Cr Pr 2-2 (9-09)

Crop

Production

Washington, D.C.

Released September 11, 2009, 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.

Corn Production Up 2 Percent from August Forecast

Soybean Production Up 1 Percent

Cotton Production Up 2 Percent

Corn production is forecast at 13.0 billion bushels, up 2 percent from last month and 7 percent higher than 2008. Based on 

conditions as of September 1, yields are expected to average 161.9 bushels per acre, up 2.4 bushels from August and 

8.0 bushels above last year. If realized, this will be the highest yield on record and production will be the second largest, 

behind 2007. Yield forecasts increased from last month across the western Corn Belt and the northern half of the Great Plains 

as mild temperatures and adequate soil moisture supplies provided favorable growing conditions. Yield prospects were 

unchanged in the eastern Corn Belt where dry conditions during August depleted soil moisture supplies.

Soybean production is forecast at a record high 3.25 billion bushels, up 1 percent from the August forecast and up 10 percent 

from last year. Based on September 1 conditions, yields are expected to average 42.3 bushels per acre, up 0.6 bushel from last 

month and up 2.7 bushels from 2008. If realized, this will be the third highest yield on record. Compared with last month, 

yields are forecast higher or unchanged in all States except Indiana, where the yield is expected to be down 2 bushels. The 

largest increases in yield from the August forecast are expected in Alabama and Maryland, up 5 and 6 bushels, respectively. 

If realized, the forecasted yield in Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi will be a record high and the forecasted yield in 

Nebraska, North Carolina, and Ohio will tie the previous record high. Area for harvest in the U.S. is forecast at 76.8 million 

acres, up slightly from June and up 3 percent from 2008.

All Cotton production is forecast at 13.4 million 480-pound bales, up 2 percent from last month and up 5 percent from last 

year. Upland cotton production is forecast at 13.1 million 480-pound bales, up 2 percent from last month and up 6 percent 

from last year. Producers in the Southeast and Delta regions are expecting increased yields from last month. Upland growers

in Alabama, Georgia, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Tennessee are expecting record high yields. The American-Pima 

production forecast, at 367,000 bales, was carried forward from last month. 

California navel orange production for the 2009-10 season is forecast at 40.0 million boxes (1.50 million tons), up 

16 percent from last season’s revised production of 34.5 million boxes (1.29 million tons). This initial forecast is based on an 

objective measurement survey conducted in California’s Central Valley in July and August. Survey results show that average 

fruit set per tree is below average but 45 percent higher than last year’s record low set. Fruit size is average and fruit quality 

is expected to be good.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 2 NASS, USDA

This report was approved on September 11, 2009.

Acting Secretary of

Agriculture

James W. Miller

Agricultural Statistics Board

Chairperson

Carol C. House
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 3 NASS, USDA

Contents

Page

Grains & Hay

 Corn for Grain................................................................................................................................................................4

 Plant Population Per Acre ........................................................................................................................................26

 Ears Per Acre ...........................................................................................................................................................27

 Rice, by Class.................................................................................................................................................................6

 Sorghum for Grain .........................................................................................................................................................5

Oilseeds

 Peanuts...........................................................................................................................................................................9

 Soybeans........................................................................................................................................................................8

 Pods with Beans per 18 Square Feet ........................................................................................................................28

Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops

 Cotton.............................................................................................................................................................................9

 Cumulative Boll Counts...........................................................................................................................................29

 Cottonseed....................................................................................................................................................................11

 Sugarbeets....................................................................................................................................................................11

 Sugarcane for Sugar and Seed......................................................................................................................................11

 Tobacco........................................................................................................................................................................12

Noncitrus Fruits & Tree Nuts

 Papayas ........................................................................................................................................................................19

 Hazelnuts .....................................................................................................................................................................19

 Walnuts........................................................................................................................................................................19

Citrus Fruits 

 Oranges........................................................................................................................................................................18

Potatoes & Miscellaneous Crops

 Potatoes........................................................................................................................................................................14

Crop Comments..................................................................................................................................................................34

Crop Summary....................................................................................................................................................................20

Information Contacts..........................................................................................................................................................41

Reliability of Production Data in this Report...................................................................................................................39

Weather Maps.....................................................................................................................................................................30

Weather Summary..............................................................................................................................................................32
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 4 NASS, USDA

Corn for Grain: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by State

and United States, 2008 and Forecasted September 1, 2009

State

Area Harvested Yield Production

2008 2009 2008

2009

2008 2009

Aug 1 Sep 1

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

AL

AR

CA

CO

DE

GA

IL

IN

IA

KS

KY

LA

MD

MI

MN

MS

MO

NE

NJ

NY

NC

ND

OH

OK

PA

SC

SD

TN

TX

VA

WA

WI

Oth

 Sts 1

US

235

430

170

1,080

152

310

11,900

5,460

12,800

3,630

1,120

510

400

2,140

7,200

700

2,650

8,550

74

640

830

2,300

3,120

320

880

315

4,400

630

2,030

340

90

2,880

354

78,640

260

390

125

1,000

160

380

12,100

5,540

13,350

3,600

1,130

680

400

2,090

7,200

780

3,000

9,150

69

630

800

1,700

3,170

310

880

320

4,600

590

1,950

355

90

2,850

358

80,007

104.0

155.0

195.0

137.0

125.0

140.0

179.0

160.0

171.0

134.0

136.0

144.0

121.0

138.0

164.0

140.0

144.0

163.0

116.0

144.0

78.0

124.0

135.0

115.0

133.0

65.0

133.0

118.0

125.0

108.0

205.0

137.0

155.3

153.9

106.0

155.0

180.0

140.0

130.0

148.0

175.0

163.0

185.0

143.0

150.0

134.0

133.0

140.0

167.0

135.0

146.0

166.0

129.0

131.0

105.0

118.0

165.0

110.0

137.0

98.0

141.0

135.0

125.0

120.0

200.0

135.0

153.3

159.5

108.0

153.0

180.0

138.0

145.0

143.0

179.0

163.0

187.0

144.0

155.0

134.0

138.0

146.0

167.0

137.0

151.0

169.0

135.0

133.0

110.0

120.0

165.0

105.0

144.0

107.0

147.0

135.0

125.0

125.0

205.0

137.0

154.1

161.9

24,440

66,650

33,150

147,960

19,000

43,400

2,130,100

873,600

2,188,800

486,420

152,320

73,440

48,400

295,320

1,180,800

98,000

381,600

1,393,650

8,584

92,160

64,740

285,200

421,200

36,800

117,040

20,475

585,200

74,340

253,750

36,720

18,450

394,560

54,969

12,101,238

28,080

59,670

22,500

138,000

23,200

54,340

2,165,900

903,020

2,496,450

518,400

175,150

91,120

55,200

305,140

1,202,400

106,860

453,000

1,546,350

9,315

83,790

88,000

204,000

523,050

32,550

126,720

34,240

676,200

79,650

243,750

44,375

18,450

390,450

55,180

12,954,500

1 Other States include AZ, FL, ID, MT, NM, OR, UT, WV, and WY. Individual State level estimates will be published in the "Crop Production 

2009 Summary."
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 5 NASS, USDA

Sorghum for Grain: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by State

and United States, 2008 and Forecasted September 1, 2009

State

Area Harvested Yield Production

2008 2009 2008

2009

2008 2009

Aug 1 Sep 1

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

AR

CO

IL

KS

LA

MS

MO

NE

NM

OK

SD

TX

Oth

 Sts 1

US

115

150

76

2,750

110

82

80

210

80

310

115

3,050

143

7,271

45

140

58

2,700

95

19

55

165

61

240

115

2,200

55

5,948

88.0

30.0

103.0

78.0

87.0

71.0

97.0

91.0

43.0

45.0

64.0

52.0

68.4

65.0

90.0

35.0

87.0

79.0

75.0

75.0

86.0

90.0

41.0

39.0

60.0

47.0

53.6

64.0

93.0

32.0

87.0

82.0

75.0

78.0

86.0

90.0

41.0

42.0

64.0

47.0

53.6

65.5

10,120

4,500

7,828

214,500

9,570

5,822

7,760

19,110

3,440

13,950

7,360

158,600

9,782

472,342

4,185

4,480

5,046

221,400

7,125

1,482

4,730

14,850

2,501

10,080

7,360

103,400

2,950

389,589

1

For 2008, Other States include AL, AZ, CA, GA, KY, NC, PA, SC, and TN. For 2009, Other States include AZ, and GA. Individual State 

level estimates will be published in the "Crop Production 2009 Summary."
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 6 NASS, USDA

Rice: Area Planted and Harvested by Class, State, and

United States, 2007-2008 and Forecasted September 1, 2009 1

Class

and

State

Area Planted Area Harvested

2007 2008 2009 22007 2008 2009

Long Grain

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

AR

CA

LA

MS

MO

TX

US

1,185.0

9.0

357.0

190.0

179.0

143.0

2,063.0

1,300.0

9.0

455.0

230.0

198.0

173.0

2,365.0

1,260.0

4.0

420.0

240.0

198.0

166.0

2,288.0

1,180.0

9.0

355.0

189.0

177.0

142.0

2,052.0

1,295.0

9.0

450.0

229.0

197.0

170.0

2,350.0

1,250.0

4.0

415.0

238.0

196.0

165.0

2,268.0

Medium Grain

AR

CA

LA

MO

TX

US

145.0

460.0

23.0

1.0

3.0

632.0

100.0

460.0

15.0

2.0

2.0

579.0

225.0

495.0

55.0

3.0

5.0

783.0

144.0

459.0

23.0

1.0

3.0

630.0

99.0

458.0

14.0

2.0

2.0

575.0

224.0

492.0

55.0

3.0

5.0

779.0

Short Grain

AR

CA

US

1.0

65.0

66.0

1.0

50.0

51.0

1.0

53.0

54.0

1.0

65.0

66.0

1.0

50.0

51.0

1.0

53.0

54.0

All

AR

CA

LA

MS

MO

TX

US

1,331.0

534.0

380.0

190.0

180.0

146.0

2,761.0

1,401.0

519.0

470.0

230.0

200.0

175.0

2,995.0

1,486.0

552.0

475.0

240.0

201.0

171.0

3,125.0

1,325.0

533.0

378.0

189.0

178.0

145.0

2,748.0

1,395.0

517.0

464.0

229.0

199.0

172.0

2,976.0

1,475.0

549.0

470.0

238.0

199.0

170.0

3,101.0

1

Sweet rice acreage and production included with short grain.

2 Updated from "Acreage" released June 30, 2009.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 7 NASS, USDA

Rice: Yield and Production by Class, State, and

United States, 2007-2008 and Forecasted September 1, 2009 1

Class

and

State

Yield Production

2007 2008

2009

2007 2008 2009 2

Aug 1 Sep 1

Long Grain

Pounds Pounds Pounds Pounds 1,000 Cwt 1,000 Cwt 1,000 Cwt

AR

CA

LA

MS

MO

TX

US

7,230

7,100

6,150

7,350

6,900

6,580

6,980

6,640

6,900

5,820

6,850

6,620

6,900

6,522

85,314

639

21,833

13,892

12,213

9,344

143,235

85,988

621

26,190

15,687

13,041

11,730

153,257 152,815

Medium Grain

AR

CA

LA

MO

TX

US

7,250

8,500

6,040

6,600

5,100

8,105

6,960

8,550

6,050

6,600

6,900

8,203

10,440

39,015

1,389

66

153

51,063

6,890

39,159

847

132

138

47,166 62,408

Short Grain

AR

CA

US

6,000

6,200

6,197

6,000

6,500

6,490

60

4,030

4,090

60

3,250

3,310 3,424

All

AR

CA

LA

MS

MO

TX

US

7,230

8,200

6,140

7,350

6,900

6,550

7,219

6,660

8,320

5,830

6,850

6,620

6,900

6,846

6,850

8,200

6,300

7,100

6,800

6,800

7,039

6,850

8,300

6,300

7,000

6,800

7,200

7,051

95,814

43,684

23,222

13,892

12,279

9,497

198,388

92,938

43,030

27,037

15,687

13,173

11,868

203,733

101,038

45,567

29,610

16,660

13,532

12,240

218,647

1

Sweet rice acreage and production included with short grain.

2

Indicated September 1, 2009, rice class estimates are based on a 5-year average of class percentages. The class percentages are adjusted as data 

become available through the growing season. State estimates by class will be published in the "Crop Production 2009 Summary."
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 8 NASS, USDA

Soybeans for Beans: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by State

and United States, 2008 and Forecasted September 1, 2009

State

Area Harvested Yield Production

2008 2009 2008

2009

2008 2009

Aug 1 Sep 1

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

AL

AR

DE

GA

IL

IN

IA

KS

KY

LA

MD

MI

MN

MS

MO

NE

NJ

NY

NC

ND

OH

OK

PA

SC

SD

TN

TX

VA

WI

Oth

 Sts 1

US

350

3,250

193

415

9,100

5,430

9,670

3,250

1,380

950

485

1,890

6,950

1,960

5,030

4,860

90

226

1,670

3,760

4,480

360

430

530

4,060

1,460

205

570

1,590

47

74,641

440

3,350

188

480

9,050

5,480

9,730

3,500

1,430

1,000

480

1,990

7,100

2,170

5,350

4,650

90

252

1,760

4,000

4,580

330

445

590

4,300

1,560

210

590

1,630

42

76,767

35.0

38.0

27.5

30.0

47.0

45.0

46.0

37.0

34.0

33.0

30.0

37.0

38.0

40.0

38.0

46.5

29.0

46.0

33.0

28.0

36.0

25.0

40.0

32.0

34.0

34.0

24.0

32.0

35.0

39.1

39.6

32.0

38.0

34.0

32.0

44.0

45.0

52.0

38.0

40.0

35.0

33.0

37.0

40.0

41.0

40.0

49.0

34.0

41.0

32.0

29.0

47.0

25.0

45.0

27.0

37.0

40.0

25.0

32.0

39.0

33.6

41.7

37.0

38.0

36.0

34.0

44.0

43.0

52.0

40.0

42.0

35.0

39.0

38.0

40.0

41.0

42.0

51.0

35.0

43.0

34.0

30.0

47.0

26.0

45.0

27.0

39.0

40.0

25.0

35.0

39.0

33.6

42.3

12,250

123,500

5,308

12,450

427,700

244,350

444,820

120,250

46,920

31,350

14,550

69,930

264,100

78,400

191,140

225,990

2,610

10,396

55,110

105,280

161,280

9,000

17,200

16,960

138,040

49,640

4,920

18,240

55,650

1,840

2,959,174

16,280

127,300

6,768

16,320

398,200

235,640

505,960

140,000

60,060

35,000

18,720

75,620

284,000

88,970

224,700

237,150

3,150

10,836

59,840

120,000

215,260

8,580

20,025

15,930

167,700

62,400

5,250

20,650

63,570

1,413

3,245,292

1 Other States include FL and WV. Individual State level estimates will be published in the "Crop Production 2009 Summary."
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 9 NASS, USDA

Peanuts: Area Planted, Harvested, Yield and Production by State and

United States, 2007-2008 and Forecasted September 1, 2009

State

Area Planted Area Harvested

2007 2008 2009 12007 2008 2009

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

AL

FL

GA

MS

NM

NC

OK

SC

TX

VA

US

160.0

130.0

530.0

19.0

10.0

92.0

18.0

59.0

190.0

22.0

1,230.0

195.0

150.0

690.0

22.0

8.0

98.0

19.0

71.0

257.0

24.0

1,534.0

155.0

115.0

505.0

21.0

7.0

67.0

13.0

49.0

165.0

12.0

1,109.0

157.0

119.0

520.0

18.0

10.0

90.0

17.0

56.0

187.0

21.0

1,195.0

193.0

140.0

685.0

21.0

8.0

97.0

18.0

68.0

253.0

24.0

1,507.0

153.0

105.0

500.0

20.0

7.0

66.0

12.0

47.0

160.0

12.0

1,082.0

State

Yield Production

2007 2008

2009

2007 2008 2009

Aug 1 Sep 1

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

AL

FL

GA

MS

NM

NC

OK

SC

TX

VA

US

2,550

2,700

3,120

3,300

3,200

2,900

3,400

3,100

3,700

2,500

3,073

3,300

3,200

3,400

3,900

3,200

3,700

3,500

3,900

3,400

3,300

3,416

3,300

3,100

3,300

3,500

3,200

3,300

3,200

3,400

3,400

3,400

3,301

3,300

3,100

3,500

3,500

3,200

3,400

3,200

3,300

3,400

3,400

3,397

400,350

321,300

1,622,400

59,400

32,000

261,000

57,800

173,600

691,900

52,500

3,672,250

636,900

448,000

2,329,000

81,900

25,600

358,900

63,000

265,200

860,200

79,200

5,147,900

504,900

325,500

1,750,000

70,000

22,400

224,400

38,400

155,100

544,000

40,800

3,675,500

1 Updated from "Acreage" released June 30, 2009.

Cotton: Area Planted by Type, State,

and United States, 2008-2009

State

Upland Amer-Pima All

2008 2009 12008 2009 2008 2009 1

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

 AL

 AZ

 AR

 CA

 FL

 GA

 KS

 LA

 MS

 MO

 NM

 NC

 OK

 SC

 TN

 TX

 VA

 US

290.0

135.0

620.0

120.0

67.0

940.0

35.0

300.0

365.0

306.0

38.0

430.0

170.0

135.0

285.0

5,000.0

61.0

9,297.0

255.0

140.0

520.0

71.0

82.0

1,000.0

36.0

230.0

295.0

275.0

30.0

375.0

200.0

115.0

300.0

5,000.0

65.0

8,989.0

0.8

155.0

2.6

15.6

174.0

1.3

130.0

1.4

17.0

149.7

290.0

135.8

620.0

275.0

67.0

940.0

35.0

300.0

365.0

306.0

40.6

430.0

170.0

135.0

285.0

5,015.6

61.0

9,471.0

255.0

141.3

520.0

201.0

82.0

1,000.0

36.0

230.0

295.0

275.0

31.4

375.0

200.0

115.0

300.0

5,017.0

65.0

9,138.7

1 Updated from "Acreage" released June 30, 2009.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 10 NASS, USDA

Cotton: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by Type, State,

and United States, 2008 and Forecasted September 1, 2009

Type

and

State

Area Harvested Yield Production 1

2008 2009 2008

2009

2008 2009

Aug 1 Sep 1

1,000 Acres 1,000 Acres Pounds Pounds Pounds 1,000 Bales 21,000 Bales 2

Upland

 AL

 AZ

 AR

 CA

 FL

 GA

 KS

 LA

 MS

 MO

 NM

 NC

 OK

 SC

 TN

 TX

 VA

 US

Amer-Pima 3

 AZ

 CA

 NM

 TX

 US

All

 AL

 AZ

 AR

 CA

 FL

 GA

 KS

 LA

 MS

 MO

 NM

 NC

 OK

 SC

 TN

 TX

 VA

 US

286.0

133.0

615.0

117.0

65.0

920.0

25.0

234.0

360.0

303.0

35.0

428.0

155.0

134.0

280.0

3,250.0

60.0

7,400.0

0.8

151.0

1.9

15.0

168.7

286.0

133.8

615.0

268.0

65.0

920.0

25.0

234.0

360.0

303.0

36.9

428.0

155.0

134.0

280.0

3,265.0

60.0

7,568.7

250.0

139.0

500.0

70.0

81.0

990.0

32.0

225.0

285.0

263.0

28.0

370.0

195.0

110.0

280.0

3,700.0

64.0

7,582.0

1.3

127.0

1.4

16.5

146.2

250.0

140.3

500.0

197.0

81.0

990.0

32.0

225.0

285.0

263.0

29.4

370.0

195.0

110.0

280.0

3,716.5

64.0

7,728.2

787

1,462

1,012

1,506

916

835

653

576

911

1,106

974

847

811

881

909

657

908

803

480

1,281

758

768

1,226

787

1,456

1,012

1,379

916

835

653

576

911

1,106

963

847

811

881

909

658

908

813

794

1,450

1,025

1,560

724

841

675

858

875

1,061

1,029

800

836

715

916

701

863

809

997

1,247

789

931

1,205

794

1,446

1,025

1,352

724

841

675

858

875

1,061

1,017

800

836

715

916

702

863

816

806

1,450

1,056

1,495

830

897

720

864

960

1,132

1,029

824

837

720

960

701

900

827

997

1,247

789

931

1,205

806

1,446

1,056

1,335

830

897

720

864

960

1,132

1,017

824

837

720

960

702

900

835

469.0

405.0

1,296.0

367.0

124.0

1,600.0

34.0

281.0

683.0

698.0

71.0

755.0

262.0

246.0

530.0

4,450.0

113.5

12,384.5

0.8

403.0

3.0

24.0

430.8

469.0

405.8

1,296.0

770.0

124.0

1,600.0

34.0

281.0

683.0

698.0

74.0

755.0

262.0

246.0

530.0

4,474.0

113.5

12,815.3

420.0

420.0

1,100.0

218.0

140.0

1,850.0

48.0

405.0

570.0

620.0

60.0

635.0

340.0

165.0

560.0

5,400.0

120.0

13,071.0

2.7

330.0

2.3

32.0

367.0

420.0

422.7

1,100.0

548.0

140.0

1,850.0

48.0

405.0

570.0

620.0

62.3

635.0

340.0

165.0

560.0

5,432.0

120.0

13,438.0

1

Production ginned and to be ginned.

2

480-lb. net weight bale.

3 Estimates for current year carried forward from an earlier forecast.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 11 NASS, USDA

Cottonseed: Production, United States,

2007-2008 and Forecasted September 1, 2009

State

Production

2007 2008 2009 1

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

US 6,588.7 4,300.3 4,535.0

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

Sugarcane for Sugar and Seed: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by State

and United States, 2008 and Forecasted September 1, 2009

State

Area Harvested Yield 1Production 1

2008 2009 2008

2009

2008 2009

Aug 1 Sep 1

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

FL

HI

LA

TX

US

401.0

22.8

405.0

39.2

868.0

390.0

21.7

400.0

41.0

852.7

33.1

65.5

28.3

35.5

31.8

38.5

67.2

27.0

35.0

33.7

36.7

67.2

27.0

35.0

32.8

13,255

1,494

11,462

1,392

27,603

14,313

1,458

10,800

1,435

28,006

1 Net tons.

Sugarbeets: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by State and United States,

2008 and Forecasted September 1, 2009 1

State

Area Harvested Yield Production

2008 2009 2008

2009

2008 2009

Aug 1 Sep 1

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

CA

CO

ID

MI

MN

MT

NE

ND

OR

WA 2

WY

US

25.4

28.6

116.0

136.0

399.0

30.7

37.3

197.0

5.9

1.6

27.1

1,004.6

24.6

35.0

163.0

136.0

450.0

37.9

52.5

219.0

10.5

30.0

1,158.5

39.7

26.5

31.2

28.7

24.7

26.8

22.6

25.9

33.1

41.9

24.5

26.7

41.0

29.0

34.1

27.0

27.0

28.8

24.0

26.0

36.0

26.0

28.2

40.0

27.7

34.1

27.0

25.0

29.5

22.0

25.0

34.8

26.0

27.0

1,008

758

3,619

3,903

9,855

823

843

5,102

195

67

664

26,837

984

970

5,558

3,672

11,250

1,118

1,155

5,475

365

780

31,327

1 Relates to year of intended harvest in all States except CA. In CA, relates to year of intended harvest for fall planted beets in central CA and to 

year of planting for overwintered beets in central and southern CA.

2 Estimates discontinued in 2009.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 12 NASS, USDA

Tobacco: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by State and

United States, 2008 and Forecasted September 1, 2009

State

Area Harvested Yield Production

2008 2009 2008

2009

2008 2009

Aug 1 Sep 1

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

CT

GA

KY

MA

MO 1

NC

OH 2

PA

SC

TN

VA

US

2,600

16,000

87,800

690

1,500

174,300

3,400

7,900

19,000

21,800

19,500

354,490

1,750

14,000

87,300

390

173,300

3,200

8,200

18,500

20,600

19,950

347,190

1,352

2,100

2,345

1,403

2,240

2,240

2,050

2,232

2,100

2,403

2,357

2,258

1,391

1,700

2,326

1,383

2,335

2,000

2,413

2,200

2,358

2,261

2,288

1,343

1,500

2,379

1,546

2,389

2,000

2,349

2,050

2,458

2,263

2,319

3,516

33,600

205,850

968

3,360

390,360

6,970

17,630

39,900

52,380

45,970

800,504

2,350

21,000

207,720

603

413,940

6,400

19,265

37,925

50,640

45,145

804,988

1 Estimates discontinued in 2009.

2 Estimates for current year carried forward from an earlier forecast.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 13 NASS, USDA

Tobacco: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by Class, Type,

State, and United States, 2008 and Forecasted September 1, 2009

Class, Type, and State

Area Harvested Yield Production

2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009

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

Class 1, Flue-cured

 GA

 NC

 SC

 VA

 US

Class 2, Fire-cured

 KY

 TN

 VA

 US

Class 3, Air-cured

 Light Air-cured

 Burley

 KY

 MO 1

 NC

 OH 2

 PA

 TN

 VA

 US

 Southern MD Belt

 PA

 Total Light Air-cured

 Dark Air-cured

 KY

 TN

 US

Class 4, Cigar Filler

 PA Seedleaf

 PA

Class 5, Cigar Binder

 CT Valley Broadleaf

 CT

 MA

 US

Class 6, Cigar Wrapper

 CT Valley Shade-grown

 CT

 MA

 US

All Cigar Types

All Tobacco

16,000

171,000

19,000

17,000

223,000

10,900

7,200

500

18,600

70,000

1,500

3,300

3,400

4,300

13,000

2,000

97,500

1,800

99,300

6,900

1,600

8,500

1,800

1,700

500

2,200

900

190

1,090

5,090

354,490

14,000

170,000

18,500

17,000

219,500

9,300

6,500

750

16,550

73,000

3,300

3,200

4,100

13,000

2,200

98,800

2,100

100,900

5,000

1,100

6,100

2,000

1,000

300

1,300

750

90

840

4,140

347,190

2,100

2,250

2,100

2,410

2,239

3,500

3,200

2,000

3,344

2,100

2,240

1,700

2,050

2,300

1,900

2,000

2,067

2,100

2,068

3,000

2,900

2,981

2,200

1,380

1,460

1,398

1,300

1,250

1,292

1,659

2,258

1,500

2,400

2,050

2,300

2,305

3,400

3,300

1,900

3,293

2,200

1,800

2,000

2,400

2,000

2,100

2,160

2,250

2,162

3,100

2,900

3,064

2,350

1,450

1,650

1,496

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,849

2,319

33,600

384,750

39,900

40,970

499,220

38,150

23,040

1,000

62,190

147,000

3,360

5,610

6,970

9,890

24,700

4,000

201,530

3,780

205,310

20,700

4,640

25,340

3,960

2,346

730

3,076

1,170

238

1,408

8,444

800,504

21,000

408,000

37,925

39,100

506,025

31,620

21,450

1,425

54,495

160,600

5,940

6,400

9,840

26,000

4,620

213,400

4,725

218,125

15,500

3,190

18,690

4,700

1,450

495

1,945

900

108

1,008

7,653

804,988

1 Estimates discontinued in 2009.

2 Estimates for current year carried forward from an earlier forecast.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 14 NASS, USDA

Potatoes: Area Planted and Harvested, Yield, and Production by Seasonal

Group, State, and United States, 2008-2009

Seasonal

Group and

State

Area Planted Area Harvested Yield Production

2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009

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

Winter 1

 CA

 Total

Spring 1

 AZ

 CA

 FL

 Hastings

 Other FL

 NC

 TX

 Total

Summer

 AL 2

 CA

 CO

 DE

 IL

 KS

 MD

 MO

 NJ

 TX

 VA

 Total

11.0

11.0

3.5

15.4

28.5

17.4

11.1

14.5

8.4

70.3

1.3

3.6

4.6

1.7

5.5

5.0

2.5

7.2

2.0

8.0

5.8

47.2

9.0

9.0

4.0

17.5

29.3

17.8

11.5

16.0

8.8

75.6

3.8

4.0

1.7

5.4

5.0

2.4

7.3

2.0

5.9

6.4

43.9

11.0

11.0

3.5

15.4

27.9

17.0

10.9

14.0

8.0

68.8

1.2

3.6

4.4

1.7

5.3

4.8

2.5

6.5

2.0

7.4

5.7

45.1

9.0

9.0

4.0

17.5

28.6

17.4

11.2

15.0

8.3

73.4

3.8

3.9

1.7

5.2

4.8

2.4

7.0

2.0

5.4

6.3

42.5

230

230

300

450

285

285

285

180

210

293

170

360

370

250

395

320

300

190

230

395

220

306

240

240

280

430

274

290

250

195

230

291

370

400

290

390

325

350

290

270

460

280

346

2,530

2,530

1,050

6,930

7,952

4,845

3,107

2,520

1,680

20,132

204

1,296

1,628

425

2,094

1,536

750

1,235

460

2,923

1,254

13,805

2,160

2,160

1,120

7,525

7,846

5,046

2,800

2,925

1,909

21,325

1,406

1,560

493

2,028

1,560

840

2,030

540

2,484

1,764

14,705

See footnote(s) at end of table. --continued
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 15 NASS, USDA

Potatoes: Area Planted and Harvested, Yield, and Production by Seasonal

Group, State, and United States, 2008-2009 (continued)

Seasonal

Group and

State

Area Planted Area Harvested Yield Production

2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009

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

Fall 3

 CA

 CO

 ID

 10 SW Co

 Other ID

 ME

 MA

 MI

 MN

 MT

 NE

 NV

 NM

 NY

 ND

 OH

 OR

 Malheur 2

 Other OR 2

 PA

 RI

 WA

 WI

 Total

US

8.4

57.0

305.0

15.0

290.0

56.0

2.8

43.0

50.0

10.9

19.5

5.8

5.9

18.0

82.0

2.5

35.3

2.8

32.5

10.0

0.5

155.0

63.5

931.1

1,059.6

7.8

56.0

320.0

19.0

301.0

56.0

3.0

45.0

47.0

11.0

20.0

6.0

6.5

17.1

80.0

2.5

36.0

10.0

0.5

145.0

63.5

932.9

1,061.4

8.4

56.9

304.0

15.0

289.0

54.7

2.7

42.5

48.0

10.5

19.4

5.8

5.9

17.8

81.0

2.1

35.3

2.8

32.5

9.5

0.5

155.0

62.0

922.0

1,046.9

7.8

55.8

319.0

19.0

300.0

55.0

3.0

44.5

45.0

10.8

19.6

6.0

6.4

16.5

77.0

2.3

36.0

9.5

0.5

145.0

63.0

922.7

1,047.6

470

385

383

540

375

270

260

350

425

330

425

410

390

320

280

325

529

460

535

265

280

600

415

411

396

3,948

21,907

116,475

8,100

108,375

14,769

702

14,875

20,400

3,465

8,245

2,378

2,301

5,696

22,680

683

18,676

1,288

17,388

2,518

140

93,000

25,730

378,588

415,055

1 Estimates for current year carried forward from earlier forecast.

2 Estimates discontinued in 2009.

3 The forecast of fall potato production will be published in "Crop Production" on November 10, 2009.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 16 NASS, USDA

Fall Potatoes: Percent of Varieties Planted, 2009 Crop

The National Agricultural Statistics Service conducts variety surveys in 8 States, accounting for 86 percent of the 2009 

forecasted U.S. fall potato production. Colorado data are from a growers’ potato variety survey. The remaining 7 States 

conduct objective yield surveys where all producing areas are sampled in proportion to planted acreage. Variety data shown 

below are actual percentages from these surveys.

Fall Potatoes: Percent of Major Varieties Planted,

Selected States, 2009 Crop 1

State Varieties

Pct. of

Planted

Acres

State Varieties

Pct. of

Planted

Acres

ID

ME

MN

R Burbank

Ranger R

R Norkotah

Premier R

Western R

Umatilla R

Shepody

Alturas

Frito-Lay

Other

R Burbank

Frito-Lay

R Norkotah

Superior

Yukon Gold

Shepody

Norland

Atlantic

Goldrush

Katahdin

Monona

Reba

Ontario

Snowden

Norwis

Other

R Burbank

Norland

Umatilla R

Dakota Rose

Chieftain

Cascade

R Norkotah

Yukon Gold

Snowden

Other

56.7

15.4

13.4

2.9

2.4

1.7

1.7

1.3

1.0

3.5

41.5

11.1

5.1

4.9

4.3

3.9

3.7

3.0

2.7

2.7

2.1

2.0

1.5

1.4

1.2

8.9

54.0

21.3

5.2

2.0

1.4

1.3

1.2

1.0

1.0

11.6

ND

OR

WA

WI

R Burbank

Norland

Ranger R

Umatilla R

Frito-Lay

Dakota Pearl

Shepody

Bannock

Ivory Crisp

Red LaSoda

Sangre

Dakota Crisp

Other

R Norkotah

R Burbank

Ranger R

Premier R

Alturas

Shepody

Frito-Lay

Umatilla R

Pike

Dakota Pearl

Other

R Burbank

R Norkotah

Ranger R

Umatilla R

Alturas

Chieftain

Premier R

Frito-Lay

Shepody

Other

Frito-Lay

R Burbank

Norkotah

Goldrush

Norland

Silverton R

Snowden

Superior

Atlantic

Ranger R

Pike

Shepody

Bannock

Mega Chip

Other

54.7

10.3

5.5

5.4

4.4

3.7

2.8

2.6

2.5

2.3

2.1

1.5

2.2

26.8

19.6

17.8

6.1

6.0

5.9

5.6

5.0

1.8

1.6

3.8

31.2

14.7

14.1

11.4

8.0

3.7

3.5

3.5

2.3

7.6

21.4

17.0

13.5

10.3

8.7

8.2

5.9

2.9

2.0

1.3

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.0

4.7

1

Preliminary. Final Percent of Major Varieties Planted will be published in "Crop Production" on November 10, 2009.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 17 NASS, USDA

Fall Potatoes: Percent of Major Varieties Planted, 7-State Total,

2009 Crop 1

Varieties

Pct. of

Planted

Acres

Varieties

Pct. of

Planted

Acres

R Burbank

R Norkotah

Ranger R

Frito-Lay

Umatilla R

Norland

Alturas

Premier R

Shepody

Goldrush

Western R

Yukon Gold

Chieftain

Dakota Pearl

Silverton R

Snowden

Superior

Atlantic

45.1

11.7

11.0

4.5

4.1

3.8

2.4

2.3

2.2

1.1

1.1

0.9

0.8

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.6

0.4

Pike

Bannock

Red LaSoda

Ivory Crisp

Sangre

Cascade

Klondike Rose

Katahdin

Monona

Dakota Crisp

NorValley

Mazama

Reba

Dakota Rose

Bintje

Ontario

Defender

Other

0.4

0.3

0.3

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.1

2.6

1

Preliminary. Final Percent of Major Varieties Planted will be published in "Crop Production" on November 10, 2009. 7-State 

Total includes ID, ME, MN, ND, OR, WA, and WI.

Fall Potatoes: Percent of Major Varieties Planted, Colorado, 2009 Crop 1

Varieties

Pct. of

Planted

Acres

Varieties

Pct. of

Planted

Acres

R Norkotah

Canela R

Centennial R

Rio Grande R

Yukon Gold

R Nugget

Satina

42.5

11.9

9.9

7.1

2.8

2.8

2.5

Latona

Gala

Cherry Red

Purple Majesty

Chipeta

Atlantic

Other

1.3

1.1

0.9

0.2

0.1

0.1

16.8

1

Preliminary. Final Percent of Major Varieties Planted will be published in "Crop Production" on November 10, 2009.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 18 NASS, USDA

Oranges: Utilized Production by State and United States,

2007-08, 2008-09 and Forecasted September 1, 2009 1 2 3

Crop and State

Utilized Production

Boxes

Utilized Production

Ton Equivalent

2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

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

Early Mid &

 Navel 4

 AZ

 CA

 FL

 TX

 US

Valencia

 AZ

 CA

 FL

 TX

 US

All

 AZ

 CA

 FL

 TX

 US

230

45,000

83,500

1,600

130,330

150

17,000

86,700

196

104,046

380

62,000

170,200

1,796

234,376

150

34,500

84,600

1,300

120,550

100

14,000

77,800

159

92,059

250

48,500

162,400

1,459

212,609

40,000

9

1,688

3,758

68

5,523

6

637

3,901

9

4,553

15

2,325

7,659

77

10,076

5

1,294

3,807

55

5,161

4

525

3,501

7

4,037

9

1,819

7,308

62

9,198

1,500

1

2007-08 and 2008-09 revised. Revised grapefruit and other citrus fruit totals will be published in "Citrus Fruits 2009 Summary" on September 

24, 2009.

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

3 Net lbs. per box: AZ & CA-75, FL-90, TX-85.

4 Navel and miscellaneous varieties in AZ and CA. Early (including navel) and midseason varieties in FL and TX. Small quantities of tangerines 

in TX.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 19 NASS, USDA

Papayas: Area and Fresh Production by Month, Hawaii, 2008-2009

Month

Area Fresh Production 1

Total in Crop Harvested

2008 2009

2008 2009 2008 2009

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

Jun

Jul

2,040

2,310

2,075

2,075

1,315

1,350

1,315

1,315

2,350

2,095

2,585

2,805

1 Utilized fresh production.

Nuts: Utilized Production by Crop and State,

2007-2008 and Forecasted September 1, 2009

Crop and State

Utilized Production

2007 2008 2009

Tons Tons Tons

Hazelnuts

 (In-Shell Basis)

 OR

Walnuts

 (In-Shell Basis)

 CA

37,000

328,000

32,000

436,000

38,000

415,000
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 20 NASS, USDA

Crop Summary: Area Planted and Harvested, United States, 2008-2009

(Domestic Units) 1

Crop

Area Planted Area Harvested

2008 2009 2008 2009

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

 Proso Millet

 Rice

 Rye

 Sorghum for Grain 2

 Sorghum for Silage

 Wheat, All

 Winter

 Durum

 Other Spring

Oilseeds

 Canola

 Cottonseed 3

 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 3

Potatoes & Misc.

 Coffee (HI)

 Ginger Root (HI)

 Hops

 Peppermint Oil

 Potatoes, All

 Winter

 Spring

 Summer

 Fall

 Spearmint Oil

 Sweet Potatoes

 Taro (HI) 4

4,234.0

85,982.0

3,217.0

520.0

2,995.0

1,260.0

8,284.0

63,147.0

46,281.0

2,731.0

14,135.0

1,011.0

354.0

79.5

1,534.0

0.2

202.0

75,718.0

2,516.5

9,471.0

9,297.0

174.0

1,090.8

17.5

1,495.0

882.5

271.0

1,059.6

11.0

70.3

47.2

931.1

103.2

3,627.0

87,035.0

3,158.0

405.0

3,125.0

1,257.0

6,940.0

59,775.0

43,448.0

2,555.0

13,772.0

847.0

353.0

53.5

1,109.0

0.9

194.0

77,723.0

2,098.0

9,138.7

8,989.0

149.7

1,185.0

20.5

1,481.1

880.7

410.0

1,061.4

9.0

75.6

43.9

932.9

106.7

3,767.0

78,640.0

5,965.0

60,062.0

20,980.0

39,082.0

1,395.0

460.0

2,976.0

269.0

7,271.0

408.0

55,685.0

39,614.0

2,584.0

13,487.0

989.0

340.0

71.5

1,507.0

0.2

195.0

74,641.0

2,396.0

7,568.7

7,400.0

168.7

1,004.6

868.0

354.5

8.0

1,445.2

847.3

263.0

6.3

0.1

40.9

60.0

1,046.9

11.0

68.8

45.1

922.0

20.4

97.3

0.4

3,142.0

80,007.0

60,177.0

20,982.0

39,195.0

1,426.0

3,101.0

278.0

5,948.0

50,445.0

34,787.0

2,453.0

13,205.0

824.0

341.0

50.5

1,082.0

0.8

187.0

76,767.0

1,997.0

7,728.2

7,582.0

146.2

1,158.5

852.7

347.2

9.7

1,392.0

840.9

399.0

40.2

1,047.6

9.0

73.4

42.5

922.7

103.3

1 Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2009 crop 

year.

2 Area planted for all purposes.

3 Acreage is not estimated.

4 Area is total acres in crop, not harvested acreage.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 21 NASS, USDA

Crop Summary: Yield and Production, United States, 2008-2009

(Domestic Units) 1

Crop Units

Yield Production

2008 2009 2008 2009

1,000 1,000

Grains & Hay

 Barley

 Corn for Grain

 Corn for Silage

 Hay, All

 Alfalfa

 All Other

 Oats

 Proso Millet

 Rice 2

 Rye

 Sorghum for Grain

 Sorghum for Silage

 Wheat, All

 Winter

 Durum

 Other Spring

Oilseeds

 Canola

 Cottonseed 3

 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 3

Potatoes & Misc.

 Coffee (HI)

 Ginger Root (HI)

 Hops

 Peppermint Oil

 Potatoes, All

 Winter

 Spring

 Summer

 Fall

 Spearmint Oil

 Sweet Potatoes

 Taro (HI) 3

Bu

"

Tons

"

"

"

Bu

"

Cwt

Bu

"

Tons

Bu

"

"

"

Lbs

Tons

Bu

Lbs

"

"

"

Bu

Lbs

Bales

"

"

Tons

"

Lbs

Cwt

"

"

"

"

Lbs

"

"

"

Cwt

"

"

"

"

Lbs

Cwt

Lbs

63.6

153.9

18.7

2.43

3.32

1.95

63.5

32.3

6,846

29.7

65.0

13.8

44.9

47.2

32.8

40.5

1,461

16.8

577

3,416

1,500

1,592

39.6

1,429

813

803

1,226

26.7

31.8

2,258

1,300

1,768

1,448

917

1,370

30,000

1,971

92

396

230

293

306

411

118

190

65.8

161.9

2.52

3.48

2.01

64.5

7,051

65.5

43.3

44.2

39.9

41.5

3,397

42.3

835

827

1,205

27.0

32.8

2,319

1,750

2,013

240

291

346

239,498

12,101,238

111,619

145,672

69,620

76,052

88,635

14,880

203,733

7,979

472,342

5,646

2,499,524

1,867,903

84,877

546,744

1,445,064

4,300.3

5,716

41,255

5,147,900

300

310,433

2,959,174

3,422,840

12,815.3

12,384.5

430.8

26,837

27,603

800,504

104

25,558

12,270

2,411

580

8,600

1,800

80,630.1

5,499

415,055

2,530

20,132

13,805

378,588

2,399

18,443

4,300

206,728

12,954,500

151,941

72,986

78,955

91,960

218,647

389,589

2,183,594

1,537,348

97,986

548,260

4,535.0

3,675,500

3,245,292

13,438.0

13,071.0

367.0

31,327

28,006

804,988

24,359

80,878.7

2,160

21,325

14,705

1 Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2009 crop 

year.

2 Yield in pounds.

3 Yield is not estimated.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 22 NASS, USDA

Crop Summary: Area Planted and Harvested, United States, 2008-2009

(Metric Units) 1

Crop

Area Planted Area Harvested

2008 2009 2008 2009

Hectares Hectares Hectares Hectares

Grains & Hay

 Barley

 Corn for Grain 2

 Corn for Silage

 Hay, All 3

 Alfalfa

 All Other

 Oats

 Proso Millet

 Rice

 Rye

 Sorghum for Grain 2

 Sorghum for Silage

 Wheat, All 3

 Winter

 Durum

 Other Spring

Oilseeds

 Canola

 Cottonseed 4

 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 4

Potatoes & Misc.

 Coffee (HI)

 Ginger Root (HI)

 Hops

 Peppermint Oil

 Potatoes, All 3

 Winter

 Spring

 Summer

 Fall

 Spearmint Oil

 Sweet Potatoes

 Taro (HI) 5

1,713,460

34,796,060

1,301,890

210,440

1,212,050

509,910

3,352,450

25,554,960

18,729,460

1,105,210

5,720,290

409,140

143,260

32,170

620,790

80

81,750

30,642,320

1,018,400

3,832,820

3,762,400

70,420

441,440

7,080

605,010

357,140

109,670

428,810

4,450

28,450

19,100

376,810

41,760

1,467,810

35,222,190

1,278,010

163,900

1,264,660

508,700

2,808,550

24,190,340

17,582,970

1,033,980

5,573,390

342,770

142,860

21,650

448,800

360

78,510

31,453,720

849,040

3,698,340

3,637,760

60,580

479,560

8,300

599,390

356,410

165,920

429,540

3,640

30,590

17,770

377,540

43,180

1,524,470

31,824,820

2,413,980

24,306,490

8,490,400

15,816,090

564,540

186,160

1,204,360

108,860

2,942,500

165,110

22,535,160

16,031,390

1,045,720

5,458,050

400,240

137,590

28,940

609,870

80

78,910

30,206,470

969,640

3,062,980

2,994,710

68,270

406,550

351,270

143,460

3,240

584,860

342,890

106,430

2,550

20

16,550

24,280

423,670

4,450

27,840

18,250

373,120

8,260

39,380

160

1,271,540

32,378,030

24,353,030

8,491,210

15,861,820

577,090

1,254,940

112,500

2,407,100

20,414,590

14,077,950

992,700

5,343,930

333,460

138,000

20,440

437,870

320

75,680

31,066,840

808,170

3,127,530

3,068,360

59,170

468,830

345,080

140,500

3,930

563,330

340,300

161,470

16,260

423,950

3,640

29,700

17,200

373,410

41,800

1 Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2009 crop 

year.

2 Area planted for all purposes.

3 Total may not add due to rounding.

4 Acreage is not estimated.

5 Area is total hectares in crop, not harvested hectares.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 23 NASS, USDA

Crop Summary: Yield and Production, United States, 2008-2009

(Metric Units) 1

Crop

Yield Production

2008 2009 2008 2009

Metric Tons Metric Tons Metric Tons Metric Tons

Grains & 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 3

 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 3

Potatoes & Misc.

 Coffee (HI)

 Ginger Root (HI)

 Hops

 Peppermint Oil

 Potatoes, All 2

 Winter

 Spring

 Summer

 Fall

 Spearmint Oil

 Sweet Potatoes

 Taro (HI) 3

3.42

9.66

41.95

5.44

7.44

4.36

2.28

1.81

7.67

1.86

4.08

31.02

3.02

3.17

2.21

2.73

1.64

1.06

0.65

3.83

1.68

1.78

2.67

1.60

0.91

0.90

1.37

59.88

71.29

2.53

1.46

1.98

1.62

1.03

1.53

33.63

2.21

0.10

44.44

25.78

32.80

34.31

46.02

0.13

21.25

3.54

10.16

5.66

7.80

4.52

2.31

7.90

4.11

2.91

2.97

2.69

2.79

3.81

2.84

0.94

0.93

1.35

60.62

73.63

2.60

1.96

2.26

26.90

32.56

38.78

5,214,450

307,385,600

101,259,050

132,151,420

63,158,200

68,993,210

1,286,530

337,470

9,241,170

202,680

11,998,040

5,121,970

68,025,900

50,835,990

2,309,970

14,879,930

655,470

3,901,170

145,190

18,710

2,335,050

140

140,810

80,535,520

1,552,570

2,790,200

2,696,410

93,800

24,346,120

25,041,020

363,100

4,720

1,159,290

556,560

109,360

26,310

3,900

820

36,570

2,490

18,826,580

114,760

913,170

626,180

17,172,460

1,090

836,560

1,950

4,500,970

329,059,460

137,838,560

66,211,790

71,626,770

1,334,800

9,917,660

9,896,020

59,427,690

41,839,760

2,666,740

14,921,190

4,114,080

1,667,180

88,322,370

2,925,780

2,845,880

79,900

28,419,380

25,406,620

365,140

1,104,910

36,690

97,980

967,290

667,010

1 Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2009 crop 

year.

2

Production may not add due to rounding.

3 Yield is not estimated.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 24 NASS, USDA

Fruits and Nuts Summary: Production, United States, 2007-2009

(Domestic Units) 1

Crop Units

Production

2007 2008 2009

1,000 1,000 1,000

Citrus 2

 Grapefruit

 Lemons

 Oranges

 Tangelos (FL)

 Tangerines and Mandarins

Noncitrus

 Apples

 Apricots

 Bananas (HI)

 Grapes

 Olives (CA)

 Papayas (HI)

 Peaches

 Pears

 Prunes, Dried (CA)

 Prunes & Plums (Ex CA)

Nuts & Misc.

 Almonds (CA) (shelled)

 Hazelnuts (OR) (in-shell)

 Pecans (in-shell)

 Walnuts (CA) (in-shell)

 Maple Syrup

Tons

"

"

"

"

1,000 Lbs

Tons

Lbs

Tons

"

Lbs

Tons

"

"

"

Lbs

Tons

Lbs

Tons

Gals

1,627

798

7,625

56

361

9,089.4

88.5

25,600.0

7,057.3

132.5

33,400.0

1,127.2

873.0

83.0

12.1

1,390,000

37.0

387,305

328.0

1,517

1,552

619

10,076

68

527

9,769.3

81.6

17,400.0

7,303.3

66.8

33,500.0

1,133.3

870.9

129.0

15.5

1,630,000

32.0

193,890

436.0

1,912

1,293

931

9,198

52

445

10,113.0

75.3

7,029.0

50.0

1,078.3

935.3

170.0

18.3

1,350,000

38.0

415.0

2,327

1 Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2009 crop 

year, except citrus which is for the 2008-09 season.

2

Production years are 2006-07, 2007-08, and 2008-09.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 25 NASS, USDA

Fruits and Nuts Summary: Production, United States, 2007-2009

(Metric Units) 1

Crop

Production

2007 2008 2009

Metric tons Metric tons Metric tons

Citrus 2

 Grapefruit

 Lemons

 Oranges

 Tangelos (FL)

 Tangerines and Mandarins

Noncitrus

 Apples

 Apricots

 Bananas (HI)

 Grapes

 Olives (CA)

 Papayas (HI)

 Peaches

 Pears

 Prunes, Dried (CA)

 Prunes & Plums (Ex CA)

Nuts & Misc.

 Almonds (CA) (shelled)

 Hazelnuts (OR) (in-shell)

 Pecans (in-shell)

 Walnuts (CA) (in-shell)

 Maple Syrup

1,475,990

723,930

6,917,280

50,800

327,490

4,122,880

80,250

11,610

6,402,230

120,200

15,150

1,022,530

791,930

75,300

10,980

630,490

33,570

175,680

297,560

7,580

1,407,950

561,550

9,140,790

61,690

478,090

4,431,280

74,040

7,890

6,625,410

60,600

15,200

1,028,120

790,020

117,030

14,060

739,360

29,030

87,950

395,530

9,560

1,172,990

844,590

8,344,290

47,170

403,700

4,587,180

68,270

6,376,600

45,360

978,250

848,490

154,220

16,600

612,350

34,470

376,480

11,630

1 Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2009 crop 

year, except citrus which is for the 2008-09 season.

2

Production years are 2006-07, 2007-08, and 2008-09.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 26 NASS, USDA

Corn for Grain: Objective Yield Data

The National Agricultural Statistics Service is conducting objective yield surveys in 10 corn producing States during 2009. 

Randomly selected plots in corn for grain fields are visited monthly from August through harvest to obtain specific counts and 

measurements. Data in these tables are rounded actual field counts from this survey.

Corn for Grain: Plant Population per Acre,

Selected States, 2005-2009

State Month 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Number Number Number Number Number

IL

IN

IA

KS

MN

MO

NE

 All

NE

 Irrigated

NE

 Non-Irrigated

OH

SD

WI

Sep

Oct

Nov

Final

Sep

Oct

Nov

Final

Sep

Oct

Nov

Final

Sep

Oct

Nov

Final

Sep

Oct

Nov

Final

Sep

Oct

Nov

Final

Sep

Oct

Nov

Final

Sep

Oct

Nov

Final

Sep

Oct

Nov

Final

Sep

Oct

Nov

Final

Sep

Oct

Nov

Final

Sep

Oct

Nov

Final

28,000

28,050

28,000

28,000

25,300

25,200

25,200

25,200

28,050

27,950

28,000

28,000

21,600

21,500

21,400

21,400

28,400

28,300

28,400

28,450

24,100

24,050

24,050

24,050

23,900

23,700

23,700

23,700

26,700

26,650

26,650

26,650

20,400

20,000

20,000

20,000

25,650

25,600

25,600

25,600

23,450

23,650

23,700

23,700

27,400

27,100

27,050

27,050

28,050

28,000

28,000

28,000

26,450

26,350

26,350

26,350

28,600

28,600

28,600

28,600

21,800

21,750

21,750

21,750

28,850

28,900

28,900

28,900

24,350

24,350

24,350

24,350

24,750

24,550

24,600

24,450

27,400

27,200

27,200

27,200

20,650

20,450

20,550

20,250

26,250

26,250

26,200

26,200

23,900

24,000

24,000

24,000

27,250

27,100

27,450

27,450

28,000

28,100

28,100

28,100

27,350

27,350

27,350

27,350

29,100

29,100

29,100

29,100

20,600

20,500

20,500

20,500

29,850

29,800

29,750

29,750

24,200

24,300

24,300

24,300

25,000

25,000

25,000

25,000

27,250

27,250

27,200

27,200

21,350

21,300

21,350

21,350

26,900

26,700

26,600

26,600

23,400

23,100

23,150

23,150

28,800

28,700

28,800

28,800

29,150

29,000

28,950

28,900

28,500

28,350

28,350

28,350

29,300

29,250

29,250

29,250

20,250

20,950

20,950

20,950

30,150

30,100

30,150

30,050

25,700

25,700

25,700

25,700

24,500

24,300

24,250

24,250

27,250

27,350

27,250

27,250

20,000

19,900

19,900

19,900

27,750

27,800

27,800

27,800

22,950

23,100

23,100

23,100

28,800

28,500

28,250

28,250

29,650

28,350

29,500

22,650

30,800

25,700

25,700

28,250

21,750

28,300

24,300

28,150
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 27 NASS, USDA

Corn for Grain: Number of Ears per Acre,

Selected States, 2005-2009

State Month 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Number Number Number Number Number

IL

IN

IA

KS

MN

MO

NE

 All

NE

 Irrigated

NE

 Non-Irrigated

OH

SD

WI

Sep

Oct

Nov

Final

Sep

Oct

Nov

Final

Sep

Oct

Nov

Final

Sep

Oct

Nov

Final

Sep

Oct

Nov

Final

Sep

Oct

Nov

Final

Sep

Oct

Nov

Final

Sep

Oct

Nov

Final

Sep

Oct

Nov

Final

Sep

Oct

Nov

Final

Sep

Oct

Nov

Final

Sep

Oct

Nov

Final

26,950

26,850

26,850

26,850

24,850

24,600

24,650

24,650

27,150

27,100

27,100

27,100

21,100

21,000

20,900

20,900

28,000

27,900

28,050

28,050

22,550

22,600

22,600

22,600

23,250

22,800

22,800

22,800

26,250

25,900

25,900

25,900

19,550

18,950

18,900

18,900

24,800

24,700

24,650

24,650

23,150

23,100

23,050

23,050

26,550

26,350

26,350

26,350

27,600

27,450

27,400

27,400

25,850

25,750

25,700

25,750

27,350

27,350

27,350

27,350

20,850

20,750

20,750

20,750

28,050

28,250

28,250

28,250

23,850

23,800

23,800

23,800

23,850

23,700

23,700

23,550

26,750

26,600

26,600

26,650

19,400

19,150

19,200

18,800

25,200

25,350

25,450

25,450

22,050

21,900

21,700

21,700

26,750

26,850

27,200

27,200

27,750

27,750

27,750

27,750

26,950

26,800

26,800

26,800

28,500

28,400

28,450

28,400

20,900

20,800

20,800

20,800

28,850

28,600

28,600

28,600

23,950

23,950

23,950

23,950

24,850

24,750

24,750

24,750

27,200

27,000

27,000

27,000

21,100

21,050

21,100

21,100

26,350

26,000

25,950

25,950

23,250

22,700

22,700

22,700

27,800

27,700

27,850

27,850

28,600

28,500

28,400

28,350

27,950

27,700

27,700

27,700

28,600

28,600

28,600

28,600

19,850

20,600

20,650

20,650

29,900

29,350

29,450

29,400

25,050

25,000

24,900

24,900

24,050

23,950

23,900

23,900

26,800

27,000

26,900

26,900

19,550

19,500

19,550

19,550

26,950

27,400

27,250

27,250

24,150

23,900

23,800

23,800

27,750

28,300

27,950

27,900

29,150

27,950

29,250

22,750

30,250

24,800

25,650

27,900

22,100

27,700

26,150

27,500
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 28 NASS, USDA

Soybeans: Objective Yield Data

The National Agricultural Statistics Service is conducting objective yield surveys in 11 soybean producing States during 

2009. Randomly selected plots in soybean fields are visited monthly from August through harvest to obtain specific counts 

and measurements. Data in this table are actual field counts from this survey.

Soybeans: Pods with Beans per 18 Square Feet,

Selected States, 2005-2009

State Month 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Number Number Number Number Number

AR 1

IL

IN

IA

KS

MN

MO

NE

ND

OH

SD

Sep

Oct

Nov

Final

Sep

Oct

Nov

Final

Sep

Oct

Nov

Final

Sep

Oct

Nov

Final

Sep

Oct

Nov

Final

Sep

Oct

Nov

Final

Sep

Oct

Nov

Final

Sep

Oct

Nov

Final

Sep

Oct

Nov

Final

Sep

Oct

Nov

Final

Sep

Oct

Nov

Final

1,796

1,823

1,824

1,824

1,820

1,858

1,858

1,747

1,790

1,899

1,899

1,796

1,935

1,968

1,970

1,383

1,431

1,547

1,546

1,597

1,598

1,640

1,640

1,580

1,585

1,679

1,652

1,778

1,903

1,920

1,920

1,386

1,471

1,496

1,496

1,990

1,890

1,974

1,981

1,572

1,617

1,605

1,556

1,645

1,655

1,667

1,860

1,890

1,923

1,923

1,764

1,893

1,909

1,909

1,688

1,758

1,760

1,760

1,466

1,509

1,581

1,581

1,500

1,586

1,568

1,568

1,673

1,746

1,738

1,735

1,699

1,801

1,784

1,766

1,127

1,241

1,260

1,260

1,868

1,895

1,835

1,866

1,255

1,345

1,316

1,312

1,621

1,665

1,690

1,800

1,796

1,818

1,831

1,667

1,660

1,628

1,641

1,787

1,917

1,933

1,932

1,605

1,524

1,608

1,609

1,558

1,589

1,588

1,588

1,566

1,579

1,685

1,697

1,876

2,042

2,088

2,084

1,323

1,445

1,500

1,497

1,892

1,850

1,909

1,909

1,476

1,492

1,510

1,510

1,569

1,723

1,715

1,621

1,893

1,801

1,829

1,608

1,577

1,648

1,659

1,758

1,732

1,770

1,775

1,346

1,487

1,581

1,629

1,466

1,493

1,470

1,472

1,538

1,473

1,673

1,690

1,692

1,766

1,857

1,857

1,261

1,261

1,405

1,405

1,942

1,755

1,618

1,616

1,425

1,465

1,492

1,492

1,610

1,516

1,858

1,627

1,456

1,856

1,793

1,208

1,846

1,513

1

September data not available due to plant immaturity.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 29 NASS, USDA

Cotton: Objective Yield Data

The National Agricultural Statistics Service conducted objective yield surveys in 6 cotton producing States during 2009. 

Randomly selected plots in cotton fields were visited monthly from August through harvest to obtain specific counts and 

measurements. Data in this table are actual field counts from this survey.

Cotton: Cumulative Boll Counts, Selected States, 2005-2009 1

State Month 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Number Number Number Number Number

AR

GA

LA

MS

NC

TX

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Final

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Final

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Final

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Final

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Final

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Final

811

728

733

733

733

667

689

767

767

767

746

768

775

775

775

818

729

724

722

722

799

693

721

721

721

620

516

586

585

585

859

814

849

824

824

648

675

774

790

790

760

781

786

785

785

700

699

695

695

695

637

641

671

671

671

530

477

533

544

544

790

839

849

849

849

616

570

707

708

708

796

808

841

841

841

819

745

747

747

747

527

601

625

625

625

602

538

631

632

632

943

810

852

846

846

587

613

733

742

742

655

578

579

579

579

909

679

728

722

722

667

652

702

704

704

633

513

579

573

573

1,051

571

714

925

701

613

1

Includes small bolls (less than one inch in diameter), large unopened bolls (at least one inch in diameter), open bolls, partially opened bolls, and 

burrs per 40 feet of row. November, December, and Final exclude small bolls.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 30 NASS, USDA
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 31 NASS, USDA
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 32 NASS, USDA

August Weather Summary

A summer-long cool spell continued through the end of August across the Plains and the Midwest, providing an absence of 

heat stress for crops such as corn, soybeans, and spring wheat, but perpetuating a slow pace of crop development. August 

temperatures averaged as many as 4 to 6 degrees Fahrenheit below normal across the northern and central Plains and the 

upper Midwest. In contrast, temperatures rebounded to near- to above-normal levels in the East, while extreme heat persisted 

across drought-stricken southern Texas. Hot weather also continued in the Desert Southwest, but temperatures fell slightly 

from July’s unseasonably warm levels in the Pacific Northwest.

Across the Plains and Midwest, abundant August showers maintained generally favorable soil moisture levels for 

late-developing summer crops. Farther south and east, historic drought conditions continued to grip southern Texas, while 

pockets of unfavorable dryness developed in the middle and southern Atlantic Coastal Plain. Across the remainder of the 

South, mild, wet weather prevented significant stress on pastures and immature summer crops.

Elsewhere, drier-than-normal weather in most areas from the Rockies westward contrasted with wet conditions across the 

interior Northwest. Especially dry conditions were noted in the Southwest, where rainfall associated with the summer rainy 

season (monsoon) was significantly below normal. In California, typical late-summer dryness and the effects of a 3-year 

drought contributed to an increase in wildfire activity.

August Agricultural Summary

August storm systems brought above average rainfall to numerous locations across the country, improving soil moisture levels 

in areas of the Great Plains and Great Lakes regions while adding to already surplus soil moisture in the Corn Belt. Most 

notably, rainfall accumulations in eastern Iowa and northern Missouri totaled between 11 and 12 inches, or up to 400 percent 

of normal. Conversely, abnormally dry conditions persisted along much of the Pacific Coast, in the Four Corners region, and 

across most of Texas. Cooler temperatures lingered in the Great Plains, Great Lakes, Corn Belt, most of the Delta and parts 

of the Southeast, slowing summer crop development. In contrast, above average temperatures were recorded in the Pacific 

Northwest, the Southwest, Texas, and along the Atlantic Coast.

Cooler temperatures during August kept phenological development of the 2009 corn crop behind normal throughout the 

month. On August 2, seventy-six percent of the crop was at or beyond the silking stage, 13 points, or 1 week, behind the 

5-year average while 14 percent of the crop had reached the dough stage, 15 points behind normal. Denting was underway by 

August 9, with 5 percent of the Nation’s corn acreage reported at or beyond the stage, 1 point behind last year and 9 points 

behind the average. By mid-month, silking was nearly complete with progress most active in the Dakotas and Michigan. On 

August 23, development to the dough stage was over 3 weeks behind normal in North Dakota, 2 weeks behind normal in 

Illinois, and over 1 week behind normal in Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and South Dakota. By August 30, 

seventy-five percent of the crop was at or beyond the dough stage, 13 points behind the 5-year average. Denting was evident 

in 32 percent of the crop, 10 points behind last year and 28 points behind the average, with progress behind normal in all 

estimating States except Colorado and North Carolina. Acreage mature, at 5 percent, was 1 point behind last year and 

8 points behind the average. Overall, the condition of the corn crop improved slightly during August, with 69 percent rated 

good to excellent on August 30, compared with 68 percent on August 2 and 61 percent last year.

Sorghum heading was nearly half complete as August began, with 49 percent of the crop at or beyond the stage on August 2, 

compared with 51 percent last year and 58 percent for the 5-year average. Thirty-one percent of the crop was colored on 

August 2, slightly behind last year but 1 point ahead of normal. Crop maturity was evident in the Delta and Texas by 

August 9 and by mid-month, harvest was well underway in Louisiana and Texas. Head development remained active 

throughout the month and had advanced to 92 percent complete by August 30, five points ahead of last year and 1 point ahead 

of the average. Hampered by below average temperatures across much of the growing region, coloring advanced just 

18 points from August 2 to August 30. Acreage mature advanced to 31 percent on August 30, on par with last year and the 

5-year average. In Kansas, the largest sorghum-producing State, crop maturity had yet to begin by month’s end, leaving 

progress over 2 weeks behind normal. Harvest crept forward just 2 points during the last 2 weeks of the month, with activity 

limited to Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. Overall, 49 percent of the sorghum crop was rated in good to excellent condition 

on August 30, a 2 point decline from a year ago.

Producers actively harvested their oat crop throughout the month of August, but overall progress remained behind normal. 

On August 2, thirty-one percent of the crop had been harvested, 3 points behind last year and 20 points, or over 1 week, 

behind the 5-year average. Due to late planting earlier in the season, the harvest pace trailed the 5-year average in all 

estimating States except Texas where harvest was complete as August began. Harvest crossed the halfway point during the 

week ending August 16, with 57 percent of the crop rated in good to excellent condition. Producers had harvested 85 percent 

of the 2009 crop by August 30, eleven points behind last year and the average. The largest delays were evident in North 

Dakota and Minnesota where progress was 44 and 21 points behind normal, respectively.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 33 NASS, USDA

Barley harvest was underway as August began, with 5 percent of the crop out of the fields by August 9, fifteen points behind 

last year and 28 points behind the 5-year average. Hot, dry conditions in Washington helped to quickly dry the crop down, 

allowing producers to harvest 44 percent of their crop between August 9 and August 23. Harvest was active in all estimating 

States throughout the month, but progress remained behind normal. Nationally, 46 percent of the barley crop was harvested 

by August 30, thirty-two points behind last year and 35 points, or over 2 weeks, behind the average. Overall, 78 percent of 

the barley crop was rated in good to excellent condition on August 30.

Producers continued to harvest winter wheat at a slower than normal pace well into August. On August 2, eighty-five percent 

of the crop was harvested compared with 90 percent for the 5-year average. Mid-month harvest remained most active in the 

Pacific Northwest and Montana, while harvest was complete or nearly complete across the rest of the growing region. By 

August 23, ninety-seven percent of the Nation’s crop was harvested, on par with last year but 1 point behind the average.

Heading of the 2009 spring wheat crop was nearly complete by August 2, slightly behind last year and the 5-year average. 

Harvest was underway but behind in all estimating States at the start of the month, with 3 percent of the crop harvested by 

August 2, two points behind last year and 12 points behind the average. Sunny skies prevailed mid-month and provided 

nearly a full week of days suitable for fieldwork in the Pacific Northwest where the harvest pace was most active. By 

August 30, producers had harvested 38 percent of their crop. However, significant delays remained in all estimating States, 

with the biggest lag evident in North Dakota, the largest spring wheat-producing State, where harvest was over 3 weeks 

behind normal. Overall, the condition of the spring wheat crop improved during the month, with 75 percent of the crop rated 

good to excellent on August 30.

Rice acreage at or beyond the heading stage reached 41 percent by August 2, compared with 39 percent last year and 

53 percent for the 5-year average. Mid-month head development was most active in Arkansas, California, Mississippi, and 

Missouri while heading was nearly complete in Louisiana and Texas. Producers had harvested 8 percent of the Nation’s crop 

by August 16, on par with last year but 2 points behind the average. Harvest activity remained limited to Louisiana and Texas 

until the week ending August 30 when producers in Arkansas and Mississippi began harvesting their crop. Overall, 

66 percent of the rice crop was rated in good to excellent condition on August 30, a 4 point improvement from ratings on 

August 2 but 4 points below last year.

Blooming of this year’s soybean crop advanced to 76 percent complete by August 2, on par with last year but 10 points 

behind the 5-year average while pod set had occurred in 36 percent of soybean fields, 18 points behind the average. 

Blooming neared completion as warmer mid-month temperatures and timely rainfall kept pod set active across much of the 

growing region. On August 16, ninety-three percent of the crop was blooming, 3 points behind the average, with pods set on 

72 percent, 13 points behind the average. Despite below average temperatures toward the end of the month, pod set remained

active across the major soybean-producing regions of the country, with 93 percent of the acreage at or beyond the stage by 

August 30. Leaf drop had occurred on 3 percent of the Nation’s acreage by August 30, one point behind last year and 5 points 

behind the 5-year average, and was most advanced in the Delta. Overall, 69 percent of the soybean crop was rated in good to 

excellent condition on August 30, a slight improvement from the beginning of the month and 12 points better than last year.

Development of this year’s peanut crop continued at a slower than normal pace, with 81 percent pegged by August 2, 

compared with 88 percent last year and 89 percent for the 5-year average. By August 16, pegging was complete or nearly 

complete in all major peanut-producing States except Alabama where peg development was over 2 weeks behind normal. 

Adequate to surplus soil moisture levels in the largest peanut-producing areas of Alabama allowed for significant peg 

development during the week ending August 23, pushing overall progress to 97 percent complete. Overall, 72 percent of the 

peanut crop was rated in good to excellent condition on August 30, up 3 points from the week ending August 2 and 9 points 

better than a year ago.

Squaring of the 2009 cotton crop was 94 percent complete on August 2 and advanced to 97 percent complete by August 9, 

slightly ahead of last year and the normal pace. Bolls were set in 65 percent of cotton fields by August 2, two points ahead of 

last year but 3 points behind the 5-year average. By August 9, boll set reached 75 percent complete while bolls were opening 

on 8 percent of this year’s acreage, 2 points behind last year and 1 point behind the average. Bolls were slow to open later in 

the month following lags in boll set earlier in the growing season. By August 30, bolls were set on 93 percent of this year’s 

cotton acreage, 3 points behind the 5-year average, with bolls opened on 19 percent, 6 points behind normal. Overall, 

51 percent of the cotton crop was rated in good to excellent condition on August 30, up slightly from ratings on August 2 and 

last year.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 34 NASS, USDA

Crop Comments

Corn: Area harvested and to be harvested for grain is forecast at 80.0 million acres, unchanged from August but up 2 percent 

from last year.

As of August 30, sixty-nine percent of the crop was rated in good to excellent condition in the 18 major corn-producing 

States, up 1 percentage point from last month and 8 points above last year. Condition ratings declined from last month in the 

eastern Corn Belt and Ohio Valley. However, despite the decreases, condition ratings were well above the previous year.

The September 1 corn objective yield data indicate a record high number of stalks and ears per acre for the combined 

10 objective yield States (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and 

Wisconsin). All objective yield States, except Missouri and Wisconsin, recorded record high ear counts.

Cool weather across the northern Great Plains and upper Midwest continued to slow crop development during much of 

August. Meanwhile the rest of the Midwest experienced generally mild temperatures and adequate soil moisture supplies 

which favored corn growth and development. Overall, corn development remained behind normal due to the cool, early 

season temperatures and delayed planting. On August 23, fifty-seven percent of the corn acreage was at or beyond the dough 

stage, 22 points behind the 5-year average. Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota were each over 30 points 

behind their average pace while Illinois was 27 points behind.

By August 30, thirty-two percent of the corn acreage was at or beyond the dent stage compared with the 5-year average of 

60 percent. All States were behind average except Colorado and North Carolina.

Sorghum: Production is forecast at 390 million bushels, up 2 percent from last month but down 18 percent from last year. 

Expected area for harvest as grain is forecast at 5.95 million acres, unchanged from August but down 18 percent from 2008. 

Based on September 1 conditions, yield is forecast at 65.5 bushels per acre, up 1.5 bushels from August and up 0.5 bushel 

from last year. 

As of August 30, the sorghum crop had progressed to 31 percent mature, on pace with last year and the 5-year average. 

Harvest progress had reached 28 percent as of August 30, compared with 27 percent at the same time last year and 26 percent 

for the five-year average. The Nation’s sorghum crop was rated 49 percent good to excellent, compared with 51 percent at the 

same time last year. Yield forecasts are at or above last month’s levels in all of the major sorghum-producing States except 

Colorado. Kansas, the top producing State, experienced cooler than normal temperatures during August and the yield forecast 

increased 3.0 bushels from August. Producers in Texas, the second largest sorghum-producing State, expect a yield of 

47.0 bushels per acre, unchanged from last month but down 5.0 bushels from last year.

Rice: Production is forecast at 219 million cwt, up 4 percent from the August forecast and up 7 percent from last year. Based 

on administrative data, planted area is revised to 3.13 million acres, up 4 percent from the June estimate and up 4 percent from 

2008. Area for harvest is expected to total 3.10 million acres, up 3 percent from August and up 4 percent from 2008. As of 

September 1, the U.S. yield is forecast at 7,051 pounds per acre, up 12 pounds from the previous month’s forecast and 

205 pounds above the 2008 average yield of 6,846 pounds per acre. If realized, this will be the second highest U.S. yield on 

record. Forecasted yields in September for both California and Texas are up from August, while Mississippi showed a 

decline. Yields were unchanged from the previous forecast in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Missouri.

As of August 30, ninety percent of the U.S. acreage was headed, 3 percentage points behind last year and 6 percentage points 

behind the 5-year average. Crop development was behind normal in Arkansas and Missouri due to delayed spring plantings 

as a result of wet field conditions. Sixteen percent of the U.S. acreage was harvested as of August 30, compared with 

13 percent at the same time last year and 19 percent for the 5-year average. Sixty-six percent of the acreage was rated in good 

to excellent condition as of August 30.

Soybeans: Area for harvest is forecast at 76.8 million acres, unchanged from last month but up 3 percent from 2008. 

Harvested area, if realized, will be the largest on record.

The September objective yield data for the combined eleven major soybean-producing States (Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, 

Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, and South Dakota) indicate a slightly lower pod count 

compared with last year, as late planting this spring led to slower than normal development. Compared with final counts for 

2008, pod counts are down in six States, with decreases of more than 140 pods per 18 square feet in Illinois, Indiana, and 

North Dakota. The largest increase from 2008’s final pod count is expected in Ohio, up 230 pods per 18 square feet.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 35 NASS, USDA

After beginning the month 18 points behind the normal pace for setting pods, the crop developed rapidly during August and 

progress had nearly returned to normal by the end of the month. As of August 30, ninety-three percent was at or beyond the 

pod-setting stage, on pace with last year but 3 points behind normal. The only States where pod-setting was not within 

5 points of the normal pace were Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri, where development was between 7 and 8 points behind the 

5-year average.

As of August 30, sixty-nine percent of the U.S. soybean crop was rated in good to excellent condition, 12 percentage points 

above the same week in 2008. Crop conditions declined during August in Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, and 

South Dakota, but increased across the rest of the major growing region. Increases of more than 7 points in percent rated 

good to excellent occurred in Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Wisconsin as timely rains during the month 

improved the crop condition. If realized, the forecasted yield in Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi will be a record high and 

the forecasted yield in Nebraska, North Carolina, and Ohio will tie the previous record high.

Peanuts: Production is forecast at 3.68 billion pounds, up 4 percent from the August forecast but down 29 percent from last 

year. Based on administrative data, planted area is revised to 1.11 million acres, up 1 percent from the June estimate but 

down 28 percent from the previous year. Area for harvest is expected to total 1.08 million acres, up 1 percent from August 

but down 28 percent from 2008. Yields are expected to average 3,397 pounds per acre, up 96 pounds from August but down 

19 pounds from the 2008 record yield. 

Production in the Southeast States (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina) is expected to total 

2.81 billion pounds, up 6 percent from August, but down 25 percent from last year. Planted area, at 845,000 acres, is up 

2 percent from the June estimate but down 25 percent from 2008. Area for harvest is forecast 825,000 acres, up 3 percent 

from August but down 25 percent from last year. The average yield for the region is forecast at 3,401 pounds per acre, up 

117 pounds from last month and 4 pounds above the 2008 average yield. Georgia, the largest peanut-producing State, has an 

expected yield of 3,500 pounds per acre, up 200 pounds from August and 100 pounds above the 2008 average yield. If 

realized, this will be a record high yield for the State.

Virginia-North Carolina production is forecast at 265 million pounds, down 7 percent from the August forecast and down 

39 percent from last year. Planted area, at 79,000 acres, is down 9 percent from June and down 35 percent from the previous 

year. Area for harvest is forecast at 78,000 acres, down 9 percent from August, and down 36 percent from 2008. Yield is 

forecast at 3,400 pounds per acre, up 86 pounds from August but down 221 pounds from the previous year.

Southwest peanut production (New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas) is expected to total 605 million pounds, up 1 percent from 

the August forecast, but down 36 percent from 2008. Planted area, at 185,000, is up 1,000 acres from the June estimate but 

down 35 percent from last year. Yields are expected to average 3,379 pounds per acre in 2009, up 5 pounds from August but 

down 22 pounds from last year. Area for harvest is forecast at 179,000 acres, down 36 percent from the previous year.

Cotton: Upland harvested area, at 7.58 million acres, is down less than one percent from last month but up 3 percent from a 

year ago. Based on administrative information, harvested area estimates were increased from a month ago in Alabama, 

California, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and Oklahoma. Expected harvested acreage decreased from the previous month in 

Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. American-Pima harvested area, at 

146,200 acres, was carried forward from last month’s forecast. 

Early in the month, producers in the Southeastern States (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and 

Virginia) experienced hot, dry conditions. During the middle of the month, Tropical Storm Claudette made landfall along the 

Florida Panhandle and brought much needed moisture to the crop throughout the region. By the end of August, cool, wet 

weather dominated the region and producers worried about receiving the necessary heat units for the late-developing crop. In 

Alabama and Georgia, the crop was setting bolls significantly behind normal and last year. Objective yield measurements in 

Georgia showed boll counts to be the second largest in the last 10 years.

The cotton crop in the South Delta was progressing normally throughout the month. The upland cotton crop in the North 

Delta was developing behind normal due to cooler weather conditions and the later planted crop. By the middle of the month, 

defoliation was underway in Louisiana and Mississippi. The crop was rated in mostly fair to good condition except in 

Tennessee where the crop was rated in mostly good to excellent condition. In Mississippi, objective yield measurements 

showed the boll counts to be the second smallest in the last 10 years. Objective yield data in Arkansas showed bolls per acre 

to be slightly more than the 5-year average. 

Upland cotton in South Texas battled hot, dry conditions. Harvest began in the middle of August and was nearing completion 

by the end of the month. In the High Plains region, timely rains and high temperatures during the month helped advance the 

crop. Cotton setting bolls in Texas was ahead of last year but behind normal. Data from objective yield samples showed 
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 36 NASS, USDA

bolls per acre to be the second largest in the last 5 years. In Oklahoma and Kansas, the crop was progressing slightly behind 

normal and was rated in mostly fair to good condition.

Upland cotton in Arizona and California was progressing slightly behind normal. Hot, dry weather during the later part of 

August aided the development of the crop. In Arizona, defoliation of the crop was underway by the middle of the month and 

by the last of the month harvest was beginning in the State.

The American-Pima production forecast was carried forward from last month, at 367,000 bales, down 15 percent from last 

year. The U.S. yield is forecast at 1,205 pounds per harvested acre, down 21 pounds from last year. 

Ginnings totaled 142,600 running bales prior to September 1, compared with 334,650 running bales ginned prior to same date 

last year and 182,250 running bales in 2007.

Tobacco: U.S. all tobacco production for 2009 is forecast at 805 million pounds, 3 percent above last month and slightly 

above 2008. Area harvested is forecast at 347,190 acres, up 1 percent from August but 2 percent below last year. Yields for 

2009 are expected to average 2,319 pounds per acre, up 31 pounds from the previous forecast and 61 pounds greater than 

2008.

Flue-cured tobacco production is expected to total 506 million pounds, 3 percent above the previous forecast and 1 percent 

above last year. Growers plan to harvest 219,500 acres in 2009, up 2 percent from the August forecast but 2 percent below 

last year. Yields are expected to average 2,305 pounds per acre, 14 pounds above the previous forecast and up 66 pounds 

from 2008. Yields in North Carolina, the leading flue-cured tobacco State, are expected to average 2,400 pounds per acre, up 

50 pounds from the August forecast. Yields decreased from last month in Georgia and South Carolina by 200 pounds and 

150 pounds, respectively. Yields in Virginia remained unchanged from the previous forecast. Volatile spring weather 

affected Georgia’s tobacco crop in some areas, especially due to flooded fields.

Burley production is expected to total 213 million pounds, up 2 percent from the August forecast and 6 percent above last 

year. Growers plan to harvest 98,800 acres, unchanged from the previous forecast but up 1 percent from 2008. If realized, 

this will be the second lowest harvested acreage following last year’s record low. Yields are expected to average 

2,160 pounds per acre, 53 pounds above last month and 93 pounds above a year ago. Yields have increased from a month ago 

in Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee as weather conditions have favored tobacco growth.

Fire-cured tobacco production is expected to total 54.5 million pounds, up 1 percent from last month’s forecast but 12 percent 

below 2008. Growers plan to harvest 16,550 acres, unchanged from the August forecast but down 11 percent from a year ago. 

The yield is expected to average 3,293 pounds per acre, 40 pounds above last month but down 51 pounds from last year.

Southern Maryland Belt tobacco production in Pennsylvania is expected to total 4.73 million pounds, down 4 percent from the 

August forecast but 25 percent above 2008. A total of 2,100 acres is expected to be harvested, unchanged from last month but 

17 percent above last year. The average yield, at 2,250 pounds per acre, is down 100 pounds from the previous forecast but 

up 150 pounds from last year.

Dark air-cured tobacco is expected to total 18.7 million pounds, up 6 percent from last month but 26 percent below 2008. 

Growers plan to harvest 6,100 acres, unchanged from the August forecast but 28 percent below last year. Yields are expected 

to average 3,064 pounds per acre, up 6 percent from the previous forecast and 3 percent above a year ago. Kentucky contract 

acreage is down sharply this season.

All Cigar type production is expected to total 7.65 million pounds, down 12 percent from last month’s forecast and 9 percent 

below last year. Growers of cigar type tobacco plan to harvest 4,140 acres, 16 percent below the previous forecast and down 

19 percent from 2008. Overall yield is expected to average 1,849 pounds per acre, up 91 pounds from August and 190 pounds 

above a year ago.

Summer Potatoes: Production of summer potatoes is forecast at 14.7 million cwt, up 1 percent from the July forecast and 

7 percent above 2008. Harvested area is estimated at 42,500 acres, unchanged from the July forecast but 6 percent below last 

year. Average yield is forecast at 346 cwt per acre, up 5 cwt from July and up 40 cwt from 2008.

California growers reported some problems with water availability and cool temperatures but the crop progressed normally 

and most reported good quality potatoes. Harvest was expected to continue through September. If realized, Colorado’s yield, 

at 400 cwt per acre, will be a record high. Growing conditions were reported as very good despite early hail damage. 

Growing conditions in New Jersey were also reported as good and harvest was expected to be complete by the end of 

October. In Virginia, timely spring rains followed by hot temperatures during June benefitted growth.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 37 NASS, USDA

Fall Potatoes, 2008 Final: Production of 2008 fall potatoes is finalized at 379 million cwt, 7 percent below the 2007 crop. 

Area harvested, at 922,000 acres, decreased 7 percent from 2007. The average yield, at 411 cwt per acre, is a record high and 

is up 4 cwt from 2007.

All Potatoes, 2008: Final production of potatoes from all four seasons in 2008 totaled 415 million cwt, down 7 percent from 

2007. Area harvested is estimated at 1.05 million acres, down 7 percent from a year earlier. The yield, averaging 396 cwt per 

acre, remained unchanged from 2007. 

Sugarcane: Production of sugarcane for sugar and seed is forecast at 28.0 million tons, down 4 percent from the August 1 

forecast but up 1 percent from 2008. Producers intend to harvest 852,700 acres for sugar and seed during the 2009 crop 

season, down 10,000 acres from last month and 15,300 acres below last year. Expected yield is forecast at 32.8 tons per acre, 

down 0.9 ton from the previous forecast but up 1.0 ton from 2008. 

Sugarbeets: Production of sugarbeets for the 2009 crop year is forecast at 31.3 million tons, 4 percent below the August 1 

forecast but up 17 percent from last year. Production forecasts remained unchanged or decreased from August in all 

estimating States except Montana. Growers expect to harvest 1.16 million acres, up fractionally from the August 1 forecast 

and 15 percent above last year. Expected yield is forecast at 27.0 tons per acre, down 1.2 tons from August but up 0.3 ton 

from 2008. If realized, this will be a record high yield. Record yields are also expected in Colorado, Minnesota, Montana, 

Oregon, and Wyoming.

Papayas: Hawaii fresh papaya production is estimated at 2.80 million pounds for July 2009, up 9 percent from June and 

34 percent higher than July 2008. Total crop area for July is estimated at 2,075 acres, unchanged from June but 10 percent 

below July 2008. Harvested area totaled 1,315 acres, unchanged from the previous month but 3 percent lower than last year. 

Warm temperatures and showers during July were favorable for fruit development and ripening. Some gaps in the fruit 

columns were noticeable as a result of heavy rains earlier in the year. Young plantings were progressing well. 

Florida Citrus: Weather conditions during August were mostly sunny and warm but there were several days with 

thunderstorms and rain showers, which were heavy at times. Weekly rainfall totals across the State ranged from one to three 

inches. Trees were responding well to the recent precipitation and long days of sunshine, with limbs flushing out new growth. 

Good fruit condition was reported and fruit was sizing well.

Grove practices included applying herbicides, mowing in preparation for harvest and young tree care. Dead trees were 

removed and burned. Grove caretakers continued to survey groves for greening, treat trees for citrus psyllid control, and 

remove already infected trees. In poorly-cared-for groves, trees were declining quickly due to citrus Tristeza virus and 

canker.

California Citrus: The Valencia orange harvest decreased significantly in the San Joaquin Valley during August. Normal 

spraying, irrigating, and maintenance continued in citrus groves. Red scale treatments were nearly complete and new citrus 

groves continued to be planted.

California Noncitrus Fruits and Nuts: Seasonal warm and dry conditions continued across most of the State during 

August. Normal spraying and maintenance remained underway in orchards and vineyards, along with increased irrigation to 

contend with hot temperatures. Fungicide and insecticide treatments were applied to grape vineyards and berry fields to 

control mildew and weeds. Sugar levels were reported as good in berry fields along the Central Coast. Replanting, tilling, and 

soil fumigation were complete for some San Joaquin Valley strawberry blocks. Pomegranate development progressed, 

showing good size and color. Codling moth and miticide spraying continued in walnut and almond orchards in the 

Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys. Almond hull split increased in most orchards. Final ground preparation and spraying 

began in the San Joaquin Valley to prepare for the almond and walnut harvests. Walnuts were developing well and quality 

looked good. Hull split in some southern San Joaquin Valley pistachio orchards was observed. The crop continued to 

develop well and quality looked good overall, though efforts to control navel orangeworm and other pests were underway. 

Irrigation was increased in pistachio orchards in order to maximize development during the nut fill stage. Pistachio nuts were 

developing at a slower pace than last year and blanks were reported in some orchards. 

Fig, nectarine, peach, plum, and other stone fruit harvests continued in the San Joaquin and Sacramento valleys. The prune 

harvest was in full swing and progressing well, though scattered showers heightened concerns about brown rot in unharvested 

stone fruit. The table grape harvest continued in the San Joaquin Valley, while the raisin, juice, and wine grape harvests 

began. The blackberry harvest progressed normally. Harvesting of Gala apples continued in the San Joaquin Valley and 

began in the Sacramento Valley. The Bartlett and French butter pear harvests ended in the San Joaquin Valley, while the 

Bosc and Asian pear harvests continued. The Bartlett pear harvest was slowing down along the North Coast and in the 
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 38 NASS, USDA

Sacramento Valley, with excellent sizes reported. Harvesting of Foothill pomegranate varieties began. The Nonpareil 

almond harvest was in full swing in both the San Joaquin and Sacramento valleys. Shaking, sweeping, gathering, and 

delivering activities were all underway. Quality looked good and no significant pest problems were found.

Hazelnuts: Production in Oregon is forecast at 38,000 tons, 19 percent above last year’s revised production of 32,000 tons. 

From 1992 to 2003, hazelnut production exhibited a biennial bearing pattern with wide swings in production. Since then, the 

crop deviated from this pattern, especially in 2003-2004, but has now returned to the biennial pattern. However, less dramatic 

swings in utilized production are being reported from year to year.

The September forecast is based on the hazelnut objective yield survey conducted annually in Oregon. The percentage of 

good nuts analyzed in the laboratory, at 88.8 percent is the highest since 1976. Brown stained nuts totaled 0.35 percent of all 

nuts sampled. 

The complete report is available at: 

http://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Oregon/Publications/Fruits_Nuts_and_Berries/09_09hz.pdf

Walnuts: California production is forecast at 415,000 tons, down 5 percent from last year’s 436,000 tons. Bearing acreage at 

223,000 acres, is up 5,000 acres from last year’s forecast. The September forecast is based on the walnut objective 

measurement survey conducted August 1 through August 22, 2009.

Survey data indicated an average nut set of 1,523 per tree, up 8 percent from last year’s average of 1,416 nuts. Of the 

varieties with the largest planted acreage, Hartley nut set was up 34 percent; Chandler was down 6 percent; and Serr was 

down 22 percent from 2008. The percent of sound kernels in-shell was 97.9 percent, across the State of California. In-shell 

weight per nut was 22.0 grams, while the average in-shell suture measurement was 32.5 millimeters. The average length 

in-shell was 39.3 millimeters.

The complete report is available at: 

http://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/California/Publications/Fruits_and_Nuts/200809walom.pdf
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 39 NASS, USDA

Reliability of September 1 Crop Production Forecast

Survey Procedures: Objective yield and farm operator surveys were conducted between August 25 and September 8 to 

gather information on expected yield as of September 1. The objective yield surveys for corn, cotton, and soybeans were 

conducted in the major producing States that usually account for about 75 percent of the U.S. production. Farm operators 

were interviewed to update previously reported acreage data and seek permission to randomly locate two sample plots in 

selected fields for the objective yield survey (corn, cotton, and soybeans). The counts made within each sample plot depend 

on the crop and the maturity of that crop. In all cases, number of plants is recorded along with other measurements that 

provide information to forecast the number of ears, bolls, or pods and their weight. The counts are used with similar data 

from previous years to develop a projected biological yield. The average harvesting loss is subtracted to obtain a net yield. 

The plots are revisited each month until crop maturity when the fruit is harvested and weighed. After the farm operator has 

harvested the sample field, another plot is sampled to obtain current year harvesting loss.

The farm operator survey was conducted primarily by telephone with some use of mail, internet, and personal interviewer. 

Approximately 13,500 producers were interviewed during the survey period and asked questions about probable yield. These 

growers will continue to be surveyed throughout the growing season to provide indications of average yields.

Estimating Procedures: National and State level objective yield and grower reported data were reviewed for reasonableness 

and consistency with historical estimates. The survey data were also reviewed considering weather patterns and crop progress 

compared to previous months and previous years. Each Field Office submits an analysis of the current situation to the 

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

September 1 forecasts. 

Revision Policy: The September 1 production forecast will not be revised; instead, a new forecast will be made each month 

throughout the growing season. End-of-season estimates are made after harvest. At the end of the marketing season, a 

balance sheet is calculated using carryover stocks, production, exports, millings, feeding, and ending stocks. Revisions are

then made if the balance sheet relationships or other administrative data warrant changes. Estimates of planted acres for 

spring planted crops are subject to revision in the August Crop Production report if conditions altered the planting intentions 

since the mid-year survey. Planted acres may also be revised for cotton, peanuts, and rice in September Crop Production 

report each year; spring wheat, Durum wheat, barley, and oats only in the Small Grains Annual report at the end of 

September; and all other spring planted crops in the October Crop Production report. Revisions to planted acres will only be 

made when special survey data, administrative data, such as Farm Service Agency program “sign up” data, or remote sensing 

data are available. Harvested acres may be revised any time a production forecast is made if there is strong evidence that the 

intended harvested area has changed since the last forecast.

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

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

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

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

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

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

years. For example, the "Root Mean Square Error" for the September 1 corn for grain production forecast is 5.1 percent. This 

means that chances are 2 out of 3 that the current production forecast will not be above or below the final estimate by more 

than 5.1 percent. Chances are 9 out of 10 (90 percent confidence level) that the difference will not exceed 8.9 percent.

Also, shown in the following table is a 20-year record for selected crops of the differences between the September 1 forecast 

and the final estimate. Using corn again as an example, changes between the September 1 forecast and the final estimate 

during the last 20 years have averaged 357 million bushels, ranging from 21 million bushels to 892 million bushels. The 

September 1 forecast has been below the final estimate 13 times and above 7 times. This does not imply that the September 1 

corn forecast this year is likely to understate or overstate final production.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 40 NASS, USDA

Reliability of September 1 Crop Production Forecasts

Crop Unit

Root Mean

Square Error

20-Year Record of

Differences Between Forecast

and Final Estimate

Percent

90

Percent

Confidence

Interval

Quantity Years

Average Smallest Largest Below

Final

Above

Final

Million Million Million Number Number

Corn For Grain

Sorghum for Grain

Rice

Soybeans for Beans

Cotton 1

Bu

Bu

Cwt

Bu

Bales

5.1

8.0

3.6

5.3

6.8

8.9

13.8

6.2

9.1

11.7

357

29

5

119

1,018

21

1

0

25

143

892

114

16

288

2,366

13

9

13

13

12

7

11

7

7

8

1 Quantity is in thousands of bales.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 2009 41 NASS, USDA

Information Contacts

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

additional information.

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

Field Crops Section

Jacqueline Moore, Head .............................................................................................(202) 720-2127

Shiela Corley - Cotton, Cotton Ginnings....................................................................(202) 720-5944

Bryan Durham - Hay, Oats, Sorghum ........................................................................(202) 690-3234

Ty Kalaus - Corn, Proso Millet, Flaxseed ..................................................................(202) 720-9526

Anthony Prillaman - Peanuts, Rice.............................................................................(202) 720-7688

Nick Schauer - Wheat, Rye ........................................................................................(202) 720-8068

Julie Schmidt - Crop Weather, Barley, Sugar Crops ..................................................(202) 720-7621

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

Fruits, Vegetables & Special Crops Section

Jorge Garcia-Pratts, Head...........................................................................................(202) 720-2127

Suzanne Avilla - Citrus, Coffee, Grapes, Tropical Fruits...........................................(202) 720-4285

Debbie Flippin - Fresh and Processing Vegetables, 

 Onions, Strawberries...............................................................(202) 720-2157

Fred Granja - Apples, Apricots, Cherries, Plums,

Prunes, Tobacco........................................................................(202) 720-4288

Mike Jacobson - Berries, Cranberries.........................................................................(202) 720-9085

Dawn Keen - Floriculture, Maple Syrup, Nursery, 

Tree Nuts ..................................................................................(202) 720-4215

Tierra Mobley - Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes..................................................................(202) 720-4285

Dan Norris - Austrian Winter Peas, Dry Edible Peas, 

 Lentils, Mint, Mushrooms, Peaches, Pears,

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

Kim Ritchie - Hops.....................................................................................................(360) 902-1940
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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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and employer.
USDA Data Users’ Meeting

Monday, November 2, 2009

Crowne Plaza Hotel Chicago-Metro

Chicago, Illinois 60661

(312) 829-5000

The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will be organizing an open forum for data 

users. The purpose will be to provide updates on pending changes in the various statistical and 

information programs and seeks comments and input from data users. Other USDA agencies to 

be represented will include the Agricultural Marketing Service, the Economic Research Service, 

the Foreign Agricultural Service, and World Agricultural Outlook Board. The Foreign Trade 

Division from the Census Bureau will also be included in the meeting.

For registration details or additional information for the Data Users’ Meeting, see the NASS 

homepage at www.nass.usda.gov/forum/ or contact Marjorie Taylor (NASS) at (202) 690-8141 

or at marjorie_taylor@nass.usda.gov.

This Data Users’ Meeting precedes an Industry Outlook Conference that will be held at the same 

location on Tuesday, November 3, 2009. The Outlook Conference brings together analysts from 

various commodity sectors to discuss the outlook situation. For registration details or additional 

information for the Industry Outlook Meeting see the Livestock and Marketing Information 

Center (LMIC) homepage at www.lmic.info or contact Jim Robb at (720) 544-2941 or at 

robb@lmic.info.