The Texas orange crop is expected to total 3.90 million boxes, unchanged from last month but
39 percent below last season's production, Harvest of early and mid-season varieties was near
comptetion by the end of February.

Prospects in Arizona at 3.45 million boxes are 1 percent below last month but 19 percent more
than was harvested in 1978-79. Navel harvest is virtually complete while Valencia harvest is just
beginning.

Changes between the March 1 U.S. orange production forecast and final production have aver-
aged 3,49 million boxes over the past 10 seasons, ranging from 510 thousand boxes in 1974-75 to
11.0 million boxes the 1975-76 season.

FLORIDA FROZEN CONCENTRATED JUICE YIELO: The all orange juice yield for the 1979-80 crop is pro-
jected at 1.33 gallons of 45 degree brix concentrate per
box. The yield from the 1978-79 crop was 1.34 gallons per box,

GRAPEFRUIT: The 1979-80 U.S. grapefruit crop is expected to total 68.8 million boxes (2.54 mil-

lion metric tons), 2 percent more than was expected on February ] and 3 percent more
than was harvested last season. Prospects in Florida at 51.0 million boxes are unchanged from
Yast month but 2 percent above last season. The Texas crop forecast is up 14 percent from
February 7 to 7.50 million boxes but is 17 percent below the 1978-79 harvest. A few trees are
beginning to bloom; however, peak bloom is expected about mid-March. Trees are in good condition
and the fruit set should be near normal except for trees that were heavily damaged by the freeze
a year ago. California growers now expect to harvest 7.40 million boxes, 4 percent more than was
forecast on February 1. The increase is in the Desert area where prospects improved 300 thousand
boxes to 3.90 millfon. The Arizona crop is unchanged from February 7 at 2.90 million boxes but
is 29 percent above last season's harvest.

Harvest of the U.S. grapefruit crop was 53 percent complete on March 1 compared with 57 per-
cent on the same date last year.

Changes in the U.S. grapefruit production estimate between the March 1 forecast and final
production have averaged 1.99 million boxes, ranging from 280 thousand boxes in both 1975-76 and
1978-79 crop years to 4.70 million boxes in 1976-77.

LEMONS: The California and Arizona lemon crop is expected to total 21.5 million boxes (741 thou-
sand metric tons), 10 percent more than was forecast on February 7 and 11 percent above

Jast season's harvest. California's prospects improved during the month and growers now expect

to harvest 18.5 million boxes, one-third more than in the 1978-79 season. The central California

district is over half harvested, Quality is very good. Picking is active in the southern

California district where about one-fourth of the crop has been picked. Fruit is large due to the

recent rains and is generally good quality. Harvest in the Desert area is virtually complete.

The Arizona crop is now estimated at 3.00 million boxes, 3 percent less than expected on
February % and compares with 5.50 million boxes harvested in 1978-79. The crop is 90 percent
harvested. Harvest in the 2 States was 41 percent complete on March 7 compared with 72 percent
on March 1 last year.

TANGELOS: Florida's tangelo crop totaled 6.40 million boxes (26) thousand metric tons), 8 percent
, above the February 1 forecast and 52 percent above 1978-79. Harvest is virtually com-
plete.

CROP PRODUCTION, MARCH 1980 5 CROP REPORTING BOARD, ESCS, USDA


CITRUS FRUIT wv
: PRODUCTION 3 PRODUCTION
crop 2 BOXES JON EQUIVALENT
AND ___UTILIZED CS INDICATED UTILIZED TINDICATED
STATE 1977-78 3 1978-79 3 1979280 ¢ 1977078 2 1978-79 3 1979°80
1,000 UNITS 2/7 1,000 UNITS
ORANGES, EARLY MID & NAVEL 3.
ARIZ 820 700 850 31 26 32
CALIF 20,000 205800 30,000 750 780 1,125
FLA 88,300 91,000 115,000 3,974 4,095 5,175
TEX 3,850 4,300 2,300 169 183 98
us 112,970 116,800 = 148,150 4,919 5,084 6,930
ORANGES, VALENCIA
ARIZ 2,800 2,200 2,600 105 83 98
CALIF 22,600 16,400 25,000 848 615 938
FLA ' 79,500 73,000 85,000 3,578 3,285 3,825
TEX 2,250 2/100 1,600 96 89 68
us $107,150 93,700 414,200 4,627 4,072 4,929
ALL ORANGES 3
ARIZ : 3,620 2,900 3,450 136 109 130
CALIF 3 42,600 37,200 55,000 1,598 1,395 2,063
FLA + 167,800 164,000 200,000 7,552 7,380 9,000
TEX 3 6,100 6/400 3,900 260 272 166
vs 3 220-120 2204509 = 262,350 9,506 9,156 17,359
TEMPLES :
FLA 3 4,900 4,700 5,400 2a 212 243
GRAPEFRUIT, WHITE SEEDLESS
FLA F 28,700 297,400 29,000 1,220 1,250 1,233
GRAPEFRUIT, PINK SEEOLESS
FLA 24,300 13,300 14,000 608 Ses sos
OTHER GRAPEFRUIT :
FLA : 8,400 74300 8,000 357 310 340
ALL GRAPEFRUIT :
ART] t 34000 2,250 2,900 96 72 93
CALIF :
OESERT t 4,200 3,270 3,900 134 105 125
OTHER AREAS + 4,160 2,500 3,500 139 84 417
TOTAL z By 360 5,770 7400 273 189 2a2
FLA $1,400 50,000 51,000 2,185 212s 27168
TEX 5 1,900 94000 7,500 476 360 300
us + 74,660 67,020 68,400 3,030 2,746 2,803
TANGER INES, ?
ARIZ : 600 450 650 23 17 20
CALIF z 1,400 1,450 17600 53 Sa 60
FLA : 3ee200 3,500 31900 152 166 185
us : 5,200 5,400 6-150 228 237 269
LEMONS 3
ARTZ : $600 54500 3,000 220 209 114
CALIF 204300 13,900 16,500 771 528 703
us 26,100 19/400 21,500 991 737 ar?
TANGELOS +
FLA 3 4,900 4,200 6,400 22t 189 288
1/ THE CROP YEAR REGINS WITH THE BLOOM UF THE FIRST YEAR
ScOWN AND ENDS WITH YEAR HARVEST IS COMPLETED.
2/ NET LAS PER BOX? OKANGES@CALIF & ARIZ<75,FLA=90,
TEX=857 GRAPEFKUIT@CALIF DESERT & ARIZ=64, CALIF
QTHER@67, FLA=85, TEX803 LEMONS@767 TANGELOS &
TEMPLES=903 TANGERINES® CALIF & ARIZ=75, FLA=9S,
3/ NAVEL AND MISCELLANEOUS VARIETIFS IN CALIFORNIA AND
ARIZONA, EARLY AND MIDSEASON VARIETIES IN FLORIDA AND

TEXAS, INCLIOING SMALL QUANTITIES OF TANGERINES
TEXAS,

CROP PRODUCTION, MARCH 1980 8

IN

CROP REPORTING BOARD, ESCS, USDA



Kansas wheat benefited from February snow protection and accumulating moisture. Late month
warm weather melted most snowcover and greened some stands in southern areas but most wheat re-
mained dormant. Any damage from end-of-month low temperatures is believed to be minimal. Texas
wheat grew moderately during February although grazing was confined to the northern High Plains,
the Blacklands, and east Texas. Parts of south Texas have received no recipitation since last
summer. Oklahoma winter wheat began breaking dormancy prior to the ons} aught of low temperatures.
Poor snowcover and soil blowing produced some damage to South Dakota winter wheat. Arizona winter
wheat made excellent progress; most stands advanced beyond the Jointing stage with some ‘head for-
mation underway. California winter wheat showed good development,

FEBRUARY FIELDWORK

Subnormal temperatures and snow accumulation, although light in many areas, held outside
activity to a minimum during early February. Farmers spread fertilizer and manure where field
conditions permitted. Soil temperatures were below normal, until just after mid-month when
soaring air temperatures were above normal. Subnormal temperatures at the end of the month
lowered soil temperatures again but not enough to entirely stall initial cotton, corn, and
sorghum planting activity. Corn planting began shortly after mid-February in Florida, Georgia,
and Texas; by the end of the month, planting extended into Mississippi and Louisiana. Low tem-
peratures may have damaged some emerged stands. Land preparation for cotton was underway in the
Southwest throughout February although rains delayed activities in California and Arizona. Texas
cotton planting began in the lower Rio Grande Valley during the second half of February and
shortly after in western Arizona. The cold snap at the end of the month slowed Texas cotton
planting. Grain sorghum planting began during the last week of the month; cold weather slowed
seeding activity but caused insignificant damage because few stands had emerged. Plowing was
confined to the South and ranged from 17 percent complete in Louisiana and Mississippi to 35
percent in Alabama by March 1. Tobacca growers prepared and seeded plant beds from Florida to
Virginia; subnormal temperatures may have damaged some seedlings. Irish potato planting ex-
tended into North Carolina, Deciduous fruit growers sprayed and pruned trees when weather con~
ditions permitted. California rains interrupted almond pollination, and low temperatures damaged
some Georgia peach blooms, depending on stage of development. Vegetable planting and harvest.
activities centered in the Southwest, Texas, and Florida.

techie sek ek seek Heide *

* FLORIDA FREEZE EFFECTS UNKNOWN

This report is based on conditions March 1, and does not reflect any shifts in
production which may result from freezing temperatures and fruit icing on the morn-
ing of March 3.

eee
+e eee

eek: eke * toe FEI IIT IIIT I TT IRI I OTR IIR IT

ORANGES: U.S. orange production is expected to be a record high at 262 million boxes (10.3 mil-

Jion metric tons), up fractionally from last month's forecast and 25 percent above the
1978-79 crop. Florida prospects remain unchanged at 200 million boxes, 22 percent above last
season. Early and mid-season varieties are expected to total 115 million boxes, 26 percent more
than last year's harvest. The Valencia crop is forecast at 85.0 million baxes, 16 percent above
the 1978-79 crop. Harvest of early and mid-season oranges is 87 percent complete while harvest of
the Valencia crop is just beginning,

Crop prospects in California improved for Navel oranges and growers now expect to harvest
30.0 million boxes, 3 percent above the February 1 forecast and 44 percent more than last season.
The Valencia crop is stil] estimated at 25.0 million boxes, 52 percent greater than last season.
The total California crop at 55.0 million boxes is 48 percent above the 1978-79 crop. Harvest of
the Navel crop is 48 percent complete. The recent rains have caused some concern about possible
damage to the Navel crop but rains have not hurt the Vatencta crop.

CROP PRODUCTION, MARCH 1980 4 CROP REPORTING BOARD, ESCS, USDA



TANGERINES: Production is forecast at 6.15 million boxes (244 thousand metric tons), 3 percent

less than the February 1 forecast but 14 percent above last season. The Florida
crop at 3.90 million boxes is 2 percent below last month's forecast but 1] percent above the
1978-79 harvest. The forecast of the California crop at 1.60 million boxes is down 6 percent
from February 1 but is 10 percent above last season's crop. The Arizona crop at 650 thousand
boxes is unchanged from last month but is 44 percent greater than the 1978-79 harvest.

TEMPLES: The Florida temple crop is expected to total 5.40 million boxes (220 thousand metric
tons), unchanged from last month's forecast but 15 percent above the 1978-79 harvest.
Harvest was 72 percent complete on March 1 compared with 69 percent on the same date Jast year.

PAPAYAS: Beginning this month, monthly forecasts and estimated utilization will be for fresh uti-

; lization only. Production of papayas for fresh use during March is forecast at 2.20
million pounds (1000 metric tons). This will be slightly more than the 2.17°mfllion pounds (980
metric tons) produced for fresh use in February. A 32 percent increase in output is expected in
April, signal ing the end of the current seasonal Tul? period. Increases are also expected for
May and June with forecasts of 3.15 million pounds (1430 metric tons) and 3.30 million pounds
(1500 metric tons), respectively.

Area in crop totaled 2750 acres (1110 hectares) in February compared with 2855 acres (1160
hectares) in January and 3170 acres (1280 hectares) last February. While total area declined last
month, harvested acreage was up 4 percent to 1860 acres (750 hectares).

POTATOES: Production of winter potatoes this season is forecast at 2.36 million cwt (107 thou-

sand metric tons}, off 1 percent from both last month's forecast and last year. The
Florida crop, at 1,66 million cwt, is unchanged from the February 1 forecast. Yields and quality
are good as harvest continues active in the southwest and upper east coast areas. Digging is slow
in Dade County and will begin soon in the Homestead area. Some southeast fields received rain
damage, but. there was little effect from the recent freeze. In California, prospects declined 4
percent during February. Heavy rains in southern California washed out potatoes in some fields
and severely slowed harvest progress in others. Digging is nearly complete in the Kern County
area,

In the spring potato producing States, plantings are estimated at a record low 77.5 thousand
acres (31.4 thousand hectares), down 13 percent from last season and 17 percent below the 1978
total. Growers expect to harvest a record low 75.6 thousand acres (30.6 thousand hectares), off
10 percent from last year, the previous record low harvested acreage.

California producers planted 20 percent fewer acres than last season. Weather conditions
since planting have been ideal and the crop has made good progress. Florida plantings are esti-
mated at 21.0 thousand acres, the same as last year, Planting in the Hastings area is complete
and the crop was making good progress until hit by recent freezes. While heavy damage occurred
in early planted fields, growers were able to cover young potatoes prior to the freeze and are
optimistic that damaged potatoes will recover. North Carolina producers expect to plant 4 percent
fewer acres than last season. Seeding is only 4-5 percent complete because af weather delays.
Recent snow and cold temperatures had little effect other than to further delay fieldwork.

In Texas, Rio Grande Valley growers completed planting on schedule and the crop made excet-
lent growth during January and February. In the Winter Garden area, planting continued into
February. The crop is in good condition despite the temporary setback from a recent freeze.
Planting is underway with favorable conditions in the Knox-Haskell area. Alabama planting is
barely underway and recent freezing weather had minimal effect as most plantings had not yet
emer ged.

CROP PRODUCTION, MARCH 1980 6 CROP REPORTING BOARD, ESCS, USDA


CROP PRODUCTION (Qiees

Economics, Statistics, &
Cooperatives Service

US. Department
of Agriculture

Washington, D.C.
20250

Released: March 10, 1980
3:00 P.M. ET

HIGHLIGHTS,

CITRUS production is expected to total 15.8 million tons (14.3 million
metric tons), 1 percent above last month and 19 percent above
the 1978-79 crop.

ORANGE production is forecast at 262 million boxes (10.3 million metric
tons), fractionally above the February 1 forecast and 25 percent
above last season. By March 1, harvest of the U.S. crop was 45
percent complete.

GRAPEFRUIT production, forecast at 68.8 million boxes (2.54 million metric
tons), is 2 percent above the February 1 forecast and 3 percent

above the 1978-79 crop. About 53 percent of the crop had been
harvested by March 1.

LEMON prospects at 21.5 million boxes (741 thousand metric tons) are 10
percent above last month's forecast and 11 percent above 1978-79.

WINTER POTATO production is forecast at 2.36 million cwt (107 thousand

Metric tons), down 1 percent from both the February 1 forecast and
the 1979 crop.

SPRING POTATO area for harvest is estimated at a record low 75.6 thousand
acres (30.6 thousand hectares), down 10 percent from last season
(the previous record low) and 17 percent below the 1978 total.

CrPr 2-2 (3-80) For Information Call: (202) 447-2127


POTATOES

7 PRER,
SEASONAL GROUP PLANTED z HARVESTED
: 7 z 5 ? + TROICATED
STATE Poet 1979] ORATED Shove; tga; eo
: T, 000 ACRE:
WINTER :
CALIF 3.0. 3.3 3.0 3.0 3.3 38
FLA 10.0 9.7 8.7 3.9 8.6 :
TOTAL > 13.0 13.0 WT 12.9 1.9 15
SPRING :
ALA > 10 8.0 6.0 9.5 73 6.0
ARIZ > 6.0 6.2 47 6.0 6.2 .
CALIF > 29.0 30.0 24.0 29.0 28.0 24.0
FLA ~ HASTINGS 20.8 20.0 20.0 20.6 18.5 19.0
- OTHER : 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.8 9 8
La : 2.6 2.4 2.4 2.3 24 1.9
MISS 1/ : 1.3 1.2
nc 7 > 13.1 13.8 13.2 13.0 13.7 13.0
TEX : 7.6 7.5 6.5 7.5 7 6.2
TOTAL : 93.4 88.9 11S 90.9 83.8 75.6
: YIELD PRODUCTION —_
: : 2 : : C.
> 178; 78 THDTCATED P1978; 979 wits
: CHT T,000 CHT
WINTER :
CALIF : 230 240 235 690 792 705
FLA : 195 185 195 1,931 1,591 1,658
TOTAL : 208 200 205 2,621 2,383 2,363
SPRING 2/ :
ALA, > 100 140 950 1,022
ARIZ > 265 210 1,590 1,302
CALIF > 285 395 8, 265 11,060
FLA - HASTINGS =: 170 230 3,502 4,255
- OTHER : 125 180 225 162
La : 75 70 173 147
MISS 1/ : 90 108
NC : 150 165 1,950 2,261
TEX : 160 160 7) 200 15136
TOTAL > 198 255 17,963 21,345
TSCONT ;
vy YIELD ANO PRODUCTION FOR 1980 TO BE RELEASED APR 10, 1980.
PAPAYAS - HAWAII
vow AREA : FRESH UTILIZATION
ONT TOTAL IN CROP 3 HARVESTED. D979 gap FORECAST
ED 57: RSD £1 7 OY : :___ 1980
2 ACRES T,000 POUNDS
JAN 3,205 2,855 2,265 1,785 3,491 2,695
FEB : 3,170 2,750 2,335 1,860 27372 2,170
NAR > 33255 2,360 2,239 2,200
APR > 35215 2,340 2,415 2,900
MAY > 3,245 2,305 2,698 3,150
JUN 13) 285 2,370 3452 3,300
COMOLATIVE FRESH PRODUCTION JAN-TES 5863 SES

CROP PRODUCTION, MARCH 1980 7 CROP REPORTING BOARD, ESCS, USDA



UNITED STATES CROP SUMMARY
(DOMESTIC UNITS)
CITRUS FRUITS, PRODUCTION i/

INDICATED 1979-80

crop 78-7 : :
01 1978-79 FEB L : MAR 1
: 1,000 BOXES
ORANGES : 210,500 261,400 262,350
GRAPEFRUIT: 67,020 67,600 68,800
LEMONS : 19,400 19,600 21,500

T/ SEASON BEGINS WITH BLOOM OF THE FIRST YEAR SHOWN AND ENDS WITH THE COMPLETION OF HARVEST THE
FOLLOWING YEAR.

POTATOES
AREA PLANTED AREA HARVESTED
oor yer) T TNBYCATED 179 : INDICATED
: 1980 : 1980
1,000 ACRES
WINTER : 13.0 11.7 11.9 11.5
SPRING 3 88.9 77.5 83.8 75.6
YIELD PER ACRE 5 PRODUCTION
7 INDICATED ——: INDICATED 1980
1979 1980 1979 FEET : ART
CWT 1,000 CWT
WINTER 200 205 2,383 2,393 2,363
SPRING : 255 APR 1D 21,345 APR 10
UNITED STATES CROP SUMMARY
(METRIC UNITS)
CITRUS FRUITS, PRODUCTION 1/
7 5 TNDICATED 1979-80
CROP 1978-79 : FEB 1 : MAR 1
METRIC TONS
ORANGES : 8 306 180 10 272 960 10 304 710
GRAPEFRUIT 2 491 130 2 501 110 2 542 840
LEMONS, 668 600 675 850 741 :170

17 SEASON BEGINS WITH BLOON OF THE FIRST YEAR SHOWN AND ENDS WITH THE COMPLETION OF HARVEST THE
FOLLOWING YEAR.

POTATOES
AREA PLANTED AREA HARVESTED
SEASONAL t INDICATED 5 INDICATED
GROUP : 1979 + 1980 : 1979 1980
i HECTARES.

WINTER : 5 260 4730 4 820 4 650
SPRING : 35 980 31 360 33 910 30 590
: YIELO_PER HECTARE PRODUCTION

> INDICATED: 5 INDICATED 1980
1979 11980 : 1979 : FEB I 3 T
METRIC TONS
WINTER : 22.43 23.05 108 090 108 540 107 180
SPRING : 28.55 APR LO 968 190 APR 10

The CROP PRODUCTION report contains State and National estimates with related information on
selected agricultural commodities. These data were prepared and adopted by the Crop Reporting
Board which consists of commodity statisticians from the field offices and Washington headquarters.

CROP REPORTING BOARD:

L. Olson, Acting Chairman,

A. Walsh, Secretary,

+ ROLE, R. P. Small,

Buckner, H. J. DeLong,

Fenley, P. J. Guss,
J. oR, Riggs.

APPROVE

ACTING SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE

CROP PRODUCTION, MARCH 1980 CROP REPORTING BOARD, ESCS, USDA


FEBRUARY WEATHER SUMMARY

Storms out of the south Pacific Ocean brought torrential rain to southern California and
heavy rain to parts of Arizona. Winter temperatures were temporarily displaced by warmer air
which enveloped the entire Nation by mid-month. By the end of the month, winter returned to the
East with a vengeance when a frigid airmass moved out of Canada. Precipitation for the month was
well above normal for most of the area west of the Rockies but fell short of normal in the East.

Winter was in full swing as the month of February began. Very cold air enveloped all of the
Nation except the Southwest and the extreme northern Plains. Freezing temperatures reached into
Florida--as far south as Tampa and Orlando on the 2d and 4th of February. Warming began in the
West and northern Plains during the period of February 4-10 but the central Plains and the South-
east remained much colder than normal.

Seasonally heavy rain--snow at higher elevations--persisted in the Pacific Northwest during
the first ten days of February but southern California was drying out from previous deluges.
Elsewhere, snow laid down a protective blanket in the central Plains. By February 10th, up to a
foot of snow covered Kansas. Rain was heavy from eastern Texas through Georgia and heavy snow
fell in parts of the Appalachians and mid-Atlantic States.

Heavy rain returned to southern California during the week of February 11-17. The hills
around Los Angeles recorded as much as 20 inches. Rain was heavy throughout the State and into
Arizona. Flooding and property Toss resulted. Precipitation was comparatively light through
the rest of the Nation in this second week of February. Snow dusted Montana and Wyoming and was
somewhat heavier from the lower Ohio Valley through New England. Light rain in west Texas in-
creased in intensity eastward through the Gulf Coast States. Warm weather persisted in the
Southwest while temperatures in northern States from North Dakota through New England were near
normal. Temperatures averaged much colder than normal from central Montana through the central

ains.

The series of storms from the south Pacific Ocean continued to plague southern California,
Arizona and the central Plateau during most of the week of February 18-24 but the storms moved
further north by the’end of the week. arm weather moved across the entire United States. Snow-
cover receded to the mountain ridges, the upper Mississippi Valley and New England. Light to
moderate rain fell in the area east of the Mississippi River. Average temperatures for the week
were as much as 9 degrees above norma? in many parts of the Nation.

Warm weather continued to the midpoint of the last five days of the month and then an arctic
airmass spilled out of Canada through the Dakotas and spread rapidly southward and eastward. Many
previous record low temperatures were surpassed as the frigid air enveloped areas east of the
Rockies. Snow fell from Montana through the Great Lakes and in the Midwest. Light amounts fell
in parts of the central Plains. Earlier in the week, heavy rain fell along the West Coast. As
February ended, cold ‘air clashed with warm moist air from the Gulf of Mexico causing an intense
storm to build in southern Louisiana. Heavy rain fell along the Gulf Coast.

WINTER WHEAT

Winter wheat rated fair to good with only Tight snowcover at the beginning of February. Snow
depths increased as the month progressed protecting the crop from low temperatures and providing
the potential moisture needed for growth when the snow melted. Precipitation in the southern
Plains improved winter wheat prospects near mid-month. Above normal temperatures melted snowcover
throughout most major production areas and encouraged growth in southern portions late in the
month. Farmers began spreading fertilizer where fields were dry enough to support equipment. At
the end of February, freezing temperatures plunged deep into the Nation sparing only southern
Florida, Louisiana, south Texas, and the Pacific Coastal areas. Zero readings on the Great Plains
stretched into Kansas.

CROP PRODUCTION, MARCH 1980 3 CROP REPORTING BOARD, ESCS, USDA