Crop Production 

ISSN: 1936-3737

Released March 8, 2013, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department of 

Agriculture (USDA).

Orange Production Down 1 Percent from February

The United States all orange forecast for the 2012-2013 season is 8.68 million tons, down 1 percent from the previous 

forecast and down 4 percent from the 2011-2012 final utilization. The Florida all orange forecast, at 139 million boxes 

(6.26 million tons), is down 1 percent from the February forecast and down 5 percent from last season’s final utilization. 

Early, midseason, and Navel varieties in Florida are forecast at 67.0 million boxes (3.02 million tons), up 2 percent from 

the February forecast but down 10 percent from last season. This increase was based on utilization data as of March 1. 

The Florida Valencia orange forecast, at 72.0 million boxes (3.24 million tons), is down 4 percent from the February 

forecast due to a sharp increase in droppage.

The California Valencia orange forecast is 12.5 million boxes (500,000 tons), down 4 percent from the previous forecast. 

This brings California’s all orange forecast to 59.0 million boxes (2.36 million tons), down 1 percent from the January 

forecast. Objective survey measurements taken during January and February indicated that fruit set per tree was higher 

than the previous year, but measured average fruit size was smaller than the previous year. The forecast for Texas is 

carried forward from January.

Florida frozen concentrated orange juice (FCOJ) yield forecast for the 2012-2013 season is 1.61 gallons per box at 

42.0 degrees Brix, down 1 percent from the January forecast and down 1 percent from last season’s final yield of 

1.63 gallons per box. The early-midseason portion is projected at 1.51 gallons per box, down 1 percent from last season’s

yield of 1.53 gallons per box. The Valencia portion is projected at 1.71 gallons per box, 2 percent lower than last year’s 

final yield of 1.75 gallons per box. All projections of yield assume the processing relationships this season will be similar 

to those of the past several seasons.
2 Crop Production (March 2013)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

This report was approved on March 8, 2013.

Acting Secretary of

Agriculture

Michael T. Scuse

Agricultural Statistics Board

Chairperson

Hubert Hamer
Crop Production (March 2013) 3

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Contents

Sugarcane Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by Use – States and United States: 2011 and 2012 ................................ 4

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

March 1, 2013 ......................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Crop Area Planted and Harvested, Yield, and Production in Domestic Units – United States: 2012 and 2013..................... 6

Crop Area Planted and Harvested, Yield, and Production in Metric Units – United States: 2012 and 2013 ......................... 8

Fruits and Nuts Production in Domestic Units – United States: 2012 and 2013 .................................................................. 10

Fruits and Nuts Production in Metric Units – United States: 2012 and 2013....................................................................... 11

Percent of Normal Precipitation Map ................................................................................................................................... 12

Departure from Normal Temperature Map........................................................................................................................... 12

February Weather Summary ................................................................................................................................................. 13

February Agricultural Summary ........................................................................................................................................... 13

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

Statistical Methodology ........................................................................................................................................................ 15

Information Contacts ............................................................................................................................................................ 16
4 Crop Production (March 2013)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Sugarcane Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by Use – States and United States: 2011 and 2012

Use and State

Area harvested Yield per acre 1 Production 1

2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012

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

For sugar

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

Hawaii 2.......................................................

Louisiana 2..................................................

Texas 2........................................................

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

For seed

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

Hawaii 2.......................................................

Louisiana 2..................................................

Texas 2........................................................

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

For sugar and seed

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

Hawaii 2.......................................................

Louisiana 2..................................................

Texas 2........................................................

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

380.0

15.1

385.0

47.0

827.1

17.0

1.5

25.0

2.0

45.5

397.0

16.6

410.0

49.0

872.6

390.0

15.5

400.0

43.0

848.5

17.0

1.5

28.0

1.0

47.5

407.0

17.0

428.0

44.0

896.0

37.5

85.2

27.6

33.5

33.5

40.0

30.0

27.6

35.5

32.7

37.6

80.2

27.6

33.6

33.5

36.9

84.8

33.0

35.9

35.9

42.9

30.0

33.0

32.0

36.4

37.1

79.9

33.0

35.8

35.9

14,250

1,287

10,626

1,575

27,738

680

45

690

71

1,486

14,930

1,332

11,316

1,646

29,224

14,391

1,314

13,200

1,544

30,449

729

45

924

32

1,730

15,120

1,359

14,124

1,576

32,179

1 Net tons.

2 Estimates are carried forward from the Crop Production 2012 Summary released January 2013.
Crop Production (March 2013) 5

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

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

March 1, 2013

[The crop year begins with the bloom of the first year shown and ends with the completion of harvest the following year]

Crop and State

Utilized production boxes 1 Utilized production ton equivalent

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

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

Oranges

Early, mid, and Navel 2

 California 3........................................

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

 Texas 3.............................................

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

Valencia

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

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

 Texas 3.............................................

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

All

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

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

 Texas 3.............................................

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

Grapefruit

White

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

Colored

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

All

 California 3........................................

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

 Texas 3.............................................

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

Tangerines and mandarins

Arizona 3 4.............................................

California 3 4..........................................

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

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

Lemons 3

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

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

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

Tangelos

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

45,500

74,200

1,108

120,808

13,500

72,400

311

86,211

59,000

146,600

1,419

207,019

5,350

13,500

4,400

18,850

4,800

28,050

200

10,900

4,290

15,390

750

20,500

21,250

1,150

46,500

67,000

1,220

114,720

12,500

72,000

286

84,786

59,000

139,000

1,506

199,506

4,500

12,500

4,000

17,000

5,280

26,280

200

11,800

3,700

15,700

1,800

20,500

22,300

1,000

1,820

3,339

47

5,206

540

3,258

13

3,811

2,360

6,597

60

9,017

228

574

176

802

192

1,170

8

436

204

648

30

820

850

52

1,860

3,015

52

4,927

500

3,240

12

3,752

2,360

6,255

64

8,679

191

531

160

722

211

1,093

8

472

176

656

72

820

892

45

1 Net pounds per box: oranges in California-80, Florida-90, Texas-85; grapefruit in California-80, Florida-85, Texas-80; tangerines and mandarins in 

Arizona and California-80, Florida-95; lemons-80; tangelos-90.

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

in Texas and Temples in Florida.

3 Estimates for current year carried forward from previous forecast.

4

Includes tangelos and tangors.
6 Crop Production (March 2013)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

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

2012 and 2013

[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2013 crop year. 

Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

Crop

Area planted Area harvested

2012 2013 2012 2013

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

Grains and hay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oilseeds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cotton, tobacco, and sugar crops

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dry beans, peas, and lentils

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

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

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

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

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

Potatoes and miscellaneous

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3,637

97,155

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

2,760

335

2,699

1,300

6,244

(NA)

55,736

41,324

2,123

12,289

1,765.0

(X)

344

51.1

1,638.0

2.2

169.8

77,198

1,919.0

12,315.4

12,077.0

238.4

1,230.1

(NA)

(NA)

19.0

1,742.5

649.0

463.0

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

1,148.3

96.8

49.8

1,001.7

(NA)

130.5

(NA)

41,820

3,244

87,375

7,379

56,260

17,292

38,968

1,045

205

2,678

248

4,955

363

48,991

34,834

2,102

12,055

1,729.0

(X)

336

49.7

1,608.0

2.1

160.1

76,104

1,841.0

9,426.8

9,190.0

236.8

1,204.2

896.0

336.2

13.7

1,690.4

621.0

450.0

(NA)

6.1

31.9

76.0

1,132.7

94.6

48.5

989.6

20.0

126.6

0.4

See footnote(s) at end of table. --continued
Crop Production (March 2013) 7

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

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

2012 and 2013 (continued)

[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2013 crop year. 

Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

Crop

Yield per acre Production

2012 2013 2012 2013

(1,000) (1,000)

Grains and hay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oilseeds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cotton, tobacco, and sugar crops

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dry beans, peas, and lentils

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

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

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

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

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

Potatoes and miscellaneous

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

67.9

123.4

15.4

2.13

3.01

1.74

61.3

15.1

7,449

28.0

49.8

11.4

46.3

47.2

39.0

45.0

1,416

(X)

17.1

602

4,192

2,205

1,121

39.6

1,513

866

849

1,540

29.3

35.9

2,268

1,219

1,889

1,751

1,178

(NA)

1,180

1,918

87

412

283

368

427

120

209

(NA)

220,284

10,780,296

113,450

119,878

52,049

67,829

64,024

3,090

199,479

6,944

246,932

4,135

2,269,117

1,645,202

81,956

541,959

2,447,410

5,759.0

5,762

29,930

6,741,400

4,630

179,424

3,014,998

2,785,695

17,009.9

16,250.0

759.9

35,236

32,179

762,441

167

31,925

10,872

5,302

406

7,200

61,249.2

6,605

467,126

26,736

17,855

422,535

2,390

26,482

3,400

(NA) Not available.

(X) Not applicable.

1 Area planted for all purposes.

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

3 Yield in pounds.
8 Crop Production (March 2013)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

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

2012 and 2013

[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2013 crop year. 

Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

Crop

Area planted Area harvested

2012 2013 2012 2013

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

Grains and hay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oilseeds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cotton, tobacco, and sugar crops

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dry beans, peas, and lentils

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

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

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

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

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

Potatoes and miscellaneous

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1,471,860

39,317,660

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

1,116,940

135,570

1,092,260

526,100

2,526,880

(NA)

22,555,800

16,723,410

859,160

4,973,240

714,280

(X)

139,210

20,680

662,880

890

68,720

31,241,260

776,600

4,983,920

4,887,440

96,480

497,810

(NA)

(NA)

7,690

705,170

262,640

187,370

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

464,710

39,170

20,150

405,380

(NA)

52,810

(NA)

16,924,140

1,312,810

35,359,790

2,986,210

22,767,860

6,997,900

15,769,960

422,900

82,960

1,083,760

100,360

2,005,240

146,900

19,826,170

14,096,970

850,660

4,878,540

699,710

(X)

135,980

20,110

650,740

850

64,790

30,798,530

745,030

3,814,930

3,719,100

95,830

487,330

362,600

136,070

5,540

684,090

251,310

182,110

(NA)

2,470

12,920

30,760

458,390

38,280

19,630

400,480

8,090

51,230

160

See footnote(s) at end of table. --continued
Crop Production (March 2013) 9

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

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

2012 and 2013 (continued)

[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2013 crop year. 

Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

Crop

Yield per hectare Production

2012 2013 2012 2013

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

Grains and hay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oilseeds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cotton, tobacco, and sugar crops

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dry beans, peas, and lentils

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

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

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

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

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

Potatoes and miscellaneous

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3.65

7.74

34.47

4.78

6.75

3.90

2.20

0.84

8.35

1.76

3.13

25.54

3.11

3.18

2.62

3.02

1.59

(X)

1.08

0.67

4.70

2.47

1.26

2.66

1.70

0.97

0.95

1.73

65.59

80.51

2.54

1.37

2.12

1.96

1.32

(NA)

1.32

2.15

0.10

46.22

31.68

41.26

47.86

0.13

23.45

(NA)

4,796,120

273,832,130

102,920,110

108,751,490

47,218,060

61,533,430

929,310

70,080

9,048,220

176,390

6,272,360

3,751,210

61,755,240

44,775,060

2,230,480

14,749,710

1,110,130

5,224,480

146,360

13,580

3,057,850

2,100

81,390

82,054,800

1,263,570

3,703,470

3,538,020

165,450

31,965,560

29,192,300

345,840

7,570

1,448,090

493,150

240,490

18,420

3,270

27,780

3,000

21,188,480

1,212,720

809,890

19,165,870

1,080

1,201,200

1,540

(NA) Not available.

(X) Not applicable.

1 Area planted for all purposes.

2

Total may not add due to rounding.

3 Area is total hectares in crop, not harvested hectares.
10 Crop Production (March 2013)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Fruits and Nuts Production in Domestic Units – United States: 2012 and 2013

[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2013 crop year, 

except citrus which is for the 2012-2013 season. Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

Crop

Production

2012 2013

(1,000) (1,000)

Citrus 1

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

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

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

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

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

Noncitrus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prunes and plums (excludes California) ................tons

Nuts and miscellaneous

Almonds, shelled (California) ...........................pounds

Hazelnuts, in-shell (Oregon) ..................................tons

Pecans, in-shell ................................................pounds

Walnuts, in-shell (California) .................................tons

Maple syrup ..................................................... gallons

1,170

850

9,017

52

648

9,061.1

60.8

7,343.4

160.0

978.3

858.2

125.0

13.2

2,000,000

34.7

302,800

470

1,908

1,093

892

8,679

45

656

1 Production years are 2011-2012 and 2012-2013.
Crop Production (March 2013) 11

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Fruits and Nuts Production in Metric Units – United States: 2012 and 2013

[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2013 crop year, 

except citrus which is for the 2012-2013 season. Blank cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

Crop

Production

2012 2013

(metric tons) (metric tons)

Citrus 1

Grapefruit ...........................................................................................................................

Lemons ..............................................................................................................................

Oranges ..............................................................................................................................

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

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

Noncitrus

Apples ................................................................................................................................

Apricots ..............................................................................................................................

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

Grapes ...............................................................................................................................

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

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

Peaches .............................................................................................................................

Pears ..................................................................................................................................

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

Prunes and plums (excludes California) ..............................................................................

Nuts and miscellaneous

Almonds, shelled (California) ..............................................................................................

Hazelnuts, in-shell (Oregon) ...............................................................................................

Pecans, in-shell ..................................................................................................................

Walnuts, in-shell (California) ...............................................................................................

Maple syrup ........................................................................................................................

1,061,410

771,110

8,180,080

47,170

587,860

4,110,050

55,160

6,661,820

145,150

887,460

778,580

113,400

12,010

907,180

31,480

137,350

426,380

9,540

991,550

809,210

7,873,460

40,820

595,110

1 Production years are 2011-2012 and 2012-2013.
12 Crop Production (March 2013)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service
Crop Production (March 2013) 13

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

February Weather Summary

For many areas east of the Rockies, particularly across the Midwestern and Mid-Atlantic States, February was the coldest 

month during the winter of 2012-13. Conversely, warmth continued across the Deep South, from southern Texas to 

Florida’s peninsula, where some early planting activities and blooming were noted by the end of February.

February precipitation highlights included heavy rain in the lower Southeast and several late-winter storms across the 

Plains and Midwest. Southeastern storms led to some record-high February precipitation totals and lowland flooding; 

however, rainfall largely bypassed Florida’s peninsula - where producers continued to irrigate citrus and other crops.

Across the Plains and Midwest, the most intense storms struck during the second half of the month, from February 20-22 

and 25-27. Both late-month storms produced heavy, wind-driven snow in various parts of the central and southern Plains 

and Midwest, stressing livestock and disrupting travel, but providing beneficial topsoil moisture and insulation for 

rangeland, pastures, and winter wheat.

Elsewhere, drier-than-normal weather dominated across southern Texas and nearly all areas west of the Rockies during 

February. In fact, disappointing amounts of precipitation have fallen across much of the West since the beginning of 2013, 

diminishing prospects for spring and summer runoff and increasing water supply concerns from California to the central 

and southern Rockies.

February Agricultural Summary

Near-normal temperatures blanketed much of the United States during February; however, beginning mid-month, a series 

of strong cold fronts delivered sub-freezing temperatures to many regions. Conversely, portions of Montana and 

New England recorded monthly temperatures averaging more than 6 degrees above normal. For much of the West, 

February was a relatively dry month, compounding the effects of preexisting soil moisture shortages. Monthly 

precipitation in portions of the northern Rocky Mountains and Southwest totaled less than 2 percent of normal. Elsewhere, 

beneficial rain and snow aided developing small grain crops in the central and southern Great Plains, as well as in the 

Southeast.

Mild temperatures coupled with mostly dry conditions allowed producers in the southern half of the country ample time to 

prepare farm equipment and fields for spring planting. Hay was steadily harvested from more than half of Arizona’s 

alfalfa fields throughout the month. In Texas, row crop producers in the Plains regions applied fertilizers and herbicides 

ahead of forecasted precipitation, while dry conditions in the Edward’s Plateau and South Central regions delayed cotton 

planting. Sugarcane harvest continued in Florida and Texas throughout the month.

Late-month storms delivered much-needed moisture to the hard red winter wheat growing region in the central and 

southern Great Plains, helping to improve crop condition. On February 24, thirty-six percent of Kansas’ winter wheat was 

reported in very poor to poor condition, compared with 39 percent on January 27. Additionally, 86 percent of the crop was 

free of freeze damage following cold temperatures toward month’s end despite limited snow cover. Fifty-four percent of 

the wheat crop in Oklahoma was reported in very poor to poor condition on February 24, compared with 69 percent on 

January 27. In California, small grain crops in southern locations were irrigated due to unfavorably dry conditions, while 

cool weather limited crop growth in northern portions of the State.

Warm temperatures in Florida prompted an early-month start to bud swell and bloom development in early variety tree 

fruit crops. Elsewhere, citrus producers in the San Joaquin Valley used wind machines and irrigation to protect their crops 

as overnight temperatures dipped to near freezing. Florida’s early and mid-season citrus harvest neared completion 

mid-month, as the Valencia harvest gained speed toward month’s end. General orchard and grove maintenance was 

ongoing throughout February.

Crop Comments

Sugarcane: Production of sugarcane for sugar and seed in 2012 is estimated at 32.2 million tons, of which 30.4 million 

tons was utilized for sugar and 1.73 million tons for seed. Total production for sugar and seed is down 1 percent from 
14 Crop Production (March 2013)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

February but up 10 percent from 2011. Sugarcane producers harvested 896,000 acres for sugar and seed in 2012, down 

3,000 acres from the February forecast. Yield for sugar and seed is estimated at 35.9 tons per acre, down 0.4 ton from 

February. In Florida, harvest continued with very few weather interruptions. Estimates for Hawaii, Louisiana, and Texas 

were carried forward from January.

Grapefruit: The 2012-2013 United States grapefruit crop is forecast at 1.09 million tons, down 4 percent from the 

February forecast and down 7 percent from last season’s final utilization. In Florida, droppage for both white and colored 

grapefruit is expected to be the highest of any season not affected by a freeze or hurricane. The average size is expected to

be the smallest since the 1968-1969 season. The row count survey conducted February 26-27 in Florida indicated that 

30 percent of the white grapefruit and 50 percent of the colored grapefruit had been harvested. California and Texas 

grapefruit production forecasts are carried forward from the January 1 forecast.

Tangelos: Florida’s tangelo forecast is 1.00 million boxes (45,000 tons), unchanged from the February forecast but down 

13 percent from last season’s final utilization. Florida’s row count survey conducted February 26-27 showed 99 percent of 

the rows were harvested.

Tangerines and mandarins: The United States tangerine and mandarin crop is forecast at 656,000 tons, unchanged from 

the February forecast but up 1 percent from last season’s final utilization. In Florida, sizes for all varieties of tangerines 

are expected to be below average with above average droppage. Arizona and California estimates are carried forward from 

the January 1 forecast.

Florida citrus: In the citrus growing region, high temperatures for the month were in the mid 70s to low 80s. Lows 

reached the upper 20s in the northern areas, but no damage was reported. Rainfall was sparse, worsening the drought 

conditions in nearly all of the citrus producing regions. Harvesting of early and mid oranges neared completion. 

Harvesting of grapefruit, tangelos, and tangerines continued, while the Valencia harvest began. Harvesting, mowing, and 

general grove maintenance were the primary grove activities.

California citrus: Early in the month, citrus growers had to protect groves from frost at night. Isolated reports of freeze 

damage in Navels and other citrus varieties were reported. Harvest of Navel oranges, lemons, and Mandarins continued. 

Grapefruit harvest slowed. Valencia orange harvest is expected to begin soon.

California noncitrus fruits and nuts: Peach, prune, and other stone fruit orchards were irrigated, pruned, and planted. 

Bloom began in early varieties of plums, pluots, nectarines, and peaches. Fungicide applications were ongoing in late 

season varieties. Dormant spraying was ongoing in cherries. Pruning finished for grapes and kiwi orchards, while it was 

ongoing for olives. Strawberries and blueberries continued to develop, benefitting from the warmer temperatures. Hass 

avocado harvest continued. Almond bloom began. Nut orchards were irrigated. Pre-emergent spraying, planting, and 

pruning continued in walnut and pistachio orchards.
Crop Production (March 2013) 15

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Statistical Methodology

Survey procedures: The orange objective yield survey for the March 1 forecast was conducted in Florida, which 

accounts for nearly 72 percent of the United States production. Bearing tree numbers are determined at the start of the 

season based on a fruit tree census conducted every other year, combined with ongoing review based on administrative 

data or special surveys. From mid-July to mid-September, the number of fruit per tree is determined. In September and 

subsequent months, fruit size measurement and fruit droppage surveys are conducted, which are combined with the 

previous components to develop the current forecast of production. California and Texas conduct grower and packer 

surveys on a quarterly basis in October, January, April, and July. California also conducts objective measurement surveys 

in September for navel oranges and in March for Valencia oranges.

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

reasonableness, and consistency with historical estimates. Reports from growers and packers in California and Texas were 

also used for setting estimates. These three States submit their analyses of the current situation to the Agricultural 

Statistics Board (ASB). The ASB uses the survey data and the State analyses to prepare the published March 1 forecast.

Revision policy: The March 1 production forecasts will not be revised. A new forecast will be made each month 

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

September. The production estimates are based on all data available at the end of the marketing season, including 

information from marketing orders, shipments, and processor records. Allowances are made for recorded local utilization 

and home use.

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

Error," a statistical measure based on past performance, is computed. The deviation between the March 1 production 

forecast and the final estimate is expressed as a percentage of the final estimate. The average of squared percentage 

deviations for the latest 20-year period is computed. The square root of the average becomes statistically the "Root Mean 

Square Error." Probability statements can be made concerning expected differences in the current forecast relative to the 

final end-of-season estimate, assuming that factors affecting this year's forecast are not different from those influencing 

recent years.

The "Root Mean Square Error" for the March 1 orange production forecast is 1.9 percent regardless if you exclude the 

three abnormal production seasons (one freeze season and two hurricane seasons). This means that chances are 2 out of 3 

that the current orange production forecast will not be above or below the final estimates by more than 1.9 percent. 

Chances are 9 out of 10 (90 percent confidence level) that the difference will not exceed 3.3 percent, or 3.2 percent when 

excluding abnormal seasons.

Changes between the March 1 orange forecast and the final estimates during the past 20 years have averaged 174,000 tons 

(177,000 tons, excluding abnormal seasons), ranging from 13,000 tons to 503,000 tons regardless of exclusions. The 

March 1 forecast for oranges has been below the final estimate 10 times and above 10 times (below 9 times and above 

8 times, excluding abnormal seasons). The difference does not imply that the March 1 forecasts this year are likely to 

understate or overstate final production.
16 Crop Production (March 2013)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Information Contacts

Listed below are the commodity statisticians in the Crops Branch of the National Agricultural Statistics Service to contact 

for additional information. E-mail inquiries may be sent to nass@nass.usda.gov

Lance Honig, Chief, Crops Branch .......................................................................................................(202) 720-2127

Vacant, Head, Field Crops Section ....................................................................................................... (202) 720-2127

 Brent Chittenden – Oats, Rye, Wheat .............................................................................................. (202) 720-8068

 Angie Considine – Peanuts, Rice ..................................................................................................... (202) 720-7688

 Steve Maliszewski – Cotton, Cotton Ginnings, Sorghum................................................................ (202) 720-5944

 Anthony Prillaman – Corn, Flaxseed, Proso Millet ......................................................................... (202) 720-9526

 Julie Schmidt – Crop Weather, Barley, Hay .................................................................................... (202) 720-7621

 Travis Thorson – Soybeans, Sunflower, Other Oilseeds..................................................................(202) 720-7369

Jorge Garcia-Pratts, Head, Fruits, Vegetables and Special Crops Section............................................(202) 720-2127

 Debbie Flippin – Fresh and Processing Vegetables, Onions, Strawberries......................................(202) 720-2157

 Fred Granja – Apples, Apricots, Cherries, Plums, Prunes, Tobacco ...............................................(202) 720-4288

 Chris Hawthorn – Citrus, Coffee, Grapes, Sugar Crops, Tropical Fruits.........................................(202) 720-5412

 Dave Losh – Hops............................................................................................................................(360) 709-2400 

 Dan Norris – Austrian Winter Peas, Dry Edible Peas, Lentils, Mint,

 Mushrooms, Peaches, Pears, Wrinkled Seed Peas, Dry Beans ..................................................(202) 720-3250

 Daphne Schauber – Berries, Cranberries, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes ...............................................(202) 720-4285

 Erika White – Floriculture, Maple Syrup, Nursery, Tree Nuts .......................................................(202) 720-4215
Access to NASS Reports

For your convenience, you may access NASS reports and products the following ways:

 All reports are available electronically, at no cost, on the NASS web site: http://www.nass.usda.gov

 Both national and state specific reports are available via a free e-mail subscription. To set-up this free 

subscription, visit http://www.nass.usda.gov and in the “Follow NASS” box under “Receive reports by Email,” 

click on “National” or “State” to select the reports you would like to receive. 

For more information on NASS surveys and reports, call the NASS Agricultural Statistics Hotline at (800) 727-9540, 

7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET, or e-mail: nass@nass.usda.gov. 

 

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