Cr Pr 2-2 (2-99)

Crop

Production

National

Agricultural

Statistics

Service

USDA

Washington, D.C.

Released February 10, 1999, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department

of Agriculture. For information on "Crop Production" call (202) 720-2127, office hours 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET.

U.S. Orange Production Up 2 Percent

All oranges production forecast for 1998-99 is 10.3 million tons, up 2 percent from last month but down

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

194 million boxes (8.73 million tons), 2 percent higher than the January 1 forecast but 20 percent lower than

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

at 116 million boxes (5.22 million tons), up 4 percent from January but down 17 percent from a year ago. 

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

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

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

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

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

Florida frozen concentrated orange juice (FCOJ) yield for the 1998-99 season is forecast at a record high

1.60 gallons per box at 42.0 degrees Brix, up from January’s forecast of 1.57 gallons per box. The forecast

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

early and midseason varieties is increased to 1.56 gallons per box, also a record high. Valencias are projected

to yield 1.67 gallons per box, unchanged from January and below last season’s record high of 1.72. Average

pound solids of midseason samples remaining to be harvested are at record levels. Recovery rates at

processing plants are also very high.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

February 1999 2 NASS, USDA

This report was approved on February 10, 1999.

Secretary of

Agriculture

Dan Glickman

Agricultural Statistics Board

Chairperson

Rich Allen
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

February 1999 3 NASS, USDA

Contents

Page

California Nut Crops ....................................................................6

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

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

Information Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

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

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

Weather Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

February 1999 4 NASS, USDA

Sugarcane: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production

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

Use

and

State

Area Harvested Yield 1 Production 1

1997 1998 1997 1998 1997 1998

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

For Sugar

 FL

 HI 2

 LA 2

 TX 2

 US

For Seed

 FL

 HI 2

 LA 2

 TX 2

 US

For Sugar

 and Seed

 FL

 HI 2

 LA 2

 TX 2

 US

421.0

32.0

380.0

27.3

860.3

19.0

2.2

30.0

2.5

53.7

440.0

34.2

410.0

29.8

914.0

429.0

31.8

400.0

32.0

892.8

19.0

2.2

35.0

0.5

56.7

448.0

34.0

435.0

32.5

949.5

36.9

91.4

28.2

30.3

34.9

36.9

38.2

28.2

30.0

31.8

36.9

88.0

28.2

30.3

34.7

38.7

85.5

29.0

30.0

35.7

38.8

31.4

29.0

30.0

32.4

38.7

82.0

29.0

30.0

35.5

15,535

2,925

10,716

827

30,003

701

84

846

75

1,706

16,236

3,009

11,562

902

31,709

16,602

2,719

11,600

960

31,881

737

69

1,015

15

1,836

17,339

2,788

12,615

975

33,717 1 Net tons. 2 Current estimates carried forward from earlier forecast.

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

Month

Area Fresh Production

Total in Crop Harvested 1998 1999

1998 1999 1998 1999

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

Dec

Jan

3,735

3,510 3,740

2,185

1,735 2,195

3,235

2,875 2,980
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

February 1999 5 NASS, USDA

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

1996-97, 1997-98 and Forecasted February 1, 1999 1

Crop and State

Utilized Production

Boxes

Utilized Production

Ton Equivalent

1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99

1,000 Boxes 2 1,000 Boxes 2 1,000 Boxes 2 1,000 Tons 1,000 Tons 1,000 Tons

Oranges

 Early Mid &

 Navel 3

 AZ 4

 CA 4

 FL

 TX

 US

 Valencia

 AZ 4

 CA 4

 FL

 TX

 US

 All

 AZ 4

 CA 4

 FL

 TX

 US

Temples

 FL

Grapefruit

 White Seedless

 FL 5

 Colored Seedless

 FL 6

 Other

 FL

 All

 AZ 4

 CA 4

 FL 5 6

 TX

 US

Tangerines

 AZ 4 7

 CA 4 7

 FL

 US

Lemons 4

 AZ

 CA

 US

Tangelos

 FL

K-Early Citrus

 FL

400

40,000

134,200

1,300

175,900

600

24,000

92,000

120

116,720

1,000

64,000

226,200

1,420

292,620

2,400

23,500

31,400

900

900

8,200

55,800

5,300

70,200

550

2,600

6,300

9,450

2,600

22,600

25,200

3,950

150

350

44,000

140,000

1,350

185,700

650

30,000

104,000

175

134,825

1,000

74,000

244,000

1,525

320,525

2,250

18,300

30,600

650

800

9,000

49,550

4,800

64,150

600

2,400

5,200

8,200

2,600

22,000

24,600

2,850

40

450

19,000

116,000

1,300

136,750

550

19,000

78,000

140

97,690

1,000

38,000

194,000

1,440

234,440

2,000

19,000

30,500

500

700

8,000

50,000

5,000

63,700

700

1,600

4,600

6,900

3,200

18,000

21,200

2,700

80

15

1,500

6,039

55

7,609

23

900

4,140

5

5,068

38

2,400

10,179

60

12,677

108

999

1,334

38

30

275

2,371

212

2,888

21

98

299

418

99

859

958

178

7

13

1,650

6,300

57

8,020

25

1,125

4,680

7

5,837

38

2,775

10,980

64

13,857

101

777

1,301

28

27

301

2,106

192

2,626

23

90

247

360

99

836

935

128

2

17

713

5,220

55

6,005

21

713

3,510

6

4,250

38

1,426

8,730

61

10,255

90

808

1,296

21

23

268

2,125

200

2,616

26

60

219

305

122

684

806

122

4 1

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

lbs. per box: oranges-AZ & CA-75, FL-90, TX-85; grapefruit-AZ & CA-67, FL-85, TX-80; lemons-76; tangelos, K-Early Citrus

& Temples-90; tangerines-AZ & CA-75, FL-95. 3

 Navel and miscellaneous varieties in AZ and CA. Early (including Navel) and

midseason varieties in FL and TX. Small quantities of tangerines in TX. 4

 Estimates for current year carried forward from earlier

forecast. 5

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

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

tangelos and tangors.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

February 1999 6 NASS, USDA

California Nut Crops: Bearing Acreage, Yield, Production,

Price, and Value by Crop, 1996-97 and Revised 1998

Crop Bearing Acreage Yield per Acre 1

1996 1997 1998 1996 1997 1998

Acres Acres Acres Tons 2 Tons 2 Tons 2

Walnuts

 (English) 192,000 193,000 193,000 1.08 1.39 1.18

Acres Acres Acres Pounds 3 Pounds 3 Pounds 3

Pistachios 64,300 65,400 65,900 1,630 2,750 2,850

Acres Acres Acres Pounds 3 Pounds 3 Pounds 3

Almonds 428,000 442,000 454,000 1,190 1,720 1,150

Production Price per Unit

1996 1997 1998 1996 1997 1998

Tons 2 Tons 2 Tons 2 Dollars per Ton Dollars per Ton Dollars per Ton

Walnuts

 (English) 4 208,000 269,000 227,000 1,580 1,430

1,000 Pounds 2 1,000 Pounds 2 1,000 Pounds 2 Dollars per Pound Dollars per Pound Dollars per Pound

Pistachios 105,000 180,000 188,000 1.16 1.13 0.99

1,000 Pounds 3 1,000 Pounds 3 1,000 Pounds 3 Dollars per Pound Dollars per Pound Dollars per Pound

Almonds 5 510,000 759,000 520,000 2.08 1.56 1.80

Value of Utilized Production

1996 1997 1998

1,000 Dollars 1,000 Dollars 1,000 Dollars

Walnuts

 (English) 4

Pistachios

Almonds 5

328,640

121,800

1,018,368

384,670

203,400

1,160,640

186,120

898,200 1 Yield based on utilized production. 2 In-shell basis. 3 Shelled basis. 4 Price and value estimates for 1998 will be published on July 7, 1999. 5 Price and value estimates are based on the edible portion of the crop only. Included in production are inedible quantities of no

value as follows: 1996 - 20.4 million pounds, 1997 - 15.0 million pounds, 1998 - 21.0 million pounds.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

February 1999 7 NASS, USDA

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

(Domestic Units) 1

Crop

Area Planted Area Harvested

1998 1999 1998 1999

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

Grains & Hay

 Barley

 Corn for Grain 2

 Corn for Silage

 Hay, All

 Alfalfa

 All Other

 Oats

 Rice

 Rye

 Sorghum for Grain 2

 Sorghum for Silage

 Wheat, All

 Winter

 Durum

 Other Spring

Oilseeds

 Canola

 Cottonseed

 Flaxseed

 Mustard Seed

 Peanuts 3

 Rapeseed

 Safflower

 Soybeans for Beans

 Sunflower

Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops

 Cotton, All

 Upland

 Amer-Pima

 Sugarbeets

 Sugarcane

 Tobacco

Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils

 Austrian Winter Peas

 Dry Edible Beans

 Dry Edible Peas

 Lentils

 Wrinkled Seed Peas

Potatoes & Misc.

 Coffee (HI)

 Ginger Root (HI)

 Hops

 Peppermint Oil

 Potatoes, All

 Winter

 Spring

 Summer

 Fall

 Spearmint Oil

 Sweet Potatoes

 Taro (HI) 4

6,340.0

80,187.0

4,902.0

3,345.0

1,571.0

9,626.0

65,871.0

46,449.0

3,805.0

15,617.0

1,127.0

336.0

98.9

1,511.0

4.8

303.0

72,375.0

3,553.0

13,417.9

13,088.0

329.9

1,497.9

9.0

2,010.1

323.4

162.0

1,423.4

15.5

93.0

73.7

1,241.2

86.8

1,590.0

43,354.0

17.0

5,867.0

72,604.0

5,919.0

60,016.0

23,642.0

36,374.0

2,765.0

3,317.0

418.0

7,723.0

305.0

59,002.0

40,126.0

3,728.0

15,148.0

1,092.0

329.0

95.6

1,465.5

4.7

285.0

70,811.0

3,476.0

10,722.5

10,486.0

236.5

1,451.6

949.5

726.9

7.4

1,913.9

309.1

158.5

6.1

0.4

36.6

124.0

1,394.4

15.0

90.6

68.8

1,220.0

27.4

83.8

0.5

16.7

1

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

full 1999 crop year. 2

 Area planted for all purposes. 3 1998 area planted revised. 4 Acreage is total acres in crop, not harvested

acreage.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

February 1999 8 NASS, USDA

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

(Domestic Units) 1

Crop Unit

Yield Production

1998 1999 1998 1999

1,000 1,000

Grains & Hay

 Barley

 Corn for Grain

 Corn for Silage

 Hay, All

 Alfalfa

 All Other

 Oats

 Rice 2

 Rye

 Sorghum for Grain

 Sorghum for Silage

 Wheat, All

 Winter

 Durum

 Other Spring

Oilseeds

 Canola

 Cottonseed

 Flaxseed

 Mustard Seed

 Peanuts

 Rapeseed

 Safflower

 Soybeans for Beans

 Sunflower

Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops

 Cotton, All 2

 Upland 2

 Amer-Pima 2

 Sugarbeets

 Sugarcane

 Tobacco

Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils

 Austrian Winter Peas 2

 Dry Edible Beans 2

 Dry Edible Peas 2

 Lentils 2

 Wrinkled Seed Peas

Potatoes & Misc.

 Coffee (HI)

 Ginger Root (HI)

 Hops

 Peppermint Oil

 Potatoes, All

 Winter

 Spring

 Summer

 Fall

 Spearmint Oil

 Sweet Potatoes

 Taro (HI) 3

Bu

"

Ton

"

"

"

Bu

Cwt

Bu

"

Ton

Bu

"

"

"

Lb

Ton

Bu

Lb

"

"

"

Bu

Lb

Bale

"

"

Ton

"

Lb

Cwt

"

"

"

"

Lb

"

"

"

Cwt

"

"

"

"

Lb

Cwt

Lb

60.1

134.4

16.0

2.52

3.47

1.91

60.4

5,669

28.2

67.3

11.4

43.2

46.9

37.8

34.9

1,455

20.4

855

2,683

1,353

1,446

38.9

1,509

618

612

873

22.5

35.5

2,104

1,405

1,611

1,920

1,223

1,480

50,000

1,625

78

343

199

233

280

356

109

142

185

352,445

9,761,085

94,525

151,338

82,010

69,328

167,122

188,051

11,795

519,933

3,487

2,550,383

1,880,605

141,069

528,709

1,588,620

5,182

6,708

81,750

3,931,275

6,360

412,085

2,756,794

5,246,701

13,796.2

13,366.2

430.0

32,660

33,717

1,529,647

104

30,828

5,934

1,938

674

9,000

18,000

59,548

9,727

477,754

2,980

21,137

19,269

434,368

2,987

11,887

6,000

3,084

1

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

full 1999 crop year. 2

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

February 1999 9 NASS, USDA

Fruits and Nuts Production, United States, 1997-99

(Domestic Units) 1

Crop Unit

Production

1997 1998 1999

1,000 1,000 1,000

Citrus 2

 Grapefruit

 K-Early Citrus (FL)

 Lemons

 Oranges

 Tangelos (FL)

 Tangerines

 Temples (FL)

Non-Citrus

 Apples

 Apricots

 Bananas (HI)

 Grapes

 Olives (CA)

 Papayas (HI)

 Peaches

 Pears

 Prunes, Dried (CA)

 Prunes & Plums (Ex CA)

Nuts & Misc.

 Almonds (CA)

 Hazelnuts

 Pecans

 Pistachios (CA)

 Walnuts (CA)

 Maple Syrup

Ton

"

"

"

"

"

"

1,000 Lbs

Ton

Lb

Ton

"

Lb

1,000 Lbs

Ton

"

"

Lb

Ton

Lb

"

Ton

Gal

2,888

7

958

12,677

178

418

108

10,323.8

139.2

13,700.0

7,290.9

104.0

38,800.0

2,624.6

1,042.5

214.0

25.5

759,000

47.0

335,000

180,000

269.0

1,298

2,626

2

935

13,857

128

360

101

10,943.6

118.3

20,000.0

5,595.6

90.0

39,000.0

2,425.8

926.2

108.0

25.6

520,000

15.5

155,050

188,000

227.0

1,159

2,616

4

806

10,255

122

305

90

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

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

February 1999 10 NASS, USDA

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

(Metric Units) 1

Crop

Area Planted Area Harvested

1998 1999 1998 1999

Hectares Hectares Hectares Hectares

Grains & Hay

 Barley

 Corn for Grain 2

 Corn for Silage

 Hay, All 3

 Alfalfa

 All Other

 Oats

 Rice

 Rye

 Sorghum for Grain 2

 Sorghum for Silage

 Wheat, All 3

 Winter

 Durum

 Other Spring

Oilseeds

 Canola

 Cottonseed

 Flaxseed

 Mustard Seed

 Peanuts

 Rapeseed

 Safflower

 Soybeans for Beans

 Sunflower

Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops

 Cotton, All 3

 Upland

 Amer-Pima

 Sugarbeets

 Sugarcane

 Tobacco

Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils

 Austrian Winter Peas

 Dry Edible Beans

 Dry Edible Peas

 Lentils

 Wrinkled Seed Peas

Potatoes & Misc.

 Coffee (HI)

 Ginger Root (HI)

 Hops

 Peppermint Oil

 Potatoes, All 3

 Winter

 Spring

 Summer

 Fall

 Spearmint Oil

 Sweet Potatoes

 Taro (HI) 4

2,565,730

32,450,880

1,983,790

1,353,690

635,770

3,895,550

26,657,330

18,797,450

1,539,850

6,320,040

456,090

135,980

40,020

1,940

122,620

29,289,440

1,437,860

5,430,090

5,296,580

133,510

606,190

3,640

813,470

130,880

65,560

576,040

6,270

37,640

29,830

502,300

35,130

643,460

17,544,930

6,880

2,374,320

29,382,110

2,395,360

24,287,880

9,567,680

14,720,190

1,118,970

1,342,360

169,160

3,125,420

123,430

23,877,520

16,238,590

1,508,680

6,130,240

441,920

133,140

38,690

1,900

115,340

28,656,500

1,406,700

4,339,290

4,243,580

95,710

587,450

384,250

294,170

2,990

774,540

125,090

64,140

2,470

150

14,830

50,180

564,300

6,070

36,660

27,840

493,720

11,090

33,910

200

6,760

1

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

full 1999 crop year. 2

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

harvested hectares.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

February 1999 11 NASS, USDA

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

(Metric Units) 1

Crop

Yield Production

1998 1999 1998 1999

Metric Tons Metric Tons Metric Tons Metric Tons

Grains & Hay

 Barley

 Corn for Grain

 Corn for Silage

 Hay, All 2

 Alfalfa

 All Other

 Oats

 Rice

 Rye

 Sorghum for Grain

 Sorghum for Silage

 Wheat, All 2

 Winter

 Durum

 Other Spring

Oilseeds

 Canola

 Cottonseed

 Flaxseed

 Mustard Seed

 Peanuts

 Rapeseed

 Safflower

 Soybeans for Beans

 Sunflower

Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops

 Cotton, All 2

 Upland

 Amer-Pima

 Sugarbeets

 Sugarcane

 Tobacco

Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils

 Austrian Winter Peas

 Dry Edible Beans

 Dry Edible Peas

 Lentils

 Wrinkled Seed Peas

Potatoes & Misc.

 Coffee (HI)

 Ginger Root (HI)

 Hops

 Peppermint Oil

 Potatoes, All 2

 Winter

 Spring

 Summer

 Fall

 Spearmint Oil

 Sweet Potatoes

 Taro (HI) 3

3.23

8.44

35.80

5.65

7.78

4.27

2.12

6.35

1.77

4.23

25.63

2.91

3.15

2.54

2.35

1.63

1.28

0.96

3.01

1.52

1.62

2.62

1.69

0.69

0.69

0.98

50.44

79.60

2.36

1.58

1.81

2.15

1.37

1.65

56.04

1.82

0.09

38.40

22.27

26.15

31.39

39.91

0.12

15.90

20.70

7,673,580

247,942,980

85,751,640

137,291,520

74,398,220

62,893,300

801,180

8,529,850

299,610

13,206,910

3,163,350

69,410,050

51,181,680

3,839,270

14,389,100

720,590

4,700,670

170,390

37,080

1,783,200

2,880

186,920

75,027,640

2,379,860

3,003,770

2,910,150

93,620

29,628,650

30,587,550

693,840

4,720

1,398,330

269,160

87,910

30,570

4,080

8,160

27,010

4,410

21,670,560

135,170

958,760

874,030

19,702,600

1,350

539,190

2,720

139,890

1

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

full 1999 crop year. 2

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

February 1999 12 NASS, USDA

Fruits and Nuts Production, United States, 1997-99

(Metric Units) 1

Crop

Production

1997 1998 1999

Metric tons Metric tons Metric tons

Citrus 2

 Grapefruit

 K-Early Citrus (FL)

 Lemons

 Oranges

 Tangelos (FL)

 Tangerines

 Temples (FL)

Non-Citrus

 Apples

 Apricots

 Bananas (HI)

 Grapes

 Olives (CA)

 Papayas (HI)

 Peaches

 Pears

 Prunes, Dried (CA)

 Prunes & Plums (Ex CA)

Nuts & Misc.

 Almonds (CA)

 Hazelnuts

 Pecans

 Pistachios (CA)

 Walnuts (CA)

 Maple Syrup

2,619,950

6,350

869,080

11,500,380

161,480

379,200

97,980

4,682,800

126,310

6,210

6,614,190

94,350

17,600

1,190,500

945,740

194,140

23,130

344,280

42,640

151,950

81,650

244,030

6,490

2,382,270

1,810

848,220

12,570,860

116,120

326,590

91,630

4,963,930

107,320

9,070

5,076,200

81,650

17,690

1,100,320

840,270

97,980

23,220

235,870

14,060

70,330

85,280

205,930

5,790

2,373,200

3,630

731,190

9,303,180

110,680

276,690

81,650

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

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

February 1999 13 NASS, USDA

January Weather Summary

A very cold pattern east of the Rockies yielded to coast-to-coast warmth. Cold air clung most stubbornly

across the Upper Midwestern and Great Lakes States, where snowfall from an early-month blizzard and

subsequent storms helped to suppress temperatures. Most of the eastern Corn Belt’s snow melted after midmonth under an assault of warmth and heavy rain, causing lowland flooding and leaving soft red winter wheat

fields wet and susceptible to heaving soils. Farther east, numerous storms delivered soaking rains to the Midand Southern Atlantic States, improving topsoil moisture and significantly easing long-term drought. Latemonth rain in Peninsular Florida reduced irrigation requirements for winter vegetables and citrus groves. 

Locally excessive rainfall occurred, however, from the Ohio Valley southward to the Delta, resulting in

muddy fields and flooding along creeks and rivers. Meanwhile on the Plains, snow cover melted in northern

areas but was replenished by month’s end. Topsoils became very dry across portions of the central Plains,

especially in Nebraska and northeastern Colorado, increasing the risk of wind erosion. From Kansas into

Texas, however, a late-month storm produced widespread precipitation (rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow),

benefiting hard red winter wheat but stressing livestock and disrupting transportation. In the West, a brief

southward shift in the storm track provided much-needed valley rains and mountain snows to California and

the Southwest, and allowed beneficially dry weather to reach areas west of the Cascades.

Monthly temperatures averaged near normal in California and the upper Midwest, but were above normal

elsewhere. Departures reached +10 degrees F in the Rocky Mountain region and +8 degrees F in the

Southeast. January precipitation topped 4 inches in and west of the Cascades and Sierra Nevada, and in most

areas east of a line from eastern Texas to Lake Michigan. From the lower Ohio Valley southward to the

central Gulf Coast States, extremely wet conditions (more than 8 inches of rain) were accompanied by several

severe thunderstorm outbreaks. Monthly precipitation was significantly below normal only in the Southwest,

southern Texas, and a small area centered on Nebraska.

General Crop Comments: The month began with frigid temperatures across most of the eastern half of the

United States. Blizzard conditions developed as the cold air pushed through the central Corn Belt and Great

Lakes Region. Most wheat fields in the northern Plains and eastern Corn Belt were protected from the sub-zero

temperatures and wind chills by snow. Below-normal temperatures extended to the Gulf Coast, with subfreezing temperature readings in Texas and as far south as central Florida. Peach orchards in the Southeast, in

need of additional chill hours, welcomed the cold weather, but tomatoes suffered minor leaf burn in Florida. In

lowland citrus groves, some fruit was partially frozen and some new foliage was frost bitten, but damage

statewide was minimal. Sugarcane and orange harvest continued unhindered. In Texas, the cold weather

temporarily halted growth of small grains.

As the month progressed, seasonally mild weather remained entrenched over the Rocky Mountains and extended

eastward into the Great Plains, Corn Belt, and Southeast. Despite the beneficial warm weather, growth of small

grains was limited in the southern Plains due to excessive dryness. In Florida, warm weather promoted

development of citrus bloom buds and open bloom flowers and aided vegetable growth. Dry weather forced

citrus growers in sandy and well-drained areas to irrigate groves to maintain tree conditions. 

During the month, a series of storms formed along the western Gulf Coast and delivered a mixture of rain, sleet,

and freezing rain to the lower Mississippi Valley, Southeast, Ohio Valley, and Atlantic Coast States. Icing

caused power outages in parts of the Southeast and middle Atlantic Coast States, and tornados ripped through

parts of the lower Mississippi Valley. Later, rain and melting snow caused isolated flooding in parts of the

middle and northern Atlantic Coast States. Despite the severe weather, most areas welcomed the precipitation

as soil moisture levels improved. 

In the Western United States, temperatures averaged above normal in most areas and well above normal through

most of the Rocky Mountains. The snow pack continued to accumulate in the northern Rocky Mountains, but

heavy rains and mild temperatures melted snow in the Pacific Northwest. The combination of heavy rain and

snow melt caused flooding in low-lying areas along streams. High pressure temporarily forced storms to the

north of the Pacific Northwest coastal areas, allowing soils to dry and streams to recede from their banks, but the

system weakened and the rainy pattern resumed.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

February 1999 14 NASS, USDA

Below-normal temperatures persisted in California’s valleys, hindering growth of small grains, winter forages,

vegetable crops, and emerging sugar beets. Excessive dryness during the first half of the month and excessive

dampness during the second half also hindered growth. A brief early-month warm spell allowed citrus growers

in the San Joaquin Valley to salvage some fruit from their orchards, but most of the navel orange crop that

remained unharvested as the month began was damaged or destroyed. Picking of mature fruit continued in

southern California. In vineyards and non-citrus fruit orchards, growers kept busy with pruning, weeding, and

fertilizing chores until late- month rains hindered their efforts.

Sugarcane: Production for sugar and seed in 1998 is estimated at a record high 33.7 million tons, 6 percent

above the previous record established in 1997 but unchanged from the previous estimate. Estimated acres for

sugar production remained at 892,800 and acres for sugar and seed remained at 949,500. The estimated yield

for sugar and seed production is unchanged at a record 35.5 tons per acre, 0.8 ton above the 1997 yield of

34.7 tons per acre.

Drought hindered vegetative development in the western Gulf Coast sugarcane producing states during the

summer months. Growth accelerated when late summer rains ended the drought and continued as warm weather

extended the growing season. The late season growth spurt, combined with expanded use of higher yielding

varieties and utilization of better harvesting equipment, resulted in records for both yield and production in

Louisiana. The yield and production were also both record high in Florida. Damage due to Tropical Storm

Mitch was minimal, but harvest was delayed and mills were forced to shut down operations for several days. 

Warm, dry weather aided harvest efforts during the month; however, mills expect to be open until early April

due to earlier delays.

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

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

indicated only 21 percent of rows harvested due to lagging maturity. Average fruit size is close to the smallest in

the eight-season series. Loss from droppage has been a record low through late January.

Grapefruit: The forecast of the 1998-99 U.S. grapefruit crop remained unchanged at 2.63 million tons, 

slightly above last season but down 9 percent from the 1996-97 season. The February 1 Florida grapefruit crop

is forecast at 50.0 million boxes (2.13 million tons), the same as the January 1 forecast but up 1 percent from a

year ago. The white seedless forecast is increased to 19.0 million boxes (808,000 tons) and the colored seedless

forecast is decreased to 30.5 million boxes (1.30 million tons). 

Economic conditions favoring additional use of white seedless grapefruit have improved this season, more than

anticipated at the beginning of the season. Average fruit size of the unharvested colored varieties is less than

originally projected, possibly a result of more selective spot picking than in recent seasons. Loss from droppage

is more than originally projected. 

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

utilization. Average fruit sizes are smaller, but loss from droppage is less than originally projected. All seedy

grapefruit are certified in processed form and records are dependent on load tickets.

Grapefruit production in Texas is forecast at 5.00 million boxes (200,000 tons), unchanged from January 1 but

up 4 percent from the previous season. Quality remains good. California and Arizona grapefruit forecasts were

carried forward from January 1.

Tangerines: The 1998-99 U.S. tangerine crop is forecast at 305,000 tons, up 2 percent from last month, but

down 15 percent from the previous year’s utilization. Florida’s tangerine forecast is raised to 4.60 million boxes

(219,000 tons), up 2 percent from the January 1 forecast but down 12 percent from the 1997-98 crop. Lagging

maturity has limited the amount picked compared to the previous two seasons. Average fruit size is above the

eight-season mean, but is smaller than last season. Loss from droppage is higher than last season. The Arizona

and California tangerine forecasts were carried forward from January 1.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

February 1999 15 NASS, USDA

Tangelos: Florida’s tangelo forecast for February 1 increased to 2.70 million boxes (122,000 tons), 8 percent

more than a month ago, but 5 percent less than last season’s utilized production. Maturity levels are allowing

later volume harvest.

Florida citrus: Temperatures during January were above normal in all areas of Florida’s citrus belt. There

were some days when the upper 80's were recorded. Rainfall was near average across the citrus producing areas,

but some citrus counties received above normal moisture for January. During one mid-January tropical storm,

Palm Beach County recorded more than 5 inches of precipitation. Due to the dry conditions that prevailed at the

time, most of the abundant moisture was absorbed by the soil. The warm tropical weather caused the citrus trees

to push out pin-head bloom buds which are very vulnerable to frost or freezing weather. There is very little open

bloom showing at this time. Harvesting crews have been very active during the month, moving all types of early

and midseason fruit to both the processors and the fresh fruit packing houses.

Texas Citrus: Harvest moved ahead during January with early and midseason oranges more than three fourths

complete and grapefruit surpassing the halfway mark. Demand remained high for oranges. The quality of

oranges and grapefruit remained good. Hardly any rainfall fell in the citrus growing areas and producers

continued to irrigate.

California Citrus: After the late December freeze in the San Joaquin Valley, citrus growers in early January

adopted a “wait and see” attitude for their crop prospects. By the end of the month, some navel oranges were

picked for fresh use but many had to go to juice. Lemons in the freeze area were virtually all lost, but the

grapefruit survived. Valencia oranges are still green with picking not scheduled until spring. Citrus growers in

southern California did not suffer freeze damage and were active picking their fruit. 

Papayas: Hawaii fresh papaya output is estimated at 2.98 million pounds for January, 8 percent lower than

December but 4 percent higher than January 1998. Area devoted to papaya production totaled 3,740 acres in

January, relatively unchanged from December but 7 percent higher than a year ago. Harvested area, totaling

2,195 acres, was slightly higher than last month and 27 percent higher than last January. 

January weather conditions were a mix of rain, gusty winds, and sunshine. Spraying for disease control was

slowed at times due to the wet and windy conditions. Seasonally cool temperatures slowed fruit maturation.

California Fruits and Nuts: During January, growers were busy with normal winter cultural activities such as

weed control, fertilizing, dormant spraying, pruning, and shredding brush. By the end of the month, fruit buds

in almond trees were swelling as bloom neared.

Walnuts: The 1998 California walnut production estimate has been revised to 227,000 tons (in-shell basis). 

This is up 3 percent from the January estimate but down 16 percent from the 1997 crop. Estimates for the 1998

price and value will be published July 7, 1999.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

February 1999 16 NASS, USDA

Almonds: California almond production is unchanged from the January estimate of 520 million meat pounds. 

Production is down 31 percent from the record 1997 crop. The average price, at $1.80 per pound (shelled

basis), is a 24 cent improvement over the 1997 average. Value of utilized production came to 898 million

dollars, 23 percent below the 1997 total.

Pistachios: The California pistachio crop set a record for the second consecutive year. The 1998 production of

188 million pounds(in-shell basis) was unchanged from the January estimate but 4 percent larger than 1997. 

The average in-shell price fell to 99 cents per pound, compared to $1.13 for 1997. Total value of utilized

production amounted to 186 million dollars, down 8 percent from the year earlier.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

February 1999 17 NASS, USDA

Information Contacts

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

contact for additional information.

C. Ray Halley, Chief (202) 720-2127

Field Crops Section

Charles Van Lahr, Acting Head (202) 720-5446

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

Rhonda Brandt - Corn (202) 720-9526

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

Vacant - Hay, Sorghum (202) 690-3234

Roger Latham - Cotton, Cotton Ginnings (202) 720-5944

Mark E. Miller - Oats, Sugar Crops, Weekly Crop Weather (202) 720-7621

Vaughn Siegenthaler - Wheat, Rye (202) 720-8068

Fruit, Vegetable & Special Crops Section

Dean Groskurth, Head (202) 720-3843

Arvin Budge - Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes (202) 720-4285

Dave DeWalt - Citrus, Tropical Fruits (202) 720-5412

Howard Hill - Cherries, Berries, Prunes, Plums,

Cranberries, Grapes, Maple Syrup (202) 720-7235

Dave Ranek - Nuts, Floriculture (202) 720-4215

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

Mushrooms (202) 690-0270

Biz Wallingsford - Fresh and Processing Vegetables, Onions,

 Strawberries (202) 720-2157

Vacant - Apples, Tobacco (202) 720-4288

Harry Nishimoto - Hops (360) 902-1940

The next "Crop Production" report will be released at 8:30 a.m. ET on March 11, 1999.
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