington ...........................

Wisconsin .............................

Other States 3.......................

United States ........................

All 

United States ........................

3.8

28.1

36.4

23.4

13.0

17.0

8.0

93.3

4.5

1.6

7.0

5.5

2.2

8.3

2.0

11.1

6.0

48.2

8.8

54.0

320.0

19.0

301.0

57.0

3.6

45.0

49.0

11.7

20.0

(D)

(D)

16.5

84.0

2.0

40.0

9.2

0.6

160.0

63.0

13.3

957.7

1,099.2

3.5

29.5

36.9

23.6

13.3

18.0

9.8

97.7

5.4

1.4

7.6

6.0

2.2

9.1

2.6

11.0

5.0

50.3

8.5

55.1

345.0

20.0

325.0

59.0

3.8

46.0

51.0

12.0

22.5

7.3

6.3

17.0

88.0

2.4

41.0

8.9

0.6

165.0

63.5

(X)

1,002.9

1,150.9

3.8

28.0

35.6

23.1

12.5

16.5

7.6

91.5

4.4

1.6

6.8

5.3

2.2

7.1

1.8

10.9

5.9

46.0

8.8

53.9

319.0

19.0

300.0

54.0

2.8

44.0

47.0

11.5

19.5

(D)

(D)

16.2

77.0

1.7

39.9

7.8

0.6

160.0

62.5

13.3

939.5

1,077.0

3.5

29.5

36.3

23.3

13.0

17.5

9.3

96.1

5.3

1.4

7.4

5.8

2.1

8.7

2.6

10.8

4.9

49.0

8.5

55.0

344.0

20.0

324.0

58.0

3.7

45.5

48.0

11.7

22.1

7.3

6.2

16.5

84.0

2.2

41.0

8.5

0.6

165.0

63.0

(X)

990.8

1,135.9

280

390

256

270

230

170

220

279

355

250

330

280

300

170

190

350

200

280

490

395

404

540

395

265

275

345

355

330

400

(D)

(D)

250

245

270

585

260

250

610

415

439

416

399

275

395

260

260

260

200

235

289

385

250

350

360

380

315

290

450

250

356

1,064

10,920

9,112

6,237

2,875

2,805

1,672

25,573

1,562

400

2,244

1,484

660

1,207

342

3,815

1,180

12,894

4,312

21,291

128,760

10,260

118,500

14,310

770

15,180

16,685

3,795

7,800

(D)

(D)

4,050

18,865

459

23,342

2,028

150

97,600

25,938

5,845

391,180

429,647

963

11,653

9,438

6,058

3,380

3,500

2,186

27,740

2,041

350

2,590

2,088

798

2,741

754

4,860

1,225

17,447

(D) Withheld to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.

(X) Not applicable.

1 Estimates for current year carried forward from earlier forecast.

2

The forecast of fall potato production will be published in Crop Production released November 2012.

3

Includes data withheld above.
Crop Production (September 2012) 17

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Fall Potato Varieties Planted

The National Agricultural Statistics Service collects variety data in seven States, accounting for 81 percent of the 

2012 United States fall potato planted acres. The seven States conduct objective yield surveys where all producing areas 

are sampled in proportion to planted acreage. Variety data shown below are actual percentages from these surveys.

Percent of Fall Potatoes Planted to Major Varieties – Selected States: 2012 Crop

[Preliminary. Final percent of major varieties planted will be published in Crop Production released November 2012]

State and variety Percent of

planted acres State and variety Percent ofplanted acres

Idaho

Russet Burbank .........................................

R Norkotah ................................................

Ranger R ...................................................

Alturas .......................................................

Umatilla R ..................................................

Western R .................................................

Norland ......................................................

Other .........................................................

Maine

Russet Burbank .........................................

Frito-Lay ....................................................

R Norkotah ................................................

Superior .....................................................

Snowden ...................................................

Goldrush ....................................................

Norland ......................................................

Blazer R .....................................................

Innovator ...................................................

Ontario ......................................................

Norwis .......................................................

Atlantic ......................................................

Shepody ....................................................

Yukon Gold ................................................

Keuka Gold ................................................

Katahdin ....................................................

Other .........................................................

Minnesota

Russet Burbank .........................................

Norland ......................................................

Umatilla R ..................................................

Alpine ........................................................

Dakota Rose ..............................................

Modoc .......................................................

Cascade ....................................................

Snowden ...................................................

Goldrush ....................................................

Shepody ....................................................

Other .........................................................

North Dakota

Russet Burbank .........................................

Ranger R ...................................................

Prospect ....................................................

Norland ......................................................

Ivory Crisp .................................................

Bannock ....................................................

Umatilla R ..................................................

52.4

20.9

12.3

2.1

1.8

1.2

1.1

8.2

42.7

11.5

5.9

5.1

4.7

3.4

3.4

3.0

2.9

1.7

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.0

1.0

8.1

53.0

20.7

6.2

3.0

2.6

2.0

1.7

1.5

1.4

1.1

6.8

50.5

7.0

6.6

5.1

4.9

4.7

3.9

North Dakota - continued

Dakota Pearl ............................................

R Norkotah ..............................................

Shepody ..................................................

Modoc .....................................................

Red La Soda ...........................................

Frito-Lay ..................................................

Red Pontiac .............................................

Dakota Crisp ............................................

Other .......................................................

Oregon

R Norkotah ..............................................

Ranger R .................................................

Russet Burbank .......................................

Umatilla R ................................................

Shepody ..................................................

Alturas .....................................................

Frito-Lay ..................................................

Premier R ................................................

Yukon Gold ..............................................

Atlantic ....................................................

Modoc .....................................................

Bannock ..................................................

Other .......................................................

Washington

Russet Burbank .......................................

Umatilla R ................................................

Ranger R .................................................

Alturas .....................................................

Chieftain ..................................................

R Norkotah ..............................................

Shepody ..................................................

Premier R ................................................

Yukon Gold ..............................................

Frito-Lay ..................................................

Other .......................................................

Wisconsin

Frito-Lay ..................................................

R Norkotah ..............................................

Russet Burbank .......................................

Goldrush ..................................................

Silverton R ...............................................

Snowden .................................................

Norland ....................................................

Umatilla R ................................................

Superior ...................................................

Atlantic ....................................................

Bannock ..................................................

Innovator .................................................

Pike .........................................................

Mega Chip ...............................................

Ranger R .................................................

Other .......................................................

3.2

2.6

2.2

1.9

1.8

1.2

1.0

1.0

2.4

22.1

17.5

15.8

9.2

7.6

6.9

3.3

3.1

2.3

2.3

1.7

1.5

6.7

40.0

15.4

12.5

7.2

4.9

4.8

3.6

1.6

1.5

1.2

7.3

18.0

13.2

12.6

11.5

8.0

7.5

6.2

4.3

2.7

2.6

2.0

1.6

1.5

1.2

1.0

6.1
18 Crop Production (September 2012)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Percent of Fall Potatoes Planted to Major Varieties – Seven-State Total: 2012 Crop

[Preliminary. Final percent of major varieties planted will be published in Crop Production released November 2012. Seven-State total includes Idaho, 

Maine, Minnesota, North Dakota, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin]

Variety Percent of

planted acres Variety Percent ofplanted acres

Russet Burbank .....................................

R Norkotah .............................................

Ranger R ...............................................

Umatilla R ..............................................

Frito-Lay ................................................

Norland ..................................................

Alturas ...................................................

Shepody ................................................

Goldrush ................................................

Snowden ................................................

Chieftain ................................................

Yukon Gold ............................................

Premier ..................................................

Bannock .................................................

Silverton R .............................................

Prospect ................................................

Innovator ................................................

Superior .................................................

Ivory Crisp ..............................................

Dakota Pearl ..........................................

Western R ..............................................

Atlantic ...................................................

Alpine .....................................................

Modoc ....................................................

Cascade ................................................

44.1

12.9

9.4

5.4

3.3

3.1

2.7

1.8

1.3

1.2

1.1

0.8

0.8

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.4

0.3

Pike ......................................................

Cal White ..............................................

Red LaSoda ..........................................

Blazer R ................................................

Bintje .....................................................

Dakota Rose .........................................

Laratte ..................................................

Ontario ..................................................

Red Pontiac ..........................................

Dakota Crisp .........................................

Rio Grande R ........................................

Classic ..................................................

Norwis ...................................................

Mega Chip ............................................

Satina ...................................................

Kennebec .............................................

Defender ...............................................

Keuka Gold ...........................................

Katahdin ...............................................

Nor Donna ............................................

Reba .....................................................

Agata ....................................................

Canella .................................................

All Blue .................................................

Other .....................................................

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.1

2.2
Crop Production (September 2012) 19

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Utilized Production of Oranges by Crop – States and United States: 2011-2012 and

Forecasted September 1, 2012

[The crop year begins with the bloom of the first year shown and ends with the completion of harvest the following year. Blank data cells indicate 

estimation period has not yet begun]

Crop and State

Utilized production boxes 1 Utilized production ton equivalent

2011-2012 2012-2013 2011-2012 2012-2013

(1,000 boxes) (1,000 boxes) (1,000 tons) (1,000 tons)

Early, mid, and Navel 2

California ..............................................

Florida ..................................................

Texas ...................................................

United States ........................................

Valencia

California ..............................................

Florida ..................................................

Texas ...................................................

United States ........................................

All

California ..............................................

Florida ..................................................

Texas ...................................................

United States ........................................

44,000

74,200

1,108

119,308

14,000

72,300

311

86,611

58,000

146,500

1,419

205,919

46,500 1,760

3,339

47

5,146

560

3,254

13

3,827

2,320

6,593

60

8,973

1,860

1 Net pounds per box: California-80, Florida-90, Texas-85.

2 Navel and miscellaneous varieties in California. Early (including Navel) and midseason varieties in Florida and Texas. Small quantities of tangerines 

in Texas and Temples in Florida.

Utilized Production of Nuts by Crop – States: 2011 and Forecasted September 1, 2012

Crop and State

Utilized production

2011 2012

(tons) (tons)

Hazelnuts in-shell basis

Oregon ...............................................................

Walnuts in-shell basis

California ............................................................

38,500

461,000

40,000

470,000
20 Crop Production (September 2012)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Crop Area Planted and Harvested, Yield, and Production in Domestic Units – United States: 

2011 and 2012

[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2012 crop year.

Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

Crop

Area planted Area harvested

2011 2012 2011 2012

(1,000 acres) (1,000 acres) (1,000 acres) (1,000 acres)

Grains and hay

Barley .................................................................................

Corn for grain 1....................................................................

Corn for silage ....................................................................

Hay, all ................................................................................

 Alfalfa ..............................................................................

 All other ...........................................................................

Oats ....................................................................................

Proso millet .........................................................................

Rice ....................................................................................

Rye .....................................................................................

Sorghum for grain 1.............................................................

Sorghum for silage ..............................................................

Wheat, all ............................................................................

 Winter .............................................................................

 Durum .............................................................................

 Other spring ....................................................................

Oilseeds

Canola ................................................................................

Cottonseed .........................................................................

Flaxseed .............................................................................

Mustard seed ......................................................................

Peanuts ..............................................................................

Rapeseed ...........................................................................

Safflower .............................................................................

Soybeans for beans ............................................................

Sunflower ............................................................................

Cotton, tobacco, and sugar crops

Cotton, all ...........................................................................

 Upland ............................................................................

 American Pima ................................................................

Sugarbeets .........................................................................

Sugarcane ..........................................................................

Tobacco ..............................................................................

Dry beans, peas, and lentils

Austrian winter peas ...........................................................

Dry edible beans .................................................................

Dry edible peas ...................................................................

Lentils .................................................................................

Wrinkled seed peas ............................................................

Potatoes and miscellaneous

Coffee (Hawaii) ...................................................................

Hops ...................................................................................

Peppermint oil .....................................................................

Potatoes, all ........................................................................

 Spring .............................................................................

 Summer ..........................................................................

 Fall ..................................................................................

Spearmint oil .......................................................................

Sweet potatoes ...................................................................

Taro (Hawaii) 2....................................................................

2,559

91,921

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

2,496

370

2,689

1,266

5,481

(NA)

54,409

40,646

1,369

12,394

1,071.5

(X)

178

23.2

1,140.6

1.5

130.7

74,976

1,543.0

14,735.4

14,428.0

307.4

1,232.7

(NA)

(NA)

18.0

1,205.9

362.0

428.0

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

1,099.2

93.3

48.2

957.7

(NA)

133.6

(NA)

3,678

96,405

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

2,746

315

2,699

1,251

6,210

56,017

41,819

2,203

11,995

1,631.5

(X)

285

55.5

1,636.0

1.6

147.5

76,080

1,804.5

12,360.0

12,121.0

239.0

1,243.5

(NA)

(NA)

19.0

1,714.7

600.0

478.0

(NA)

1,150.9

97.7

50.3

1,002.9

131.4

2,239

83,981

5,928

55,633

19,213

36,420

939

338

2,618

242

3,929

224

45,705

32,314

1,312

12,079

1,043.0

(X)

173

21.8

1,097.6

1.3

127.3

73,636

1,457.8

9,460.9

9,156.0

304.9

1,213.1

872.6

325.0

12.3

1,155.9

342.8

411.0

(NA)

6.3

29.8

74.0

1,077.0

91.5

46.0

939.5

17.3

129.7

0.5

3,268

87,361

57,574

18,812

38,762

1,091

2,677

275

5,098

48,826

35,023

2,122

11,681

1,593.1

(X)

281

53.1

1,594.0

1.5

141.5

74,635

1,735.4

10,443.4

10,206.0

237.4

1,215.0

893.0

336.3

11.5

1,673.5

573.5

461.0

30.8

1,135.9

96.1

49.0

990.8

128.5

See footnote(s) at end of table. --continued
Crop Production (September 2012) 21

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Crop Area Planted and Harvested, Yield, and Production in Domestic Units – United States: 

2011 and 2012 (continued)

[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2012 crop year. 

Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

Crop

Yield per acre Production

2011 2012 2011 2012

(1,000) (1,000)

Grains and hay

Barley ................................................................................... bushels

Corn for grain ........................................................................ bushels

Corn for silage ............................................................................tons

Hay, all .......................................................................................tons

 Alfalfa .....................................................................................tons

 All other ..................................................................................tons

Oats ...................................................................................... bushels

Proso millet ........................................................................... bushels

Rice 3........................................................................................... cwt

Rye ....................................................................................... bushels

Sorghum for grain ................................................................. bushels

Sorghum for silage ......................................................................tons

Wheat, all ............................................................................. bushels

 Winter ............................................................................... bushels

 Durum ............................................................................... bushels

 Other spring ...................................................................... bushels

Oilseeds

Canola ...................................................................................pounds

Cottonseed .................................................................................tons

Flaxseed ............................................................................... bushels

Mustard seed .........................................................................pounds

Peanuts .................................................................................pounds

Rapeseed ..............................................................................pounds

Safflower ...............................................................................pounds

Soybeans for beans .............................................................. bushels

Sunflower ..............................................................................pounds

Cotton, tobacco, and sugar crops

Cotton, all 3............................................................................... bales

 Upland 3................................................................................ bales

 American Pima 3................................................................... bales

Sugarbeets .................................................................................tons

Sugarcane ..................................................................................tons

Tobacco .................................................................................pounds

Dry beans, peas, and lentils

Austrian winter peas 3.................................................................. cwt

Dry edible beans 3....................................................................... cwt

Dry edible peas 3......................................................................... cwt

Lentils 3........................................................................................ cwt

Wrinkled seed peas ..................................................................... cwt

Potatoes and miscellaneous

Coffee (Hawaii) ......................................................................pounds

Hops ......................................................................................pounds

Peppermint oil ........................................................................pounds

Potatoes, all ................................................................................. cwt

 Spring ...................................................................................... cwt

 Summer ................................................................................... cwt

 Fall .......................................................................................... cwt

Spearmint oil .........................................................................pounds

Sweet potatoes ............................................................................ cwt

Taro (Hawaii) .........................................................................pounds

69.6

147.2

18.4

2.36

3.40

1.81

57.1

27.1

7,067

26.1

54.6

10.3

43.7

46.2

38.5

37.7

1,475

(X)

16.1

718

3,313

2,177

1,333

41.5

1,398

790

772

1,340

23.8

33.7

1,841

1,463

1,716

1,641

1,151

(NA)

1,210

2,175

89

399

279

280

416

132

208

(NA)

67.6

122.8

2.09

2.92

1.69

61.0

7,334

48.3

46.5

48.0

40.5

42.8

(X)

3,714

35.3

786

774

1,328

29.3

34.7

2,277

1,614

1,995

289

356

155,780

12,358,412

108,926

131,144

65,332

65,812

53,649

9,149

185,009

6,326

214,443

2,298

1,999,347

1,493,677

50,482

455,188

1,538,010

5,370.0

2,791

15,644

3,636,320

2,830

169,671

3,056,032

2,038,275

15,573.2

14,722.0

851.2

28,828

29,383

598,320

180

19,833

5,625

4,732

509

7,600

64,781.6

6,570

429,647

25,573

12,894

391,180

2,286

26,964

4,100

221,019

10,727,364

120,343

54,895

65,448

66,519

196,318

246,021

2,268,246

1,682,726

86,010

499,510

5,810.0

5,919,500

2,634,310

17,109.0

16,452.0

657.0

35,583

31,008

765,807

27,016

61,456.6

27,740

17,447

(NA) Not available.

(X) Not applicable.

1 Area planted for all purposes.

2 Area is total acres in crop, not harvested acres.

3 Yield in pounds.
22 Crop Production (September 2012)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Crop Area Planted and Harvested, Yield, and Production in Metric Units – United States: 

2011 and 2012

[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2012 crop year. 

Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

Crop

Area planted Area harvested

2011 2012 2011 2012

(hectares) (hectares) (hectares) (hectares)

Grains and hay

Barley .................................................................................

Corn for grain 1....................................................................

Corn for silage ....................................................................

Hay, all 2.............................................................................

 Alfalfa ..............................................................................

 All other ...........................................................................

Oats ....................................................................................

Proso millet .........................................................................

Rice ....................................................................................

Rye .....................................................................................

Sorghum for grain 1.............................................................

Sorghum for silage ..............................................................

Wheat, all 2.........................................................................

 Winter .............................................................................

 Durum .............................................................................

 Other spring ....................................................................

Oilseeds

Canola ................................................................................

Cottonseed .........................................................................

Flaxseed .............................................................................

Mustard seed ......................................................................

Peanuts ..............................................................................

Rapeseed ...........................................................................

Safflower .............................................................................

Soybeans for beans ............................................................

Sunflower ............................................................................

Cotton, tobacco, and sugar crops

Cotton, all 2.........................................................................

 Upland ............................................................................

 American Pima ................................................................

Sugarbeets .........................................................................

Sugarcane ..........................................................................

Tobacco ..............................................................................

Dry beans, peas, and lentils

Austrian winter peas ...........................................................

Dry edible beans .................................................................

Dry edible peas ...................................................................

Lentils .................................................................................

Wrinkled seed peas ............................................................

Potatoes and miscellaneous

Coffee (Hawaii) ...................................................................

Hops ...................................................................................

Peppermint oil .....................................................................

Potatoes, all 2......................................................................

 Spring .............................................................................

 Summer ..........................................................................

 Fall ..................................................................................

Spearmint oil .......................................................................

Sweet potatoes ...................................................................

Taro (Hawaii) 3....................................................................

1,035,600

37,199,510

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

1,010,110

149,740

1,088,210

512,340

2,218,110

(NA)

22,018,780

16,449,030

554,020

5,015,730

433,630

(X)

72,030

9,390

461,590

610

52,890

30,342,040

624,440

5,963,270

5,838,870

124,400

498,860

(NA)

(NA)

7,280

488,020

146,500

173,210

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

444,840

37,760

19,510

387,570

(NA)

54,070

(NA)

1,488,450

39,014,140

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

1,111,280

127,480

1,092,260

506,270

2,513,120

22,669,520

16,923,730

891,530

4,854,260

660,250

(X)

115,340

22,460

662,070

650

59,690

30,788,820

730,260

5,001,970

4,905,250

96,720

503,230

(NA)

(NA)

7,690

693,920

242,810

193,440

(NA)

465,760

39,540

20,360

405,860

53,180

906,100

33,986,270

2,399,000

22,514,120

7,775,310

14,738,810

380,000

136,790

1,059,480

97,930

1,590,030

90,650

18,496,360

13,077,150

530,950

4,888,250

422,090

(X)

70,010

8,820

444,190

530

51,520

29,799,750

589,960

3,828,730

3,705,340

123,390

490,930

353,130

131,540

4,980

467,780

138,730

166,330

(NA)

2,550

12,050

29,950

435,850

37,030

18,620

380,210

7,000

52,490

200

1,322,530

35,354,120

23,299,620

7,613,030

15,686,590

441,520

1,083,360

111,290

2,063,110

19,759,390

14,173,460

858,750

4,727,180

644,710

(X)

113,720

21,490

645,080

610

57,260

30,204,040

702,300

4,226,340

4,130,270

96,070

491,700

361,390

136,090

4,650

677,250

232,090

186,560

12,470

459,690

38,890

19,830

400,970

52,000

See footnote(s) at end of table. --continued
Crop Production (September 2012) 23

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Crop Area Planted and Harvested, Yield, and Production in Metric Units – United States: 

2011 and 2012 (continued)

[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2012 crop year. 

Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

Crop

Yield per hectare Production

2011 2012 2011 2012

(metric tons) (metric tons) (metric tons) (metric tons)

Grains and 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 .........................................................................

Flaxseed .............................................................................

Mustard seed ......................................................................

Peanuts ..............................................................................

Rapeseed ...........................................................................

Safflower ............................................................................

Soybeans for beans ............................................................

Sunflower ...........................................................................

Cotton, tobacco, and sugar crops

Cotton, all 2.........................................................................

 Upland ............................................................................

 American Pima ...............................................................

Sugarbeets .........................................................................

Sugarcane ..........................................................................

Tobacco ..............................................................................

Dry beans, peas, and lentils

Austrian winter peas ...........................................................

Dry edible beans .................................................................

Dry edible peas ...................................................................

Lentils .................................................................................

Wrinkled seed peas ............................................................

Potatoes and miscellaneous

Coffee (Hawaii) ...................................................................

Hops ...................................................................................

Peppermint oil .....................................................................

Potatoes, all 2.....................................................................

 Spring .............................................................................

 Summer ..........................................................................

 Fall .................................................................................

Spearmint oil ......................................................................

Sweet potatoes ...................................................................

Taro (Hawaii) ......................................................................

3.74

9.24

41.19

5.28

7.62

4.05

2.05

1.52

7.92

1.64

3.43

23.00

2.94

3.11

2.59

2.53

1.65

(X)

1.01

0.80

3.71

2.44

1.49

2.79

1.57

0.89

0.87

1.50

53.27

75.48

2.06

1.64

1.92

1.84

1.29

(NA)

1.35

2.44

0.10

44.71

31.33

31.42

46.67

0.15

23.30

(NA)

3.64

7.71

4.69

6.54

3.78

2.19

8.22

3.03

3.12

3.23

2.73

2.88

(X)

4.16

2.37

0.88

0.87

1.49

65.65

77.84

2.55

1.81

2.24

32.35

39.91

3,391,710

313,918,120

98,816,000

118,971,840

59,268,190

59,703,640

778,710

207,500

8,391,870

160,690

5,447,100

2,084,710

54,413,310

40,651,230

1,373,890

12,388,190

697,630

4,871,580

70,890

7,100

1,649,410

1,280

76,960

83,171,560

924,550

3,390,660

3,205,340

185,330

26,152,320

26,655,810

271,390

8,160

899,610

255,150

214,640

23,090

3,450

29,380

2,980

19,488,460

1,159,970

584,860

17,743,630

1,040

1,223,070

1,860

4,812,120

272,487,600

109,173,330

49,799,910

59,373,430

965,520

8,904,840

6,249,220

61,731,540

45,796,300

2,340,810

13,594,430

5,270,740

2,685,040

71,694,170

3,725,050

3,582,000

143,040

32,280,350

28,129,980

347,360

1,225,430

27,880

1,258,270

791,380

(NA) Not available.

(X) Not applicable.

1 Area planted for all purposes.

2

Total may not add due to rounding.

3 Area is total hectares in crop, not harvested hectares.
24 Crop Production (September 2012)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Fruits and Nuts Production in Domestic Units – United States: 2011 and 2012

[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2012 crop year, 

except citrus which is for the 2011-2012 season. Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

Crop

Production

2011 2012

(1,000) (1,000)

Citrus 1

Grapefruit ....................................................................................................... tons

Lemons .......................................................................................................... tons

Oranges ......................................................................................................... tons

Tangelos (Florida) .......................................................................................... tons

Tangerines and mandarins ............................................................................. tons

Noncitrus

Apples ............................................................................................. 1,000 pounds

Apricots .......................................................................................................... tons

Bananas (Hawaii) .......................................................................................pounds

Grapes ........................................................................................................... tons

Olives (California) .......................................................................................... tons

Papayas (Hawaii) .......................................................................................pounds

Peaches ......................................................................................................... tons

Pears ............................................................................................................. tons

Prunes, dried (California) ............................................................................... tons

Prunes and plums (excludes California) ......................................................... tons

Nuts and miscellaneous

Almonds, shelled (California) .....................................................................pounds

Hazelnuts, in-shell (Oregon) ........................................................................... tons

Pecans, in-shell ..........................................................................................pounds

Walnuts, in-shell (California) .......................................................................... tons

Maple syrup ...............................................................................................gallons

1,264

920

8,906

52

629

9,420.0

66.7

17,400

7,377.7

71.2

28,600

1,071.8

954.7

137.0

13.1

2,030,000

38.5

269,700

461

2,794

1,127

830

8,973

52

648

8,065.7

67.8

7,296.8

1,023.3

878.5

2,100,000

40

470

1,908

1 Production years are 2010-2011 and 2011-2012.
Crop Production (September 2012) 25

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Fruits and Nuts Production in Metric Units – United States: 2011 and 2012

[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2012 crop year, 

except citrus which is for the 2011-2012 season. Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

Crop

Production

2011 2012

(metric tons) (metric tons)

Citrus 1

Grapefruit .............................................................................................................

Lemons ................................................................................................................

Oranges ................................................................................................................

Tangelos (Florida) ................................................................................................

Tangerines and mandarins ...................................................................................

Noncitrus

Apples ..................................................................................................................

Apricots ................................................................................................................

Bananas (Hawaii) .................................................................................................

Grapes .................................................................................................................

Olives (California) .................................................................................................

Papayas (Hawaii) .................................................................................................

Peaches ...............................................................................................................

Pears ....................................................................................................................

Prunes, dried (California) ......................................................................................

Prunes and plums (excludes California) ................................................................

Nuts and miscellaneous

Almonds, shelled (California) ................................................................................

Hazelnuts, in-shell (Oregon) .................................................................................

Pecans, in-shell ....................................................................................................

Walnuts, in-shell (California) .................................................................................

Maple syrup ..........................................................................................................

1,146,680

834,610

8,079,390

47,170

570,620

4,272,840

60,460

7,890

6,692,950

64,590

12,970

972,310

866,110

124,280

11,880

920,790

34,930

122,330

418,210

13,970

1,022,400

752,960

8,140,170

47,170

587,860

3,658,540

61,490

6,619,550

928,320

796,960

952,540

36,290

426,380

9,540

1 Production years are 2010-2011 and 2011-2012.
26 Crop Production (September 2012)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Corn for Grain Objective Yield Data

The National Agricultural Statistics Service is conducting objective yield surveys in 10 corn-producing States during 

2012. Randomly selected plots in corn for grain fields are visited monthly from August through harvest to obtain specific 

counts and measurements. Data in these tables are rounded actual field counts from this survey.

Corn for Grain Plant Population per Acre – Selected States: 2008-2012

[Blank cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

State

and month 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Stateand month 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

(number) (number) (number) (number) (number) (number) (number) (number) (number) (number)

Illinois

September .......

October ............

November ........

Final .................

Indiana

September .......

October ............

November ........

Final .................

Iowa

September .......

October ............

November ........

Final .................

Kansas 

September .......

October ............

November ........

Final .................

Minnesota 

September .......

October ............

November ........

Final .................

Missouri

September .......

October ............

November ........

Final .................

29,150

29,000

28,950

28,900

28,500

28,350

28,350

28,350

29,300

29,250

29,250

29,250

20,250

20,950

20,950

20,950

30,150

30,100

30,150

30,050

25,700

25,700

25,700

25,700

29,650

29,550

29,600

29,550

28,350

28,400

28,350

28,350

29,500

29,450

29,400

29,400

22,650

22,600

22,600

22,600

30,800

30,600

30,600

30,600

25,700

25,500

25,500

25,500

29,750

29,600

29,650

29,650

28,300

28,350

28,350

28,350

30,050

30,000

29,950

29,950

21,850

21,950

21,950

21,950

29,850

29,750

29,900

29,900

25,700

25,500

25,500

25,500

30,450

30,450

30,400

30,450

29,200

29,200

29,150

29,150

30,850

30,750

30,750

30,750

21,500

21,550

21,500

21,500

30,250

30,200

30,250

30,250

25,850

25,800

25,800

25,800

29,700

29,250

30,150

23,050

30,000

26,650

Nebraska

All corn

 September ...

 October ........

 November ....

 Final .............

Irrigated

 September ...

 October ........

 November ....

 Final .............

Non-irrigated

 September ...

 October ........

 November ....

 Final .............

Ohio

September .....

October ..........

November ......

Final ...............

South Dakota

September .....

October ..........

November ......

Final ...............

Wisconsin

September .....

October ..........

November ......

Final ...............

24,500

24,300

24,250

24,250

27,250

27,350

27,250

27,250

20,000

19,900

19,900

19,900

27,750

27,800

27,800

27,800

22,950

23,100

23,100

23,100

28,800

28,500

28,250

28,250

25,700

25,700

25,700

25,750

28,250

28,250

28,250

28,300

21,750

21,700

21,700

21,700

28,300

28,450

28,200

28,200

24,300

24,250

24,300

24,300

28,150

28,150

27,700

27,650

25,700

25,600

25,550

25,550

27,750

27,600

27,600

27,600

22,350

22,350

22,300

22,300

28,400

28,200

28,200

28,200

24,550

24,450

24,350

24,350

28,600

28,300

28,300

28,300

25,400

25,400

25,450

25,450

28,150

28,200

28,250

28,250

21,250

21,200

21,200

21,200

29,550

29,350

29,350

29,350

25,300

25,250

25,500

25,500

29,000

28,900

28,950

28,950

26,150

29,100

21,600

29,200

24,200

29,000
Crop Production (September 2012) 27

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Corn for Grain Number of Ears per Acre – Selected States: 2008-2012

[Blank cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

State

and month 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Stateand month 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

(number) (number) (number) (number) (number) (number) (number) (number) (number) (number)

Illinois

September .......

October ...........

November ........

Final ................

Indiana

September .......

October ...........

November ........

Final ................

Iowa

September .......

October ...........

November ........

Final ................

Kansas 

September .......

October ...........

November ........

Final ................

Minnesota 

September .......

October ...........

November ........

Final ................

Missouri

September .......

October ...........

November ........

Final ................

28,600

28,500

28,400

28,350

27,950

27,700

27,700

27,700

28,600

28,600

28,600

28,600

19,850

20,600

20,650

20,650

29,900

29,350

29,450

29,400

25,050

25,000

24,900

24,900

29,150

28,900

28,900

28,900

27,950

28,100

28,000

27,950

29,250

29,200

29,200

29,200

22,750

22,650

22,750

22,700

30,250

30,750

30,800

30,800

24,800

24,800

24,800

24,800

28,650

28,500

28,550

28,550

27,900

27,750

27,750

27,750

29,450

29,450

29,300

29,300

21,250

21,250

21,250

21,250

29,750

29,600

29,700

29,700

25,100

24,750

24,700

24,700

29,650

29,550

29,550

29,600

27,950

27,800

27,750

27,750

30,100

30,050

30,050

30,050

20,900

20,650

20,650

20,650

29,750

29,300

29,350

29,350

24,600

24,650

24,550

24,550

24,000

26,500

28,250

20,350

29,450

23,050

Nebraska

All corn

 September ....

 October .........

 November .....

 Final .............

Irrigated

 September ....

 October .........

 November .....

 Final .............

Non-irrigated

 September ....

 October .........

 November .....

 Final .............

Ohio

September ......

October ..........

November .......

Final ...............

South Dakota

September ......

October ..........

November .......

Final ...............

Wisconsin

September ......

October ..........

November .......

Final ...............

24,050

23,950

23,900

23,900

26,800

27,000

26,900

26,900

19,550

19,500

19,550

19,550

26,950

27,400

27,250

27,250

24,150

23,900

23,800

23,800

27,750

28,300

27,950

27,900

25,650

25,650

25,600

25,650

27,900

27,950

27,900

27,950

22,100

22,050

22,000

22,000

27,700

27,950

27,650

27,650

26,150

26,050

26,050

26,050

27,500

28,850

28,150

28,100

25,250

25,250

25,100

25,100

27,100

27,100

26,950

26,950

22,350

22,250

22,200

22,200

27,700

27,650

27,650

27,650

24,850

24,800

24,450

24,450

28,700

28,500

28,550

28,550

24,500

24,350

24,350

24,350

26,950

26,800

26,800

26,800

20,800

20,650

20,650

20,650

28,700

28,950

29,150

29,150

25,800

25,150

25,250

25,250

28,650

28,650

28,650

28,650

24,500

28,600

18,250

27,700

22,150

27,650
28 Crop Production (September 2012)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Soybean Objective Yield Data

The National Agricultural Statistics Service is conducting objective yield surveys in 11 soybean-producing States during 

2012. Randomly selected plots in soybean fields are visited monthly from August through harvest to obtain specific 

counts and measurements. Data in this table are actual field counts from this survey.

Soybean Pods with Beans per 18 Square Feet – Selected States: 2008-2012

[Blank cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

State

and month 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Stateand month 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

(number) (number) (number) (number) (number) (number) (number) (number) (number) (number)

Arkansas 1

September .......

October ............

November ........

Final .................

Illinois

September .......

October ............

November ........

Final .................

Indiana

September .......

October ............

November ........

Final .................

Iowa

September .......

October ............

November ........

Final .................

Kansas

September .......

October ............

November ........

Final .................

(NA)

1,569

1,723

1,715

1,621

1,893

1,801

1,829

1,608

1,577

1,648

1,659

1,758

1,732

1,770

1,775

1,346

1,487

1,581

1,629

(NA)

1,785

1,794

1,865

1,610

1,672

1,676

1,687

1,516

1,525

1,583

1,594

1,858

1,878

1,868

1,879

1,627

1,759

1,784

1,768

(NA)

1,591

1,805

1,833

1,970

2,090

2,096

2,096

1,878

1,852

1,879

1,879

2,009

2,046

2,054

2,054

1,402

1,392

1,427

1,429

(NA)

1,434

1,607

1,597

1,983

1,933

1,931

1,931

1,607

1,606

1,635

1,635

1,944

1,941

1,996

2,002

1,488

1,466

1,375

1,375

(NA)

1,466

1,388

1,512

1,038

Minnesota

September .....

October ..........

November ......

Final ...............

Missouri

September .....

October ..........

November ......

Final ...............

Nebraska

September .....

October ..........

November ......

Final ...............

North Dakota

September .....

October ..........

November ......

Final ...............

Ohio

September .....

October ..........

November ......

Final ...............

South Dakota

September .....

October ..........

November ......

Final ...............

1,466

1,493

1,470

1,472

1,538

1,473

1,673

1,690

1,692

1,766

1,857

1,857

1,261

1,261

1,405

1,405

1,942

1,755

1,618

1,616

1,425

1,465

1,492

1,492

1,456

1,542

1,611

1,581

1,856

1,983

2,083

2,122

1,793

1,878

1,868

1,868

1,208

1,236

1,317

1,318

1,846

1,769

1,757

1,712

1,513

1,642

1,683

1,682

1,679

1,741

1,783

1,783

1,924

1,899

1,986

1,993

1,906

2,109

2,121

2,121

1,375

1,416

1,510

1,510

1,991

2,012

2,022

2,022

1,527

1,622

1,605

1,605

1,670

1,705

1,678

1,678

1,957

1,781

1,836

1,797

2,032

2,075

2,141

2,141

1,337

1,382

1,381

1,381

1,882

1,850

1,893

1,892

1,652

1,492

1,530

1,530

1,587

1,347

1,406

1,308

1,674

1,171

(NA) Not available.

1 September data not available due to plant immaturity.
Crop Production (September 2012) 29

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Cotton Objective Yield Data

The National Agricultural Statistics Service conducted objective yield surveys in six cotton-producing States during 2012. 

Randomly selected plots in cotton fields are visited monthly from August through harvest to obtain specific counts and 

measurements. Data in this table are actual field counts from this survey.

Cotton Cumulative Boll Counts – Selected States: 2008-2012

[Includes small bolls (less than one inch in diameter), large unopened bolls (at least one inch in diameter), open bolls, partially opened bolls, and burrs 

per 40 feet of row. November, December, and Final exclude small bolls. Blank cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

State and month 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

(number) (number) (number) (number) (number)

Arkansas

September .......................................

October ...........................................

November ........................................

December ........................................

Final ................................................

Georgia

September .......................................

October ...........................................

November ........................................

December ........................................

Final ................................................

Louisiana

September .......................................

October ...........................................

November ........................................

December ........................................

Final ................................................

Mississippi

September .......................................

October ...........................................

November ........................................

December ........................................

Final ................................................

North Carolina

September .......................................

October ...........................................

November ........................................

December ........................................

Final ................................................

Texas

September .......................................

October ...........................................

November ........................................

December ........................................

Final ................................................

943

810

852

846

846

587

613

733

742

742

655

578

579

579

579

909

679

728

722

722

667

652

702

704

704

633

513

579

573

570

1,051

814

803

794

794

571

731

712

737

740

714

792

756

788

788

925

833

717

722

722

701

730

779

777

777

613

522

502

502

502

911

893

897

894

894

609

606

686

683

683

699

755

789

781

781

864

773

776

776

776

681

675

689

689

689

658

534

589

589

589

901

845

867

868

868

531

577

659

665

666

938

948

949

949

949

898

848

874

875

875

553

610

646

646

646

540

478

515

520

520

841

656

855

883

727

535
30 Crop Production (September 2012)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service
Crop Production (September 2012) 31

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

August Weather Summary

Most areas from the Plains to the East Coast got a reprieve from July’s record-shattering heat, especially during a 2-week 

period in early to mid-August. However, heat did not disappear entirely, instead shifting to the other side of the Rockies. 

As a result, wildfire activity exploded across parts of the West, burning approximately 3.5 million acres of 

vegetation - much of it from northern California to the northern Rockies. In contrast, frequent showers associated with the 

monsoon circulation brought some drought relief and helped to suppress wildfires in the Southwest. Late in the month, 

record-setting heat returned to the Nation’s mid-section, maintaining severe stress on rangeland and pastures.

Cooler weather across the Plains, Midwest, and Mid-South came too late to significantly help drought-ravaged summer 

crops. Furthermore, many of the driest areas of the Plains and Midwest did not receive much rain during the period of 

cooler weather. As the month progressed, however, occasional rain chipped away at drought across the northern and 

eastern Corn Belt. At month’s end, the remnants of Hurricane Isaac triggered heavy showers across the Mid-South 

(e.g. Arkansas) and the southeastern Corn Belt (Missouri to Ohio), reviving pastures, benefiting a few late-developing 

soybeans, and boosting soil moisture in advance of soft red winter wheat planting.

Hurricane Isaac made landfall with sustained winds near 80 miles per hour just west of Port Fourchon, Louisiana, early on 

August 29, exactly 7 years after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and the central Gulf Coast. Severe impacts 

related to Isaac were mostly confined to the central Gulf Coast region, which endured a coastal storm surge of 6 to 12 feet, 

as much as 10 to 20 inches of rain and subsequent flooding, and wind gusts to hurricane force (74 miles per hour or 

greater). At the height of the storm, more than 1 million customers lost electricity. In the Mississippi Delta, crops such as 

cotton, rice, and soybeans appeared to weather the storm without significant harm. However, Isaac moved through 

southern Louisiana’s sugarcane region, battering a crop that had been nearly half (43 percent) planted when the storm hit.

Elsewhere, the core drought region shifted westward during August, while favorably moist conditions prevailed across 

much of the East. By September 2, more than 40 percent of rangeland and pastures in every Plains and Midwestern State 

were rated very poor to poor, while at least 50 percent of pastures were rated good to excellent in every Gulf and Atlantic 

Coast State from Louisiana to Maryland. For the Plains’ hard red winter wheat belt, planting was just getting underway by 

September 2 under extremely dry conditions, as evidenced by 96 percent of the rangeland and pastures rated very poor to 

poor in Nebraska.

August Agricultural Summary

While much of the Nation’s Breadbasket received precipitation totaling less than 50 percent of normal during August, 

average temperatures returned to near-normal levels following oppressive July heat. Conversely, much of the West was 

warmer than normal during the month, aiding crop maturity and fieldwork. Monsoonal moisture in the Southwest 

provided some relief to an unusually dry summer season, boosting soil moisture levels and benefiting immature crops. 

Elsewhere, areas along the central and eastern Gulf Coast accumulated rainfall in excess of 10 inches. Most notably, 

Hurricane Isaac dumped more than 16 inches of rainfall on portions of southeastern Louisiana. 

The start of August found much of the Nation’s corn crop past the critical pollination stage, as warm, sunny weather 

throughout the growing season promoted rapid phenological development. By August 5, doughing and denting were well 

ahead of normal, with 6 percent of the corn crop at or beyond the mature stage. Limited, early-month precipitation in 

portions of the Corn Belt was beneficial to late-planted fields, but did little to help drought-affected, mature corn. 

Producers in some States chose to chop corn for silage or bale it for hay as it would provide better nutrition for livestock 

given crop conditions this year. By August 12, harvest for grain had begun in a limited number of locations. In Iowa, crop 

maturity was reported as being nearly 3 weeks ahead of normal by August 19. Nationwide, 95 percent of this year’s crop 

was at or beyond the dough stage by August 26, fourteen percentage points ahead of the 5-year average, with denting 

evident in over three-quarters of the Nation’s corn fields. Heavy rainfall associated with the remnants of Hurricane Isaac 

boosted soil moisture levels but slowed fieldwork toward the end of the month; however, producers had harvested 

10 percent of this year’s crop by September 2, seven percentage points ahead of both last year and the 5-year average. 

Overall, 22 percent of the corn crop was reported in good to excellent condition on September 2, compared with 

23 percent on August 5 and 52 percent from the same time last year.
32 Crop Production (September 2012)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

With hot temperatures blanketing the Nation’s Heartland, this year’s sorghum crop was developing ahead of the normal 

pace when August began. Despite less than adequate soil moisture levels, rapid head development was evident in 

Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, and South Dakota early in the month. By August 12, coloring was 36 percent complete 

Nationwide, 7 percentage points ahead of last year and 6 percentage points ahead of the 5-year average. Less than 

adequate soil moisture levels began to limit crop growth as the month progressed, and by August 19, heading fell behind 

the normal pace. As dry weather coupled with scorching temperatures led to some drought-stricken sorghum fields in 

Kansas being chopped for silage, harvest for grain was in full swing in southern Texas mid-month. Nationally, 50 percent 

of the sorghum crop was at or beyond the coloring stage and 28 percent of the crop was mature by August 26. Harvest 

advanced slowly toward month’s end, with activity limited to portions of the Great Plains and the Delta. By September 2, 

producers had harvested nearly a quarter of this year’s sorghum crop. Overall, 24 percent of the sorghum crop was 

reported in good to excellent condition on September 2, compared with 25 percent on both August 5 and from the same 

time last year.

Mostly sunny skies afforded oat producers in States with unharvested acreage ample time to combine their remaining crop 

as the month began. With harvest activity limited to Minnesota, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, 98 percent 

of the crop was removed from the field by August 19, eighteen percentage points ahead of the 5-year average.

Harvest was well underway in most of the major barley-producing States as August began, with dry, sunny weather 

promoting a rapid fieldwork pace. By August 5, producers had harvested 30 percent of this year’s crop, 29 percentage 

points ahead of last year and 19 percentage points ahead of the 5-year average. Harvest gained speed under favorable 

weather conditions mid-month, and by August 19, two-thirds of the crop was removed from the Nation’s fields, 

28 percentage points ahead of normal. Dry conditions in Washington during the second half of August allowed harvest for 

the State to advance ahead of normal for the first time this season during the week ending August 26. Nationally, 

producers had harvested 89 percent of the barley crop by September 2, eighteen percentage points of the 5-year average. 

Overall, 60 percent of the barley crop was reported in good to excellent condition when harvest surpassed the halfway 

point during the week ending August 19, compared with 66 percent from the same time last year.

With most activity limited to the Northern Tier, sunny days provided ample time for rapid winter wheat harvest as August 

began. Poor yields were reported in some early winter wheat fields in Idaho. Favorable weather conditions continued as 

the month progress, and by August 19, producers had harvested 97 percent of the 2012 winter wheat crop, 5 percentage 

points ahead of last year and 2 percentage points ahead of the 5-year average.

Warm, sunny weather aided a rapid harvest of this year’s spring wheat crop during August, with overall progress 

advancing well ahead of last year and the average pace. By August 5, producers had harvested 47 percent of the Nation’s 

crop, 35 percentage points ahead of the 5-year average. In Washington, shriveled kernels resulting from mid-July heat 

were reported in isolated areas as harvest began. Favorable weather conditions provided ample time for harvest 

throughout the month. In the two weeks ending August 19, producers in the 6 major producing States harvested 32 percent 

of this year’s crop, pushing progress 39 percentage points ahead of normal. Crop maturity in late-seeded fields in North 

Dakota was boosted by hot late-month temperatures, and by September 2, harvest was complete, compared with last year 

when only 59 percent of the crop had been combined. Overall, 61 percent of the spring wheat crop was reported in good 

to excellent condition on August 12, compared with 66 percent from the same time last year.

With activity limited to the lower Delta and Texas, 7 percent of the Nation’s rice crop was harvested by August 5, four 

percentage points ahead of the 5-year average. By August 12, heading was nearing completion in the Delta and Texas, 

while favorable weather in California promoted rapid head development during the first half of the month. In Louisiana, 

harvest advanced quickly under hot, dry weather conditions; however, rice blast was reported in some fields. Despite 

damage from wind and heavy rain associated with Hurricane Isaac in portions of the Delta, harvest continued at a rapid 

pace toward month’s end. By September 2, forty-two percent of the rice crop was harvested, 16 percentage points ahead 

of the 5-year average. Overall, 68 percent of the rice crop was reported in good to excellent condition on September 2, 

compared with 69 percent on August 5 and 64 percent from the same time last year.

With warm temperatures boosting soybean development in early-August, pod setting continued at a rapid pace in most 

regions while bloom development slowed as progress neared completion ahead of normal in many States. Nintey-seven 

percent of the soybean crop was at or beyond the bloom stage by August 12, five percentage points ahead of both last year 
Crop Production (September 2012) 33

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

and the 5-year average. Double-digit pod setting was evident in 11 of the 18 major estimating States during the week 

ending August 12. As beneficial rainfall helped to slightly improve crop conditions and increase pod fill in late-planted 

fields mid-month, producers in portions of the Corn Belt continued to treat fields for spider mites. Leaf drop was evident 

in 4 percent of this year’s soybean fields by August 19, three percentage points ahead of both last year and the 5-year 

average. Bean Leaf Beetles and Sudden Death Syndrome were reported in some fields in the Corn Belt during the week 

ending August 26. Harvest was underway in a limited number of States by September 2, when 19 percent of the Nation’s 

crop was at or beyond the leaf dropping stage. Overall, 30 percent of the soybean crop was reported in good to excellent 

condition on September 2, compared with 29 percent on August 5 and 56 percent from the same time last year.

Pegging of this year’s peanut crop was nearly complete as August began, as increased moisture in portions of the 

Southeast led to the presence of fungal diseases in some fields. By August 12, ninety-six percent of the peanut crop was at 

or beyond the pegging stage, 4 percentage points ahead of the 5-year average. Harvest was underway in a limited number 

of fields in Florida and Georgia by August 26. Despite an overall increase in crop conditions toward month’s end, reports 

of leafspot and white mold were more prevalent as harvest advanced in Georgia. Overall, 76 percent of the peanut crop 

was reported in good to excellent condition on September 2, compared with 69 percent on August 5 and 38 percent from 

the same time last year.

By August 5, squaring of this year’s cotton crop was 98 percent complete, 4 percentage points ahead of the 5-year 

average. Continued high temperatures coupled with a prolonged lack of significant soil moisture stressed cotton in both 

the High and Low Plains regions of Texas, and led to some dryland fields being plowed under. Most fields in northern 

Texas reached the cut-out stage by August 12. Elsewhere, rainfall throughout portions of the Delta and Southeast 

benefitted soil moisture levels and helped to improve crop conditions during the week ending August 12. Nationally, boll 

set was 93 percent complete by August 19, six percentage points ahead of the 5-year average. While heavy irrigation 

continued well into August in many northern Texas cotton fields, defoliation was ongoing in central and southern regions 

of the State. By August 26, nearly one-quarter of the Nation’s cotton fields had opened bolls. Despite Hurricane Isaac 

dumping rainfall in excess of 6 inches on much of the lower Delta, reports indicated many cotton fields in Mississippi 

suffered little to no damage. Conversely, high water and strong winds in Louisiana damaged fields throughout the State. 

Overall, 42 percent of the cotton crop was reported in good to excellent condition on September 2, compared with 

41 percent on August 5 and 28 percent from the same time last year.

By September 2, sugarbeet producers had harvested 6 percent of this year’s crop, 5 percentage points ahead of the 5-year 

average. With harvest underway in Minnesota and North Dakota, more than three-quarters of the crop in both States was 

reported in good to excellent condition. Hail damage was reported in some fields in south-central Idaho.

Crop Comments

Corn: Area harvested and to be harvested for grain is forecast at 87.4 million acres, unchanged from the August forecast 

but up 4 percent from 2011.

As of September 2, only twenty-two percent of the corn acreage was rated in good to excellent condition in the 18 major 

producing States, down 2 percentage points from one month earlier and down 30 percentage points compared to the same 

time last year. Fifty-two percent of the acreage was rated in very-poor to poor condition compared to only 21 percent rated 

in these two categories last year at this time.

The September 1 corn objective yield data indicate the lowest number of ears per acre since 2005 for the combined 

10 objective yield States (Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and 

Wisconsin).

Scattered showers and slightly cooler conditions provided some relief to later planted corn in parts of the Midwest during 

the first week of August but extreme heat and a continued lack of moisture in the southern and western Corn Belt 

continued to take a toll on the crop. As of August 5, sixty-one percent of the crop was at or beyond the dough stage, 

34 percentage points ahead of last year and 31 percentage points ahead of the 5-year average. Twenty-six percent of the 

crop was dented by this time, 20 percentage points ahead of last year and 19 points ahead of the 5-year average. 

Six percent of the acreage was considered mature at this time. Widespread rains and cooler temperatures were reported in 
34 Crop Production (September 2012)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

parts of the central Corn Belt during the middle of August but generally came too late for corn except for the immature 

fields. The 2012 corn crop continued to develop at one of the quickest paces on record due to the hot, dry conditions 

experienced during the growing season. As of September 2, eighty-six percent of the crop was at or beyond the dent stage, 

21 percentage points ahead of last year and 23 points ahead of the 5-year average. Forty-one percent of the crop was 

mature by September 2, twenty-six percentage points ahead of last year and 25 points ahead of the 5-year average. 

Nationwide, producers had harvested 10 percent of the corn crop at this time, 7 percentage points ahead of both last year 

and the 5-year average pace.

Sorghum: Production is forecast at 246 million bushels, down 1 percent from last month but up 15 percent from last year. 

Area harvested for grain is forecast at 5.10 million acres, unchanged from August 1 but up 30 percent from 2011. Based 

on September 1 conditions, yield is forecast at 48.3 bushels per acre, down 0.3 bushel from last month and down 

6.3 bushels from last year. A record high yield is forecast in Louisiana, where farmers reported mostly favorable growing 

conditions.

As of September 2, the sorghum crop had progressed to 32 percent mature, 6 percentage points ahead of both last year and 

the 5-year average. Harvest progress had reached 24 percent, 3 percentage points ahead of both last year and the 5-year 

average. Twenty-four percent of the crop was rated in good to excellent condition, compared with 25 percent last year.

Rice: Production is forecast at 196 million cwt, up 3 percent from August and up 6 percent from last year. Based on 

administrative data, planted area is now estimated at 2.70 million acres, up 1 percent from the June estimate and up 

slightly from last year. Area for harvest is expected to total 2.68 million acres, up 1 percent from June and 2 percent 

higher than 2011. Based on conditions as of September 1, the average United States yield is forecast at a record high 

7,334 pounds per acre, up 138 pounds from August and up 267 pounds from last year. Record high yields are also forecast 

in Louisiana and Texas.

Harvest was underway by September 2 in all rice-producing States except California, with 42 percent of the United States 

acreage harvested, 15 percentage points ahead of the same time last year and 16 percentage points ahead of the 5-year 

average. Sixty-eight percent of the United States acreage was rated in good to excellent condition as of September 2, 

compared with 64 percent rated in these two categories a year earlier.

Soybeans: Area for harvest is forecast at 74.6 million acres, unchanged from August but up 1 percent from 2011. 

Harvested area, if realized, will be the fourth largest on record.

The September objective yield data for the combined 11 major soybean-producing States (Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, 

Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, and South Dakota) indicate a lower pod count 

compared with last year, as hot, dry weather during bloom hampered development of the crop in many areas. Compared 

with final counts for 2011, pod counts are down in all published States. The largest decrease from 2011’s final pod count 

is expected in Nebraska, down 735 pods per 18 square feet.

As the month of July ended, 55 percent of the soybean crop was setting pods, 20 percentage points ahead of the 5-year 

average. Development of the crop continued to progress ahead of normal throughout the month of August and by August 

26, ninety-six percent of the soybean crop was at or beyond the pod-setting stage, 6 points ahead of last year and 5 points 

ahead of normal. By September 2, nineteen percent of the Nation’s crop was dropping leaves, 14 percentage points ahead 

of last year’s pace and 10 points ahead of normal.

As of September 2, thirty percent of the United States soybean crop was rated in good to excellent condition, 

26 percentage points behind the same week in 2011. During August, good to excellent ratings decreased across the 

western Corn Belt and into the northern and central Great Plains, but increased in 11 of the 18 published States as 

beneficial rain fell during the month. Increases in condition ratings of 10 points or more occurred in Mississippi, North 

Carolina, and Tennessee during August.

If realized, the forecasted yield in Arkansas, Mississippi, and North Carolina will be a record high.
Crop Production (September 2012) 35

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Peanuts: Production is forecast at 5.92 billion pounds, up 12 percent from the August forecast and up 63 percent from last 

year. Based on administrative data, planted area, at 1.64 million acres, is up 7 percent from the June estimate and up 

43 percent from the previous year. Area for harvest is expected to total 1.59 million acres, up 7 percent from June and 

45 percent higher than 2011. Based on conditions as of September 1, the average yield for the United States is forecast at 

a record high 3,714 pounds per acre, up 152 pounds from August and up 401 pounds from last year.

Planted area is estimated at a record high in South Carolina. If realized, harvested area will be a record high in South 

Carolina, Florida, and Mississippi. Record high yields are expected in Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and 

Texas. The largest yield increases from last year are expected in Oklahoma and Texas, where drought conditions last year 

significantly reduced crop potential.

As of September 2, seventy-six percent of the United States peanut crop was rated in good to excellent condition, 

compared with 38 percent the same time last year. Harvest was underway by the end of August in Florida, Georgia, and 

Mississippi.

Cotton: Area planted to Upland cotton is estimated at 12.1 million acres, down 2 percent from June and down 16 percent 

from last year. Harvested area is expected to total 10.2 million acres, down 4 percent from last month but up 11 percent 

from 2011. Pima cotton planted area is estimated at 239,000 acres, up 2 percent from June but down 22 percent from last 

year. Expected harvested area, at 237,400 acres, is down 22 percent from 2011.

As of September 2, forty-two percent of the cotton acreage was rated in good to excellent condition compared with 

28 percent this time last year. Thirty-six percent of the crop had bolls opening by September 2, one percentage point 

behind last year but 6 percentage points ahead of the 5-year average.

The Southeast received scattered precipitation throughout the month, improving cotton condition in many areas. 

Hurricane Isaac made landfall in late August bringing large amounts of rain to parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, and 

Arkansas. Record high yields are forecast in Arizona, California, Florida, and Georgia. In Texas, objective yield data 

forecasted boll weights to be higher than last year but below the 10-year average.

Ginnings totaled 472,800 running bales prior to September 1, compared with 822,350 running bales ginned prior to the 

same date last year.

Tobacco: United States all tobacco production for 2012 is forecast at 766 million pounds, up 28 percent from 2011. Area 

harvested is forecast at 336,280 acres, 3 percent above last year. Average yield for 2012 is forecast at 2,277 pounds per 

acre, 436 pounds above 2011. 

Flue-cured tobacco production is expected to total 490 million pounds, 42 percent above last year. North Carolina 

production levels recovered from last year’s hurricane damage. Many farmers irrigated as temperatures for the past month 

were above normal and rainfall was very spotty.

Burley production is expected to total 195 million pounds, up 13 percent from last year. Kentucky growers reported that 

August rainfall improved crop prospects after a very dry July. Timely rains in Tennessee during July aided this year’s 

crop.

Summer potatoes: Production of summer potatoes is forecast at 17.4 million cwt, up 7 percent from the July forecast and 

35 percent above 2011. Harvested area is estimated at 49,000 acres, up 3 percent from the previous forecast and 7 percent 

above last year. Average yield is forecast at 356 cwt per acre, up 14 cwt from July and 76 cwt from 2011.

Growers in Maryland and Delaware reported that the potato crop was in good condition despite the hot, dry summer. In 

Virginia, conditions were reportedly near ideal. In Missouri, growers reported that crop conditions were exceptionally 

good but did report some lower yields due to high temperatures.
36 Crop Production (September 2012)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Fall potatoes, 2011: Production of 2011 fall potatoes is finalized at 391 million cwt, 7 percent above the 2010 crop. Area 

harvested, at 939,500 acres, increased 7 percent from 2010. The average yield, at 416 cwt per acre, was unchanged from 

2010.

All potatoes, 2011: Final production of potatoes from all four seasons in 2011 totaled 430 million cwt, up 6 percent from 

2010. Area harvested is estimated at 1.08 million acres, up 7 percent from a year earlier. Average yield, at 399 cwt per 

acre, was down 2 cwt from 2010.

Sugarcane: Production of sugarcane for sugar and seed in 2012 is forecast at 31.0 million tons, down 1 percent from the 

August 1 forecast. Producers intend to harvest 893,000 acres for sugar and seed during the 2012 crop year, up 2,000 acres 

from the previous forecast. Expected yield for sugar and seed is forecast at 34.7 tons per acre, down 0.5 ton from the 

August 1 forecast.

Louisiana and Florida both received significant rainfall from Hurricane Isaac. Reports of lodging were received in both 

States. Planting was behind in Louisiana due to the storm aftermath, however expectations were still high for an excellent 

year.

Sugarbeets: Production of sugarbeets for the 2012 crop year is forecast at 35.6 million tons, up 23 percent from last year. 

Producers expect to harvest 1.22 million acres, down slightly from the previous forecast. Expected yield is forecast at 

29.3 tons per acre, an increase of 0.2 ton from last year. If realized, this will be a record yield for the United States.

Most of the growing region experienced excellent growing conditions during August. Early planting, hot temperatures, 

and adequate irrigation boosted the crop’s potential.

Florida citrus: In the citrus growing areas, weather stations reported high temperatures ranging from the low to mid 90s. 

Tropical Storm Isaac brought heavy, soaking rains toward the end of the month, which eliminated drought conditions 

from the citrus growing region. Fertilizer application, irrigation, and grove maintenance were the primary grove activities.

California citrus: Harvest of Valencia oranges continued, while harvest of Navel oranges finished for the season. 

Ethylene gas was used on Valencia oranges due to re-greening fruit. Tangelos, grapefruit, and lemons continued to be 

harvested and packed. Finger Lime and Citron harvest began for local markets.

California noncitrus fruits and nuts: Orchards and vineyards required irrigation due to high temperatures. Peach, 

nectarine, and fresh plum harvests continued as the apricot harvest finished. Cling peach harvest was complete with 

reports of very good fruit size and quality. In the San Joaquin Valley, prune harvest was complete, while harvest 

continued in the Sacramento Valley. Table grape harvest was also underway in the San Joaquin Valley. Red Flame, 

Princess, Thompson Seedless, Summer Royal, and Red Globe were the primary table grape varieties being harvested. 

Raisin grapes continued to be cut and laid on paper. Harvest began in champagne grape vineyards. White wine grape 

harvest began in Napa County with red harvest expected to begin in September. Both red and white wine grapes were 

being harvested in the San Joaquin Valley. Gala apple harvest continued, while Gingergold, Fuji, and Granny Smith apple 

harvests began. Growers reported that later apple varieties were sugaring nicely. Bartlett, Bosc, and Asian pear harvests 

picked up throughout the State. Pomegranate and persimmon fruit continued to gain in size and color. Fig harvest was 

ongoing. Kiwi and jujube fruit continued to develop well. Strawberries, boysenberries, loganberries, and blackberries 

were picked and packed. Blueberry harvest finished. Olives were sprayed for scale while fruit was sizing and growing 

well. Almond harvest picked up, as more operators were shaking trees. Good developmental progress was reported in 

walnut, pistachio, and pecan orchards. Walnuts were sprayed for weeds, coddling moth, and husk fly. Walnut orchard 

floors were cleaned in preparation for harvest. Pistachio nut fill continued with some growers reporting nut splitting.

Hazelnuts: Production in Oregon is forecast at 40,000 tons, up 4 percent from last year’s final production of 38,500 tons. 

Historically, hazelnut orchards exhibit alternate bearing patterns. Good moisture during the winter months got the crop off 

to a good start, while dry conditions aided harvest in the late summer months.
Crop Production (September 2012) 37

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

The September forecast is based on the first hazelnut growers survey in lieu of the traditional industry-funded objective 

yield survey in Oregon. Growers were contacted in early August and asked to provide acreage and production 

expectations for 2012.

The complete report is available at: 

http://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Oregon/Publications/Fruits_Nuts_and_Berries/hz8_21.pdf

Walnuts: California production is forecast at 470,000 tons, up 2 percent from last year’s 461,000 tons. Bearing acreage, 

at 245,000, is unchanged from the previous year. The September forecast is based on the walnut objective measurement 

survey conducted August 1 through August 23, 2012.

Survey data indicated an average nut set per tree of 1,375, down 1 percent from 2011's average of 1,388. Percent of sound 

kernels in-shell was 98.0 Statewide. In-shell weight per nut was 22.1 grams, while the average in-shell suture 

measurement was 32.1 millimeters. The average length in-shell was 38.5 millimeters.

Weather during pollination was reasonable with only a few areas reporting frost. Favorable conditions during the Spring 

months allowed nuts to size without delay.

The complete report is available at: 

http://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/California/Publications/Fruits_and_Nuts/201209walom.pdf
38 Crop Production (September 2012)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Statistical Methodology

Survey procedures: Objective yield and farm operator surveys were conducted between August 25 and September 7 to 

gather information on expected yield as of September 1. The objective yield surveys for corn, cotton, and soybeans were 

conducted in the major producing States that usually account for about 75 percent of the United States production. Farm 

operators were interviewed to update previously reported acreage data and seek permission to randomly locate two sample 

plots in selected fields for the objective yield survey (corn, cotton, and soybeans). The counts made within each sample 

plot depend on the crop and the maturity of that crop. In all cases, number of plants is recorded along with other 

measurements that provide information to forecast the number of ears, bolls, or pods and their weight. The counts are used 

with similar data from previous years to develop a projected biological yield. The average harvesting loss is subtracted to 

obtain a net yield. The plots are revisited each month until crop maturity when the fruit is harvested and weighed. After 

the farm operator has harvested the sample field, another plot is sampled to obtain current year harvesting loss.

The farm operator survey was conducted primarily by telephone with some use of mail, internet, and personal interviewer. 

Approximately 13,000 producers were interviewed during the survey period and asked questions about probable yield. 

These growers will continue to be surveyed throughout the growing season to provide indications of average yields.

Estimating procedures: National and State level objective yield and grower reported data were reviewed for 

reasonableness and consistency with historical estimates. The survey data were also reviewed considering weather 

patterns and crop progress compared to previous months and previous years. Each Field Office submits an analysis of the 

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

prepare the published September 1 forecasts. 

Revision policy: The September 1 production forecast will not be revised; instead, a new forecast will be made each 

month throughout the growing season. End-of-season estimates are made after harvest. At the end of the marketing 

season, a balance sheet is calculated using carryover stocks, production, exports, millings, feeding, and ending stocks. 

Revisions are then made if the balance sheet relationships or other administrative data warrant changes. Estimates of 

planted acres for spring planted crops are subject to revision in the August Crop Production report if conditions altered 

the planting intentions since the mid-year survey. Planted acres may also be revised for cotton, peanuts, and rice in 

September Crop Production report each year; spring wheat, Durum wheat, barley, and oats only in the Small Grains 

Annual report at the end of September; and all other spring planted crops in the October Crop Production report. 

Revisions to planted acres will only be made when special survey data, administrative data, such as Farm Service Agency 

program “sign up” data, or remote sensing data are available. Harvested acres may be revised any time a production 

forecast is made if there is strong evidence that the intended harvested area has changed since the last forecast.

Reliability: To assist users in evaluating the reliability of the September 1 production forecast, the "Root Mean Square 

Error," a statistical measure based on past performance, is computed. The deviation between the September 1 production 

forecast and the final estimate is expressed as a percentage of the final estimate. The average of the 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. For example, the "Root Mean Square Error" for the September 1 corn for grain production forecast is 

5.2 percent. This means that chances are 2 out of 3 that the current production forecast will not be above or below the final 

estimate by more than 5.2 percent. Chances are 9 out of 10 (90 percent confidence level) that the difference will not 

exceed 9.0 percent.

Also, shown in the following table is a 20-year record for selected crops of the differences between the September 1 

forecast and the final estimate. Using corn again as an example, changes between the September 1 forecast and the final 

estimate during the last 20 years have averaged 377 million bushels, ranging from 19 million bushels to 892 million 

bushels. The September 1 forecast has been below the final estimate 12 times and above 8 times. This does not imply that 

the September 1 corn forecast this year is likely to understate or overstate final production.
Crop Production (September 2012) 39

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Reliability of September 1 Crop Production Forecasts

[Based on data for the past twenty years]

Crop Root mean

square error

90 percent

confidence

interval

Difference between forecast

and final estimate

Production Years

Average Smallest Largest Below

final

Above

final

(percent) (percent) (millions) (millions) (millions) (number) (number)

Corn for grain ..................................... bushels

Rice .......................................................... cwt

Sorghum for grain .............................. bushels

Soybeans for beans ........................... bushels

Upland cotton 1...................................... bales

5.2

3.8

8.5

4.9

7.4

9.0

6.6

14.7

8.5

12.7

377

6

29

120

1,113

19

(Z)

1

29

225

892

16

114

288

2,366

12

12

7

11

11

8

8

13

9

9

(Z) Less than half of the unit shown.

1 Quantity is in thousands of units.
40 Crop Production (September 2012)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Information Contacts

Listed below are the commodity statisticians in the Crops Branch of the National Agricultural Statistics Service to contact 

for additional information. E-mail inquiries may be sent to nass@nass.usda.gov

Lance Honig, Chief, Crops Branch .......................................................................................................(202) 720-2127

Jacqueline Moore, Head, Field Crops Section ...................................................................................... (202) 720-2127

 Suzanne Avilla – Peanuts, Rice........................................................................................................ (202) 720-7688

 Jacqueline Moore – Oats, Rye, Wheat ............................................................................................. (202) 720-8068

 Steve Maliszewski – Cotton, Cotton Ginnings, Sorghum................................................................ (202) 720-5944

 Anthony Prillaman – Corn, Flaxseed, Proso Millet ......................................................................... (202) 720-9526

 Julie Schmidt – Crop Weather, Barley, Hay .................................................................................... (202) 720-7621

 Travis Thorson – Soybeans, Sunflower, Other Oilseeds..................................................................(202) 720-7369

Jorge Garcia-Pratts, Head, Fruits, Vegetables and Special Crops Section............................................(202) 720-2127

 Debbie Flippin – Fresh and Processing Vegetables, Onions, Strawberries......................................(202) 720-2157

 Fred Granja – Apples, Apricots, Cherries, Plums, Prunes, Tobacco ...............................................(202) 720-4288

 Chris Hawthorn – Citrus, Coffee, Grapes, Sugar Crops, Tropical Fruits.........................................(202) 720-5412

 Dave Losh – Hops............................................................................................................................(360) 709-2400 

 Dan Norris – Austrian Winter Peas, Dry Edible Peas, Lentils, Mint,

 Mushrooms, Peaches, Pears, Wrinkled Seed Peas, Dry Beans ..................................................(202) 720-3250

 Daphne Schauber – Berries, Cranberries, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes ...............................................(202) 720-4285

 Erika White – Floriculture, Maple Syrup, Nursery, Tree Nuts .......................................................(202) 720-4215
Access to NASS Reports

For your convenience, you may access NASS reports and products the following ways:

 All reports are available electronically, at no cost, on the NASS web site: http://www.nass.usda.gov

 Both national and state specific reports are available via a free e-mail subscription. To set-up this free 

subscription, visit http://www.nass.usda.gov and in the “Follow NASS” box under “Receive reports by Email,” 

click on “National” or “State” to select the reports you would like to receive. 

For more information on NASS surveys and reports, call the NASS 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 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the 

basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental 

status, religion, sexual orientation, political beliefs, genetic information, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's 

income is derived from any public assistance program. (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 to USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant 

Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 9410, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call toll-free at 

(866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800) 845-6136 

(Spanish Federal-relay). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
USDA Data Users’ Meeting

Monday October 22, 2012

Crowne Plaza Chicago-Metro

Chicago, Illinois 60661

312-829-5000

The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will be organizing an open forum for data 

users. The purpose will be to provide updates on pending changes in the various statistical and 

information programs and seek comments and input from data users. Other USDA agencies to 

be represented will include the Agricultural Marketing Service, the Economic Research Service, 

the Foreign Agricultural Service, and the World Agricultural Outlook Board. The Foreign Trade 

Division from the Census Bureau will also be included in the meeting.

For registration details or additional information for the Data Users’ Meeting, see the NASS 

homepage at http://www.nass.usda.gov/meeting/ or contact Vernita Murray (NASS) at 

202-690-8141 or at vernita_murray@nass.usda.gov.

This Data Users’ Meeting precedes an Industry Outlook Meeting that will be held at the same 

location on Tuesday October 23, 2012. The Outlook meeting brings together analysts from 

various commodity sectors to discuss the outlook situation. For registration details or additional 

information for the Industry Outlook Meeting, see the Livestock and Marketing Information 

Center (LMIC) homepage at http://www.lmic.info/ or contact Erica Rosa 303-236-0461 at 

rosa@lmic.info or Laura Lahr 303-236-0464 at lahr@lmic.info.