Crop Production 

ISSN: 1936-3737

Released March 9, 2012, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department of 

Agriculture (USDA).

Orange Production Up 1 Percent from February

The United States all orange forecast for the 2011-2012 season is 9.00 million tons, up 1 percent from the previous 

forecast and up 2 percent from the 2010-2011 final utilization. The Florida all orange forecast, at 147 million boxes 

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

midseason, and Navel varieties in Florida are forecast at 74.0 million boxes (3.33 million tons), up 1 percent from the 

February forecast and up 5 percent from last season. The Florida Valencia orange forecast, at 73.0 million boxes 

(3.29 million tons), is unchanged from the February forecast but up 4 percent from the 2010-2011 crop. Sizes for Valencia 

oranges in Florida are expected to be about average.

The California Valencia orange forecast is 14.0 million boxes (560,000 tons), up 4 percent from the previous forecast. 

This brings California’s all orange forecast to 58.0 million boxes (2.32 million tons), up 1 percent from the January 1 

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

lower than the previous year, while measured average fruit size was slightly larger than the previous year. The forecast for 

Texas is carried forward from January.

Florida frozen concentrated orange juice (FCOJ) yield forecast for the 2011-2012 season is 1.64 gallons per box at 

42.0 degrees Brix, up 1 percent from the February forecast and up 3 percent from last season’s final yield of 1.59 gallons 

per box. The early-midseason portion is 1.56 gallons per box, up 3 percent from last season’s yield of 1.52 gallons per 

box. The Valencia portion is projected at 1.76 gallons per box, 6 percent higher than last year’s final yield of 1.66 gallons 

per box. All projections of yield assume the processing relationships this season will be similar to those of the past several 

seasons.
2 Crop Production (March 2012)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

This report was approved on March 9, 2012.

Acting Secretary of

Agriculture

Michael T. Scuse

Agricultural Statistics Board

Chairperson

Hubert Hamer
Crop Production (March 2012) 3

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Contents

Sugarcane Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by Use – States and United States: 2010 and 2011 ................................ 4

Utilized Production of Citrus Fruits by Crop – States and United States: 2010-2011 and Forecasted 

March 1, 2012 ......................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Crop Area Planted and Harvested – United States: 2011 and 2012 (Domestic Units) ........................................................... 6

Crop Yield and Production – United States: 2011 and 2012 (Domestic Units)...................................................................... 7

Crop Area Planted and Harvested – United States: 2011 and 2012 (Metric Units)................................................................ 8

Crop Yield and Production – United States: 2011 and 2012 (Metric Units) .......................................................................... 9

Fruits and Nuts Production – United States: 2011 and 2012 (Domestic Units).................................................................... 10

Fruits and Nuts Production – United States: 2011 and 2012 (Metric Units) ........................................................................ 11

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

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

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

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

Crop Comments.................................................................................................................................................................... 14

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

Information Contacts ............................................................................................................................................................ 16
4 Crop Production (March 2012)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Sugarcane Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by Use – States and United States: 2010 and 2011

Use and State

Area harvested Yield per acre 1 Production 1

2010 2011 2010 2011 2010 2011

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

For sugar

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

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

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

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

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

For seed

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

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

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

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

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

For sugar and seed

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

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

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

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

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

374.0

15.5

390.0

45.8

825.3

18.0

1.9

30.0

2.3

52.2

392.0

17.4

420.0

48.1

877.5

382.0

15.5

385.0

47.0

829.5

16.0

1.5

25.0

2.0

44.5

398.0

17.0

410.0

49.0

874.0

32.7

77.1

27.8

30.5

31.1

41.2

26.3

27.8

31.0

32.5

33.1

71.6

27.8

30.5

31.2

37.1

82.0

28.0

33.5

33.5

43.3

30.0

28.0

35.5

33.9

37.3

77.4

28.0

33.6

33.5

12,230

1,195

10,842

1,396

25,663

742

50

834

71

1,697

12,972

1,245

11,676

1,467

27,360

14,172

1,271

10,780

1,575

27,798

693

45

700

71

1,509

14,865

1,316

11,480

1,646

29,307

1 Net tons.

2 Estimates are carried forward from the Crop Production 2011 Summary released January 2012.
Crop Production (March 2012) 5

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Utilized Production of Citrus Fruits by Crop – States and United States: 2010-2011 and Forecasted 

March 1, 2012

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

Crop and State

Utilized production boxes 1 Utilized production ton equivalent

2010-2011 2011-2012 2010-2011 2011-2012

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

Oranges

Early, mid, and Navel 2

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

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

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

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

Valencia

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

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

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

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

All

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

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

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

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

Grapefruit

White

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

Colored

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

All

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

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

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

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

Tangerines and mandarins

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

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

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

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

Lemons 3

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

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

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

Tangelos

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

48,000

70,300

1,700

120,000

13,500

70,000

249

83,749

61,500

140,300

1,949

203,749

5,850

13,900

4,100

19,750

6,300

30,150

300

9,900

4,650

14,850

2,500

21,000

23,500

1,150

44,000

74,000

1,292

119,292

14,000

73,000

334

87,334

58,000

147,000

1,626

206,626

5,200

13,500

3,300

18,700

4,977

26,977

200

10,300

4,300

14,800

700

19,500

20,200

1,150

1,920

3,164

72

5,156

540

3,150

11

3,701

2,460

6,314

83

8,857

249

591

164

840

252

1,256

12

396

221

629

100

840

940

52

1,760

3,330

55

5,145

560

3,285

14

3,859

2,320

6,615

69

9,004

221

574

132

795

199

1,126

8

412

204

624

28

780

808

52

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

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

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

in Texas and Temples in Florida.

3 Estimates for current year carried forward from previous forecast.

4

Includes tangelos and tangors.
6 Crop Production (March 2012)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Crop Area Planted and Harvested – United States: 2011 and 2012 (Domestic Units)

[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2012 crop year. 

Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

Crop

Area planted Area harvested

2011 2012 2011 2012

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

Grains and hay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oilseeds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cotton, tobacco, and sugar crops

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dry beans, peas, and lentils

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

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

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

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

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

Potatoes and miscellaneous

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2,559

91,921

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

2,496

370

2,689

1,266

5,481

(NA)

54,409

40,646

1,369

12,394

1,071.5

(X)

178

23.2

1,140.6

1.5

130.7

74,976

1,543.0

14,732.4

14,426.0

306.4

1,232.8

(NA)

(NA)

18.0

1,205.9

362.0

428.0

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

1,098.9

93.3

48.2

957.4

(NA)

134.2

(NA)

41,947

2,239

83,981

5,928

55,633

19,213

36,420

939

338

2,618

242

3,929

224

45,705

32,314

1,312

12,079

1,043.0

(X)

173

21.8

1,097.6

1.3

127.3

73,636

1,457.8

9,747.9

9,444.0

303.9

1,213.1

874.0

324.8

12.3

1,155.9

342.8

411.0

(NA)

6.3

29.8

74.0

1,076.7

91.5

46.0

939.2

17.3

130.3

0.5

(NA) Not available.

(X) Not applicable.

1 Area planted for all purposes.

2 Area is total acres in crop, not harvested acres.
Crop Production (March 2012) 7

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Crop Yield and Production – United States: 2011 and 2012 (Domestic Units)

[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2012 crop year. 

Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

Crop

Yield per acre Production

2011 2012 2011 2012

(1,000) (1,000)

Grains and hay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rice 1........................................................................................... cwt

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oilseeds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cotton, tobacco, and sugar crops

Cotton, all 1............................................................................... bales

 Upland 1................................................................................ bales

 American Pima 1................................................................... bales

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

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

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

Dry beans, peas, and lentils

Austrian winter peas 1.................................................................. cwt

Dry edible beans 1....................................................................... cwt

Dry edible peas 1......................................................................... cwt

Lentils 1........................................................................................ cwt

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

Potatoes and miscellaneous

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

69.6

147.2

18.4

2.36

3.40

1.81

57.1

27.1

7,067

26.1

54.6

10.3

43.7

46.2

38.5

37.7

1,475

(X)

16.1

718

3,313

2,177

1,333

41.5

1,398

772

754

1,336

23.7

33.5

1,850

1,463

1,716

1,641

1,151

(NA)

1,320

2,175

89

397

279

282

414

132

208

(NA)

155,780

12,358,412

108,926

131,144

65,332

65,812

53,649

9,149

185,009

6,326

214,443

2,298

1,999,347

1,493,677

50,482

455,188

1,538,010

5,267.0

2,791

15,644

3,636,320

2,830

169,671

3,056,032

2,038,275

15,673.7

14,828.0

845.7

28,789

29,307

601,029

180

19,833

5,625

4,732

509

8,300

64,781.6

6,570

427,406

25,573

12,960

388,873

2,286

27,041

4,100

(NA) Not available.

(X) Not applicable.

1 Yield in pounds.
8 Crop Production (March 2012)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Crop Area Planted and Harvested – United States: 2011 and 2012 (Metric Units)

[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2012 crop year. 

Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

Crop

Area planted Area harvested

2011 2012 2011 2012

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

Grains and hay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oilseeds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cotton, tobacco, and sugar crops

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dry beans, peas, and lentils

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

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

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

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

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

Potatoes and miscellaneous

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1,035,600

37,199,510

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

1,010,110

149,740

1,088,210

512,340

2,218,110

(NA)

22,018,780

16,449,030

554,020

5,015,730

433,630

(X)

72,030

9,390

461,590

610

52,890

30,342,040

624,440

5,962,050

5,838,060

124,000

498,900

(NA)

(NA)

7,280

488,020

146,500

173,210

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

444,710

37,760

19,510

387,450

(NA)

54,310

(NA)

16,975,530

906,100

33,986,270

2,399,000

22,514,120

7,775,310

14,738,810

380,000

136,790

1,059,480

97,930

1,590,030

90,650

18,496,360

13,077,150

530,950

4,888,250

422,090

(X)

70,010

8,820

444,190

530

51,520

29,799,750

589,960

3,944,880

3,821,890

122,990

490,930

353,700

131,460

4,980

467,780

138,730

166,330

(NA)

2,550

12,050

29,950

435,730

37,030

18,620

380,080

7,000

52,730

200

(NA) Not available.

(X) Not applicable.

1 Area planted for all purposes.

2

Total may not add due to rounding.

3 Area is total hectares in crop, not harvested hectares.
Crop Production (March 2012) 9

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Crop Yield and Production – United States: 2011 and 2012 (Metric Units)

[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2012 crop year. 

Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

Crop

Yield per hectare Production

2011 2012 2011 2012

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

Grains and hay

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

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

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

Hay, all 1.............................................................................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wheat, all 1.........................................................................

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

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

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

Oilseeds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cotton, tobacco, and sugar crops

Cotton, all 1.........................................................................

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

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

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

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

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

Dry beans, peas, and lentils

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

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

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

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

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

Potatoes and miscellaneous

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

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

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

Potatoes, all 1.....................................................................

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

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

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

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

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

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

3.74

9.24

41.19

5.28

7.62

4.05

2.05

1.52

7.92

1.64

3.43

23.00

2.94

3.11

2.59

2.53

1.65

(X)

1.01

0.80

3.71

2.44

1.49

2.79

1.57

0.87

0.84

1.50

53.20

75.17

2.07

1.64

1.92

1.84

1.29

(NA)

1.48

2.44

0.10

44.49

31.33

31.58

46.41

0.15

23.26

(NA)

3,391,710

313,918,120

98,816,000

118,971,840

59,268,190

59,703,640

778,710

207,500

8,391,870

160,690

5,447,100

2,084,710

54,413,310

40,651,230

1,373,890

12,388,190

697,630

4,778,140

70,890

7,100

1,649,410

1,280

76,960

83,171,560

924,550

3,412,550

3,228,420

184,130

26,116,940

26,586,860

272,620

8,160

899,610

255,150

214,640

23,090

3,760

29,380

2,980

19,386,810

1,159,970

587,860

17,638,980

1,040

1,226,560

1,860

(NA) Not available.

(X) Not applicable.

1 Production may not add due to rounding.
10 Crop Production (March 2012)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Fruits and Nuts Production – United States: 2011 and 2012 (Domestic Units)

[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2012 crop year, 

except citrus which is for the 2011-2012 season. Blank cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

Crop

Production

2011 2012

(1,000) (1,000)

Citrus 1

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

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

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

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

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

Noncitrus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nuts and miscellaneous

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

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

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

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

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

1,256

940

8,857

52

629

9,429.9

59.2

7,088.4

65.0

1,129.1

888.3

122.0

13.1

1,950,000

41

251,700

485

2,794

1,126

808

9,004

52

624

1 Production years are 2010-2011 and 2011-2012.
Crop Production (March 2012) 11

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Fruits and Nuts Production – United States: 2011 and 2012 (Metric Units)

[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2012 crop year, 

except citrus which is for the 2011-2012 season. Blank cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

Crop

Production

2011 2012

(metric tons) (metric tons)

Citrus 1

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

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

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

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

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

Noncitrus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nuts and miscellaneous

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

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

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

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

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

1,139,420

852,750

8,034,940

47,170

570,620

4,277,330

53,680

6,430,520

58,970

1,024,340

805,850

110,680

11,840

884,510

37,190

114,170

439,980

13,970

1,021,490

733,010

8,168,290

47,170

566,080

1 Production years are 2010-2011 and 2011-2012.
12 Crop Production (March 2012)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service
Crop Production (March 2012) 13

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

February Weather Summary

Most areas east of the Rockies completed a fourth consecutive month with above-normal temperatures, capping a winter 

with only fleeting periods of cold weather. February warmth was especially prevalent across the eastern half of the 

Nation, where pastures, winter grains, and fruit crops exhibited earlier-than-normal spring development.

Meanwhile, portions of the West moved closer to a failed winter wet season, with California and the Great Basin 

expecting significantly below-average spring and summer runoff. However, much of the West - excluding Arizona and 

New Mexico - had a temporary buffer against developing drought in the form of abundant reservoir storage.

Farther east, the Plains escaped the winter without a severe cold wave, although moisture shortages and a lack of a 

protective snow cover caused some problems for winter wheat. In particular, the southern High Plains suffered through 

several February dust storms, a by-product of high winds and soil moisture depleted by the historic drought of 2011.

Elsewhere, late-February storminess eased dry conditions in the upper Midwest and provided snow across the Nation’s 

Northern Tier, while damaging thunderstorms and heavy rains swept across parts of the South, East, and lower Midwest. 

However, most of the late-month rain bypassed Florida’s parched Peninsula.

February Agricultural Summary

While temperatures across the western half of the United States were near-normal, most areas east of the Great Plains 

were above average. Most notably, monthly averages in portions of the Great Lakes region and the Northeast were 

8 degrees or more above normal. February was a relatively dry month for much of the Nation. Total precipitation 

accumulations were less than 50 percent of normal throughout the areas of the Great Basin and Southwest, leaving many 

producers concerned about the lack of available moisture going into the upcoming crop season. Conversely, winter storm 

systems delivered moisture totaling 200 percent or more above normal to much of the Great Plains and lower Delta, 

improving snow cover for winter wheat and improving soil moisture levels following an unusually dry 2011 crop year.

Weather conditions provided producers in many States plenty of time to prepare farm equipment and fields for spring 

planting. Mid-month, cultivation was underway in corn and sorghum fields throughout Texas, while cotton growers were 

pre-watering fields and laying rows. In California, rice fields were drained, and fertilizers and herbicides were applied 

before cotton and corn planting began. A late-month storm system dumped beneficial rainfall on much of drought-stressed 

northern Florida. The moisture improved planting conditions, but limited fieldwork activities. Sugarcane producers in 

Florida and Texas continued to harvest their 2011 crop throughout the month.

An early-month storm system improved snow cover for the winter wheat crop in portions of the Great Plains and Rocky 

Mountains; however, warmer than normal temperatures throughout the month left most areas without measurable snow 

accumulations. Windy, dry conditions persisted throughout February in the High Plains and Edwards Plateau regions of 

Texas, depleting soil moisture levels and causing blowing dust storms that negatively impacted the developing wheat 

crop. Irrigated and some rain-fed small grain fields in California showed exceptional development throughout the month, 

with limited heading evident in winter wheat fields toward month’s end. Conversely, some oat fields in the State were 

disked under due to poor establishment and growth. Elsewhere, above average precipitation in major wheat-producing 

regions benefitted soil moisture levels as the crop began to emerge from dormancy.

Throughout the month, a variety of winter vegetables were harvested and shipped from the southern States, while spring 

vegetable fields were planted. As February progressed, the harvest of early and mid-season oranges tapered off, as the 

grapefruit, tangerine, temple, and Valencia orange harvest gained speed. While blooming was beginning on most stone 

fruit trees in California early in the month, early bloom was reported in almond, apricot, and plum trees mid-month. 

Producers moved bees into orchards to aid in pollination and continued a variety of maintenance activities including 

irrigation, planting, pruning, and applying herbicides.
14 Crop Production (March 2012)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Crop Comments

Sugarcane: Production of sugarcane for sugar and seed in 2011 is estimated at 29.3 million tons, of which 27.8 million 

tons will be utilized for sugar and 1.51 million tons for seed. Total production for sugar and seed is up 2 percent from the 

previous forecast and up 7 percent from 2010. Producers expect to harvest 874,000 acres for sugar and seed for the 2011 

crop year, up 1,000 acres from February but down 3,500 acres from the previous year. Expected yield is forecast at 

33.5 tons per acre, up 0.7 tons from the previous forecast and up 2.3 tons from 2010.

Production in Florida is estimated at 14.9 million tons, up 5 percent from February and up 15 percent from last year. 

Rainfall received in early November delayed harvest which remained active through February. Minor freeze damage was 

reported during the first week of January. By the end of February, harvest was virtually complete. Estimates for Hawaii, 

Louisiana, and Texas were carried forward from January.

Grapefruit: The 2011-2012 United States grapefruit crop is forecast at 1.13 million tons, unchanged from the previous 

forecast but down 10 percent from last season’s final utilization. For both white and colored grapefruit in Florida, size is 

projected to be below average with above average droppage. California and Texas grapefruit production forecasts are 

carried forward from the January 1 forecast.

Tangelos: Florida’s tangelo forecast is 1.15 million boxes (52,000 tons), up 5 percent from the previous forecast but 

unchanged from last season’s final utilization. Florida’s row count survey showed that 97 percent of the rows were 

harvested.

Tangerines and mandarins: The United States tangerine and mandarin crop is forecast at 624,000 tons, unchanged from 

the previous forecast but down 1 percent from the 2010-2011 crop. In Florida, the row count survey showed that harvest 

was finished for the early tangerine varieties, while nearly 80 percent of Honey tangerines were harvested. Arizona and 

California estimates are carried forward from the January 1 forecast.

Florida citrus: In the citrus growing areas, weather stations reported temperatures ranging from highs in the 80s to lows 

in the 40s. Moderate rainfall helped improve soil moisture conditions throughout the citrus region. However, drought 

conditions continued throughout the citrus growing region. Harvesting of early oranges (Navels and Hamlins) has peaked 

and is in decline. White and colored grapefruit, Valencia oranges, and Honey tangerine harvests continued. A few 

tangelos and Sunburst tangerines were still being harvested, but were mostly finished. Production practices included 

general grove work, fertilizer application, and irrigation as needed.

California citrus: Harvest and export of Navel oranges, Murcott tangerines, and Mineola tangelos continued during 

February. The export of pummelos, grapefruit, Cara Caras, and lemons was ongoing.

California noncitrus fruits and nuts: During February, peach, prune, and other stone fruit orchards were irrigated, 

pruned, and planted. After a very dry January, February rains were a relief to growers. However, lack of water remained a 

concern as growers began planning for the coming year. Weed control and dormant sprays were applied. Bloom sprays 

were applied in stone fruit orchards as early varieties started blooming. Grape and kiwi vineyards were pruned and 

sprayed. Kiwifruit, persimmons, and Asian pears were exported. Olives were dormant. Irrigation, planting, and pruning 

continued in some walnut and pistachio orchards. Bees were moved into almond orchards as the bloom began. Some 

operations applied bloom sprays to almonds in February. Due to lack of precipitation, many orchards have been irrigated 

at least once.
Crop Production (March 2012) 15

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Statistical Methodology

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

accounts for nearly 73 percent of the United States production. Bearing tree numbers are determined at the start of the 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

and home use.

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

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

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

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

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

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

recent years.

The "Root Mean Square Error" for the March 1 orange production forecast is 2.0 percent. However, if you exclude the 

three abnormal production seasons (one freeze season and two hurricane seasons), the "Root Mean Square Error" is 

1.9 percent. This means that chances are 2 out of 3 that the current orange production forecast will not be above or below 

the final estimates by more than 2.0 percent, or 1.9 percent excluding abnormal seasons. Chances are 9 out of 10 

(90 percent confidence level) that the difference will not exceed 3.4 percent, or 3.3 percent when excluding abnormal 

seasons.

Changes between the March 1 orange forecast and the final estimates during the past 20 years have averaged 181,000 tons 

(184,000 tons, excluding abnormal seasons), ranging from 17,000 tons to 503,000 tons regardless of exclusions. The 

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

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

understate or overstate final production.
16 Crop Production (March 2012)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Information Contacts

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

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

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

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

 Suzanne Avilla – Peanuts, Rice........................................................................................................ (202) 720-7688

 Bryan Durham – Oats, Rye, Wheat.................................................................................................. (202) 720-8068

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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