1/

2/

3/

4/

5/

6/

7/

THE CROP YEAR BEGINS WITH THE BLOOM OF THE FIRST YEAR SHOWN AND ENDS WITH
YEAR HARVEST IS COMPLETED.

NET LBS. PER BOX: ORANGES-CA & AZ-75, FL-90, TX-85; GRAPEFRUIT-CA DESERT
& AZ-64, CA OTHER-67, FL-85, TX-80; LEMONS-76; TANGELOS & TEMPLES-90; TAN-
GERINES-CA & AZ~75, FL-95.

NAVEL AND MISCELLANEOUS VARIETIES IN CA AND AZ. EARLY AND MID-SEASON
VARIETIES IN FL AND TX, INCLUDING SMALL QUANTITIES OF TANGERINES IN TX.

ESTIMATES FOR CURRENT YEAR CARRIED FORWARD FROM EARLIER FORECAST.

DUE TO THE SEVERE FREEZE OF DEC 1989,THE 1990-91 TX CITRUS CROPS ARE
VIRTUALLY ELIMINATED AND FORECASTS WILL NOT BE ISSUED THIS SEASON UNLESS
SUFFICIENT COMMERCIAL SUPPLIES BECOME AVAILABLE.

THE FIRST FORECAST FOR CA GRAPEFRUIT "OTHER AREAS" WILL BE AS OF APR 1.

FL "ALL TANGERINES” INCLUDE SUNBURST TANGERINES BEGINNING WITH THE 1989-90
SEASON.

CROP PRODUCTION AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS BOARD
MARCH 1991 5 NASS, USDA


SPRING POTATOES: Growers have planted an estimated 88.9 thousand acres of

spring potatoes this year in the six producing States. This
level is down 8 percent from last year and 4 percent below 1989. Harvest is
expected from 87.6 thousand acres, down 8 percent from a year ago and 1 percent
below two years ago.

Irrigation water shortage in California caused growers to reduce their
spring potato acreage and has left planting conditions drier than normal.
Uneasy contract talks have caused growers from Arizona to Alabama to reduce
processing acreage sharply. The Texas crop is in good condition with harvest
expected to start on schedule in April. A freeze in mid-February damaged some
of the more mature fields in Florida. Most fields, however, were covered up
with little damage evident. Early harvest will start soon after the middle of
March although di ging in the Hastings area will be delayed. Planting is
underway in North Carolina with nearly 20 percent of the seed in the ground by
arch 3.

PAPAYAS: Hawaii fresh papaya utilization for February totaled 3.31 million

pounds, a 30 percent decline from January and 26 percent below
February 1990. Fewer harvested acres and seasonally cool temperatures combined
to drop output to the lowest monthly total since July 1990. Fewer days in the
month also accounted for some of the difference compared with January.

Weather conditions were fair during February. The month was mostly dry
in the major producing areas. Light, variable winds around mid-month, enabled
a serious accumulation of haze to build from the active volcano on Hawaii
Island. The effect of this haze on agriculture and crop growth is not known
for sure at this time. The return of stronger winds, by month's end, blew most
of the haze away. Seasonally cool temperatures that slowed fruit development
were probably the most important weather related factor that lowered output.

There were 3,195 total acres in papayas during February compared with
4,070 a year earlier. Harvested acres declined to 2,050 acres, 8 percent less
than January and 20 percent fewer than February 1990.

FOI IK TI I IIR III IK II I TR IA II III IIS ISAS IIIS IAS SSI A ISIS SIA IS AISI AI

NOTICE

Requests for a subscription order form covering all available
reports should be directed to ERS/NASS, P.0. Box 1608, Rock-
ville, MD. 20850 or cal] 800-999-6779.

The next issue of this report will be published April 10, 1991
and includes: Indicated production of 1990-91 citrus fruits;
Papaya acreage and production; area planted and harvested,
yield, and production of spring potatoes as of April 1.

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

ed

Revisions for acreage, yield, and production of 1990 peanuts
and summer potatoes; also revised price and value of 1990 pea-
nuts. Mont

tion, utilization, price and value for 1989-90 CA “Other Areas"*
grapefruit. *

ly marketings of peanuts for 1990; revised produc-

will be released on March 20, 1991. Included will be chemical
application rates and acres treated by States and US for corn,
soybeans, cotton, potatoes, wheat, and rice. A second issue

on June 25 will cover acres treated for vegetables in AZ, CA,
FL, MI, and TX.

FI IR ITOK II IIR THK IK IK KAIRIE IKI III ISIE II IK IAI IK IA III IIIA ISI IIIA SSIS

ed

*
*
*
*
*
*
* The first issue of the new Agricultural Chemical Usage report
*
*
*
*
*
*

CROP PRODUCTION AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS BOARD
MARCH 1991 10 NASS, USDA


FEBRUARY WEATHER SUMMARY

Except for a brief cold spell in the East in mid-February, the month
proved to be rather bearable temperature-wise. The most anomalously warm re-
gions were the northern Plains and the northern Rockies, as temperature depar-
tures exceeded +15 degrees fahrenheit in eastern Montana. Lewiston, ID and
Helena, MT enjoyed their mildest February on record. The Nation's only below-
normal temperature readings for the month were found in a tiny portion of the
central Rockies.

FIELDWORK

Ground preparation for cotton planting began in Arizona and California.
However, California cotton land preparation was slowed due to unknown avail-
ability of irrigation water. Rain and wet field conditions slowed land pre-
paration in the Delta and Ohio Valley. By the end of the month, rain in
California encouraged ground preparation for corn, cotton, and dry beans.

WINTER WHEAT

Winter wheat condition was mostly fair to good. Temperatures averaged
above normal most of the month. The warmer weather melted the protective snow
cover. Topdressing continued during the month where the soil was not too wet.
Waterlogged wheat was evident in the Delta. Wheat in central Kansas was treat-
ed for army cutworms. By mid-February, wheat in Oregon had begun to green, but
the extent of winter kill was unknown. Winter wheat producers in Washington
had begun to replant some winter-damaged fields. By the end of the month,
wheat in Oklahoma and the Texas High Plains was greening, but additional mois-
ture was needed for development. Army cutworms caused moderate damage to
winter wheat fields in Kansas. Washington winter wheat kill was intensified
by dry soil and low nightime temperatures.

ORANGES: The U.S. all orange crop js forecast at 185 million boxes for the

1990-91 season. This is 2 percent less than the February 1 forecast
but slightly higher than the 1989-90 season. Florida’s all orange crop is
estimated at 156 million boxes, down 2 percent from the February 1 forecast but
42 percent greater than last season's freeze damaged crop. Production pros-
pects for early and mid-season oranges in Florida is 88.0 million boxes, down
1 percent from a month ago but 29 percent above the 1989-90 crop. The Valencia
crop in Florida is forecast at 68.0 million boxes, 3 percent below a month ago
but 62 percent greater than the 1989-90 season. Harvest of Florida early mid-
season varieties is 99 percent complete, while the Valencia crop is about 8
percent harvested.

The California all orange forecast, at 27.0 million boxes, is unchanged
from last month's forecast but 62 percent below last season's production. The
Navel orange forecast, at 16.0 million boxes, is unchanged from last month's
forecast but 64 percent less than the record high 1989-90 harvest. As of March
1, California's Navel crop was 96 percent harvested. The California Valencia
orange crop forecast is also unchanged from a month ago, at 11.0 million boxes,
which remains 59 percent below last season's production. Harvest just began
in the Coachella Valley. The all orange forecast for Arizona, carried forward
from January 1, is expected to total 1.75 million boxes, 11 percent above last
season's production. Due to the severe freeze of December 1989, the 1990-9]
Texas orange crop is virtually eliminated. Forecasts will not be issued this
season unless sufficient commercial supplies become available.

CROP PRODUCTION AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS BOARD
MARCH 1991 7 NASS, USDA


POTATOES

: AREA :
SEASONAL peer corinne noon ener nnn : YIELD PRODUCTION
GROUP : PLANTED  : HARVESTED
AND fort ttt n rrr ne nnn nnn nnn nnn nner nnn nw ener nn nneerrsnscasce
STATE : : IND : : IND: : IND : : IND
: 1990 : 1991 : 1990: 1991 : 1990 : 1991 1989 : 1990 : 1991
000 ACRES | CHT 1,000 CHT
WINTER :
CA > 5.5 5.6 5.5 4.1 230 230 =:1,320 1,265 943
FL : 8.0 7.6 7.7) 7.6 140 195 1,444 1,078 1,482
TOTAL : 13.5 13.2 13.2 11.7 177 207. 2,764 +=2,343 2,425
SPRING 1/.:
AL : 5.8 4.0 5.7 3.9 150 1,296 855
AZ > 6.9 6.0 6.9 6.0 260 1,827 1,794
CA : 22.5 20.5 22.5 20.5 375 7,875 8,438
FL :
HASTINGS : 29.0 27.5 28.7 27.0 240 5,460 6,888
OTHER : 8.5 8.6 8.3 8.4 220 1,400 1,826
LA 2/ : 27
NC : 16.5 17.3 16.2 17.0 200 2,184 3,240
TTMX : 7.0 5.0 6.8 4.8 165 783 «1,122
TOTAL : 96.2 88.9 95.1 87.6 254 20,852 24,163

1/ YIELD AND PRODUCTION FOR 1991 TO BE RELEASED APR 10, 1991.
2/ ESTIMATE DISCONTINUED IN 1990.

PAPAYAS - HAWAII

FRESH PRODUCTION
MONTH : TOTAL IN CROP

wanna nana nn nanan nian nn nae nnn nanan =e 1990 =: 1991
1990 1991 :
1,000 POUNDS

JAN: 4,180 3,315 5,005 4,720
FEB: 4,070 «3,195 4,480 3,310
MAR: 34960 4840
APR: 3.955 4,780
MAY =: 3,885 5,120
JUN =: 34850 4,285
CUMULATIVE FRESH PRODUCTION: JAN-FEB 948 8,030
CROP PRODUCTION AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS BOARD

MARCH 1991 6 NASS, USDA


TEMPLES: The Florida temple forecast, at 3.10 million boxes, is unchanged from
the February 1 forecast but more than double last season's freeze-
damaged crop. Harvest was about 60 percent complete as of March 1.

FLORIDA CITRUS: February was generally warmer than normal with limited rain-

fall. Irrigation was used throughout the month to improve
tree conditions for the upcoming bloom period. Toward the end of the month
bloom was showing in most areas. Some groves are in almost full open bloom,
while there are others with small pinhead buds forming. A few young tree
groves in the southern part of the State have had petal drop, completing the
bloom cycle. Movement of early and mid-season oranges was virtually over by
the end of February. Harvesting of Valencia oranges increased throughout the
month as many crops showed advanced maturity. High winds during the month
accelerated droppage of the heavier grapefruit. Picking crews worked to get
these crops to the processors. Fresh shipments of grapefruit were also active
in February. Temple harvest increased this month for both fresh and processed
use.

TEXAS CITRUS: Many orange groves across the Valley were in full bloom by late

February. Grapefruit trees will be blooming soon. Trees are
showing a good flush of new growth. Insect activity has been minimal. Grove
care companies are increasing applications of herbicides. Temperatures re-
mained mild with some scattered rainfall helping irrigation needs.

CALIFORNIA FRUITS AND NUTS: Temperatures during February were above normal

throughout the State and reached record highs
during the last week of the month. Rains in late February damaged some of the
early blooms on almonds and early variety stone fruits. However, the rains
were sufficient in most areas to limit at least one irrigation and consequently
conserve water. Heavy snow in the mountains also improved the outlook for
water supplies but as yet water allocations have not been altered and a severe
shortage still exists. Pruning, weed control, irrigation, and fertilizer ap-
plications were primary activities in vineyards and orchards. Almonds began
to bloom early in the month as did some early variety stone fruits. As blooms
appeared, bee keepers moved hives into the orchards for pollination. In the
southern portion of the State, date harvest wound down while grapefruit, Navel
orange, and lemon harvest remained active. Avocados were harvested and packed.
Navels in the Central Valley went to processing plants, while Southern Califor-
nia Navels were slowly being harvested for fresh pack. Central Valley lemon
harvest was completed. A complete assessment of tree damage from the freeze
is still premature; however, some growers were pruning dead wood out of citrus
groves. Desert grape bud break was complete and lemons were blooming in the
desert.

WINTER POTATOES: Production of winter potatoes is forecast at 2.43 million

cwt, a gain of 3 percent from last year but 12 percent below
two years ago. Area for harvest, estimated at 11.7 thousand acres is down 11
percent. The average yield is forecast at 207 cwt per acre, an increase of 17
percent over last year.

Heavy culling of the freeze damaged winter potato crop in California con-
tinued. Pick out is heavy to assure quality marketings. Florida growers have
been actively digging. The crop is in mostly good condition, with good size
and quality.

CROP PRODUCTION AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS BOARD
MARCH 1991 9 NASS, USDA


—

C National United States
rop ¢ Agricultural Department of

Pr d t e Siatistics Agriculture

Oo uc 10on ervice Agricultural
Statistics
Board

Washington, D.C.

= —

RELEASED: March 11, 1991
3:00 P.M. ET

HIGHLIGHTS

CITRUS production as of March 1, is forecast at 11.4 million tons, 1 percent
less than last month but 7 percent above the 1989-90 season.

ORANGE production is forecast at 185 million boxes, down 2 percent from Febru-

ary 1 but virtually the same as last season. Salvage operations for
California's freeze damaged Navel crop is almost complete. Higher than expect-
ed fruit drop again caused the Florida crop forecast to be lowered.

GRAPEFRUIT production, including California's "Desert" grapefruit but excluding

California's "Other Areas" crop, is 52.5 million boxes, down 1 percent
from the February 1 forecast but 20 percent greater than last season. This
large increase is the result of last season's devastating freeze in the Florida
citrus belt that caused significant fruit loss last year.

WINTER POTATO production is forecast at 2.43 million cwt, up 3 percent from a

year ago but 12 percent below 1989. Culling is heavy in California to
assure that only good quality is sold. Florida growers have been actively
digging with good size and quality.

SPRING POTATOES are planted on an estimated 88.9 thousand acres this year, down
8 percent from a year ago and 4 percent below 1989. Cutbacks in process-
ing contracts caused some acreage reduction.

Cr Pr 2-2 (3-91) For Information Call (202) 447-2127


Changes in U.S. production between the March 1 forecast and final
production averaged 5.29 million boxes over the past ten seasons, ranging from
a low of 170 thousand boxes in 1980-81 to a high of 12.2 million boxes in 1981-
82.

FLORIDA FROZEN CONCENTRATED JUICE YIELD: The 1990-91 forecast of all Frozen

Concentrated Orange Juice Yield
(FCOJ) for Florida remains at 1.48 gallons per box at 42.0 degrees Brix. The
forecast projects the final yield as reported by the Florida Citrus Processors
Association. The freeze damaged 1989-90 yield for all fruit used in FCOJ was
1.23 gallons per box at 42.0 degrees Brix.

GRAPEFRUIT: Prospects as of March 1 for the 1990-91 season indicate a crop of

52.5 million boxes, 1 percent below the February 1 forecast but
20 percent above last season's utilized production. This forecast includes
California's "Desert" grapefruit but excludes California's "Other Areas” grape-
fruit. The grapefruit crop from California's "Other Areas" accounted for 5.00
million boxes harvested last season and 4.50 million boxes in 1988-89. The
first forecast for that area will be as of April 1, 1991. Due to the severe
freeze of December 1989, the 1990-91 Texas grapefruit crop was virtually elim-
inated. Forecasts will not be issued this season unless sufficient commercial
supplies become available.

Florida's grapefruit forecast is 46.7 million boxes, 1 percent below
February 1 but 31 percent more than the freeze-damaged 1989-90 crop. The
Florida white seedless grapefruit forecast is 23.0 million boxes, unchanged
from the February 1 forecast but 28 percent above the previous season. Colored
seedless is forecast at 22.0 million boxes, 2 percent below last month's fore-
cast but 35 percent greater than the 1989-90 crop. Seeded grapefruit is fore-
cast at 1.70 million boxes, 13 percent above February 1 and 21 percent above
last season.

California's "Desert" grapefruit forecast, which was carried forward from
January 1, is 3.50 million boxes, 5 percent below the 1989-90 crop. Also
carried forward from January 1 was Arizona's grapefruit crop forecast of 2.30
million boxes, a 5 percent increase from last season.

TANGELOS: The Florida crop, excluding K-early citrus fruit, is forecast at
2.70 million boxes, 7 percent below last month and 8 percent less
than Tast season. Tangelo shipments slowed as harvest neared completion.

TANGERINES: The U.S. production forecast is 3.85 million boxes, unchanged from

the previous month but 1 percent below last season's utilized pro-
duction. This forecast includes the Dancy, Robinson, Honey, and Sunburst var-
jeties of tangerines in Florida, as well as production of California and Ari-
Zona tangerines. Florida Sunburst tangerines are included in the State and
U.S. totals beginning with the 1989-90 season. Production estimates shown for
seasons prior to 1989-90 do not include this new varietal tangerine.

The Florida forecast is 1.90 million boxes, unchanged from February 1 but
12 percent above 1989-90. Florida harvest as of March 1 was about 94 percent
complete. The California crop forecast, which was carried forward from the
January 1 forecast, is 1.30 million boxes, 19 percent below last season. The
Arizona crop forecast, which was also carried forward from the January 1 fore-
cast, is 650 thousand boxes, 8 percent above the 1989-90 utilized production.

CROP PRODUCTION AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS BOARD
MARCH 1991 8 NASS, USDA


CITRUS FRUIT 1/

CROP
AND
STATE
1988-89

/:
4/: 550
CA > 34,000
FL : 85,300
TX 5/: 1,200
US : 121,050
ORANGES, VALENCIA :
4/: 1,150
CA : 24,900
FL : 61,300
1X 3 650
US 88,000
ALL ORANGES
AZ 1,700
CA 58,900
FL 146, 600
1X 3850
US 209,050
TEMPLES
FL 3,750
GRAPEFRUIT, WHITE
SEEDLESS
FL 27,700
GRAPEFRUIT, COLORED
SEEDLESS
FL 23,700
OTHER GRAPEFRUIT
FL 3,350
ALL GRAPEFRUIT
AZ 4 1,950
CA 4/6
DESERT 3,500
OTHER AREAS 4,500
TOTAL : 8,000
FL : 64,750
1X 5/: 4,800
US : 69,500
TANGERINES T/:
AZ 4/ 650
CA 4/ 2,040
FL 2,900
US 5,590
LEMONS 4/
AZ 3,800
CA 16,200
US 20,000
TANGELOS
FL 3,800

PRODUCTION

BOXES

UTILIZED

1989- 90 :

IND
1990-91

1,000 BOXES 2/

380
44,100
68,100

1,050
113,630

1,190
26;800
42, 100

155
70,245

1,570
70,900
110; 200
15205
1833875

1,400

18,000

16,300
1,400

550
16,000
88; 000
104,550

1,200
115000
68,000
80,200

1,750
277000
156,000
184,750

3,100
23,000

22,000
1,700
2,300
3,500

46,700

PRODUCTION
TON EQUIVALENT
~~ UTILIZED
panna enna IND
1988-89: 1989-90:1990-91
1,000 TONS
21 14 21
1,275 1,654 600
37839 33064 3,960
51 44
5,186 4,776 4,581
43 44 45
934 1,005 413
2,758 15895 3,060
28 7
3,763 2,951 3,518
64 58 66
2,209 2,659 1,013
6.597 42959 7020
79 51
8,949 7,727 8,099
169 63 140
1,177 765 978
1,007 693 935
142 60 72
63 70 74
112 118 112
151 167
263 285
2,326 1,518 1,988
192 80
2,844 1,953
25 22 24
16 61 49
138 81 90
239 164 163
144 110 141
615 596 532
759 706 673
W 132 122

CROP PRODUCTION
MARCH 1991

AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS BOARD

» USDA


UNITED STATES CROP SUMMARY
(METRIC UNITS)

AREA PLANTED AREA HARVESTED

CROP pence nee n een ence en nen nen nnenennen
: : INDICATED INDICATED
1990 =: 1991 1991
HECTARES
POTATOES :
WINTER > 8,460 5,340 5,340 4,730
SPRING > 38,930 35,980 38,490 35,450

UNITED STATES CROP SUMMARY - YIELD PER HECTARE AND PRODUCTION
(METRIC UNITS)

YIELD PER HECTARE PRODUCTION
CROP : : INDICATED : os INDICATED 1991
> 1990 : 1991 : 1990 = ;---------------------~----
: : > FEB I MAR 1
METRIC TONS
POTATOES :
WINTER : 19.90 23.26 106,280 110,000 110,000
SPRING + 28.48 1,096 7020
: 1989-90 1990-91 1990-91
ORANGES 1/ : 7,009,820 7,469,760 7,347,290

1/ HARVEST BEGINS WITH BLOOM OF THE FIRST YEAR AND ENDS WITH THE COMPLETION OF
HARVEST THE FOLLOWING YEAR.

CROP PRODUCTION AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS BOARD
MARCH 1991 3 NASS, USDA


UNITED STATES CROP SUMMARY
(DOMESTIC UNITS)

AREA PLANTED AREA HARVESTED
CROP 0 eee n enna ---------+--------+-+----- ++ += = === === =-----------
: INDICATED INDICATED
1990 1991 1990 1991

POTATOES
WINTER 13.5 13.2 13.2 11.7
SPRING 96.2 88.9 95.1 87.6

UNITED STATES CROP SUMMARY - YIELD PER ACRE AND PRODUCTION
(DOMESTIC UNITS)

YIELD PER ACRE PRODUCTION
CROP AND UNIT : INDICATED : INDICATED 1991
1990 1991 1990 :-------~---------=--------
“ FEB 1 MAR 1
7 ~ 1,000
POTATOES :
WINTER CWT: 177 207 2,343 2,425 2,425
SPRING " 254 24,163
1989-90 1990-91 1990-91
ORANGES 1/ BOX : 183,875 187,750 184,750

1/ HARVEST BEGINS WITH BLOOM OF THE FIRST YEAR AND ENDS WITH THE COMPLETION OF
HARVEST THE FOLLOWING YEAR.

HII III IIR IR IIIA IIIS IIIA IIIA III IS IIIS IIA IIIA IA ISI IAS III IIA ASSIASSI SASS.

* The CROP PRODUCTION report contains State and National estimates with
* related information on selected agricultural commodities. These data were
* prepared and adopted by the Agricultural Statistics Board which consists
* of commadity statisticians from the field offices and Washington head-

* quarters.

*

AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS BOARD:
Rich Allen, Chairperson
Michael A. Hunst, Secretary

APPROVED:

David S. Abbe,
Arvin R. Budge,
Robert L. Freie,
Stephen C. Ropel,

fork Weegee

SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE

ee ee?

James L. Smith,
Frederic A. Vogel,
M. Bruce West,
John D. Witzig.

4 ee OE OO

FRIIS IIR IK IKI III IAI IANS IAI IAI III SII ISIS IIA ISI SIA ISI SASSI SIS IS ASSIS SAS A IS.

CROP PRODUCTION
MARCH 1991

AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS BOARD

NASS, USDA