General Crop Comments: The month began with a continuation of drought con-

ditions across most Central States. The Texas High
Plains did not receive appreciable moisture during March, and soil moisture was
critically short. In the Southeastern States, freezing weather and high winds
early in March damaged fruit trees and vegetables. Spring tillage started in
the Southeast early in March, but was halted by heavy rains toward the end of
the month. Wide temperature swings during March damaged and stressed crops in
the Delta and Squthern States. Karnal bunt fungus was discovered in wheat
fields in parts of the Southwest early in the month, resulting in a few fields
being quarantined.

Starting in mid-March, several storm systems brought significant precipitation
to parts of the central and southern Plains. By mid-month, wheat was beginning
to break dormancy in the Ohio Valley. The condition of the wheat crop in the
Ohio Valley declined due to wide temperature fluctuations. Fieldwork was
delayed in the Central States and upper middle Mississippi Valley where farmers
waited for rain or warmer weather to thaw the soil. Plowing and spring planting
began at mid-month in the Ohio Valley, but was slowed by snow and rain at
month's end. Winter conditions continued throughout the month in the Northern
States and delayed the snow melt and subsequently the start of spring fieldwork.

Widespread storm systems brought relief to parts of the central and southern
Plains toward the end of the month. Heavy rains and cool weather at month’s end
slowed wheat development in the Central States and interrupted spring fieldwork.
Producers in Colorado took advantage of the dry weather to get an early start on
spring planting. Wet, cool weather in the Southeastern States during the last

2 weeks of March slowed fieldwork. In Kansas, wheat condition declined during
the month as a result of the early-March freeze and persistent dry conditions.
Wheat began greening in the Tennessee and Ohio Valleys late in March, but growth
was limited by the cool weather. ‘The cool, wet weather left Tennessee producers
behind schedule for soil preparation. Freezing weather in late March in the
Pacific Northwest damaged fruit trees. Above-normal temperatures in California
at the end of March allowed small grain development to advance rapidly, and let
cotton producers begin planting.

Grapefruit: The April 1 forecast of the 1995-96 U.S. grapefruit crop is

2.69 million tons, up 2 percent from last month but down 7 percent
from last season. The Florida forecast remained at 51.0 million boxes,
(2.17 million tons), 8 percent below last season. The Florida white seedless
grapefruit forecast is 22.0 million boxes (935,000 tons), 14 percent less than
1994-95. The colored seedless forecast is 28.0 million boxes (1.19 million
tons), a decrease of 2 percent from a year ago. The seedy grapefruit crop is
expected to be 1.00 million boxes (43,000 tons), 23 percent below last year.
Movement of Florida seedless grapefruit exceeded 43 million boxes.

California is expected to produce 9.00 million boxes (302,000 tons), 20 percent
above the January forecast but 3 percent below last season. Poor January
weather in the desert area did not affect production. Fruit, overall, are
showing good quality, size, and color.

The Texas grapefruit forecast, at 4.60 million boxes (184,000 tons), is
unchanged from last month and down 1 percent from a year ago. Arizona
grapefruit remains at 1.20 million boxes (40,000 tons), 14 percent below last
season.

Lemons: The 1995-96 U.S. lemon crop is forecast at 988,000 tons, 4 percent less
than the level expected on January 1 but 8 percent more than the 1994-
95 crop.

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board
April 1996 14 NASS, USDA



Grapefruit: Acreage, Production, Price, and Value,
California and United States, 1994-95 1/

State, Crop, Yield :
and Bearing per
Season Acreage Acre

Desert Valley

1994-95 8,000 413 2,210 1,090 3,300
Other Areas
1994-95 10,400 577 3,700 2,300 6,000
All CA
1994-95 18,400 505 5,910 3,390 9,300
US Total
1994-95 : 166,260 427 32,680 38,370 71,050
Fresh : Processed All : Fresh :Processed: Total
Dollars - - 1,000 Dollars ~
CA
Desert Valley
1994-95 -0.17 4.37 14,608 -185 14,423
Other Areas
1994-95 10.51 -0.21 6.40 38,887 -483 38,404
All CA :
1994-95 9.05 -0.20 5.68 53,495 -668 52,827
US Total
1994-95 6.85 1.99 4,18 225,917 74,760 300,677

1/ California revises previous year production and price by utilization
at this time based on available new data. This year, data showed that
a revision was not necessary. This table re-issues original data issued
September 22, 1995 in the "Citrus Fruits" report.

2/ Net lbs per box: 67.

3/ Equivalent packinghouse door returns.

4/ U.S. marketing year average prices are derived by weighting the state
marketing year average prices per box by the respective box weights.

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board
April 1996 5 NASS, USDA


Report Features

The next “Crop Production" report will be released at 8:30 a.m. ET on
May 10, 1996.

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

Bill Dowdy, Head (202) 720-3843

Dan Kerestes ~ Soybeans, Minor Oilseeds, Rice (202) 720-9526

Greg Preston - Sugar Crops, Tobacco, Weekly Crop Weather (202) 720-7621

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

Charles Van Lahr - Barley, Corn, Oats, Pasture Condition (202) 720-7369

Fruit, Vegetable & Special Crops Section

Stephen Ropel, Head (202) 720-3843
Arvin Budge - Potatoes, Dry Beans, Onions (202) 720-4285
Roger Latham ~ Cotton (202) 720-5944
Linda McMillan - Nuts, Grapes (202) 720-4215
Dave Mueller ~- Fresh and Processing Vegetables (202) 720-2157
Blair Smith - Citrus, Tropical Fruits (202) 720-5412
Barbara Soltes - Noncitrus Fruits (202) 720-7688

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 1996 18 NASS, USDA



Hawaii, 1995-96

-- 1,000 Pounds --

Feb 3,660 3,740 2,395 2,340 3,815 3,425
Mar 3,715 3,650 2,480 2,280 4,255 2,965
Peanuts: Farm Marketing Percents by Month,
State, and United States, 1994 and 1995 Crop Years

State z : z : z

and : Aug : Sep = Oct : Nov : Dec : Jan : Feb
Crop Year :

Percent
1994 Crop
AL +3 59.1 36.2 4.2 2
FL 1.6 63.1 32.0 2.9 +3 1
GA el 51.8 39.3 8.1 7
NC 2.1 71.6 19.0 4.8 2.5
TX 7 5.1 33.4 46.1 13.4 1.3
VA 4.3 51.3 22.8 16.4 5.2
US : 3 36.2 42.6 15.7 4.3 9
1995 crop :
AL Fy 3 59.4 35.8 3.8 7
FL 1.1 56.8 36.8 4.2 -9 +2
GA 3 1.6 59.8 34.2 3.9 4 al
NC $ 4.4 56.9 27.4 6.8 4.3 .2
TX : 1.1 3.8 47.6 40.7 6.6 +2
8 55.0 32.7 4.8 2.7

VA : 4.

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board
April 1996 10 NASS, USDA


Citrus Fruits: Utilized Production by Crop, State, and United States,
1994-95 and Forecasted April 1, 1996 1/

Utilized Production 2 Utilized Production
Boxes : Ton Equivalent

Crop and State

1993-94 : 1994-95 : 1995-96 : 1993-94 : 1994-95 : 1995-96
Sita 1,000 Boxes 2/ ---~-- ------- 1,000 Tons -------
Oranges
Early Mid &
Navel 3/
AZ 700 400 700 26 15 26
CA 36,600 35,000 40,000 1,372 1,313 1,500
FL 107,300 119,700 121,200 4,829 5,387 5,454
TX 480 950 830 21 40 35
us : 145,080 156,050 162,730 6,248 6,755 7,015
Valencia :
AZ 1,200 650 900 45 24 34
CA 27,000 26,000 28,000 1,013 976 1,050
FL : 67,100 85,700 80,000 3,020 3,857 3,600
TX : 70 105 110 3 4 5
US 95,370 112,455 109,010 4,081 4,861 4,689
All
AZ 1,900 1,050 1,600 71 39 60
cA 63,600 61,000 68,000 2,385 2,289 2,550
FL 174,400 205,400 201,200 7,849 9,244 9,054
TX 550 1,055 940 24 44 40
us 240,450 268,505 271,740 10,329 11,616 11,704
Temples
FL 2,250 2,550 2,200 101 114 99
Grapefruit
White Seedless ‘
FL : 24,500 25,700 22,000 1,042 1,092 935
Colored Seedless :
FL 25,500 28,700 28,000 1,084 1,220 1,190
Other
FL 1,050 1,300 1,000 4s 55 43
All
AZ 1,750 1,400 1,200 59 a7 40
CA 4/
Desert 3,400 3,300 114 111
Other Areas 5,900 6,000 197 201
Total 9,300 9,300 9,000 311 312 302
FL 51,050 55,700 51,000 2,171 2,367 2,168
TX 3,000 4,650 4,600 120 186 184
US 65,100 71,050 65,800 2,661 2,912 2,694
Tangerines
AZ 1,000 650 950 37 25 36
CA 2,300 2,200 2,500 86 82 94
FL 4,100 3,550 4,500 195 168 214
us 7,400 6,400 7,950 318 275 344
Lemons
AZ 5,200 3,600 5,000 197 137 190
cA 20,700 20,500 21,000 787 7179 798
us 25,900 24,100 26,000 984 916 988
Tangelos
FL 3,350 3,150 2,450 150 142 110
K-Early Citrus
FL 210 120 160 9 5 7
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 1996 7 NASS, USDA


Citrus: Acreage, Production, Use, and Value,
California and United States, 1994-95 1/

State, Crop, z
and :
Season

1,009 Dollars

Total Citrus

CA

1994-95 2,303 1,159 769,526

263,600 3,462 ,

Us
1994-95 1,052,630 15,990 4,295 11,695 2,255,958

California revises previous year production and price by utilization for
grapefruit at this time based on available new data. This year, data
showed that a revision was not necessary. This table re-issues original
data issued September 22, 1995 in the "Citrus Fruits" report.

U.S. Grapefruit Production
1975-1995 and Forecasted 1996

Million Tons
3.5

3.0 3.0 3.0

82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 1996

po
1975 76 77 78 79 80 81
Down 7% from last season

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

April 1996


The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in
its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age,
disability, political beliefs, and marital or familial status. Persons with
disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program
information (braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the USDA
Office of Communications at (202) 720-5881 (voice) or (202) 720-7808 (TDD).

To file a complaint, write the Secretary of Agriculture, USDA, Washington, D.Cc.,
20250, or call (202) 720-7327 (voice) or (202) 720-1127 (TDD). USDA is an equal
employment opportunity employer.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!!

For your convenience, there are several ways to obtain NASS reports,
data products, and services:

INTERNET ACCESS

All NASS reports are now available free of charge on the worldwide Internet.
For access, connect to the Internet and select:

1. Worldwide Web:
http://www.usda.gov/nass/ OR

2. For Gopher/Telenet/FTP access:
HOST=usda.mannlib.cornell.edu OR

3. For a subscription direct to your e-mail address,
send an e-mail message to:
usda-reports@usda.mannlib.cormell.edu
and in the body of the message type the word: list

PRINTED REPORTS OR DATA PRODUCTS
CALL OUR TOLL-FREE ORDER DESK: 1-800-999-6779 (U.S. and Canada)

Other areas, please call 1-703-834-0125 FAX: 1-703-834-0110
(Visa, MasterCard, check, or money order acceptable for payment.)

ASSISTANCE

For assistance with general agricultural statistics or further information about
NASS or its products or services, contact the NASS INFORMATION HOTLINE at
1-800-727-9540, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or e-mail: NASS @NASS.USDA.GOV.

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board
April 1996 19 NASS, USDA


Potatoes:

by Seasonal Group,

Seasonal
Group
and

Oo 5.7

3 7.9

3° 13.6 11
6 2.0 2
5 9.0 6
0 20.1 17
5 37.5 36
5 28.0 27
0 9.5 9
5 16.5 16
2 5.0 5
3. 90.1 84.
8

5

2

0

6

6

5

1

5

7

2

4

3

to)

4 70

CNUscs0MuUN

BYP ANRAPEUUOUD

w

WOWNAROUANLWOUN

BNOUUFOYW

State,

208

160
270
350
218
220
210
185
185

240

170
320
300
250
270
150
240
230
285
270
320

95
235
240

Area Planted, Harvested, Yield,
and United States,

215

160
275
375
195
200
180
180

190

241

438
1,670
7,790
8,588
6,380
2,208
3,060
1,100

22,646

1,190
2,109
3,069
816
1,450
328
250
1,734
1,408
588
1,088
126
1,800
1,425

17,381

and Production
1994-96

Production

1,300
1,173

2,473

400
1,755
6,230
7,830
5,940
1,890
3,053

925

20,193

1,139
1,760
2,700
1,475
1,485

240

360
1,587
1,254

702
1,344

124
1,645
2,040

1,425
1,482

2,907

304
2,475
7,538
6,940
5,500
1,440
2,916

912

21,085

Winter
CA S.
FL 8.
Total 13.
Spring
AL 2.
AZ 6.
CA 18.
FL : 38.
Hastings : 28.
Other FL : 10.
NC : 17.
TX Ss.
Total : 88.
Summer 1/ 2/
AL 6.
CA 5.
co 9.
DE 6.
IL 5.
IA 1.
MD 1.
MO 7.
NE 4.
NJ 2.
NM 4.
NC 1.
TX 7.
VA 9.
Total 72.
1/ 1995 revised.
2/ Excludes 5.01

potatoes.

Crop Production
April 1996

million cwt in 1994 from MI and MN formerly listed as summer

Agricultural Statistics Board

NASS, USDA


N.N=3) National

Crop Sc

Production Unt tte
partment of
Agriculture

Washington, D.

Released April 11, 1996, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS),
Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department of Agriculture. For information
on “Crop Production” call at (202) 720-2127, office hours 8:00 a.m. to

4:30 p.m. ET. For assistance with general agricultural statistics, information
about NASS, its products or services, contact the NASS Information Hotline at
1-800-727-9540 or E-mail: NASSGNASS.USDA.GOV. Forecasts refer to April 1, 1996.

Orange Production Down Slightly

All orange production is forecast at 11.7 million tons, down slightly from last
month but i percent above last season. This year’s crop is the second largest on
record. The Florida forecast is 201.2 million boxes (9.05 million tons), down
less than 1 percent from March and down 2 percent from last season. Early and
mid-season varieties were reduced to 121.2 million boxes (5.45 million tons),
still a record high but 1 percent below last month. The Valencia forecast
remained 80.0 million boxes (3.60 million tons), down 7 percent from a year ago.
California orange production is 68.0 million boxes (2.55 million tons),
unchanged from January but 11 percent above last season. Early, mid-season, and
Navel varieties are expected to produce 40.0 million boxes (1.50 million tons),
unchanged from last quarter but 14 percent more than last season. Valencia
production is forecast at 28.0 million boxes (1.05 million tons), also unchanged
from January but up 8 percent from 1994-95.

Florida frozen concentrated orange juice (FCOJ) yield for the 1995-96 season is
forecast at 1.48 gallons per box at 42.0 degrees Brix, unchanged from March.
Early and mid-season varieties yield was final in March at 1.45 gallons per box,
up from last year’s 1.44 gallons per box. The Valencia crop is expected to
yield 1.55 gallons per’box, unchanged from last month but down from 1.58 gallons
per box a year ago. The final 1994-95 yield for all fruit used in FCOJ was
1.50 gallons per box at 42.0 degrees Brix. The forecast projects the final
yield as reported by the Florida Citrus Processors Association.

FOI III IOI IOI IIR

Special Notice

The 3:00 p.m. Cotton/Citrus Production reports scheduled for May 9, June 11,
July 11, August 9, September 10, October 10, November 8, and December 11 are
discontinued. Cotton and citrus production estimates will be released at

8:30 a.m. in the Crop Production reports on May 10, June 12, July 12, August 12,
September 11, October 11, November 12, and December 12. In addition, Cotton
Ginnings reports will be released at 6:30 a.m. on May 10, August 12, September
11, September 27, October 11, October 25, November 12, November 26, December 12,

and December 23.

Cr Pr 2-2 (4-96)


Peanuts: Price and Value by State
and United States, 1994-95

1,000 Dollars

AL +323 288 144,129 139,208
FL : -281 271 58,302 52,463
GA : 286 295 532,712 417,390
NM z -317 +336 16,376 14,448
NC : -276 +298 133,988 103,418
OK : -310 +298 80,910 60,160
sc : +274 +298 9,933 9,178
TX : +285 287 172,587 154,980
VA 3 2275 300 80,075 62,078
us : +289 +293 1,229,012 1,013,323
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board
April 1996 12 NASS, USDA


Peanuts:

Area Planted

Area Planted and Harvested,
by State and United States

Yield,

222.
84.
649.

446,220
207,480
1,862,630
51,660
485,465
261,000
36,250
605,570
291,180

4,247,455

and Production
1994-95 1/

483,360
193,590
1,414,880
43,000
347,040
201,880
30,800
540,000
206,925

3,461,475

1/ 1995 revised.

Crop Preduction
April 1996

11

Agricultural Statistics Board

NASS, USDA


Citrus Fruit Footnotes

The crop year begins with the bloom of the first year shown and ends with

i/
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 and mid-season
varieties in FL and TX, including small quantities of tangerines in TX.

4/ California Desert and Other Areas Grapefruit forecasts combined to All
Grapefruit beginning in 1995-96.

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 1996 8 NASS, USDA


Crop Summary: Area Planted and Harvested, United States,
1995 and Forecasted April 1, 1996
(Metric Units)

Area Planted

Harvested

: Hectares
Peanuts 1/ : 622,210 590,440 613,910
Potatoes :
Winter : 5,380 5,500 4,820 5,460
Spring 3 35,730 36,460 34,120 35,410
Summer 1/ 3 29,300 28,570
Total 1/ : 565,390 554,950

1/1995 revised.

Crop Summary: Yield per Hectare and Production, United States,
1995 and Forecasted April 1, 1996
(Metric Units)

ield per Hectare Production

Crop

1995 + 1996
Metric Tons
Peanuts 1/ 2.56 1,570,100
Potatoes
Winter 2/ 23.27 24.15 112,170 128,320 131,860
Spring 26.84 27.01 915,940 956,400
Summer 1/ 28.35 809,890
Total 1/ 36.16 20,066,930 1,088,260

1/ 1995 revised.
2/ March 1 estimate carried forward from the January 1 forecast.

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board
April 1996 4 NASS, USDA


The California forecast for the 1995-96 crop decreased 5 percent from January to
21.0 million boxes (798,000 tons), which is 2 percent more than in 1994-95.
Central Valley grades looked excellent while quality varied from lot to lot in
Southern California. Desert Valley shippers finished packing with high
eliminations resulting from ridging, coarse texture, and scarring. The Arizona
lemon crop is expected to total 5.00 million boxes (190,000 tons), unchanged
from January but 39 percent more than a year ago.

Tangerines: The 1995-96 U.S. tangerine crop is forecast at a record large
344,000 tons, 5 percent larger than last month's forecast and

25 percent above last season's crop. The Florida tangerine forecast is

4.50 million boxes (214,000 tons), 2 percent more than March and 27 percent more

than 1994-95, Honey tangerine utilization is just over 1.40 million boxes with

very limited supplies remaining. The'California forecast is 2.50 million boxes

(94,000 tons), 4 percent above the previous forecast and 14 percent above the

previous year. Arizona's tangerine production is expected to be 950,000 boxes

(36,000 tons), 27 percent more than last quarter and 46 percent more than last

year.

Tangelos: The 1995-96 Florida tangelo crop is forecast at 2.45 million boxes
(110,000 tons), unchanged from last month but down 22 percent from
last year’s production. Harvest is over for the year.

Temples: The April 1 forecast for the 1995-96 Florida temple production was
unchanged from March at 2.20 million boxes (99,000 tons), down

14 percent from last season. Temple harvest was almost over with almost

2.1 million boxes moved.

Florida Citrus: Citrus trees, groves and the current crop are all in very good
to excellent condition. Rainfall during March was above normal
in all citrus growing counties. New growth and bloom were abundant during the
month. The bloom cycle peaked toward the last two weeks of March which is near
normal. Harvesting early and mid-season oranges was completed by mid-month and
movement of Valencias increased. Movement of early and mid-season oranges
totaled slightly more than 121 million boxes through the end of the month.
Valencia harvest just started with about 17.8 million boxes moved to date.
Harvest of all seedless grapefruit was very active all during March. Movement
through March totaled 43.3 million boxes. Almost 2.1 million boxes of temples
were picked with harvest almost over. Honey tangerine utilization was
1.4 million boxes, with very limited supplies remaining. Caretakers were very
busy hedging and topping trees.

Texas Citrus: Harvesting grapefruit and Valencia oranges continued without

delays during March. A good rain is needed in all groves as
trees are blooming and setting next year's crop. Citrus trees and groves were
in good condition across the Valley during March.

California Citrus: Grapefruit picking in the desert area was active during

March. Fruit have excellent color and quality although
there were some defects due to sunburn and sheepnose. Lemon harvest progressed
well in the Central Valley and southern California areas. Fruit quality varied
with wind scar, bud mite, and botrytis concerning growers. Navel orange picking
was approximately 70 percent completed by April 1. Quality was affected by
puff, crease, and soft fruit resulting in heavy gradeout. Valencia orange
picking was active in the desert area with excellent quality and color reported.
The tangerine harvest neared completion by April 1.

‘Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 1996 15 NASS, USDA


Peanuts, 1995 Revised: U.S. peanut production totaled 3.46 billion pounds in

1995, down 19 percent from the 1994 crop. Area planted
to peanuts totaled 1.54 million acres, down 6 percent from 1994 and the smallest
planted acreage since 1985. Harvested area, at 1.52 million acres, fell 6 per-
cent from a year ago. The U.S. yield per harvested acre averaged 2,282 pounds,
down 342 pounds from 1994. Every peanut state, with the exception of Alabama,
showed a decrease in yield and production from a year ago.

Production in the Southeastern States (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South
Carolina) totaled 2.12 billion pounds, down 17 percent from 1994. The decrease
in the 4-State area resulted from a 7 percent decline in harvested acreage
combined with crop yields averaging 2,369 pounds, 269 pounds less per harvested
acre than last year. Georgia remained the leading peanut producer with

41 percent of the total production.

Virginia and North Carolina growers produced 554 million pounds of peanuts in
1995, 29 percent below last year’s banner crop of 777 million pounds. Planted
and harvested areas, at 234,000 acres and 233,000 acres, respectively , were
both down 4 percent from a year ago. Yield per harvested acre averaged

2,378 pounds, 818 pounds below 1994.

The Southwest crop (New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas) totaled 785 million pounds
during 1995, 15 percent below the 1994 total. Area harvested, at

388,000 acres, was down 5 percent from a year ago. Average yield in the 3-State
area was 2,023 pounds per acre, 228 pounds below the 1994 average but 16 pounds
above 1993.

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board
April 1996 17 NASS, USDA


Crop Summary: Area Planted and Harvested, United States,
1995 and Forecasted April 1, 1996
(Domestic Units)

1,000 Acres

Peanuts 1/ : 1,537.5 1,459.0 1,517.0

Potatoes
Winter 13.3 13.6 11.9 13.5
Spring 88.3 90.1 84.3 87.5
Summer 1/ 72.4
Total 1/ 1,397.1

1/ 1995 revised.

Crop Summary: Yield per Acre and Production, United States,
1995 and Forecasted April 1, 1996
(Domestic Units)

Crop and Unit

Peanuts 1/ Lb : 2,282 3,461,475

Potatoes 2
Winter 2/ Cwt : 208 215 2,473 2,829 2,907
Spring " : 240 241 20,193 21,085
summer 1/ . 253 17,855
Total 1/ . 323 442,400

1/ 1995 revised.
2/ March 1 estimate carried forward from the January 1 forecast.

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board
April 1996 3 NASS, USDA


Crop Summary: Production, United States,
1995 and Forecasted April 1, 1996

Crop Year 2 1994-95 1995-96 1995-96
1,000 Tons
Citrus Fruits 1/ :

Oranges 3 11,616 11,735 11,704
Grapefruit : 2,912 2,643 2,694
Lemons 2/ z 916 1,026 988
Tangerines : 275 327 344
Temples (FL) : 114 99 99
Tangelos (FL) : 142 110 110
K-Early Citrus (FL) : 5 7 7

z Metric Tons

Oranges : 10,537,860 10,645,810 10,617,690
Grapefruit z 2,641,720 2,397,690 2,443,960
Lemons 2/ : 830,980 930,770 896,300
Tangerines : 249,480 296,650 312,070
Temples (FL) 3 103,420 89,810 89,810
Tangelos (FL) 128,820 99,790 99,790
K-Early Citrus (FL) 4,540 6,350 6,350

1/ Crop year begins with the bloom of the first year and ends with the
completion of harvest the following year.
2/ March 1 estimate carried forward from the January 1 forecast.

This report was approved on April 11, 1996, by the Secretary of Agriculture and
the National Agricultural Statistics Service's Agricultural Statistics Board.

la. fh A hon

Y Secretary of Agricultural Statistics Board
Agriculture Chairperson
Dan Glickman Rich Allen
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 1996 2 NASS, USDA


March Weather Summary: Across the central and southern Plains, five storms

during the last 18 days of March tempered drought
conditions and improved prospects for winter wheat that endured almost 6 months
of dry, windy weather and oscillating temperatures. The Texas plains, however,
remained dry through month's end. Elsewhere across the South, freezes on March
7-10 and 21-23 damaged wheat, as well as ground crops and tree blooms, including
vegetables and strawberries in Louisiana, and peaches from Texas to South
Carolina. In addition to the cold, early- and late-month deluges hampered
spring fieldwork in the Southeast. Cool weather in the Plains and Ohio Valley
delayed wheat development, minimizing freeze damage during a cold snap on March
25-27. Enough cold air slipped into the Northwest toward month's end to cause
some damage to fruit crops.

Monthly temperatures averaged below normal east of the Rocky Divide, with
departures reaching -4 to -8 degrees F in the Ohio Valley and -4 to

-10 degrees F in the northern and central Plains. In contrast, readings
averaged up to 4 degrees F above normal in the Great Basin. Monthly
precipitation was below normal across the West, except in a band from the
northern Great Basin to the northern Plains. Elsewhere, surplus precipitation
was confined to parts of the East, particularly from the Ohio Valley and Middle
Atlantic States southward to Florida. Mid- to late-month rains in Kansas,
Oklahoma, and northeastern Texas failed to lift March totals to normal levels.
Less than a quarter of the month's normal precipitation fell across an area from
southern California eastward to western and southern Texas.

Snowfall on March 2-3, 7-8, 20-21, and 28-29 padded seasonal record totals in
the Great Lakes States and from the central Appalachians to southern New
England. Monthly totals of 17.5 inches in Windsor Locks, CT and 20.4 inches in
Charleston, WV pushed their respective seasonal totals above 100 inches for the
first time on record. Lake-enhanced March totals topped 30 inches in Syracuse,
NY (32.2 inches) and Erie, PA (31.8 inches). A late-season blizzard struck the
North Central States on March 23-25, boosting monthly snowfall to 20.3 inches in
Butte, MT and 20.0 inches in Bismarck, ND. Monthly totals of 6.9 inches in
Colorado Springs, CO and 17.7 inches in Flint, MI accounted for more than

45 percent (%) of the stations' respective season-to-date snowfall.

More than 2 inches of rain soaked the interior Southeast during the first 7 days
of March, including a 6.75-inch total in Birmingham, AL. But the rain yielded
to very cold weather, with nearly 250 daily-record lows observed from the Plains
to the East Coast on March 7-10. During the outbreak, March records were broken
in locations such as Rapid City, SD (-21 degrees F), Calico Rock, AR (6 degrees
F), and Monroe, LA (18 degrees F). A much less severe cold spell (about a dozen
daily-record lows) arrived on March 21-23, but nevertheless nipped additional
sensitive-stage tree blooms across the South. Cold air again overspread much of
the Nation toward month's end. In the Northwest, lows on March 25-26 dipped
into the mid-10's in eastern Washington and into the mid-20‘'s in Oregon's
Willamette Valley. On the Plains, temperatures plunged below zero as far south
as Denver, CO (-2 degrees F on March 25) and Hastings, NE (-5 degrees F on
March 26). Heavy rain returned to the Southeast after March 24, lifting monthly
totals above 10 inches in locations such as Melbourne, FL (11.58 inches, a March
record) and Montgomery, AL (10.10 inches). Farther west, however, totals across
Texas were as low as 0.12 inches (4% of normal) in Houston, 0.05 inches in
Midland (9% of normal), and a trace in Brownsville. Farther north, pockets of
much-below-normal precipitation encompassed locations such as Hastings, NE

(0.29 inches; 14% of normal), Rockford, IL (0.50 inches; 20% of normal), and
Burlington, VT (0.80 inches; 36% of normal).

Outside the lower 48 States, highlights included above-normal temperatures in
Alaska--especially in the west and north--and wetness in much of Hawaii. March
temperatures were above normal by 9 degrees F in Nome and 13 degrees F in
Bethel. In Hawaii, more than half of the month's rain fell by March 5. Renewed
rainfall at month's end boosted totals to 16.35 inches (117% of normal) in Hilo
and 4.85 inches (178% of normal) in Kahului.

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board
April 1996 13 NASS, USDA


California Fruit and Nut: Warm weather throughout the month advanced crop

growth. Almonds, cherries and stonefruit progressed
past bloom stage. Fruit or nut set and leaf formation began in some trees by
late March. Apples bloomed while kiwifruit and walnut showed bud swell.
Orchards activities involved mostly mowing, discing, fertilization, and
spraying. Grape growers disced, irrigated, and applied herbicides to vineyards.
Most vineyards had leafed out by April 1.

Winter Potatoes: Production of winter potatoes is forecast at 2.91 million cwt
in 1996, up 3 percent from the January forecast and 18 percent

above last year. Area for harvest, at 13,500 acres, is 13 percent above last

year and 10 percent above two years ago. The average yield is forecast at

215 cwt per acre, up 7 cwt from last year. Growers in Southwest Florida had

some freeze damage but the Dade County crop turned out better than anticipated.

Florida winter production was 6 percent larger than forecast in January and

26 percent above last year’s flooded crop. California's winter potatoes came

through in good condition.

Spring Potatoes: Production for 1996 is forecast at 21.1 million cwt, up

4 percent from last year but 7 percent below 1994. Area for
harvest is estimated at 87,500 acres, up 4 percent from a year ago but 3 percent
below two years ago. The average yield is forecast at 241 cwt per acre, a gain
of 1 cwt over last year but 10 cwt per acre below 1994.

California acreage gained 13 percent from last year partly as a result of
processed potatoes to be sent north for french fries. In Kern County, acreage
of long whites and round reds is down but russets are up. Development is ahead
of normal with little damage from winter frosts. Arizona's fields are also
bulging with potatoes to be sent north for processing french fries. Harvest of
earliest fresh market potatoes will start near the end of April. Farmers have
had good growing weather. Acreage is down in Texas but yields are up from last
year. The Florida and Alabama spring crops were hit by frost in mid-February
and early March, resulting in some lost acreage and reduced yields. Harvest
will be delayed until May in most areas. Wet fields slowed planting in

North Carolina.

Summer Potatoes, 1995 final: The final estimate of 1995 summer potatoes, at
17,9 million cwt, was 3 percent above comparable
States the year before. Michigan and Minnesota were left out of both year's
totals so the remaining States could be compared more accurately. Harvest
covered 70,600 acres, down 2 percent from the previous year while the average
yield of 253 cwt per acre was up 11 cwt. The revision made summer potatoes
production slightly larger than the preliminary estimate made in January.

Papayas: Fresh papaya production was 2.97 million pounds for March. This
output was 13 percent lower than February and 30 percent lower than
March 1995.

March weather varied. Gusty winds and heavy rains early in the month were
followed by improved weather conditions during mid-month. Showers, heavy at
times, returned toward month's end. Papaya ringspot virus continued to lower
yields.

Area devoted to papaya production totaled 3,650 acres. The area was 2 percent
lower than in February and 2 percent lower than a year ago. Harvested area
totaled 2,280 acres, 3 percent lower than last month and 8 percent lower than
last March.

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board
April 1996 16 NASS, USDA