Cr Pr 2-2 (1-99)

Crop

Production

National

Agricultural

Statistics

Service

USDA

Washington, D.C.

Released January 11, 1999, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department of

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

California Freeze Lowers U.S. Orange Production 8 Percent

All oranges production forecast for 1998-99 is 10.1 million tons, down 8 percent from last month’s forecast

and down 27 percent from last year’s record large crop of 13.9 million tons. Due to the December freeze in

the San Joaquin Valley, California’s all orange production forecast is 38.0 million boxes (1.43 million tons),

down 39 percent from the October forecast and down 49 percent from the 1997-98 utilization.

The freeze during the nights of December 20 - 23, 1998 caused considerable losses to both the Navel and

Valencia crops. California’s Navel forecast, at 19.0 million boxes (712,500 tons), is down 44 percent from

the previous forecast. Close to 90 percent of the Navel acreage is in the San Joaquin Valley and only

15 percent of the crop had been harvested before the freeze. Approximately 60 percent of California’s

Valencia acreage is in the San Joaquin Valley and the State forecast of 19.0 million boxes (712,500 tons) is

down 32 percent from October.

Florida's all orange forecast remains at 190 million boxes (8.55 million tons), 22 percent less than the record

large 244 million boxes (11.0 million boxes) utilized last season. Early and midseason varieties in Florida are

forecast at 112 million boxes (5.04 million tons), 20 percent lower than last season. Florida’s Valencia

forecast of 78.0 million boxes (3.51 million tons) is 25 percent lower than last season’s utilization.

Florida frozen concentrated orange juice (FCOJ) yield for the 1998-99 season is forecast at 1.57 gallons

per box at 42.0 degrees Brix, unchanged from December. The forecast projects the final yield as reported by

the Florida Citrus Processors Association. The final 1997-98 yield for all fruit used in FCOJ was 1.58 gallons

per box at 42.0 degrees Brix. Projected average yield for 1998-99 early and midseason varieties is

1.52 gallons per box, higher than last season’s 1.49 and near the 1992-93 record high. Valencias are

projected to yield 1.67 gallons per box, below last season’s record high of 1.72.

All cotton production is forecast at 13.8 million bales, up 3 percent from last month, but down 27 percent

from 1997. Yield is expected to average 618 pounds per harvested acre, down 55 pounds from last year. 

Texas production was increased 200,000 bales from December’s forecast and the yield, at 509 pounds, ties

their record yield set in 1996. Georgia’s production is up 150,000 bales from last month, as the open fall

weather benefitted crop development.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

January 1999 2 NASS, USDA

This report was approved on January 11, 1999.

Acting Secretary of

Agriculture

Michael V. Dunn

 Agricultural Statistics Board

 Chairperson

 Rich Allen 
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

January 1999 3 NASS, USDA

Contents

Page

Cotton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Cottonseed ........................................................................... 6

Crop Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Fruit, Citrus .......................................................................... 8

Hay Stocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Information Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Papayas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Potatoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Weather Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

January 1999 4 NASS, USDA

Cotton: Area Planted and Harvested by Type, State,

and United States, 1996-98

Type

and

State

Area Planted Area Harvested

1996 1997 1998 1996 1997 1998

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

Upland

 AL

 AZ

 AR

 CA

 FL

 GA

 KS

 LA

 MS

 MO

 NM

 NC

 OK

 SC

 TN

 TX

 VA

 US

Amer-Pima

 AZ

 CA

 NM

 TX

 US

All

 AL

 AZ

 AR

 CA

 FL

 GA

 KS

 LA

 MS

 MO

 NM

 NC

 OK

 SC

 TN

 TX

 VA

 US

520.0

315.0

1,000.0

1,000.0

99.0

1,340.0

4.5

890.0

1,120.0

390.0

59.0

740.0

290.0

284.0

540.0

5,700.0

103.0

14,394.5

42.0

165.0

14.0

37.0

258.0

520.0

357.0

1,000.0

1,165.0

99.0

1,340.0

4.5

890.0

1,120.0

390.0

73.0

740.0

290.0

284.0

540.0

5,737.0

103.0

14,652.5

535.0

325.0

980.0

880.0

100.0

1,440.0

12.0

655.0

985.0

395.0

70.0

690.0

200.0

290.0

490.0

5,500.0

101.0

13,648.0

22.0

185.0

11.0

32.0

250.0

535.0

347.0

980.0

1,065.0

100.0

1,440.0

12.0

655.0

985.0

395.0

81.0

690.0

200.0

290.0

490.0

5,532.0

101.0

13,898.0

495.0

250.0

920.0

650.0

89.0

1,400.0

17.0

535.0

950.0

370.0

60.0

710.0

160.0

290.0

450.0

5,650.0

92.0

13,088.0

15.9

200.0

9.0

105.0

329.9

495.0

265.9

920.0

850.0

89.0

1,400.0

17.0

535.0

950.0

370.0

69.0

710.0

160.0

290.0

450.0

5,755.0

92.0

13,417.9

516.0

314.0

990.0

995.0

98.2

1,336.0

4.0

885.0

1,100.0

385.0

55.0

730.0

210.0

282.0

530.0

4,100.0

102.0

12,632.2

41.9

164.0

14.0

36.0

255.9

516.0

355.9

990.0

1,159.0

98.2

1,336.0

4.0

885.0

1,100.0

385.0

69.0

730.0

210.0

282.0

530.0

4,136.0

102.0

12,888.1

442.0

324.0

965.0

875.0

99.0

1,425.0

10.0

650.0

970.0

390.0

66.0

685.0

190.0

286.0

480.0

5,200.0

100.0

13,157.0

22.0

184.0

11.0

32.0

249.0

442.0

346.0

965.0

1,059.0

99.0

1,425.0

10.0

650.0

970.0

390.0

77.0

685.0

190.0

286.0

480.0

5,232.0

100.0

13,406.0

475.0

248.0

900.0

620.0

80.0

1,320.0

16.0

525.0

940.0

357.0

58.0

705.0

120.0

286.0

445.0

3,300.0

91.0

10,486.0

15.5

180.0

9.0

32.0

236.5

475.0

263.5

900.0

800.0

80.0

1,320.0

16.0

525.0

940.0

357.0

67.0

705.0

120.0

286.0

445.0

3,332.0

91.0

10,722.5
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

January 1999 5 NASS, USDA

Cotton: Yield and Production by Type, State,

and United States, 1996-98

Type

and

State

Yield Production 1

1996 1997 1998 1996 1997 1998

Pounds Pounds Pounds 1,000 Bales 2 1,000 Bales 2 1,000 Bales 2

Upland

 AL

 AZ

 AR

 CA

 FL

 GA

 KS

 LA

 MS

 MO

 NM

 NC

 OK

 SC

 TN

 TX

 VA

 US

Amer-Pima

 AZ

 CA

 NM

 TX

 US

All

 AL

 AZ

 AR

 CA

 FL

 GA

 KS

 LA

 MS

 MO

 NM

 NC

 OK

 SC

 TN

 TX

 VA

 US

734

1,189

793

1,153

637

747

492

697

819

737

733

659

306

774

611

509

748

700

852

1,098

651

801

991

734

1,150

793

1,145

637

747

492

697

819

737

717

659

306

774

611

511

748

705

597

1,255

837

1,202

577

646

418

728

901

695

676

652

462

688

662

474

659

666

912

1,141

641

815

1,056

597

1,233

837

1,191

577

646

418

728

901

695

671

652

462

688

662

477

659

673

576

1,123

651

890

408

564

402

590

740

471

745

684

560

587

588

509

737

612

743

920

587

750

873

576

1,100

651

897

408

564

402

590

740

471

724

684

560

587

588

511

737

618

789.0

778.0

1,636.0

2,390.0

130.4

2,079.0

4.1

1,286.0

1,876.0

591.0

84.0

1,002.0

134.0

455.0

675.0

4,345.0

159.0

18,413.5

74.4

375.0

19.0

60.1

528.5

789.0

852.4

1,636.0

2,765.0

130.4

2,079.0

4.1

1,286.0

1,876.0

591.0

103.0

1,002.0

134.0

455.0

675.0

4,405.1

159.0

18,942.0

550.0

847.0

1,683.0

2,191.0

119.1

1,919.0

8.7

986.0

1,821.0

565.0

93.0

930.0

183.0

410.0

662.0

5,140.0

137.2

18,245.0

41.8

437.2

14.7

54.3

548.0

550.0

888.8

1,683.0

2,628.2

119.1

1,919.0

8.7

986.0

1,821.0

565.0

107.7

930.0

183.0

410.0

662.0

5,194.3

137.2

18,793.0

570.0

580.0

1,220.0

1,150.0

68.0

1,550.0

13.4

645.0

1,450.0

350.0

90.0

1,005.0

140.0

350.0

545.0

3,500.0

139.8

13,366.2

24.0

345.0

11.0

50.0

430.0

570.0

604.0

1,220.0

1,495.0

68.0

1,550.0

13.4

645.0

1,450.0

350.0

101.0

1,005.0

140.0

350.0

545.0

3,550.0

139.8

13,796.2 1 Production ginned and to be ginned. 2 480-lb. net weight bales.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

January 1999 6 NASS, USDA

Cottonseed: Production by State and United States, 1996-98

State

Production

1996 1997 1998 1

1,000 Tons 1,000 Tons 1,000 Tons

AL

AZ

AR

CA

FL

GA

KS

LA

MS

MO

NM

NC

OK

SC

TN

TX

VA

US

273.0

324.0

635.0

1,020.0

46.0

681.0

1.4

499.0

735.0

234.0

38.1

343.0

56.0

155.0

262.0

1,784.0

57.0

7,143.5

196.0

312.0

632.0

942.0

45.0

660.0

3.1

359.0

704.0

223.0

40.5

321.0

72.0

142.0

260.0

1,983.0

40.0

6,934.6

196.0

225.0

471.0

547.0

25.0

526.0

4.6

240.0

567.0

142.0

37.0

349.0

59.0

121.0

215.0

1,410.0

47.0

5,181.6 1 Estimates based on a 3-year average lint-seed ratio.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

January 1999 7 NASS, USDA

Potatoes: Area Planted, Harvested, Yield, and Production

by Seasonal Group, State, and United States, 1997-99

Seasonal

Group

and

State

Area Yield Production

Planted Harvested

1998 1999 1997 1998 1999

1998 1999 1998 1999

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

Winter

 CA

 FL

 Total

Spring 1

 AL

 AZ

 CA

 FL

 Hastings

 Other FL

 NC

 TX

 Total

7.0

8.5

15.5

1.8

8.1

18.5

35.8

25.5

10.3

18.0

10.8

93.0

7.8

9.2

17.0

7.0

8.0

15.0

1.7

8.1

18.5

34.5

24.5

10.0

17.5

10.3

90.6

7.8

8.9

16.7

220

180

199

130

282

335

213

235

160

190

170

233

190

180

185

1,551

1,880

3,431

272

1,820

8,073

7,150

5,258

1,892

3,287

1,697

22,299

1,540

1,440

2,980

221

2,284

6,198

7,358

5,758

1,600

3,325

1,751

21,137

1,482

1,602

3,084

1 1998 Revised.

Papayas: Area and Fresh Production, by Month, Hawaii, 1997-98

Month

Area Fresh Production

Total in Crop Harvested 1997 1998

1997 1998 1997 1998

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

Nov

Dec

3,105

3,515

3,785

3,735

1,920

1,715

2,235

2,185

3,030

3,145

3,070

3,235
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

January 1999 8 NASS, USDA

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

1996-97, 1997-98 and Forecasted January 1, 1999 1

Crop and State

Utilized Production

Boxes

Utilized Production

Ton Equivalent

1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99

1,000 Boxes 2 1,000 Boxes 2 1,000 Boxes 2 1,000 Tons 1,000 Tons 1,000 Tons

Oranges

 Early Mid &

 Navel 3

 AZ

 CA

 FL

 TX

 US

 Valencia

 AZ

 CA

 FL

 TX

 US

 All

 AZ

 CA

 FL

 TX

 US

Temples

 FL

Grapefruit

 White Seedless

 FL 4

 Colored Seedless

 FL 5

 Other

 FL

 All

 AZ

 CA

 FL 4 5

 TX

 US

Tangerines

 AZ 6

 CA 6

 FL

 US

Lemons

 AZ

 CA

 US

Tangelos

 FL

K-Early Citrus

 FL

400

40,000

134,200

1,300

175,900

600

24,000

92,000

120

116,720

1,000

64,000

226,200

1,420

292,620

2,400

23,500

31,400

900

900

8,200

55,800

5,300

70,200

550

2,600

6,300

9,450

2,600

22,600

25,200

3,950

150

350

44,000

140,000

1,350

185,700

650

30,000

104,000

175

134,825

1,000

74,000

244,000

1,525

320,525

2,250

18,300

30,600

650

800

9,000

49,550

4,800

64,150

600

2,400

5,200

8,200

2,600

22,000

24,600

2,850

40

450

19,000

112,000

1,300

132,750

550

19,000

78,000

140

97,690

1,000

38,000

190,000

1,440

230,440

2,000

18,000

31,500

500

700

8,000

50,000

5,000

63,700

700

1,600

4,500

6,800

3,200

18,000

21,200

2,500

60

15

1,500

6,039

55

7,609

23

900

4,140

5

5,068

38

2,400

10,179

60

12,677

108

999

1,334

38

30

275

2,371

212

2,888

21

98

299

418

99

859

958

178

7

13

1,650

6,300

57

8,020

25

1,125

4,680

7

5,837

38

2,775

10,980

64

13,857

101

777

1,301

28

27

301

2,106

192

2,626

23

90

247

360

99

836

935

128

2

17

713

5,040

55

5,825

21

713

3,510

6

4,250

38

1,426

8,550

61

10,075

90

765

1,339

21

23

268

2,125

200

2,616

26

60

214

300

122

684

806

113

3 1

 The crop year begins with the bloom of the first year shown and ends with the completion of harvest the following year. 2 Net

lbs. per box: oranges-AZ & CA-75, FL-90, TX-85; grapefruit-AZ & CA-67, FL-85, TX-80; lemons-76; tangelos, K-Early Citrus

& Temples-90; tangerines-AZ & CA-75, FL-95. 3

 Navel and miscellaneous varieties in AZ and CA. Early (including Navel) and

midseason varieties in FL and TX. Small quantities of tangerines in TX. 4

 Excludes White Seedless economic abandonment of

3,000,000 boxes in 1996-97 and 5,000,000 boxes in 1997-98. 5

 Excludes Colored Seedless economic abandonment of 3,000,000

boxes in 1996-97 and 1,000,000 boxes in 1997-98. 6

 Includes tangelos and tangors.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

January 1999 9 NASS, USDA

Hay: Stocks on Farms by State and United States,

December 1 and May 1, 1996-98

State Dec 1 May 1

1996 1997 1998 1997 1998

1,000 Tons 1,000 Tons 1,000 Tons 1,000 Tons 1,000 Tons

AL

AZ

AR

CA

CO

CT

DE

FL

GA

ID

IL

IN

IA

KS

KY

LA

ME

MD

MA

MI

MN

MS

MO

MT

NE

NV

NH

NJ

NM

NY

NC

ND

OH

OK

OR

PA

RI

SC

SD

TN

TX

UT

VT

VA

WA

WV

WI

WY

US

1,489

82

1,888

2,594

2,006

97

11

437

924

2,285

1,258

1,131

3,500

5,600

4,334

502

202

433

108

2,514

4,018

1,620

6,470

4,674

5,063

758

70

92

546

2,254

1,160

4,777

2,074

4,397

2,108

2,613

6

308

8,530

3,049

6,252

1,327

330

2,666

1,162

895

4,600

1,965

105,179

1,646

171

2,075

1,598

2,133

69

7

436

1,045

2,743

1,327

1,213

3,374

5,609

3,615

668

152

381

92

1,993

3,647

1,530

6,239

5,042

4,549

708

49

138

479

1,998

1,162

4,069

2,387

4,444

1,600

2,299

9

410

7,888

3,184

8,764

1,658

261

1,591

1,295

848

4,320

2,129

103,044

1,213

177

1,900

3,246

2,807

77

18

357

1,000

3,329

2,100

1,775

4,500

6,500

4,695

290

196

333

101

2,093

5,261

1,500

6,933

4,568

5,170

857

72

121

450

1,990

1,189

4,064

2,558

3,042

2,159

2,800

12

415

9,500

3,175

5,496

1,695

328

1,693

1,663

949

5,100

2,372

111,839

193

28

236

160

209

13

6

31

302

286

286

162

715

841

627

126

57

84

31

460

540

160

872

492

968

61

12

27

74

555

137

675

173

790

97

600

1

101

1,570

419

1,400

302

86

622

283

117

1,150

287

17,424

191

34

272

420

616

16

5

65

203

520

474

327

623

889

603

103

25

55

17

414

640

198

881

1,151

1,222

151

9

20

165

344

152

744

616

919

621

452

1

82

2,031

555

2,191

435

73

250

308

110

1,271

363

21,827
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

January 1999 10 NASS, USDA

December Weather Summary: Arctic air enveloped much of the Nation following early- to mid-month

record warmth, severely damaging citrus in California’s San Joaquin Valley (December 21-25) and

threatening soft white winter wheat in the Northwest (December 20-24). In the Plains and Ohio Valley,

however, winter wheat escaped with only some burning back of top-growth, as snow cover insulated the

potentially vulnerable portion of the crop. During the coldest period (December 19-26), only a few areas,

including coastal southern California, the lower Colorado Valley, extreme southern Texas, and Peninsular

Florida, escaped sub-freezing temperatures. Lowest temperatures ranged from -10 to -30 degrees F across the

northern and central Plains as far south as eastern Colorado and west-central Kansas. A reinforcing Arctic

blast arrived at year’s end (December 29-31), primarily affecting the northern Plains and Midwest.

Despite the late-month chill, December temperatures averaged 4 to 10 degrees F above normal across the

Midwest. Similar departures (+2 to +8 degrees F) were noted in the East. During the first 8 days of the

month, nearly 500 daily-record highs were set or tied, while more than 50 locations reported Decemberrecord highs. A second warm spell, beginning on December 12, produced more than 100 additional dailyrecord highs before an Arctic cold front swept off the East Coast on December 22. In California, the cold

wave helped to hold monthly temperatures as much as 4 degrees F below normal.

Heavy precipitation continued across the Pacific Northwest for a second consecutive month, contributing to

late-month flooding west of the Cascades. Some of the moisture spread across the Cascades into the northern

Rockies, but most areas in a broad swath from California to the Northeast, including the Great Lakes region,

received below-normal precipitation. Meanwhile, a series of low-pressure systems crossed the South,

producing monthly precipitation greater than 4 inches in areas from eastern Texas and southeastern

Oklahoma to North Carolina and southern Virginia. A pair of storms during the second week of December

provided this region with heavy rainfall, but a December 22-24 ice storm caused power outages and

transportation disruptions. Although the Southeast’s precipitation provided significant relief from long-term

dryness, many locations both north and south of the primary storm track saw moisture deficits mount. 

Drought stretched through a sixth month in portions of the northern Mid-Atlantic region.

General Crop Comments: Winter wheat development in parts of the central and southern Plains, Corn Belt,

Southeast, and lower Mississippi Delta was stimulated early in the month by warm weather. Many record

high temperatures were recorded east of the Rocky Mountains. Wheat areas in the northern Rocky

Mountains, Pacific Northwest, and southern High Plains received beneficial rains. Dry conditions assisted

late-season harvest efforts and fall tillage operations in most of the Corn Belt, Southeast, and middle Atlantic

Coastal Plains. Warm, dry weather relieved muddy field conditions and allowed harvest activities to resume

in parts of the northern Plains and upper Mississippi Valley. Heavy rains temporarily halted fieldwork in

parts of the southern and central Great Plains, from eastern Texas to eastern Kansas and coastal areas of the

Pacific Northwest, from northern California to the Canadian border.

As mid-month approached, temperatures fell to more seasonal levels, ending winter wheat growth in the

central and northern Great Plains and Corn Belt. Seeding of small grains and winter forages continued in

California, but were hampered by wet soils in many areas. Cool, cloudy weather slowed growth of emerging

crops in the San Joaquin Valley, while wheat fields in the Sacramento Valley were growing well with

additional moisture. Poor drying conditions hampered cotton harvesting in the Central Valley, and the lint

quality declined in unharvested fields. Vegetable harvest activity was slowed by frost, but fruit and nut

harvest was active. In Texas, small grain growth was slowed in the Plains by freezing temperatures and snow. 

Cotton growth ended following a hard freeze and final harvest, temporarily halted by snow, resumed late in

the week. Grain sorghum and peanut harvests were nearly complete by the end of the week in the Plains. In

South Central Texas, the final peanut harvest was hampered by wet fields. Hot, dry weather continued to

delay small grain emergence in the Southeast, where soil moisture was becoming increasingly short. 

However, the dry weather allowed vegetable planting and harvesting activities to proceed on schedule in

Florida. Picking quality and color were good and growth of recently planted vegetable crops was normal.

Shortly after mid-month, an arctic airmass brought frigid temperatures to the Northwest and northern Rocky

Mountains, and the coldest temperatures of the winter to the Great Plains, and the western Corn Belt. Most
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

January 1999 11 NASS, USDA

winter wheat fields in the northern Plains had some snow cover, providing minimal protection from the

sudden cold, windy conditions. In the southern Plains, daytime temperatures remained warm enough to

promote growth of small grains. Scattered fertilizing and tillage activities continued unhindered by the cold

weather in the Great Plains, Corn Belt, Mississippi Delta, and Southeast. In South Dakota, soils were firm

enough to allow farmers to harvest most of the remaining corn and sorghum crops. Dry weather also aided

harvest efforts in the southern Plains, where a few isolated cotton and sorghum fields remained unharvested. 

Northern Florida experienced below-freezing readings, but vegetable and fruit crops in central and southern

areas of the state were not affected. In California, growers harvested vegetables in the Imperial and Coastal

Valleys, pruned orchards in the Sacramento Valley, and planted winter wheat and oats in the San Joaquin

Valley. Mild temperatures aided winter wheat development in the Sacramento Valley and vegetable crops

were developing well in the San Joaquin valley.

As the end of the month approached, another bitter cold airmass pushed southward out of western Canada

into the western and central United States. Several nights of sub-freezing temperatures damaged citrus crops

in the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys, but southern California citrus escaped major damage. The

lemon crop was especially hard hit. Freeze damage to California’s vegetable crops was not as severe, but the

cold weather halted winter vegetable harvest activities. A stormy pattern resumed along the Pacific

Northwest coast. Snow, followed by mild and rainy weather, raised streams to their banks in some areas. In

Texas, mild temperatures aided winter wheat growth and most fields provided good forage for grazing. Dry

conditions continued to assist harvest efforts as cotton, sorghum, peanuts, and soybeans were virtually

complete. Precipitation in the Southeast provided beneficial moisture for winter crops, but freezing rain

downed power lines from the central Mississippi Delta to the middle Atlantic States. In Florida, rains eased

dryness in the Panhandle, but the remainder of the State remained dry. Vegetable and citrus growers

increased irrigation and harvesting continued until late week when many took a break to observe the holiday. 

Most citrus groves were in good condition, but some were stressed by excessive dryness. 

Cotton: Upland cotton planted acreage is estimated at 13.1 million acres, up 4 percent from the August

estimate, but down 4 percent from 1997. Harvested acreage at 10.5 million acres, was 20 percent less than

last year, mainly due to the large abandonment in Texas. Producers planted 329,900 acres of American-Pima

cotton in 1998, up 32 percent from 1997. However, harvested acreage was down 5 percent, at 236,500

acres, also because of the large abandonment in Texas.

Texas’ harvest exceeded the 5-year average during the season, and in late November, harvest was 8 points

ahead of the average pace of 87 percent. Texas’ irrigated fields showed good progress this season, but

drought and high temperatures resulted in 2.35 million acres being abandoned. At the end of

August,approximately one-half of the acreage was rated in poor or very poor condition, 17 percent was rated

good, and 3 percent was rated excellent. In late August, boll set was complete. Torrential rains in the south

during October replenished topsoil moisture, but harvest was interrupted and regrowth became a problem in

some fields. Objective yield survey data indicated the third lowest boll weights since 1988. Planted acres in

Texas is estimated at 5.65 million, up 3 percent from 1997, and up 450,000 acres from the August estimate. 

Harvested acreage is down 37 percent from last year, at 3.30 million acres.

The Delta States’ (Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee) planted and harvested 8

percent less acreage than in 1997. Plantings totaled 3.23 million acres and harvested area totaled 3.17 million

acres. Planting was behind the 5-year average due to wet soils until mid-May, when a dry period allowed

most States to exceed the average. During the first week of May, producers in Arkansas, Louisiana, and

Mississippi planted about 30 percent of their acreage. The percent of the Arkansas crop rated in good to

excellent condition on July 19, dropped 13 points from late June to 55 percent. Louisiana’s rating dropped

12 points during this same time period to 38 percent, while Mississippi showed a only a 5 point drop to 70

percent in good to excellent condition. Hot and dry weather pushed the crop’s development ahead of 5-year

averages. Missouri’s acreage received heavy rains during early August and then dry conditions began with

mild temperatures, which lowered yield potential. During September, Louisiana and Mississippi were

affected by two tropical storms and Hurricane Georges. The first storm, Frances, had high amounts of
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

January 1999 12 NASS, USDA

rainfall and also moved into southern Arkansas. Tropical storm Hermine made landfall in Louisiana, but had

much less rain than the previous storm. In early November, harvest was 8 points behind the 5-year average

pace in Missouri, at 70 percent, but the other States were ahead of the average pace. At this same time,

Louisiana had 97 percent of the crop harvested, 5 points ahead of the 5-year average. Mississippi and

Arkansas producers were 14 points above average with 98 percent and 91 percent of the acreage harvested,

respectively, in early November. Tennessee’s progress was 17 points ahead of the 5-year average at 92

percent, and excellent harvest conditions allowed growers to proceed with second pickings. Cotton objective

yield data show Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi had the lowest boll weights compared to the past 10

years.

Arizona’s planted and harvested acres decreased by 23 percent from 1997, and California producers

decreased planted and harvested acreage by 26 percent and 29 percent, respectively. Eighty-three percent of

Arizona's crop was harvested in late November, 7 points behind the normal pace. California’s seeding pace

was well behind average most of the season as wet, cool weather prevailed which resulted in development

remaining behind average. Only one percent of the California crop was harvested on October 4, 8 points

behind average, and one month later producers were 47 points behind the average pace, with only 15 percent

harvested. Boll opening was three-fourths complete compared to the 5-year average of 99 percent, on this

same date, and the crop’s condition was rated as 45 percent good and 45 percent in fair condition. During

December, harvest made little progress in the central valley, due to the poor drying conditions, and some

unharvested cotton fields were plowed under because of deteriorating lint quality and unopened bolls. A few

fields were second picked, and plowdown for pink bollworm control was ongoing on sandier soils. The

plowdown deadline for the southern San Joaquin Valley was extended fifteen days, due to the extremely late

harvest season. California’s boll weights ranked seventh since 1988.

In the Southeastern States (Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina), cotton planted acreage

was 2 percent less than in 1997, at 2.90 million acres, and harvested acreage was also down 2 percent, at 2.79

million acres. Plantings were behind average for most of the season except in Alabama, where producers

exceeded the average planting pace. The weather remained hot and dry after plantings were completed. 

Hurricane Bonnie entered into North Carolina on August 26, with extreme winds and torrential rainfall, and

covered approximately one-half of the cotton acreage in the State. The two largest producing counties were

on the western edge of the storm weren’t heavily affected. Hurricane Georges crossed southern Alabama

and into Georgia during the September, with the heaviest rainfall in Alabama. Additionally, Tropical Storm

Earl also affected these States cotton crop in early September with heavy rain. However, open weather

during the fall resulted in larger production than earlier anticipated.

American-Pima production is forecast at 430,000 bales, down 22 percent from 1997's output, and down 

2,500 bales from the December forecast. Yield is indicated at 873 pounds per harvested acre, down 183 

pounds from last year’s record high yield. California producers increased their seedings 8 percent from the

previous year, to 200,000 acres, but Arizona’s acreage decreased 28 percent from 1997 to 15,900 acres. 

Plantings in the San Joaquin Valley began with unseasonably cool, wet conditions, which kept progress to a

minimum until the last of April. June temperatures in California were below normal and crop development

was behind average throughout the season. Harvest progressed rapidly during the first half of November,

although overall progress remained well behind normal. Light to moderate rains beginning in mid-month,

delayed harvest and deteriorated lint quality. Harvest in the San Joaquin Valley was 80 percent complete in

late November. In Texas a large amount of acreage seeded in non-traditional producing areas, was subject to

substantial abandonment. Texas seeded acreage totaled 105,000 acres in 1998, but producers only harvested

32,000 acres. New Mexico producers reduced their planted and harvested acreage by 18 percent.

All cotton ginnings totaled 13,067,150 running bales prior to January 1, compared with 17,613,350 running

bales ginned to the same date last year and 17,680,900 running bales in 1996.

Winter Potatoes: Production of winter potatoes in 1999 is forecast at 3.08 million cwt. This is up 3 percent

from 1998 but 10 percent below 1997. Area for harvest is estimated at 16,700 acres, up 11 percent from a

year ago and 4 percent above two years ago. The average yield is projected at 185 cwt per acre, 14 cwt below

last year.

Florida planting is virtually completed, with acreage up 8 percent. Early growth is good. California’s

acreage is up 11 percent, but yields are expected to be below last year. High temperatures at planting caused

poor stands and low yields. Harvest of 1999 California winter potatoes began in mid December.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

January 1999 13 NASS, USDA

Spring Potatoes: Production estimates of spring potatoes totaled 21.1 million cwt in 1998, down 5 percent

from a year earlier and 6 percent below 1996. Harvested area totaled 90,600 acres, up 4 percent from 1997,

while the average yield of 233 cwt per acre was down 22 cwt from last year.

Papayas: Hawaii fresh papaya output is estimated at 3.24 million pounds for December, 5 percent more

than November and 3 percent more than December 1997. Area devoted to papaya production totaled

3,735 acres, 1 percent lower than November but 6 percent higher than a year ago. Harvested area, totaling

2,185 acres, was 2 percent lower than the previous month but 27 percent higher than last year. Cloudy and

rainy conditions were frequent throughout the month of December. Cool temperatures and shorter daylight

hours slowed fruit development.

Grapefruit: The January 1 forecast of the 1998-99 U.S. grapefruit crop is 2.62 million tons, down slightly

from the December forecast and slightly below last season. The January 1 Florida grapefruit crop is forecast

at 50.0 million boxes (2.13 million tons), the same as last month and up 1 percent from a year ago. The white

seedless and colored seedless forecasts continued at 18.0 million boxes (765,000 tons) and 31.5 million

boxes (1.34 million tons), respectively. White seedless fruit size was average with slightly below average

droppage. The colored seedless fruit size was below average with slightly above average droppage. The

forecast of seedy grapefruit is unchanged at 500,000 boxes (21,000 tons), the smallest amount of this variety

ever recorded.

California’s January 1 forecast of grapefruit production is 8.00 million boxes (268,000 tons), down 5 percent

from the October 1 forecast and down 11 percent from last year’s utilization. Most of California’s grapefruit

was not affected by the late December freeze that hit the San Joaquin Valley. The cooler weather has

produced less soft fruit. Defects include windscar and sunburn. Color and quality are fair. Grapefruit

production in Texas is forecast at 5.00 million boxes (200,000 tons), unchanged from December 1 and up

4 percent from the previous season. Weather has not been a problem. Arizona’s grapefruit forecast

continues at 700,000 boxes (23,000 tons), down 13 percent from a year ago. No freeze damage was reported.

Lemons: The 1998-99 U.S. lemon crop is forecast at 806,000 tons, down 11 percent from the initial forecast

in October and down 14 percent from the 1997-98 crop. California’s forecast is reduced to 18.0 million

boxes (684,000 tons), 14 percent less than in October and 18 percent less than a year ago. Less than

20 percent of the lemons in California are normally grown in the freeze damaged areas. Nearly all fruit not

harvested before the freeze in those areas will most likely be lost. In the south coast and desert areas lemons

look good. Typical defects include windscar, flatsides, tip injuries, and botrytis bumps. The Arizona lemon

forecast is raised to 3.20 million boxes (122,000 tons), up 18 percent from the October forecast and up

23 percent from a year ago.

Tangelos: Florida’s tangelo forecast for January 1 remains at 2.50 million boxes (113,000 tons), 12 percent

less than last season’s utilized production and 37 percent less than 2 seasons ago.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

January 1999 14 NASS, USDA

Tangerines: The 1998-99 U.S. tangerine crop is forecast at 300,000 tons, down 6 percent from last month

and down 17 percent from the previous year’s utilization. Florida’s tangerine crop is forecast at 4.50 million

boxes (214,000 tons), a 7 percent increase from the December 1 forecast. If realized, the crop will be

13 percent less than last year. California’s January 1 tangerine forecast is 1.60 million boxes (60,000 tons),

down 36 percent from October and down 33 percent from last season. Approximately half of California’s

tangerine acreage was adversely affected by the December freeze. Tangerines not already harvested are

expected to be totally lost. In southern California, minimal freeze damage was reported for tangerines. Color

is good and eating quality is very good. Defects include windscar, picking injury, and puff. Arizona’s

tangerine forecast on January 1 is 700,000 boxes (26,000 tons), up 8 percent from October and up 17 percent

from a year ago.

Temples: Florida’s 1998-99 Temple forecast is 2.00 million boxes (90,000 tons), unchanged from

December 1, but 11 percent less than what was utilized last season. If realized, it will be the smallest

non-freeze season utilization since the series began in 1954-55. Average fruit size is well below average and

loss from droppage is the lowest in the eight-season series. The crop is lagging in maturity and harvest is just

getting underway.

K-Early Citrus: The K-Early Citrus Fruit forecast for 1998-99 remains at 60,000 boxes (3,000 tons), the

same as December 1 but 20,000 boxes more than the record low use last season. Estimated utilization

through the end of December is 52,000 boxes. Small amounts are still available for processing.

Florida citrus: December was a very mild and dry month. Most areas of the citrus belt received below

average rainfall which necessitated the use of irrigation. The current crop of early and midseason fruit is

showing very good on-tree color. Some packing houses have been packing fruit directly after washing which

adds shelf life to the fruit. Processing plants have been running long hours attempting to move large

quantities of low acid early and midseason oranges. Processors are utilizing the excellent color from the early

tangerines and tangelos that were rejected by the packing houses due to exterior blemishes. Caretakers were

irrigating, spot spraying, and pushing dead trees throughout the month.

Texas Citrus: Harvest moved ahead without much delay during December. No severely low temperatures

have been reported from the Rio Grande Valley. Quality of fruit is good, but down from last year.

California Citrus: The San Joaquin Valley had temperatures in the low 20's toward the end of December

causing extensive freeze damage on citrus fruit. As of January 1, growers were still evaluating how much

fruit was salvageable. Many growers are optimistic that some of the fruit may be useable, but the quality may

only be good enough for juice. The freeze destroyed virtually all the unharvested lemons in the San Joaquin

Valley, which normally accounts for less than 20 percent of the State’s lemon acreage. Approximately

90 percent of the navel oranges grown in California are in the San Joaquin Valley. The navel crop was

severely damaged by the freeze because only 15 percent of the crop had been picked due to the slow maturity

of this crop. Normally a fourth of the crop has been picked by the end of the year. The Valencia crop in the

San Joaquin Valley, where 60 percent of California’s Valencia acres are located, suffered considerably

because the crop was green and immature. Picking of any available fruit will not begin until late spring or

early summer. Grapefruit, a heartier fruit, did not suffer as much damage. Temperatures in southern

California dipped below freezing the same week, but temperatures did not stay there long enough to cause

damage. More than 80 percent of the lemons and grapefruit are in southern California and good quality fruit

was reported there. 
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

January 1999 15 NASS, USDA

California Fruits and Nuts: Growers were busy with normal winter activities during December such as

weed control, fertilizing, pruning, and replanting trees. Pecan, kiwifruit, and persimmon harvests continued. 

Picking of fresh grapes and apples was completed.

Hay Stocks on Farm: Stocks of all hay on farms December 1, 1998 totaled 112 million tons, 9 percent

above the stocks on farms December 1, 1997. Stock increases occurred in 33 of the 48 contiguous States. 

The mild winter conditions across the United States prolonged pasturing and reduced the feeding of hay. 

California had a 103 percent increase in December hay stocks from a year ago. The drought conditions in the

southern states, from New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma to Georgia and Florida, played a major role in their

stock decreases from a year ago. Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma had the largest stocks decreases, down 57,

37, and 32 percent, respectively, from last December.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

January 1999 16 NASS, USDA

Information Contacts

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

Service to contact for additional information.

C. Ray Halley, Chief (202) 720-2127

Field Crops Section

Charles Van Lahr, Acting Head (202) 720-3843

Jerry Ramirez - Soybeans, Minor Oilseeds (202) 720-7369

Rhonda Brandt - Corn (202) 720-9526

Herman Ellison - Peanuts, Rice, Barley (202) 720-7688

Doug Hartwig - Hay, Sorghum (202) 690-3234

Roger Latham - Cotton, Cotton Ginnings (202) 720-5944

Mark E. Miller - Oats, Sugar Crops, Weekly Crop Weather (202) 720-7621

Vaughn Siegenthaler - Wheat, Rye (202) 720-8068

Fruit, Vegetable & Special Crops Section

Dean Groskurth, Head (202) 720-3843

Arvin Budge - Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes (202) 720-4285

Dave DeWalt - Citrus, Tropical Fruits (202) 720-5412

Howard Hill - Cherries, Berries, Prunes, Plums,

Cranberries, Grapes, Maple Syrup (202) 720-7235

Dave Ranek - Nuts, Floriculture (202) 720-4215

Jeffery Kissel - Noncitrus Fruits, Mint, Dry Beans & Peas,

Mushrooms (202) 690-0270

Biz Wallingsford - Fresh and Processing Vegetables, Onions (202) 720-2157

Debbie Williams - Apples, Strawberries, Tobacco (202) 720-4288

Harry Nishimoto - Hops (360) 902-1940

The next "Crop Production" report will be released at 8:30 a.m. ET on February 10, 1999.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs on the

basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and

marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who

require alternative means for communication of program information (braille, large print, audiotape, etc.)

should contact the USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).

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

Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C., 20250-9410, or call 202-720-5964 (voice

or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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For a fresh assessment of agricultural

prospects and issues shaping your future,

attend the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s

75th Outlook Forum. Ample time will be

available to network with hundreds of experts

from agriculture, business, and government.

To get program and registration details,

access the Forum web site at

www.usda.gov/oce, send e-mail to

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(202) 314-3462. Register today; rates go up

after February 1.

February 22-23, 1999

Arlington, Virginia

Size Up Your Future.

Agricultural

Outlook

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1999

• Farm and Commodity Outlook

• Long-term Prospects to 2008

• New Risk Management Tools

• Price Discovery Issues

• Farm Marketing Innovations

• Focus on China and Latin America

• First Look at the New Ag Census

• Impact of Dietary Guidelines and Nutrition Programs

Agricultural

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 1999