Cr Pr 2-2 (3-99)

Crop

Production

National

Agricultural

Statistics

Service

USDA

Washington, D.C.

Released March 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.

U.S. Orange Production Down 1 Percent

All oranges production forecast for 1998-99 is 10.2 million tons, down 1 percent from last month and down

27 percent from last year’s record large crop of 13.9 million tons. Florida's all orange forecast is decreased to

192 million boxes (8.64 million tons), 1 percent lower than the February forecast and 21 percent lower than

the record large 244 million boxes produced last season. Early and midseason varieties in Florida are forecast

at 114 million boxes (5.13 million tons), down 2 percent from February and down 19 percent from a year ago. 

Florida’s Valencia forecast remains unchanged at 78.0 million boxes (3.51 million tons), 25 percent below

last season’s 104.0 million boxes. California’s all orange production forecast of 38.0 million boxes

(1.43 million tons) is carried forward from January and is 49 percent less than last season. The Navel orange

forecast is 19.0 million boxes (712,500 tons), down 57 percent from last year and the Valencia forecast is

19.0 million boxes (712,500 tons), 37 percent less than a year ago.

Florida frozen concentrated orange juice (FCOJ) yield for the 1998-99 season is forecast at 1.62 gallons

per box at 42.0 degrees Brix, up from February’s forecast of 1.60 gallons per box. The forecast projects the

final yield as reported by the Florida Citrus Processors Association. Projected average yield for early and

midseason varieties is increased to a record high 1.59 gallons per box. Valencias are projected to yield

1.68 gallons per box, up from 1.67 gallons last month but below last season’s record high of 1.72. Average

pound solids are at a record high level for March 1.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

March 1999 2 NASS, USDA

This report was approved on March 11, 1999.

Acting Secretary of

Agriculture

August Schumacher, Jr.

Agricultural Statistics Board

Chairperson

Rich Allen
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

March 1999 3 NASS, USDA

Contents

Page

Crop Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Fruit, Citrus ...........................................................................5

Information Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Papayas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Sugarcane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Weather Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

March 1999 4 NASS, USDA

Sugarcane: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production

by Use, State, and United States, 1997-98

Use

and

State

Area Harvested Yield 1 Production 1

1997 1998 1997 1998 1997 1998

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

For Sugar

 FL

 HI 2

 LA 2

 TX 2

 US

For Seed

 FL

 HI 2

 LA 2

 TX 2

 US

For Sugar

 and Seed

 FL

 HI 2

 LA 2

 TX 2

 US

421.0

32.0

380.0

27.3

860.3

19.0

2.2

30.0

2.5

53.7

440.0

34.2

410.0

29.8

914.0

429.0

31.8

400.0

32.0

892.8

21.0

2.2

35.0

0.5

58.7

450.0

34.0

435.0

32.5

951.5

36.9

91.4

28.2

30.3

34.9

36.9

38.2

28.2

30.0

31.8

36.9

88.0

28.2

30.3

34.7

39.3

85.5

29.0

30.0

36.0

39.0

31.4

29.0

30.0

32.7

39.3

82.0

29.0

30.0

35.8

15,535

2,925

10,716

827

30,003

701

84

846

75

1,706

16,236

3,009

11,562

902

31,709

16,860

2,719

11,600

960

32,139

819

69

1,015

15

1,918

17,679

2,788

12,615

975

34,057 1 Net tons. 2 Current estimates carried forward from earlier forecast.

Papayas: Area and Fresh Production, by Month, Hawaii, 1998-99

Month

Area Fresh Production

Total in Crop Harvested 1998 1999

1998 1999 1998 1999

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

Jan

Feb

3,510

3,505

3,740

3,700

1,735

1,740

2,195

2,135

2,875

2,655

2,980

2,870
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

March 1999 5 NASS, USDA

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

1996-97, 1997-98 and Forecasted March 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 4

 CA 4

 FL

 TX

 US

 Valencia

 AZ 4

 CA 4

 FL

 TX

 US

 All

 AZ 4

 CA 4

 FL

 TX

 US

Temples

 FL

Grapefruit

 White Seedless

 FL 5

 Colored Seedless

 FL 6

 Other

 FL

 All

 AZ 4

 CA 4

 FL 5 6

 TX

 US

Tangerines

 AZ 4 7

 CA 4 7

 FL

 US

Lemons 4

 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

114,000

1,300

134,750

550

19,000

78,000

140

97,690

1,000

38,000

192,000

1,440

232,440

2,000

19,000

29,500

500

700

8,000

49,000

5,400

63,100

700

1,600

4,650

6,950

3,200

18,000

21,200

2,600

80

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

5,130

55

5,915

21

713

3,510

6

4,250

38

1,426

8,640

61

10,165

90

808

1,254

21

23

268

2,083

216

2,590

26

60

221

307

122

684

806

117

4 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

 Estimates for current year carried forward from earlier

forecast. 5

 Excludes White Seedless economic abandonment of 3,000,000 boxes in 1996-97 and 5,000,000 boxes in 1997-98. 6

 Excludes Colored Seedless economic abandonment of 3,000,000 boxes in 1996-97 and 1,000,000 boxes in 1997-98. 7 Includes

tangelos and tangors.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

March 1999 6 NASS, USDA

Crop Summary: Area Planted and Harvested, United States, 1998-99

(Domestic Units) 1

Crop

Area Planted Area Harvested

1998 1999 1998 1999

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

Grains & Hay

 Barley

 Corn for Grain 2

 Corn for Silage

 Hay, All

 Alfalfa

 All Other

 Oats

 Rice

 Rye

 Sorghum for Grain 2

 Sorghum for Silage

 Wheat, All

 Winter

 Durum

 Other Spring

Oilseeds

 Canola

 Cottonseed

 Flaxseed

 Mustard Seed

 Peanuts

 Rapeseed

 Safflower

 Soybeans for Beans

 Sunflower

Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops

 Cotton, All

 Upland

 Amer-Pima

 Sugarbeets

 Sugarcane

 Tobacco

Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils

 Austrian Winter Peas

 Dry Edible Beans

 Dry Edible Peas

 Lentils

 Wrinkled Seed Peas

Potatoes & Misc.

 Coffee (HI)

 Ginger Root (HI)

 Hops

 Peppermint Oil

 Potatoes, All

 Winter

 Spring

 Summer

 Fall

 Spearmint Oil

 Sweet Potatoes

 Taro (HI) 3

6,340.0

80,187.0

4,902.0

3,345.0

1,571.0

9,626.0

65,871.0

46,449.0

3,805.0

15,617.0

1,127.0

336.0

98.9

1,511.0

4.8

303.0

72,375.0

3,553.0

13,417.9

13,088.0

329.9

1,497.9

9.0

2,010.1

323.4

162.0

1,423.4

15.5

93.0

73.7

1,241.2

86.8

1,590.0

43,354.0

17.0

5,867.0

72,604.0

5,919.0

60,016.0

23,642.0

36,374.0

2,765.0

3,317.0

418.0

7,723.0

305.0

59,002.0

40,126.0

3,728.0

15,148.0

1,092.0

329.0

95.6

1,465.5

4.7

285.0

70,811.0

3,476.0

10,722.5

10,486.0

236.5

1,451.6

951.5

726.9

7.4

1,913.9

309.1

158.5

6.1

0.4

36.6

124.0

1,394.4

15.0

90.6

68.8

1,220.0

27.4

83.8

0.5

16.7

1

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

full 1999 crop year. 2

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

March 1999 7 NASS, USDA

Crop Summary: Yield and Production, United States, 1998-99

(Domestic Units) 1

Crop Unit

Yield Production

1998 1999 1998 1999

1,000 1,000

Grains & Hay

 Barley

 Corn for Grain

 Corn for Silage

 Hay, All

 Alfalfa

 All Other

 Oats

 Rice 2

 Rye

 Sorghum for Grain

 Sorghum for Silage

 Wheat, All

 Winter

 Durum

 Other Spring

Oilseeds

 Canola

 Cottonseed

 Flaxseed

 Mustard Seed

 Peanuts

 Rapeseed

 Safflower

 Soybeans for Beans

 Sunflower

Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops

 Cotton, All 2

 Upland 2

 Amer-Pima 2

 Sugarbeets

 Sugarcane

 Tobacco

Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils

 Austrian Winter Peas 2

 Dry Edible Beans 2

 Dry Edible Peas 2

 Lentils 2

 Wrinkled Seed Peas

Potatoes & Misc.

 Coffee (HI)

 Ginger Root (HI)

 Hops

 Peppermint Oil

 Potatoes, All

 Winter

 Spring

 Summer

 Fall

 Spearmint Oil

 Sweet Potatoes

 Taro (HI) 3

Bu

"

Ton

"

"

"

Bu

Cwt

Bu

"

Ton

Bu

"

"

"

Lb

Ton

Bu

Lb

"

"

"

Bu

Lb

Bale

"

"

Ton

"

Lb

Cwt

"

"

"

"

Lb

"

"

"

Cwt

"

"

"

"

Lb

Cwt

Lb

60.1

134.4

16.0

2.52

3.47

1.91

60.4

5,669

28.2

67.3

11.4

43.2

46.9

37.8

34.9

1,455

20.4

855

2,683

1,353

1,446

38.9

1,509

618

612

873

22.5

35.8

2,104

1,405

1,611

1,920

1,223

1,480

50,000

1,625

78

343

199

233

280

356

109

142

185

352,445

9,761,085

94,525

151,338

82,010

69,328

167,122

188,051

11,795

519,933

3,487

2,550,383

1,880,605

141,069

528,709

1,588,620

5,182

6,708

81,750

3,931,275

6,360

412,085

2,756,794

5,246,701

13,796.2

13,366.2

430.0

32,660

34,057

1,529,647

104

30,828

5,934

1,938

674

9,000

18,000

59,548

9,727

477,754

2,980

21,137

19,269

434,368

2,987

11,887

6,000

3,084

1

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

full 1999 crop year. 2

 Yield in pounds. 3 Yield is not estimated.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

March 1999 8 NASS, USDA

Fruits and Nuts Production, United States, 1997-99

(Domestic Units) 1

Crop Unit

Production

1997 1998 1999

1,000 1,000 1,000

Citrus 2

 Grapefruit

 K-Early Citrus (FL)

 Lemons

 Oranges

 Tangelos (FL)

 Tangerines

 Temples (FL)

Non-Citrus

 Apples

 Apricots

 Bananas (HI)

 Grapes

 Olives (CA)

 Papayas (HI)

 Peaches

 Pears

 Prunes, Dried (CA)

 Prunes & Plums (Ex CA)

Nuts & Misc.

 Almonds (CA)

 Hazelnuts

 Pecans

 Pistachios (CA)

 Walnuts (CA)

 Maple Syrup

Ton

"

"

"

"

"

"

1,000 Lbs

Ton

Lb

Ton

"

Lb

1,000 Lbs

Ton

"

"

Lb

Ton

Lb

"

Ton

Gal

2,888

7

958

12,677

178

418

108

10,323.8

139.2

13,700.0

7,290.9

104.0

38,800.0

2,624.6

1,042.5

214.0

25.5

759,000

47.0

335,000

180,000

269.0

1,298

2,626

2

935

13,857

128

360

101

10,943.6

118.3

20,000.0

5,595.6

90.0

39,000.0

2,425.8

926.2

108.0

25.6

520,000

15.5

155,050

188,000

227.0

1,159

2,590

4

806

10,165

122

307

90

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

the full 1999 crop year. 2 Production years are 1996-97, 1997-98, and 1998-99.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

March 1999 9 NASS, USDA

Crop Summary: Area Planted and Harvested, United States, 1998-99

(Metric Units) 1

Crop

Area Planted Area Harvested

1998 1999 1998 1999

Hectares Hectares Hectares Hectares

Grains & Hay

 Barley

 Corn for Grain 2

 Corn for Silage

 Hay, All 3

 Alfalfa

 All Other

 Oats

 Rice

 Rye

 Sorghum for Grain 2

 Sorghum for Silage

 Wheat, All 3

 Winter

 Durum

 Other Spring

Oilseeds

 Canola

 Cottonseed

 Flaxseed

 Mustard Seed

 Peanuts

 Rapeseed

 Safflower

 Soybeans for Beans

 Sunflower

Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops

 Cotton, All 3

 Upland

 Amer-Pima

 Sugarbeets

 Sugarcane

 Tobacco

Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils

 Austrian Winter Peas

 Dry Edible Beans

 Dry Edible Peas

 Lentils

 Wrinkled Seed Peas

Potatoes & Misc.

 Coffee (HI)

 Ginger Root (HI)

 Hops

 Peppermint Oil

 Potatoes, All 3

 Winter

 Spring

 Summer

 Fall

 Spearmint Oil

 Sweet Potatoes

 Taro (HI) 4

2,565,730

32,450,880

1,983,790

1,353,690

635,770

3,895,550

26,657,330

18,797,450

1,539,850

6,320,040

456,090

135,980

40,020

1,940

122,620

29,289,440

1,437,860

5,430,090

5,296,580

133,510

606,190

3,640

813,470

130,880

65,560

576,040

6,270

37,640

29,830

502,300

35,130

643,460

17,544,930

6,880

2,374,320

29,382,110

2,395,360

24,287,880

9,567,680

14,720,190

1,118,970

1,342,360

169,160

3,125,420

123,430

23,877,520

16,238,590

1,508,680

6,130,240

441,920

133,140

38,690

1,900

115,340

28,656,500

1,406,700

4,339,290

4,243,580

95,710

587,450

385,060

294,170

2,990

774,540

125,090

64,140

2,470

150

14,830

50,180

564,300

6,070

36,660

27,840

493,720

11,090

33,910

200

6,760

1

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

full 1999 crop year. 2

 Area planted for all purposes. 3 Total may not add due to rounding. 4 Area is total hectares in crop, not

harvested hectares.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

March 1999 10 NASS, USDA

Crop Summary: Yield and Production, United States, 1998-99

(Metric Units) 1

Crop

Yield Production

1998 1999 1998 1999

Metric Tons Metric Tons Metric Tons Metric Tons

Grains & Hay

 Barley

 Corn for Grain

 Corn for Silage

 Hay, All 2

 Alfalfa

 All Other

 Oats

 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 & Sugar Crops

 Cotton, All 2

 Upland

 Amer-Pima

 Sugarbeets

 Sugarcane

 Tobacco

Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils

 Austrian Winter Peas

 Dry Edible Beans

 Dry Edible Peas

 Lentils

 Wrinkled Seed Peas

Potatoes & Misc.

 Coffee (HI)

 Ginger Root (HI)

 Hops

 Peppermint Oil

 Potatoes, All 2

 Winter

 Spring

 Summer

 Fall

 Spearmint Oil

 Sweet Potatoes

 Taro (HI) 3

3.23

8.44

35.80

5.65

7.78

4.27

2.17

6.35

1.77

4.23

25.63

2.91

3.15

2.54

2.35

1.63

1.28

0.96

3.01

1.52

1.62

2.62

1.69

0.69

0.69

0.98

50.44

80.24

2.36

1.58

1.81

2.15

1.37

1.65

56.04

1.82

0.09

38.40

22.27

26.15

31.39

39.91

0.12

15.90

20.70

7,673,580

247,942,980

85,751,640

137,291,520

74,398,220

62,893,300

2,425,770

8,529,850

299,610

13,206,910

3,163,350

69,410,050

51,181,680

3,839,270

14,389,100

720,590

4,700,670

170,390

37,080

1,783,200

2,880

186,920

75,027,640

2,379,860

3,003,770

2,910,150

93,620

29,628,650

30,895,990

693,840

4,720

1,398,330

269,160

87,910

30,570

4,080

8,160

27,010

4,410

21,670,560

135,170

958,760

874,030

19,702,600

1,350

539,190

2,720

139,890

1

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

full 1999 crop year. 2

 Production may not add due to rounding. 3 Yield is not estimated.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

March 1999 11 NASS, USDA

Fruits and Nuts Production, United States, 1997-99

(Metric Units) 1

Crop

Production

1997 1998 1999

Metric tons Metric tons Metric tons

Citrus 2

 Grapefruit

 K-Early Citrus (FL)

 Lemons

 Oranges

 Tangelos (FL)

 Tangerines

 Temples (FL)

Non-Citrus

 Apples

 Apricots

 Bananas (HI)

 Grapes

 Olives (CA)

 Papayas (HI)

 Peaches

 Pears

 Prunes, Dried (CA)

 Prunes & Plums (Ex CA)

Nuts & Misc.

 Almonds (CA)

 Hazelnuts

 Pecans

 Pistachios (CA)

 Walnuts (CA)

 Maple Syrup

2,619,950

6,350

869,080

11,500,380

161,480

379,200

97,980

4,682,800

126,310

6,210

6,614,190

94,350

17,600

1,190,500

945,740

194,140

23,130

344,280

42,640

151,950

81,650

244,030

6,490

2,382,270

1,810

848,220

12,570,860

116,120

326,590

91,630

4,963,930

107,320

9,070

5,076,200

81,650

17,690

1,100,320

840,270

97,980

23,220

235,870

14,060

70,330

85,280

205,930

5,790

2,349,610

3,630

731,190

9,221,530

110,680

278,510

81,650

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

the full 1999 crop year. 2 Production years are 1996-97, 1997-98, and 1998-99.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

March 1999 12 NASS, USDA

February Weather Summary: The Nation’s precipitation patterns were largely governed by the ongoing La

Niña, featuring exceptionally wet weather in the Pacific Northwest and dry conditions across much of the

South, particularly along the Gulf Coast and across the Southwest. Monthly precipitation exceeded 200

percent of normal in much of Washington, Oregon, and Northern California, but was less than 25 percent of

normal in most areas from southern California to Texas, and in western portions of Kansas and Oklahoma. 

Beneficially drier conditions returned to the Ohio Valley, allowing excess moisture to drain from soft red

winter wheat fields and lowland flooding to subside. Near-normal precipitation fell in much of the Corn Belt,

including significant late-month snowfall in western areas.

Monthly temperatures ranged from 6 to 12 degrees F above normal on the Plains, and were generally 2 to 6

degrees F above normal in the East and the Southwest. Colder air overspread the Southeast after mid-month,

ending a 5-week stretch of unusually warm weather, but beneficially slowing fruit tree bud development and

winter grain growth. Sub-freezing temperatures were reported north of a line from central Louisiana to

northern Florida on February 14-15 and 22-23. In contrast, the month ended with a seventh consecutive week

of above-normal temperatures on the Plains, pushing hard red winter wheat out of dormancy as far north as

the central Plains and leaving the crop vulnerable to possible March cold outbreaks. Generally below-normal

temperatures prevailed along the West Coast beginning in late January and continuing through February,

resulting in 5 consecutive weeks with below-normal temperatures across northern and central California. 

Monthly temperatures were as much as 5 degrees F below normal in northern California.

General Crop Comments: Temperatures averaged above normal across most of the Nation during February. 

Only areas along the Pacific Coast and adjacent areas of the Rocky Mountains experienced below normal

average temperatures. In the Pacific Northwest and points as far south as central California, storms repeatedly

pounded coastal areas causing flooding, erosion, and mud slides. Farther inland, at higher elevations of the

Cascade and Sierra Ranges, additional snow accumulations increased the risk of avalanches. Interior areas of

the Rocky Mountains also received precipitation, but the area from the High Plains eastward into the northern

Corn Belt and Great Lakes Region remained dry. Parts of the Corn Belt and adjacent areas of the Great Plains

received beneficial precipitation. 

The southern Plains experienced near-record temperatures early in the month that spurred small grain

development, especially in the Texas High Plains. Growers began planting corn in the Coastal Bend to take

advantage of available subsoil moisture supplies. As the month progressed, corn and sorghum planting gained

momentum until a cold front temporarily deterred planting near mid-month. After warmer weather returned, 

winter wheat conditions improved in the southern Plains, but a shortage of soil moisture hindered growth,

especially in Texas. During the last half of the month, corn, cotton, and sorghum planting progressed in central,

southern, and coastal parts of the State with only brief, isolated rain delays. Strong winds near the end of the

month further depleted moisture supplies in already dry soils, but winter wheat fields remained green due to

mild temperatures. As the end of the month approached, more winter wheat fields broke dormancy in the central

and southern Great Plains, Mississippi Delta, and southern Corn Belt due to continued mild weather. Some

early-planted corn and cotton fields emerged in Texas, despite dry soils and the brief mid-month cold spell. 

In California, the rain, wet soils, and below-normal temperatures prevailed in northern areas most of the month. 

Field activities were frequently delayed, but did not hinder growth of small grains, alfalfa, forage crops, and

sugarbeets. Where conditions were drier, producers applied herbicides, insecticides, and fertilizers; prepared

soils for spring crops; replanted freeze-damaged sugar beet fields; and finished planting wheat. In southern

California, citrus growers continued harvest activities. Despite below-normal temperatures, almonds and early

peach and nectarine varieties began budding. Cotton planting began in the Imperial Valley near the end of the

month.

In Florida, warm, dry weather aided sugarcane harvest and field preparations for spring crops. However, winter

grains were stressed by moisture shortages. Near mid-month, a frost accompanied by strong winds caused some

minor citrus leaf burn and bloom bud damage. Crews rapidly harvested the early- and mid-season orange crop. 

Vegetable growth was normal and quality was mostly good. Citrus groves need rain to sustain growth and

healthy bloom bud development.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

March 1999 13 NASS, USDA

Grapefruit: The forecast of the 1998-99 U.S. grapefruit crop is 2.59 million tons, 1 percent below both last

month’s and the previous season’s utilized production. Florida lowered their March 1 forecast to 49.0 million

boxes (2.08 million tons), a 2 percent change from the previous month. The white seedless forecast remained at

19.0 million boxes (808,000 tons), but the colored seedless forecast is decreased to 29.5 million boxes

(1.25 million tons). 

The objective count surveys on the remaining Florida grapefruit crops were down only slightly from last

month’s observations. However, the route survey indicated a 1.00 million box reduction. The estimated

movement of the white seedless is ahead of last season’s pace, whereas movement of colored varieties is

lagging.

Florida’s seedy (Duncan) grapefruit forecast is continued at 500,000 boxes (21,000 tons), a record low

utilization. The objective count surveys of the remaining crop indicated significantly smaller fruit than last

season. Loss from droppage accelerated. All seedy grapefruit are certified in processed form and records are

dependent on load tickets.

Grapefruit production in Texas is forecast at 5.40 million boxes (216,000 tons), up 8 percent from February and

up 13 percent from the previous season. Growers reported more fruit was available than was previously

expected and quality remains good. California and Arizona grapefruit forecasts were carried forward from

January 1.

Tangelos: Florida’s tangelo forecast for March 1 decreased to 2.60 million boxes (117,000 tons), 4 percent less

than a month ago and 9 percent less than last season’s utilized production. The route survey showed 94 percent

of the crop has been harvested and, when compared with estimated certifications, the reduction in the forecast

was warranted.

Tangerines: The 1998-99 U.S. tangerine crop is forecast at 307,000 tons, up 1 percent from last month but

down 15 percent from the previous year’s utilization. Florida’s tangerine forecast was raised to 4.65 million

boxes (221,000 tons), up 1 percent from the February forecast but down 11 percent from the 1997-98 crop. 

Final early tangerine certifications were slightly higher than last month’s forecast. The Arizona and California

tangerine forecasts were carried forward from January 1.

Temples: Florida’s Temple forecast of 2.00 million boxes (90,000 tons) is unchanged from the previous

forecast. If realized, it will be the smallest non-freeze utilization since the 1954-55 season. The estimated

certifications to date show about half the crop harvested. Most of the remaining Temple crop will go into

processing.

Florida Citrus: Most of February was very mild and dry. During the middle of the month, near freezing

temperatures were recorded over most of the citrus belt. No damage or loss was reported. Above normal

temperatures during the rest of February helped generate an abundance of new growth and bloom buds of all

stages. Young citrus groves had varying quantities of open bloom at the end of the month. Most older groves

have very few open bloom flowers. Harvest of early and midseason oranges is slowing as supplies are running

low. Picking crews are now harvesting Valencia oranges for both fresh and process utilization. Many

processors are now taking packinghouse eliminations and grove run grapefruit. Fresh fruit packers are running

grapefruit, Temples, Honey tangerines, and Valencia oranges. Caretakers have been very active cutting cover

crops, irrigating, fertilizing, spraying, hedging, and topping.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

March 1999 14 NASS, USDA

Texas Citrus: Harvest moved ahead in the Rio Grande Valley during February with little or no delays. The

early and midseason orange harvest was winding down and the Valencia orange harvest was underway. 

Grapefruit harvest continued with good quality still reported. Harvest is nearly two-thirds complete.

California Citrus: Citrus growers in the San Joaquin Valley were picking salvageable fruit from freeze

damaged orchards. Some were picked for fresh market, but many went for juice. Citrus in southern California

was not damaged by the freeze and picking was very active. During February, harvest of the new crop Valencia

oranges began in the desert area.

California Fruits and Nuts: Throughout February, orchard grower activities included pruning, brush

shredding, and dormant spraying. Many varieties of almonds, nectarines, apricots, and freestone peaches were

blooming. Fungicides were applied to prevent blossom rot in stone fruit orchards. Spraying to control fungi and

anthracnose in almond orchards was also active. Growth accelerated on fall planted strawberries.

Papayas: Hawaii fresh papaya production is estimated at 2.87 million pounds for February, 4 percent lower

than January but 8 percent higher than last February. Area devoted to papaya production totaled 3,700 acres,

1 percent lower than last month but 6 percent higher than a year ago. Harvested area, totaling 2,135 acres, was

3 percent lower than January but 23 percent higher than February 1998. February weather conditions were a

mix of sunshine and heavy rain over major papaya producing areas. Rainfall was especially heavy during the

first and third weeks, delaying some farm activities.

Sugarcane: Production of sugarcane for sugar and seed in 1998 is estimated at a record high 34.1 million tons,

7 percent above the previous record established in 1997, and 1 percent above the February 1 estimate. 

Estimated acres for sugar production remained at 892,800, but acres for sugar and seed increased by 2,000, to

951,500 due to an increase in acres for seed. The estimated yield for sugar and seed production is a record 35.8

tons per acre, 1.1 tons above the 1997 yield of 34.7 tons per acre and 0.3 ton per acre above the previous

estimate.

The increase in yield and production is due to increases in Florida, where the harvest season is still in progress. 

Florida’s harvest continued with few disruptions during February. However, the milling season will be extended

by as much as a month at some mills due to the size of the crop.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

March 1999 15 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) 720-5446

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

Rhonda Brandt - Corn (202) 720-9526

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

Vacant - 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

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

Mushrooms (202) 690-0270

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

 Strawberries

Vacant - Apples, 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 April 9, 1999.

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