Cr Pr 2-2 (4-06)

Washington, D.C.

Crop

Production

Released April 10, 2006, 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.

All Orange Production Virtually Unchanged

The U.S. all orange forecast for the 2005-06 season is 8.96 million tons, virtually unchanged from the March

1 forecast but 3 percent below last season's revised final utilization. Florida's all orange forecast, at

153 million boxes (6.89 million tons), is down 1 percent from the previous forecast but 2 percent above the

revised 2004-05 utilization. Early, midseason, and navel varieties in Florida are forecast at 75.0 million boxes

(3.38 million tons), down 1 percent from last month and 5 percent below the previous season. Harvest of the

early and midseason varieties is almost complete with the row count survey conducted March 29-30 showing

very few unharvested rows remaining. Navel harvest is complete. Florida’s Valencia forecast is 78.0 million

boxes (3.51 million tons), unchanged from the March forecast but 10 percent above last season's revised final

utilization. If realized, this will be the first season that Florida Valencia orange production exceeds that of the

early, midseason, and navel varieties.

California's all orange forecast, at 53.0 million boxes (1.99 million tons), is unchanged from the March

forecast but 17 percent below the revised 2004-05 utilization. Harvesting of navel oranges was active

throughout March, although at a slower pace due to continued rainfall. Cooler March temperatures slowed

fruit maturation which is helping to minimize fruit drop. California’s Valencia orange forecast, at

11.0 million boxes (413,000 tons), is unchanged from the March forecast but 46 percent below last season’s

revised utilization. The Valencia harvest began mid-month in the Central Valley but has slowed due to wet

weather. Harvest continues in the southern citrus growing areas, as conditions allow. Fruit is generally of

good to excellent quality, although some splits are beginning to appear. The Texas all orange forecast is

1.53 million boxes (65,000 tons), unchanged from the January 1 forecast but 14 percent below last season's

final utilized production. The Texas early and midseason orange harvest is virtually complete and the

Valencia harvest should begin to wind down soon. Arizona's all orange utilization forecast, at 450,000 boxes

(17,000 tons), is unchanged from the previous forecast but 5 percent above the 2004-05 season. Arizona’s

citrus groves and fruit are reported to be in good condition.

Florida frozen concentrated orange juice (FCOJ) yield for the 2005-06 season, at 1.61 gallons per box at

42.0 degrees Brix, is increased from the 1.58 gallons estimated for both last month’s and last season’s yields

as reported by the Florida Citrus Processors Association. The early-midseason portion is projected to yield

1.53 gallons, increased from the 1.52 gallons per box estimated last month but equal to that from the

2004-05 crop. The Valencia yield, at 1.70 gallons, is increased from 1.66 gallons last month and is higher

than the 1.68 gallons per box recorded last season. All projections of yield assume the processing

relationships this season will be similar to those of the past several seasons.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 2006 2 NASS, USDA

This report was approved on April 10, 2006.

Acting Secretary of

Agriculture

Joseph W. Glauber

Agricultural Statistics Board

Acting Chairperson

Steven D. Wiyatt
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 2006 3 NASS, USDA

Contents

Page

Noncitrus Fruits & Tree Nuts

Papayas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Citrus Fruits

Grapefruit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Lemons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Oranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Tangelos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Tangerines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Temples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Potatoes & Miscellaneous Crops

Potatoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

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

Crop Summary ........................................................................6

Information Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Reliability of Production Data in this Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Weather Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

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

April 2006 4 NASS, USDA

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

2003-04, 2004-05 and Forecasted April 1, 2006 1 2

Crop and State

Utilized Production

Boxes

Utilized Production

Ton Equivalent

2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06

1,000 Boxes 3 1,000 Boxes 3 1,000 Boxes 3 1,000 Tons 1,000 Tons 1,000 Tons

Oranges

 Early Mid &

 Navel 4

 AZ

 CA

 FL

 TX

 US

 Valencia

 AZ

 CA

 FL

 TX

 US

 All

 AZ

 CA

 FL

 TX

 US

Temples

 FL

Grapefruit

 White Seedless 5

 FL

 Colored Seedless

 FL

 All

 AZ

 CA

 FL

 TX

 US

Tangerines

 AZ 6

 CA 6

 FL

 US

Lemons

 AZ

 CA

 US

Tangelos

 FL

300

39,500

126,000

1,420

167,220

170

11,000

116,000

230

127,400

470

50,500

242,000

1,650

294,620

1,400

15,900

25,000

140

5,800

40,900

5,700

52,540

690

2,200

6,500

9,390

3,000

18,000

21,000

1,000

240

43,000

79,100

1,500

123,840

190

20,500

70,700

270

91,660

430

63,500

149,800

1,770

215,500

650

3,400

9,400

140

5,800

12,800

6,600

25,340

400

2,800

4,450

7,650

2,400

19,000

21,400

1,550

250

42,000

75,000

1,300

118,550

200

11,000

78,000

230

89,430

450

53,000

153,000

1,530

207,980

700

6,000

12,000

100

6,000

18,000

4,800

28,900

550

4,000

5,000

9,550

3,800

19,000

22,800

1,400

12

1,481

5,670

60

7,223

6

413

5,220

10

5,649

18

1,894

10,890

70

12,872

63

675

1,063

5

194

1,738

228

2,165

25

83

309

417

114

684

798

45

9

1,613

3,560

64

5,246

7

769

3,182

11

3,969

16

2,382

6,742

75

9,215

29

145

400

5

194

545

264

1,008

15

105

211

331

91

722

813

70

9

1,575

3,375

55

5,014

8

413

3,510

10

3,941

17

1,988

6,885

65

8,955

32

255

510

3

201

765

192

1,161

21

150

238

409

144

722

866

63

 1 The crop year begins with the bloom of the first year shown and ends with the completion of harvest the following year. 2 2004-05 revised. 3 Net lbs. per box: oranges-AZ & CA-75, FL-90, TX-85; grapefruit-AZ & CA-67, FL-85, TX-80; lemons-76; tangelos-90;

Temples-90; tangerines-AZ & CA-75, FL-95. 4 Navel and miscellaneous varieties in AZ and CA. Early (including navel) and midseason varieties in FL and TX. Small

quantities of tangerines in TX. 5 Includes seedy. 6 Includes tangelos and tangors.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 2006 5 NASS, USDA

Potatoes: Area Planted and Harvested, Yield, and Production

by Seasonal Group, State, and United States, 2004-2006

Seasonal

Group

and

State

Area

Yield Production

Planted Harvested

2005 2006 2005 2006 2005 2006 2004 2005 2006

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

Winter

 CA

 FL

 Total

Spring

 AZ

 CA

 FL

 Hastings

 Other FL

 NC

 TX

 Total

Summer 1

 AL

 CA

 CO

 DE

 IL

 KS

 MD

 MO

 NJ

 NM 2

 TX

 VA

 Total

14.0

6.0

20.0

4.3

15.1

23.6

17.3

6.3

15.5

9.5

68.0

1.6

6.2

5.0

3.3

5.7

5.1

3.5

6.5

2.1

9.4

5.0

53.4

12.0

5.7

17.7

4.0

14.4

24.1

18.0

6.1

16.5

10.7

69.7

14.0

5.8

19.8

4.3

15.1

23.2

17.0

6.2

15.0

9.1

66.7

1.3

6.2

4.9

3.1

5.5

5.0

3.4

6.3

2.1

8.7

4.9

51.4

12.0

5.5

17.5

4.0

14.4

23.7

17.7

6.0

15.7

10.2

68.0

250

240

247

275

405

281

280

285

190

225

281

150

355

375

260

380

360

260

340

255

465

210

342

270

250

264

275

400

294

295

290

200

300

294

3,250

1,568

4,818

1,767

8,313

7,678

5,760

1,918

2,700

2,205

22,663

228

2,450

1,995

806

1,992

1,360

1,196

1,922

594

340

4,224

1,200

18,307

3,500

1,392

4,892

1,183

6,116

6,527

4,760

1,767

2,850

2,048

18,724

195

2,201

1,838

806

2,090

1,800

884

2,142

536

4,046

1,029

17,567

3,240

1,375

4,615

1,100

5,760

6,962

5,222

1,740

3,140

3,060

20,022

 1 2005 revised. 2 Summer potatoes combined with fall potatoes in 2005.

Papayas: Area and Fresh Production, by Month, Hawaii, 2005-2006

Month

Area Fresh Production 1

Total in Crop Harvested 2005 2006

2005 2006 2005 2006

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

Feb

Mar

2,250

2,490

2,285

2,060

1,410

1,435

1,785

1,775

2,425

2,715

2,490

2,135

 1 Utilized fresh production.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 2006 6 NASS, USDA

Crop Summary: Area Planted and Harvested, United States, 2005-2006

(Domestic Units) 1

Crop

Area Planted Area Harvested

2005 2006 2005 2006

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

Grains & Hay

 Barley

 Corn for Grain 2

 Corn for Silage

 Hay, All

 Alfalfa

 All Other

 Oats

 Proso Millet

 Rice

 Rye

 Sorghum for Grain 2

 Sorghum for Silage

 Wheat, All

 Winter

 Durum

 Other Spring

Oilseeds

 Canola

 Cottonseed

 Flaxseed

 Mustard Seed

 Peanuts

 Rapeseed

 Safflower

 Soybeans for Beans

 Sunflower

Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops

 Cotton, All

 Upland

 Amer-Pima

 Sugarbeets

 Sugarcane

 Tobacco

Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils

 Austrian Winter Peas

 Dry Edible Beans

 Dry Edible Peas

 Lentils

 Wrinkled Seed Peas

Potatoes & Misc.

 Coffee (HI)

 Ginger Root (HI)

 Hops

 Peppermint Oil

 Potatoes, All

 Winter

 Spring

 Summer

 Fall

 Spearmint Oil

 Sweet Potatoes

 Taro (HI) 3

3,875.0

81,759.0

4,246.0

565.0

3,384.0

1,433.0

6,454.0

57,229.0

40,433.0

2,760.0

14,036.0

1,159.0

983.0

49.0

1,657.0

2.4

165.0

72,142.0

2,709.0

14,195.4

13,925.0

270.4

1,294.8

42.5

1,665.0

808.0

450.0

1,110.0

20.0

68.0

53.4

968.6

90.4

3,667.0

78,019.0

4,324.0

2,972.0

6,483.0

57,128.0

41,404.0

1,825.0

13,899.0

923.0

890.0

1,391.0

76,895.0

2,196.0

14,634.0

14,300.0

334.0

1,371.8

1,710.3

17.7

69.7

94.2

3,269.0

75,107.0

5,920.0

61,649.0

22,389.0

39,260.0

1,823.0

515.0

3,364.0

279.0

5,736.0

311.0

50,119.0

33,794.0

2,716.0

13,609.0

1,114.0

955.0

44.6

1,629.0

2.0

160.0

71,361.0

2,610.0

13,702.6

13,434.0

268.6

1,238.9

922.9

298.0

24.5

1,568.6

765.9

439.0

6.1

0.1

29.5

76.0

1,087.4

19.8

66.7

51.4

949.5

17.7

87.8

0.4

61,478.0

306.6

17.5

68.0

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

full 2006 crop year. 2 Area planted for all purposes. 3 Area is total acres in crop, not harvested acreage.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 2006 7 NASS, USDA

Crop Summary: Yield and Production, United States, 2005-2006

(Domestic Units) 1

Crop Units

Yield Production

2005 2006 2005 2006

1,000 1,000

Grains & Hay

 Barley

 Corn for Grain

 Corn for Silage

 Hay, All

 Alfalfa

 All Other

 Oats

 Proso Millet

 Rice 2

 Rye

 Sorghum for Grain

 Sorghum for Silage

 Wheat, All

 Winter

 Durum

 Other Spring

Oilseeds

 Canola

 Cottonseed 3

 Flaxseed

 Mustard Seed

 Peanuts

 Rapeseed

 Safflower

 Soybeans for Beans

 Sunflower

Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops

 Cotton, All 2

 Upland 2

 Amer-Pima 2

 Sugarbeets

 Sugarcane

 Tobacco

Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils

 Austrian Winter Peas 2

 Dry Edible Beans 2

 Dry Edible Peas 2

 Lentils 2

 Wrinkled Seed Peas 3

Potatoes & Misc.

 Coffee (HI)

 Ginger Root (HI)

 Hops

 Peppermint Oil

 Potatoes, All

 Winter

 Spring

 Summer

 Fall

 Spearmint Oil

 Sweet Potatoes

 Taro (HI) 3

Bu

“

Tons

“

“

“

Bu

“

Cwt

Bu

“

Tons

Bu

“

“

“

Lbs

Tons

Bu

Lbs

“

“

“

Bu

Lbs

Bales

“

“

Tons

“

Lbs

Cwt

“

“

“

“

Lbs

“

“

“

Cwt

“

“

“

“

Lbs

Cwt

Lbs

64.8

147.9

18.0

2.44

3.38

1.91

63.0

26.3

6,636

27.0

68.7

13.6

42.0

44.4

37.2

37.1

1,419

20.6

787

2,960

1,500

1,203

43.3

1,540

831

824

1,171

22.3

29.6

2,147

1,253

1,744

1,828

1,176

1,050

42,500

1,791

92

388

247

281

342

401

109

179

264

294

211,896

11,112,072

106,311

150,590

75,771

74,819

114,878

13,545

223,235

7,537

393,893

4,218

2,104,690

1,499,129

101,105

504,456

1,580,985

8,501.0

19,695

35,114

4,821,250

3,000

192,545

3,086,432

4,018,355

23,719.0

23,064.0

655.0

27,654

27,283

639,709

307

27,350

14,003

5,163

755

6,400

5,100

52,914.5

6,980

422,209

4,892

18,724

17,567

381,026

1,933

15,747

4,000

4,615

20,022

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

full 2006 crop year. 2 Yield in pounds. 3 Yield is not estimated.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 2006 8 NASS, USDA

Fruits and Nuts Production, United States, 2004-2006

(Domestic Units) 1

Crop Units

Production

2004 2005 2006

1,000 1,000 1,000

Citrus 2

 Grapefruit

 Lemons

 Oranges

 Tangelos (FL)

 Tangerines

 Temples (FL)

Noncitrus

 Apples

 Apricots

 Bananas (HI) 3

 Grapes

 Olives (CA)

 Papayas (HI)

 Peaches

 Pears

 Prunes, Dried (CA)

 Prunes & Plums (Ex CA)

Nuts & Misc.

 Almonds (CA) (shelled)

 Hazelnuts (OR)

 Pecans

 Walnuts (CA)

 Maple Syrup

Tons

“

“

“

“

“

1,000 Lbs

Tons

Lbs

Tons

“

Lbs

Tons

“

“

“

Lbs

Tons

Lbs

Tons

Gals

2,165

798

12,872

45

417

63

10,450.6

101.1

16,500.0

6,240.0

104.0

35,800.0

1,307.1

877.3

49.0

25.0

1,005,000

37.5

185,800

325.0

1,507

1,008

813

9,215

70

331

29

9,869.6

81.4

6,974.9

139.0

32,500.0

1,182.6

812.3

90.0

8.7

900,000

28.0

259,600

355.0

1,242

1,161

866

8,955

63

409

32

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

full 2006 crop year, except citrus which is for the 2005-06 season. 2 Production years are 2003-04, 2004-05, and 2005-06. 3 2005 not published to avoid disclosure of individual operations.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 2006 9 NASS, USDA

Crop Summary: Area Planted and Harvested, United States, 2005-2006

(Metric Units) 1

Crop

Area Planted Area Harvested

2005 2006 2005 2006

Hectares Hectares Hectares Hectares

Grains & Hay

 Barley

 Corn for Grain 2

 Corn for Silage

 Hay, All 3

 Alfalfa

 All Other

 Oats

 Proso Millet

 Rice

 Rye

 Sorghum for Grain 2

 Sorghum for Silage

 Wheat, All 3

 Winter

 Durum

 Other Spring

Oilseeds

 Canola

 Cottonseed

 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

1,568,170

33,087,050

1,718,310

228,650

1,369,470

579,920

2,611,870

23,160,000

16,362,830

1,116,940

5,680,230

469,040

397,810

19,830

670,570

970

66,770

29,195,150

1,096,310

5,744,740

5,635,310

109,430

523,990

17,200

673,810

326,990

182,110

449,210

8,090

27,520

21,610

391,980

36,580

1,484,000

31,573,510

1,749,880

1,202,740

2,623,610

23,119,130

16,755,780

738,560

5,624,790

373,530

360,170

562,920

31,118,640

888,700

5,922,230

5,787,070

135,170

555,150

692,140

7,160

28,210

38,120

1,322,930

30,395,050

2,395,760

24,948,730

9,060,600

15,888,130

737,750

208,420

1,361,380

112,910

2,321,300

125,860

20,282,660

13,676,090

1,099,140

5,507,430

450,820

386,480

18,050

659,240

810

64,750

28,879,080

1,056,240

5,545,310

5,436,610

108,700

501,370

373,490

120,610

9,910

634,800

309,950

177,660

2,470

50

11,960

30,760

440,060

8,010

26,990

20,800

384,250

7,160

35,530

150

24,879,530

124,090

7,080

27,520

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

full 2006 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

April 2006 10 NASS, USDA

Crop Summary: Yield and Production, United States, 2005-2006

(Metric Units) 1

Crop

Yield Production

2005 2006 2005 2006

Metric Tons Metric Tons Metric Tons Metric Tons

Grains & Hay

 Barley

 Corn for Grain

 Corn for Silage

 Hay, All 2

 Alfalfa

 All Other

 Oats

 Proso Millet

 Rice

 Rye

 Sorghum for Grain

 Sorghum for Silage

 Wheat, All 2

 Winter

 Durum

 Other Spring

Oilseeds

 Canola

 Cottonseed 3

 Flaxseed

 Mustard Seed

 Peanuts

 Rapeseed

 Safflower

 Soybeans for Beans

 Sunflower

Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops

 Cotton, All 2

 Upland

 Amer-Pima

 Sugarbeets

 Sugarcane

 Tobacco

Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils

 Austrian Winter Peas

 Dry Edible Beans

 Dry Edible Peas

 Lentils

 Wrinkled Seed Peas 3

Potatoes & Misc.

 Coffee (HI)

 Ginger Root (HI)

 Hops

 Peppermint Oil

 Potatoes, All 2

 Winter

 Spring

 Summer

 Fall

 Spearmint Oil

 Sweet Potatoes

 Taro (HI) 3

3.49

9.29

40.26

5.48

7.59

4.27

2.26

1.47

7.44

1.70

4.31

30.40

2.82

2.98

2.50

2.49

1.59

1.29

0.88

3.32

1.68

1.35

2.91

1.73

0.93

0.92

1.31

50.04

66.27

2.41

1.40

1.95

2.05

1.32

1.18

47.64

2.01

0.10

43.52

27.69

31.46

38.31

44.98

0.12

20.10

29.56

33.00

4,613,490

282,259,630

96,443,720

136,612,950

68,738,290

67,874,660

1,667,450

307,200

10,125,770

191,450

10,005,340

3,826,510

57,280,270

40,799,610

2,751,630

13,729,040

717,120

7,711,980

500,280

15,930

2,186,880

1,360

87,340

83,998,910

1,822,700

5,164,200

5,021,590

142,610

25,087,290

24,750,720

290,170

13,930

1,240,580

635,170

234,190

34,250

2,900

2,310

24,000

3,170

19,151,080

221,900

849,310

796,830

17,283,050

880

714,270

1,810

209,330

908,180

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

full 2006 crop year. 2 Production may not add due to rounding. 3 Yield is not estimated.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 2006 11 NASS, USDA

Fruits and Nuts Production, United States, 2004-2006

(Metric Units) 1

Crop

Production

2004 2005 2006

Metric tons Metric tons Metric tons

Citrus 2

 Grapefruit

 Lemons

 Oranges

 Tangelos (FL)

 Tangerines

 Temples (FL)

Noncitrus

 Apples

 Apricots

 Bananas (HI) 3

 Grapes

 Olives (CA)

 Papayas (HI)

 Peaches

 Pears

 Prunes, Dried (CA)

 Prunes & Plums (Ex CA)

Nuts & Misc.

 Almonds (CA) (shelled)

 Hazelnuts (OR)

 Pecans

 Walnuts (CA)

 Maple Syrup

1,964,050

723,930

11,677,280

40,820

378,300

57,150

4,740,310

91,740

7,480

5,660,860

94,350

16,240

1,185,790

795,840

44,450

22,680

455,860

34,020

84,280

294,840

7,530

914,440

737,540

8,359,710

63,500

300,280

26,310

4,476,780

73,800

6,327,520

126,100

14,740

1,072,840

736,930

81,650

7,890

408,230

25,400

117,750

322,050

6,210

1,053,240

785,620

8,123,840

57,150

371,040

29,030

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

full 2006 crop year, except citrus which is for the 2005-06 season. 2 Production years are 2003-04, 2004-05, and 2005-06. 3 2005 not published to avoid disclosure of individual operations.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 2006 12 NASS, USDA
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 2006 13 NASS, USDA

March Weather Summary

Storminess briefly tempered the effects of an otherwise dry winter in Arizona and New Mexico, while snowy

weather bolstered favorable spring and summer runoff prospects across the Intermountain West and interior

Northwest. In northern and central California, very cool, wet weather threatened crop quality and slowed

fieldwork and crop development. Farther east, a severe windstorm raked the southern High Plains on

March 12, raising dust and fanning wildfires. A week later, rain provided some limited relief to the southern

Plains’ drought-stricken pastures and winter wheat. By month’s end, dryness remained a concern as far north

as the central High Plains, although a March 18-21 snowstorm and subsequent precipitation boosted soil

moisture reserves in most areas from Kansas northward. In late March, flooding developed in the Red River

Valley (North Dakota-Minnesota border) due to rainfall and melting snow. In the Corn Belt, March

precipitation aided Midwestern winter wheat and boosted soil moisture in preparation for spring planting. 

Meanwhile in the Arklatex region, downpours provided additional drought relief but caused local flash

flooding. Elsewhere, extremely dry conditions were observed along the Gulf Coast and in the Atlantic Coast

States, resulting in numerous records for March dryness and monthly totals less than 25 percent of normal

from southern Louisiana to Florida and along the East Coast as far north as southern New England.

Cool March weather in the West contrasted with above-normal temperatures from the southern Plains to the

Delta. Monthly temperatures averaged more than 6 degrees F below normal in parts of California and the

Great Basin, but were as much as 6 degrees F above normal in parts of Oklahoma and Texas. Mild weather

(at least 3 degrees F above normal) also prevailed in northern New England, but fluctuating temperatures

elsewhere resulted in monthly temperatures within 3 degrees F of normal.

March Agricultural Summary

Above-normal temperatures prevailed across the central and western Corn Belt, Mississippi Delta, southern

Great Plains, and Northeast, while temperatures in the Ohio Valley, southern Atlantic Coast, Rocky

Mountains, and Pacific Coast averaged below normal.

Much-needed precipitation fell in the Great Plains, where dry conditions threatened winter wheat throughout

the winter. Though soil moisture improved with the rainfall, crop condition remained mostly poor to very

poor in the southern Great Plains. Planting and emergence of summer crops were well ahead of normal in

Texas.

Moderate to heavy precipitation in the Corn Belt boosted topsoil moisture but hindered fieldwork. Corn

planting had begun in only the southernmost areas of the region. In the Ohio Valley, rainfall totals were

mostly below normal. However, most areas still had adequate soil moisture, while excessive moisture in some

areas caused flooding in winter wheat fields.

Dry conditions along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts were favorable for fieldwork but caused soil moisture

shortages. Corn planting was well underway in the southernmost areas of the Southeast, but some areas

needed additional moisture before planting could begin. In the interior Mississippi Delta, warm weather and

normal rainfall pushed planting of most crops ahead of the normal pace.

In California, wet weather favored crop growth but hampered fieldwork, causing flooding in some areas. 

Below-normal temperatures slowed development in fruit orchards. Similar weather in the Pacific Northwest

delayed small grain planting and caused some flooding. Winter wheat condition was mostly good due to

ample moisture.

Grapefruit: The U.S. grapefruit forecast is 1.16 million tons, up 3 percent from the previous forecast and

15 percent above last season's final utilization. Florida's grapefruit forecast, at 18.0 million boxes

(765,000 tons), is up 6 percent from March and 41 percent above last season's final utilization. The last

2 seasons’ hurricane-affected crops are the smallest since the 1939-40 season. The white grapefruit forecast is

6.00 million boxes (255,000 tons), up 20 percent from March and 76 percent above last season. The colored

grapefruit forecast, at 12.0 million boxes (510,000 tons), is unchanged from March 1 but 28 percent above last

season's final utilization. The comparison of current utilization to results of the row count survey is the

primary indication used in setting the April grapefruit forecast. The row count survey conducted March 29-30

shows 81 percent of the grapefruit rows harvested. The East Coast has a higher percentage of rows harvested

than the middle of the State.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 2006 14 NASS, USDA

California's grapefruit forecast, at 6.00 million boxes (201,000 tons), is unchanged from the previous forecast

but up 3 percent from last season's final utilization. Pummelo variety grapefruit is being harvested in the

Central Valley. Exterior and interior quality are good. The Rios variety continues to be harvested in the

Coachella Valley. Quality is fair to good, with some irregularity in color. Texture is smooth to pebbly in the

smaller sizes, and coarse in the larger sizes. The Texas grapefruit forecast is 4.80 million boxes

(192,000 tons), 6 percent below the previous forecast and 27 percent lower than last season. Most of this

season’s grapefruit crop has already been picked but external quality is starting to deteriorate on unharvested

fruit. Arizona's grapefruit forecast, at 100,000 boxes (3,000 tons), is unchanged from the previous forecast

but is 29 percent below last season's final utilization. Grapefruit harvest is complete in Yuma and is

continuing in Maricopa County. Good fruit quality is reported.

Tangerines: The 2005-06 U.S. tangerine crop forecast is 409,000 tons, up 7 percent from the previous

forecast and 24 percent higher than last season's final utilization of 331,000 tons. Florida's tangerine crop, at

5.00 million boxes (238,000 tons), is down 4 percent from the previous forecast but 12 percent higher than

last season's utilization of 4.45 million boxes. Harvest of Florida’s Fallglo and Sunburst tangerines is

complete. The Honey variety row count survey for April shows 66 percent of the rows have been harvested. 

California's forecast of tangerine production, at 4.00 million boxes (150,000 tons), is up 29 percent from the

January 1 forecast and 43 percent above last season's utilized production. Yields are reported as being very

good with generally good fruit quality and flavor. Harvest was interrupted by occasional March rains. The

Arizona tangerine forecast, at 550,000 boxes (21,000 tons), is up 10 percent from the previous forecast and

38 percent higher than last season. Good quality is being reported. Harvest is complete in Yuma.

Lemons: The forecast for the 2005-06 U.S. lemon crop, at 866,000 tons, is unchanged from the January 1

forecast but up 7 percent from last season. California production is forecast at 19.0 million boxes

(722,000 tons), unchanged from both the previous forecast and the 2004-05 season. Harvest continues as

usual with reports of very good quality and yield, though picking has occasionally been interrupted by rains. 

No internal fruit damage has been reported. Arizona's 2005-06 lemon forecast, at 3.80 million boxes

(144,000 tons), is unchanged from the previous forecast but 58 percent above the previous season. Lemons

are sizing smaller this season due to the heavier fruit set. Harvest is almost complete in Yuma and Maricopa

County.

Tangelos: Florida’s tangelo forecast, at 1.40 million boxes (63,000 tons), is unchanged from March 1 but

10 percent lower than last season’s final utilized production. Tangelo utilization is complete for the season

with over 60 percent of the fruit being processed.

Temples: Florida’s Temple forecast is 700,000 boxes (32,000 tons) for the 2005-06 season, down 12 percent

from March but 8 percent above last season’s final utilization of 650,000 boxes. If attained, this will be the

second lowest utilization since Temple forecasts began. Temple harvest is nearly complete.

Florida Citrus: March turned out to be an extremely dry month at 6 of the 7 monitored stations. Immokalle,

in the extreme south, was the only exception by receiving over 2 inches of rain for the month. The least

amount of rainfall recorded was in Ft. Pierce with three-tenths of an inch recorded. Warmer than normal

seasonal daytime temperatures were recorded in all areas, averaging in the mid 80's. Trees had reached a

uniform full bloom by the end of the month, with petal drop beginning on Valencia and grapefruit trees. 

Growers continued with fertilization programs, brush removal, and hedging and topping after harvest. 

Irrigation was generally required on a rotating basis at least 2 or 3 times per week for the entire month. 

Maturity levels in all varieties lagged behind normal for the month. Harvest of early and midseason orange

varieties wound down as Valencia harvest increased the second and third weeks of the month. Grapefruit

harvest peaked at just over 1 million boxes during the fourth week, with a larger percentage of both colored

and white going to processing. Honey tangerine harvest was relatively steady between 100,000 and

150,000 boxes per week. Temple utilization averaged less than 50,000 boxes per week and was nearing

completion by the end of the month. 

Arizona Citrus: Citrus groves are reported to be in good condition. Overall, fruit quality is good. Fruit size

continues to be smaller than normal. Compared to last season, there has been little insect damage. Nearly all

of the navel oranges, lemons, tangerines, and grapefruit have been harvested in Yuma County. Packers

estimate nearly 20 percent of the Valencia crop has been harvested in Maricopa County.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 2006 15 NASS, USDA

Texas Citrus: Due to lack of rainfall this season, growers have continued to irrigate in order to maintain fruit

size and quality. By the end of March, most citrus fruit had been harvested. However, unusually strong winds

during early March resulted in heavy fruit drop from the small amount of trees that had not already been

harvested. Grapefruit harvest is nearly 90 percent complete. Harvest of navel oranges is virtually complete

and only 25 percent of the Valencia crop remains on the trees.

California Citrus: Periods of rain during the month caused some delays in harvesting of citrus fruit. 

Harvesting of navel oranges continued throughout the month. Grade-outs due to rind puff and small sizes

continued to be a problem. Fungicide applications were made to oranges to meet export requirements. The

Valencia orange harvest continued in the Coachella Valley and parts of the Central Valley. Lemons were

harvested in many locations. Rios and pummelo variety grapefruit were picked. Mandarins, tangelos, and

tangerines were also picked and packed.

California Noncitrus Fruits and Nuts: Rainy weather during March continued to delay field work. Growers

applied fungicides to prevent fungal diseases resulting from the rainy conditions. By month’s end, grape buds

were starting to swell and leaves were beginning to appear. Vineyards were treated for weeds, and several

growers were French-plowing their rows. Soil amendments were applied in many vineyards and spray

applications for vine mealy bug continued throughout the month. Unsettled weather conditions hampered bee

pollination activities on tree fruit. Some signs of fruit scarring were noted in early variety plums, pluots, and

nectarines. Apricot and cherry bloom was reported to be light and erratic with some damage expected in

Tulare variety cherries due to the cold temperatures. Apple and pear trees were starting to bloom by month’s

end and pomegranates began leafing out. Kiwifruit vines were treated with dormant sprays. Strawberry

plants showed growth throughout the month and were blooming by month’s end. Most almond orchards were

past bloom and beginning to leaf out by the end of the month. Bees were removed from some almond

orchards. Many orchards were treated to prevent shot hole disease. Winter pruning and shredding, as well as

some herbicide applications, continued in walnut groves between rain storms. Avocado harvest began toward

the end of March. Some olive groves were pruned.

Winter Potatoes: The 2006 U.S. winter potato crop in California and Florida combined is forecast at

4.62 million cwt, 4 percent above the January forecast but 6 percent below last year. Area for harvest, at

17,500 acres, is unchanged from January but down 12 percent from a year ago. The average yield of 264 cwt

per acre is up 10 cwt from January and 17 cwt above a year ago.

California’s average yield is forecast at 270 cwt per acre, 10 cwt per acre above the January forecast. Harvest

continues with good quality. There was little damage caused by freezing temperatures in March. Yields in

Florida are forecasted at 250 cwt per acre, 10 cwt per acre above the January forecast. Mild weather during

December aided in crop development and dry conditions have kept harvest on schedule.

Spring Potatoes: Spring production in 2006 is forecast at 20.0 million cwt, up 7 percent from last year. Area

for harvest is forecast at 68,000 acres, 2 percent above 2005. The average yield is forecast at 294 cwt per acre,

up 13 cwt from a year ago.

Spring potato production in Florida is forecast at 6.96 million cwt, up 7 percent from a year ago. Florida’s

spring harvested acreage increased 2 percent and average yield is expected to be 13 cwt per acre above last

year. Dry weather kept planting on schedule and in late March, Hastings growers continued to make double

crop plantings following cabbage harvest. Digging is expected to begin by mid-April in the Hastings area and

is underway in the other spring areas. North Carolina’s spring potato crop is forecast at 3.14 million cwt, up

10 percent from last year. Area for harvest is expected to be up 5 percent from a year ago and average yield is

expected to increase 10 cwt per acre from last year. Planting is winding down and crop condition is good.

California’s spring potato production forecast, at 5.76 million cwt, is 6 percent below last year. Area for

harvest is down 5 percent and yield is down 5 cwt per acre from a year ago. Planting proceeded normally but

weather conditions have been wet and cool. Overall condition of the crop is lower than the previous year and

a few potato fields were damaged by frost. Harvest is under way in Kern county but some growers anticipate

a late harvest due to the wet conditions. Texas spring potato production is forecast at 3.06 million cwt,

49 percent above last season. Acreage for harvest increased 12 percent and the average yield forecast is up

75 cwt per acre from a year ago. Producers report good growing conditions with near perfect weather. 

Arizona’s production is forecast at 1.10 million cwt, down 7 percent from last year. Growers report a

7 percent decrease in acreage for harvest but expect yield to be unchanged from last year. 
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 2006 16 NASS, USDA

Summer Potatoes, 2005 Revisions: The final estimate of 2005 summer potato crop production is

17.6 million cwt, up 8 percent from the preliminary estimate in the January Crop Production 2005 Summary

but down 4 percent from the 2004 crop. Harvested area covered 51,400 acres, up 6 percent from the 2005

preliminary estimate but down 5 percent from 2004. The average yield of 342 cwt per acre is up 8 cwt from

the 2005 preliminary estimate and 2 cwt above the 2004 crop. 

Papayas: Hawaii fresh papaya utilization is estimated at 2.14 million pounds for March, down 14 percent

from last month and 21 percent lower than a year ago. Area in crop totaled 2,060 acres, down 10 percent from

last month and 17 percent below March 2005. Harvested area totaled 1,775 acres, down 1 percent from last

month but 24 percent higher than the same month last year. Frequent rains began in mid-February and

continued through March, saturating papaya orchards, which stressed trees and increased disease pressure,

particularly on the western islands of Oahu and Kauai. Most papayas are grown in the Puna area of Hawaii

Island and were not as adversely affected by this excessive moisture. Orchards there experienced steady

flowering and new growth, while new seedlings made good progress. Growers increased spraying to control

disease outbreaks and weed growth.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 2006 17 NASS, USDA

Reliability of April 1 Orange Forecast

Survey Procedures: The orange objective yield survey for the April 1 forecast was conducted in Florida,

which accounts for nearly 75 percent of the U.S. 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 combined with the previous components are used to develop the current forecast of

production. Arizona, 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 Arizona,

California, and Texas were also used for setting estimates. These 4 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 April 1 forecast. 

Revision Policy: The April 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 April 1 production forecasts, the "Root Mean

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

April 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 April 1 orange production forecast is 3.0 percent. However, if you

exclude the 6 abnormal production seasons (5 freeze seasons and 1 hurricane season), the "Root Mean Square

Error" is 1.6 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 3.0 percent, or 1.6 percent, excluding abnormal

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

or 2.9 percent, excluding abnormal seasons.

Changes between the April 1 orange forecast and the final estimates during the past 20 years have averaged

194,000 tons (158,000 tons, excluding abnormal seasons), ranging from 7,000 tons to 716,000 tons

(7,000 tons to 368,000 tons, excluding abnormal seasons). The April 1 forecast for oranges has been below

the final estimate 6 times and above 14 times (below 6 times and above 8 times, excluding abnormal seasons). 

The difference does not imply that the April 1 forecasts this year are likely to understate or overstate final

production.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 2006 18 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.

Joe Prusacki, Chief (202) 720-2127

Field Crops Section

Greg Thessen, Head (202) 720-2127

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

Scott Cox - Wheat, Rye (202) 720-8068

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

Dennis Koong - Peanuts, Rice (202) 720-7688

Jason Lamprecht - Soybeans, Sunflower, Other Oilseeds (202) 720-7369

Travis Thorson - Hay, Oats, Sorghum (202) 690-3234

Brian Young - Crop Weather, Barley, Sugar Crops (202) 720-7621

Fruit, Vegetable & Special Crops Section

Jim Smith, Head (202) 720-2127

Leslie Colburn - Berries, Grapes, Maple Syrup, Tobacco (202) 720-7235

Rich Holcomb - Citrus, Tropical Fruits (202) 720-5412

Doug Marousek - Floriculture, Nursery, Nuts (202) 720-4215

Dan Norris - Austrian Winter Peas, Dry Edible Peas, 

 Lentils, Mint, Mushrooms, Peaches, Pears,

 Wrinkled Seed Peas (202) 720-3250

Terry O’Connor - Apples, Apricots, Cherries, Cranberries,

 Plums, Prunes (202) 720-4288

Kim Ritchie - Hops (360) 902-1940

Cathy Scherrer - Dry Beans, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes (202) 720-4285

Debbie Flippin - Fresh and Processing Vegetables, Onions,

 Strawberries (202) 720-2157
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