Moisture supplies in most of Montana and the Pacific Northwest improved during March, when
precipitation was generally above normal. Fall seeded small grains are in good condition for
the most part, although wheat shows some damage from snow mold and heaving in Washington.
Seeding of spring wheat is underway in Washington and Oregon.

Fall seeded small grains generally wintered well in the eastern Corn Belt States and in
Missouri, Soils were drying in central end southern Missouri, however. Small grains in other
areas east of the Mississippi River generally were in good condition.

Pasture Prospects Poor

Pasture condition in the 30 States reporting on April 1 was a record low for the date --
71 percent of normal. ‘his is 7 percentage points below April 1, 1970 and 6 points below the
1960-69 April 1 average. Cold weather retarded pasture growth in the East. Prospects were
poor in the Southwest because Little or no moisture was received for growth.

Prospects for good pastures look best in the Northeast quarter of the country, where con-
ditions of 80 percent or higher are at least equal to last year. Most Western States reported
lower conditions than both last year and average. The drought in Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma
largely contributed to the big decline in the West. In contrast, cold wet weather also retarded
pasture growth in the Northwest.

Conditions ranged from a high of 87 percent in Utah to a record low 40 percent in Texas.
The South reported conditions mainly in the 70 percent range, slightly below a year earlier.

ORANGES: The Nation's 1970-71 orange crop, as of April 1, is forecast at a record high 198.1

million boxes, 1.0 million boxes more than the forecast a month earlier, 7 percent
above last season and 8 percent more than the 1968-69 crop. Over the past six seasons, the
April 1 forecasts have differed from actual orange production an average of 4.0 million boxes,
ranging from 0.9 to 6.6 million boxes.

Prospective production of oranges in Florida is a record high at 149.0 million boxes, the
same as a month earlier, 8 percent above last season and 7 percent above the previous record of
139.5 million boxes. In the past 6 seasons, using comparable procedures, Florida's April 1
forecasts have differed from actual production an average of 4.4 million boxes, ranging from
0.7 to 7.7 million boxes. Harvest of early and midseason varieties slowed at the beginning of
March end was virtually complete by April 1. Valencia harvest has not yet reached volume
propertions. Orange trees are in excellent condition except for trees in chronically cold
areas thet were damaged by the Jatwary freeze. ALL healthy trees have abundant new leaf growth,
and bloom was nearly over by the end of March, Growers used widespread irrigation to counter
dry weather.

California's orange production is placed at 40.0 million boxes, up 1.0 million boxes from
last month. This is 3 percent above last season but 10 percent less than the 1968-69 crop.
Cold weather hit the orange areas during March but little damage is expected. Winds in southern
California maintained temperatures above freezing levels, and frost protective devices adequately
protected the crop in the Central Valley. Navel orange harvest contimes and picking is about
7O percent complete. The quality of packed fruit is generally good. Light picking of the
Valencia crop began last month and is expected to increase this month. The Valencias have sized
well and are all nearly fully colored.

Production of Texas oranges is forecast at 5.8 million boxes, up 0.1 million from last
month and 36 percent more than last season. Early end midseason harvest is nearly complete.
Picking of Valencias is near peak and about half the crop had been harvested by April 1. Peak
bloom occurred about mid-March. Below normal rainfall necessitated almost constant irrigation,
and a possible shortage of irrigation water is worrying growers.

Arizona's 1970-71 orange crop is placed at 3.3 million boxes, down 0.1 million from last
month and 31 percent less than last season's output. Harvest of Navels is complete. Valencia
harvest is in full swing in both the Yuma and Salt River Valley areas. Groves are recovering
well from the January freeze. Bloom in the Yuma area was nearly over by April 1 and was nearing
completion in the Salt River Valley.

CROP PRODUCTION, April 1971 5 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA



CITRUS FRUITS, PRODUCTION 1/

Grop ani state } 1968-69 ? ig69-7o Smtestse? rocs-69 ¢ agég~7o | TeeacaESt
ORANGES: 3 1,000 boxes 2/ Equivalent tons

EARLY, MIDSEASON
NAVEL VARIETIES: 3,

Calif. 18,600 21,200 18,000 698,000 795,000 675,000

Fla. 69,700 72,900 82,000 3,136,000 3,281,000 3,690,000
Texas 2,800 2,800 4,000 126,000 126,000 180,000
Ariz. 1,270 1,120 900 47,600 42,000 33,800
Total Above 92,370 98,020 104,900 4,007,600 4,244,000 4,578,800
VALENCIAS:
calif. 25,700 17,800 22,000 964,000 668,000 825,000
Fla. 60,000 64,800 67,000 2,700,000 2,916,000 3,015,000
Texas 1,700 1,400 1,800 76,500 63,000 81,000
Ariz. 4,10 3,640 2,400 154,000 137,000 90,000
Total Valencias 91,510 87,040 —33°200 58a St, 500 "3,751,000, 011,000
ALL ORANGES:
Calif. : 44,300 39,000 40,600 1,662,000 1,463,000 1,500,000
Fla. : 129,700 137,700 149,000 5,836,000 6,197,000 6,705,000
Texas 3 4,500 4,200 5,800 202,500 189,000 261,000
Ariz. : 5,360 4,760 3,300 201,600 179,000 123,800
U.S., All Oranges: 183,650 185,660 198,100 7,902,100 6,028,000 8,589,800
GRAPEFRUIT: 3
Fla., AlL : 39,900 37,400 42,000: 1,695,000 1,590,000 1,785,000
Seedless : 27,700 27,900 30,000 1,277,000 1,186,000 1,275,000
Pink : 10,700 10,200 10,000 455,000 434,000 425,000
White : 17,000 17,700 20,000 722,000 752,000 850,000
Other : 12,200 9,500 12,000 518,000 404,000 510,000
Texas : 6,700 8,100 9,500 268,000 324,000 380,000
Ariz. : 2,510 3,160 2,500 80,300 101,000 80,000
Calif., ALL : 5,060 5,250 4,800 165,300 171, 500 156,800
Desert Valleys : 3,260 23950 2,700 105,000 9h, oo 86,400
Other Areas ‘ 1,800 2,300 2,100 60, 300 77,100 70,400
Oe on? ae :  5l,3TO 53,910 58,800 2,208,600 2,186,500 2, 1401800
LEMONS 3
Calif. : 12,300 12,700 13,500 468,000 483,000 513,000
Ariz. 2 3,510 2,820 3,300 134,000 107,000 125,000
Ue. S. Lemons 215,810 15,520 16,800 602,000 590,000 638,000
TANGELOS: Fla. : 1,800 2,500 310 81,000 123,000 2000
‘TANGERINES: 3
Fla, : 3,400 3,000 3,700 162,000 143,000 176,000
Ariz. : 170 220 200 6,380 8,250 7,500
Calif. : 6hO. 760 800 24,000 28,500 30,000
Total Tangerines : 4,210 3,980 B5700__ 192,380 179,750 213,500
TEMPLES: Fla. : 4,500 5,200 3.000 202,000 234,000 225 ,000

if The crop year begins with the bloom of the first year shown amd ends with comple~
tion of harvest the following year. 2/ Net content of box varies. Approximate
averages are as follows: Oranges - California and Arizona, 75 lbs.; Florida and other
States, 90 lbs.; Grapefruit - California, Desert Valleys, and Arizona, 64 lbs.; other
California areas, 67 lbs.; Florida, 85 lbs. and Texas, 80 lbs.; Lemons ~ 76 lbs.;
Tangelos - 90 lbs.; Tangerines - California and Arizona, 75 lbs.; Florida, 95 lbs.;

and Temples ~ 90 lbs. 3/ Navel and Miscellaneous varieties in California and Arizona.
Early and Midseason varieties in Florida and Texas, including small quantities of
tangerines in Texas.

CROP PRODUCTION, April 1971 10 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA



LEMONS: Lemon production in California and Arizona is forecast at 16.8 million boxes, down 1.0
million from March 1 but 8 percent more than last season's output. All of the reduction

from last month was in California as harvest is complete in Arizona. In California, a relatively

dry, windy winter and frosts on February 27 and 28 have slowed fruit growth and reduced prospects

for the late summer and fall fruit. More rain is needed in the south coast areas for normal

crop sizing. Harvest volume continues near normal, although below a year ago. Storage lemons

are in good condition, with minimum decay.

TANGELOS: Florida's tangelo production -- completely harvested -~ is placed at 2.7 million
boxes, unchanged from a month ago and 0.2 million boxes more than produced last
season.

TANGERINES: The U. S. tangerine crop -- completely harvested -- is estimated at 4.7 million
a boxes, unchanged from last month and 18 percent above last season's crop.

TEMPLES: In Florida, a crop of 5.0 million boxes of Temples is expected, down 0.5 million from
~~~" March 1 and 0.2 million less than last season's output. Harvest of this heavily
freeze-damaged crop neared completion by April 1.

POTATOES: The early spring potato crop is forecast at 4,404,000 ewt., 7 percent less than last
year and 23 percent smaller than the 1969 crop.

In the Hastings, Florida area, production is estimated at 3,712,000 cwt., compared with
4,043,000 cwt. in 1970, and in the "Other" Florida area at 312,000 cwt., up 17 percent from the
266,000 ewt. in 1970.

In the Hastings area, moisture is plentiful and the crop has recovered well from frosts
earlier in the growing season, Harvest is expected to be later than usual although digging
in the Federal Point area and in a few Flagler County fields should begin in late April. Har~
vest was getting underway in the “Other” Florida and south central areas the week ending
April 10.

The Texas crop was nipped by an early March frost and hot dry winds also have reduced crop
prospects. Harvest is expected to get underway about mid-April with volume shipments available
by late April.

‘The late spring crop is estimated at 82,600 acres for harvest in 1971, 2 percent more than
the 81,100 acres harvested last year.

California, at 39,900 acres, is up } percent from last year and has 48 percent of the esti-
mated total late spring acreage for 1971. The Kern County harvest should start in the last week
of April -- about 3 weeks later than a year ago.

Alabama and Texas also expect to harvest more acreage than last year. The Alabama crop has
made excellent early development and harvest is expected to start in the Baldwin area by mid-
May. Arizona and Mississippi are expected to harvest less acreage than last year.

Production for the winter crop is estimated at 3,099,000 ewt., down 2 percent from the
March 1 forecast and 13 percent less than the 1970 production. The Dade County, Florida har-
vest had passed mid-point by April 1, and in California harvest was nearly completed.

PASTURE: Pasture condition in the 30 States reporting on April 1 at 71 percent of normal was a

record low for the date, 7 percentage points below a year ago and 6 points below the
1960-69 April 1 average. Temperatures averaged below normal over most of the Nation in Merch,
but above normal temperatures were common in the Southwest and Rocky Mountain area. The South-
west and parts of the Great Pleins were dry.

Reported pasture condition on April 1 ranged from 87 percent in Utah to 40 percent in
Texas -- a 48-year record low for the dete. Condition on April 1 in the North Atlantic, East
and West North Central States was near averaga, Most South Atlantic States were slightly below
last year and below average. South Central States reporting greatest differences were
Mississippi with above average condition and Oklahoma and Texas with decidedly below both the

CROP PRODUCTION, April 1971 7 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA


Citrus Crop - Utilization to April 1

3 1969-70 1970-71
: Utilization 7Remaining Utilization zRemaining
cro, : : tf : 7 : for
rep : rocessed ; Total ? hacvnet {Fresh jProcessed, Total * ost
: Thou. boxes Thou. boxes
Oranges 1 25,270 75,404 100,674 84,986 24,126 89,294 113,420 84,680
Grapefruit :; 16,935 24,558 41,493 12,417 17,680 31,002 © 48,682 10,118
Lemons + 3,495 3,249 6,744 8,776 4,222 4,639 8,861 7,939

By the end of March, 113.4 million boxes of oranges, about 57 percent of the U. S. crop, had been
harvested compared with 100.7 million boxes or 54 percent of the crop harvested a year earlier.
Processors have used 79 percent of the oranges harvested by April 1, compared with 75 percent a
year earlier.

Grapefruit harvest was 83 percent complete by April 1, somewhat ahead of last April when 77
percent was harvested, To date, 64 percent of the crop harvested has been utilized by processors,
compared with 59 percent a year earlier.

About 53 percent of the lemons had been picked by April 1, while last year at this time 43
percent had been picked, Thus far processors have utilized 52 percent of the crop, compared to

48 percent by April 1 last year.

FLORIDA FROZEN CONCENTRATED ORANGE JUICE YIELD: The projected season average frozen concentrated

orange juice yield, adjusted to reflect current
juice factors and plant recovery rates, is 1.20 gallons per box. The projection last month was
1.21 gallons and last season's yield was 1.24 gallons per box. The projected yield is based on
past relationships between pounds solid yield for oranges reported in "The Maturity Test Results’
Bnd the season average yield per box of 45 degree Brix frozen concentrated orange juice reported
by the Florida Canners Association, This yield can differ from the final yield because of sampling
error, weather, harvest schedule and changes in juice factors or recovery rates.

GRAPEFRUIT: The U. S. 1970-71 grapefruit crop is expected to total 58.8 million boxes, up 1.4

million from the March 1 forecast. This is 9 percent more than last season's
harvest and the 1968-69 crop. Production changes between the April 1 forecast and final pro-
duction averaged 2.1 million boxes over the past six seasons~-from 0.9 to 4.1 million.

Florida's crop is forecast at 42.0 million boxes, 1.0 million more than a month earlier;
12 percent above last season's output and 5 percent above the 1968-69 level. Production changes
between the April 1 and final forecasts over the past six seasons, using comparable methods have
averaged 1.6 million boxes--from 0.4 to 3.6 million boxes. Harvest continued through March,
with Limited supplies toward month's end. Trees were generally in excellent condition, except
for those in historically cold locations that were damaged by the January freeze, Dryness was
a problem, and light scattered showers were mostly offset by strong winds accelerating de-
hydration. Use of irrigation has been widespread. At the end of March, most older trees had
open blooms and younger trees had dropped petals.

The Texas crop is forecast at 9.5 million boxes, up 0.7 million from the March 1 forecast.
This is 17 percent larger than last year's crop and 42 percent above the 1968-69 crop. Movement
was heavy during March and is expected to remain active during April. A large portion of the
remaining fruit is expected to go for processing. Peak bloom occurred about mid-March. Trees
need constant irrigation because of scant rainfall.

Arizona's grapefruit prospects, at 2.5 million boxes, are unchanged from a month earlier
and 21 percent less than last season. Harvest was active through March, has not yet reached
peak volume. Groves are recovering well from the January freezes. Bloom is over in the Yuma
area and was nearing completion in the Salt River area on April 1.

California's grapefruit crop is placed at 4,8 million boxes, down 0.3 million from a month
earlier and 9 percent less than last season. Movement has been slow from the desert valleys
awaiting the completion of harvest in Florida and Texas. Quality of the fruit from this area
is good. Harvest from the "Other areas" is underway in the central valley and should commence
in southern California about mid-April. Some frost damage has been reported from both areas
but fruit loss will be minor. Size and quality are both reported to be good.

CROP PRODUCTION, April 1971 6 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA


PEANUTS HARVESTED FOR NUTS

State 3 Acreage ited 3 Acreage harvested
and rea, 1968 1969 WP asTo ff 1968} 1969 1/ | 970 1/
3 1,000 acres

Va. : 103 103 103 102 12 102
N.C. ( : 170 170 170 167 167_ 167
Total (Va.-

Ne. Ce area) 3 273 2t3 23 269 269 269
Ss. C. 3 23 13.5 4 28 13 13.8
Ga. : 513 518 518 hoT 502 50T
Fla. : 44 TT TH 51 53 53
Aja. 3 186 192 195 181 BT 190
Miss. : 2 2 4 2 2 4
Total (So Ee

area) : 79h 802.5 805 743.8 Tt 167.8
Okla. : 123 123 122 ll 120 16
Texas : 298 301 310 29h 297 306
Ne Mere 3 8.1 78 8.3 19 vere 8.2
Total (SW. ¢

area) : 429.1 431.8 440.3 422.9 42h .7 430.2
Us. Se : 1,493.1 1,507.3. 2,518.3 1,435.7 1,450.7 1,467.0
State 3 Yield per acre : Production

and ea, 1968 -§ 19691/? ip I/ ? 1968 $1969 1/ } 19701/
3 Pounds 1,000 pounds

Vae : 2,320 2,325 3,060 236,640 237,150 312,120
N. Ce 22,075 2,055 2,670 346,525 343,185 445,890
ee ee 72,268 2,157 2,818 583,165 580,335 758,010
S.C. 2 1,625 1,550 1,880 20,800 20,150 25, 94h
Ga. 2: 1,880 1,885 2,220 934,360 946,270 1,125,540
Fla. : 1,680 1,605 2,075 85,680 85,065 109,975
Ala. : 1,360 1,525 1,660 246,160 285,175 315,400
Miss. ' : 600 600 1,100 1,200 1,200 400
Total (Se Be 1,732,767 2,059 2,288,200 1,337,860 1,581,259
Okla. : 1,880 1,700 1,655 227,480 204,000 191,980
Texas : 1,450 1,310 1,405 426,300 389, 070 429 ,930
Ne Mex. :_ 2,240 2,270 2,230 17,696 17,479 18,286
Total (S- We f 1,588 1,438 1,488 671,476 610,549 640,196
U.S. : L,7TL 1,783 2,031 2,542,841 2,528,744 2,979,465
1/ Revised.

CROP PRODUCTION, April 1971

Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA


crop production |

(— Release: >)
April 9, 1971

3:00 P.M. EST

HIGHLIGHTS OF U, S, CROP REPORT AS OF APRIL1, 1971

Citrus production is slightly more than last month and expected to be 8 percent
more than last season, Increased production of oranges and grapefruit
more than offset reductions for lemons and Florida temples,

Orange production is forecast at 198.1 million boxés, 1, 0 million boxes (0.5 per-
cent) more than March 1, and 6,7 percent above last season's production,
Prospects increased from March 1 in California and Texas but are down
slightly in Arizona,

Grapefruit production is placed at 58, 8 million boxes, 1,4 million boxes (2,4
percent) more than last month and 9,1 percent above the 1969-70 crop.
Increases in Florida and Texas more than offset reduced prospects in
California. :

Lemon production, at 16.8 million boxes, is 1. 0 million boxes (5.6 percent)
less than March 1, but 8.2 percent above last season.

Early spring potato production, at 4.4 million cwt,, is 7 percent less than last
year.

Late spring potato acreage, at 82,600 acres, is 2 percent more than the 1970
acreage,

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
STATISTICAL REPORTING SERVICE CROP REPORTING BOARD
\ Cr Pr 2-2(4-71) WASHINGTON, D.C. 20250 S/S



UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
STATISTICAL REPORTING SERVICE
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20250

POSTAGE & FEES PAID
OFFICIAL BUSINESS United States Department of Agriculture

PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE, $300

FIRST-CLASS MAIL

PASTURE
Condition April 1

State Average : : Average :

: 1960-69 : 1970 : 1960-69 :1970 , 1971
: Percent 3 Percent
N. J. : 80 79 77 79 Wis)
: : 76 76 5
: : 68 72 70
Ohio : 83 84 2 66 67 2
Ind. : 86 86 : 73 76 16
Ill. : 86 85 : 69 75 B
: : 72 77 64
: : 69 77 ho
Mo. : 79 77 :
Kans. : 79 83 :
: : 77 87 19
: + 72 73 52
Del. 2 «682 85 > 85 80 Th
Md. > 81 80 > 85 85 87
Va. 2 «78 81 : 81 87 82
W. Va. 2 76 72 > 86 89 80
N.C. 81 84 : 84 88 Te
S.C. 2 75 78 + 8L 87 9
Ga. : 75 80 :
Fla. 2 74 71 :
z 30 States t 77 78 7
CROP PRODUCTION, Aprii 1971 12 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA

# U.S, GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1971 431-845/SE5-160


IRISH POTATOES

Seasonal “Acreage 3: Yield per harvested acre
group and Harvested : Indicated : g : Indicated
State ise9: 1970: 1971 =: 1969 =, 1979 .  s97
1,000 acres Cwt.
WINTER:
Florida 11.0 10.3 10.6 180 158 ks
California 8.8 8.5 7.1 210 230 220
Total 19.8 18.8 17.7 193 191 173
EARLY SPRING:
Florida-Hastings : 26,3 24.5 23.2 185 165 160
-Other : 3.1 1.9 2.4 135 140 130
Texas 3.1 3,2 3.8 130 140 100
Total 32.5 29.6 29.4 175 161 150
LATE SPRING:
N.C.-8 N.E. Counties 10.0 10.0 10.0 135 1A5 May 10
-Other Counties 2.4 2.4 2.4 120 135 "
Alabama : 10.0 7.9 8.7 112 130 "
Mississippi 2.5 2.5 2.3 80 85 "
Arkansas 1.8 1.4 14 70 65 "
Louisiana 3.0 2.6 2.6 75 1 "
Texas 5.0 4.8 5.0 100 120 "
Arizona : 12.8 11.3 10.3 230 2ho “
California 41.0 38.2 39.9 _ 355 380. "
Total 2 88.5 81.1 82.6 241 260 w
Seasonal group + Production
and State 1969 A 1970 3. Indicated 1971
1,000 ewt.
WINTER:
Florida 1,980 1,627 1,537
California 1,848 1,955 1,562
Total 3,628 3,582 3,099
EARLY SPRING:
Florida-Hastings 4,866 4,043 3,712
Other 418 266 312
Texas 403 448 380
Total : 5,687 4,757 Thon
LATE SPRING: z
N.C.-8 N.E. Counties : 1,350 1,450 May 10
-Other Counties : 288 32k "
Alabama 2 1,120 1,027 "
Mississippi : 200 213 “
Arkansas : 126 gL ad
Louisiana z 225 195 «
Texas : 500 576 "
Arizona 2 2,944 2,712 "
California : 14,555 14,516 "
Total : 21,308 21,104 "

CROP PRODUCTION, April 1971 pan Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA


average and a year earlier. Most Western States reported condition less than both average
and a year earlier. Western States reporting April 1 conditions ranged from Utah with 2 per-
centage points more than both a year ago and average, to New Mexico with 21 points below a
year ago and 20 points below average.

PEANUTS: ‘The revised peanut crop for 1970, at 2,979 million pounds (net weight) was nearly 18

percent above 1969, and the largest of record. A yield per acre of 2,031 pounds in
1970 exceeded the previous high in 1968 by 260 pounds. The downward revision in production
from the preliminary December estimate is less than half of one percent.

Acreage harvested for mits totaled 1,467,000 acres in 1970 -~ 16,300 acres more than in
1969. Acres planted alone for all purposes totaled 1,518,300 acres, 11,000 more than a year
earlier. Acreage increased because growers were permitted to sell, lease, or transfer peanut
acreage allotments.

Tm the Virginia-North Carolina area a record production totaled 758 million pounds --
nearly 31 percent above the 1969 crop and 15 percent above the previous high in 1965. Yield
per acre averaged 2,818 pounds, 661 pounds above 1969, and 384 pounds above the 1966 record of
2,434. Acreage harvested for nuts at 269,000 acres was unchanged from a year earlier. Weather
favored growth and was nearly ideal for harvest.

Peanut production in the Southeast area is estimated at a record 1,581 million pounds --
18 percent above the previous record crop of 1,338 million pounds. Average yield per acre was
2,059 pounds, surpassing the old record by 228 pounds. All States in the Southeast had record
yields. Total production in both Georgia and Florida were at new highs, The acreage harvested
for nuts totaled 767,800 acres -- 10,800 acres more than a year earlier. Favorable weather
combined with new varieties and improved harvesting methods contributed to the record production.

The Southyestern peamut crop, eat 640 million pounds, was ubout 5 percent higher than 1969.
The yield per acre was 1,488 pounds -- 50 pounds above a year earlier. Acreage harvested for

nuts totaled 430,200 compared with 424,700 acres in 1969, Production in Texas was at a record
level -- exceeding the 1968 record by over 3 million pounds.

CROP REPORTING BOARD

CROP PRODUCTION, April 1971 8 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA



March was extremely dry over a huge section of the country -- precipitation was almost nil
in the Southwest, so that drought threatened both this region and southern Florida. Moisture
was also below normal over most other areas of the Nation, except in the Pacific Northwest,
Northern New England and e 6-State area from Louisiana to North Carolina, where precipitation was
above average.

High winds during mid-March caused dust storms, from the Southwest into the Central Great
Plains. The dry winds rapidly helped deplete topsoil moisture, and by April 1 many areas were
in urgent need of precipitation for plant growth. At Hays, Kansas, wind speeds remained at 65
m.p-h. or higher for three consecutive hours, gusting to 115 m.p.h.

Blizzards and widespread snow spread from the Northern Rockies to Georgia after mid-month.
The heaviest snow of the year hit the middle Atlantic States from Virginia to Georgia, causing
delays in field work. In many New England areas, seasonal snowfall was at record levels.

Texas completed its sixth consecutive month, receiving less than half the normal moisture.
The entire Southwest is in dire need of moisture to allow crop planting and growth, and to re-
plenish the short supply of irrigation water, but the outlook for irrigation water is excellent

in other Western areas.

Good Field Work Progress in North Central States

Field work on April 1 lagged behind the usual schedule in the Southern States. Cold weather
combined with heavy March precipitation delayed land preparation and spring planting. However,
some corn was planted across the South from Texas to South Carolina. ‘Tobacco transplanting was
active from Florida into the Carolinas as April began, but cool, windy and wet conditions have
been unfavorable on acreage already planted. A few warm, dry days will increase farming activity
in the South. Planting of cotton and sorghum is ahead of last year in Texas; however, growers
are hoping for rain to aid germination and growth.

Drying soils allowed farmers to get a good headstart on plowing, disking and early spring
planting in the Middle Atlantic and North Central States. Plowing for corn and soybeans was in
progress by April 1 in Southern Corn Belt areas. Oats seeding made excellent headway and was
well ahead of last year in most areas. Some Ohio farmers planted a few fields of corn in an
attempt to escape possible blight damage later this year. Farmers in the northern areas from
South Dakota to the Great Lakes are waiting for the frost to leave the ground. Farming should
be active by mid-April in this area.

Field work got off to a fast start in the Central and Northern Rocky Mountain States; how-
ever, interruptions because of wind and rain were frequent. Weather conditions did not favor
land preparation and plant growth which got off to a slow start by April 1 in the Pacific North-
west. Planting of California crops progressed well because of dry field conditions in the
southern part of the State. Irrigation continues where water is available.

Winter Wheat Prospects Variable

The dry areas of Texas and Oklahoma received very little precipitation during March, and
winter wheat prospects declined in this area. Elsewhere, wheat generally was in good condition
although more moisture was needed in parts of Missouri, Kansas, Colorado and the Southwest.
Cool temperatures in March, especially east of the Mississippi River, slowed growth and develop-
ment.

Kansas wheat wes growing on April 1 but still lacked top growth in many areas. Light pre-
cipitation and high winds during March depleted topsoil moisture in many western, south central
and southeastern counties. Central and other eastern areas had mostly adequate moisture. Wheat
padily needs moisture in the major producing areas of Oklahoma. March precipitation was only a
fraction of normal and surface moisture was very short in the western two-thirds of the State.
Extremely dry weather continued through March in much of Texas as precipitation was generally
less than one-fourth of normal. Dryland wheat critically needed moisture.

Winter wheat in Colorado was generally in good condition although some areas needed
moisture. The dryland crop in New Mexico is in fair condition but needs more moisture.

Fell seeded grains wintered well in Nebraska. There has been some greening, but cool
weather slowed plant development. Winter wheat in South Dakota also was in good condition.

CROP PRODUCTION, April 1971 y Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA


GENERAL CROP SUMMARY AS OF APRIL 1, 1971

The prolonged drought in the Southwest became more severe during March according to the
Crop Reporting Board. On April 1, the dry area extended from Texas westward into southern
California. The western two-thirds of Texas and southwestern Oklahoma are hardest hit vy the
ary weather. Moisture is needed for winter wheat development and for planting and growth of
spring crops and pastures. The April 1 condition of pasture, at 71 percent of normal, for the
United States is a record low for the date, with conditions poorest in Texas.

March was cold over most of the country, with precipitation below normal in most regions
except the South and Northwest. Field work is off to a fast start in the North Central States,
but wet soils slowed progress in the South and Northwest. Dust storms were common in the South-
west and Central Great Plains during March.

The Nation's 1970-71 citrus production is expected to be 8 percent above last year and is
up slightly from March 1. Cold weather in the South delayed peach blooming. ‘The early spring
potato and vegetable crop output are both forecast below the last two years. Early spring potato
production is forecast 7 percent below last year, with early spring vegetables 8 percent less.

Peach Bloom Delayed by Cold Weather

Peach trees in the southern States wintered well and generally received ample chilling hours
to break dormancy. Cold weather retarded bloom one to two weeks in most areas. Freezing tempera-
tures, occurring when some trees were in bloom, caused some damage in the Southern States, ex-
cept in Mississippi. The cold weather damage differs by area, variety, and between orchards,
but it is too early to evaluate the extent of the damage. Orchards in Arkansas and Southern
Texas need moisture.

Merch temperatures in California generally favored development of deciduous fruit and mt
crops. However, freezing temperatures during the first week of the month caused varying damage
to early varieties of almonds and some minor damage to early varieties of plums, apricots,
nectarines, pears and freestone peaches.

Total citrus production is expected to be 8 percent more than a year earlier and slightly
sbove last month. California and Texas oranges and Florida and Texas grapefruit increased from
a month earlier, more than offsetting reductions in Arizona oranges and California grapefruit and
lenons.

Less Early Spring Fresh Vegetables and Potatoes

Production of early spring fresh vegetables is forecast 8 percent less than last year and 3
percent below 1969. Smaller crops than last year are expected for snap beans, cabbage, cauli-
flower, sweet corn, cucumbers, lettuce, and onions. Early spring broccoli and tomato production
is expected to be more than a year earlier.

Early spring potato production is forecast 7 percent below last year, and 23 percent below
1969. However, late spring potato acreage is expected to be up 2 percent from last year.

March Dry and Cold

March temperatures averaged below normal over most of the Nation. The South was extremely
cold and temperatures were mostly 3 to 6 degrees below normal. But, above normal averages were
common from the Southwest quarter of the country northward into Montana and Minnesota.

The month was rather typical -- temperatures ranged widely and changed frequently. Extreme-
ly cold weather gripped the Nation the first week of March, but by the second week, readings were
well above normal, except along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. ‘Third week temperatures were
near normal, but record lows were set in Florida. March ended extremely hot in the Southwest,
with record high temperatures set for this early in the season in Arizona, Texas and Oklahoma.
Readings of over 100 degrees were registered in Texas and Oklahoma. In the eastern half of the
Nation, March ended as it began, with cold temperatures.

CROP PRODUCTION, April 1971 3 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA


CITRUS FRUITS, PRODUCTION 1/

Crop ; 1968-69} 1969-70 I pe L
: 1,000 boxes
Oranges : 183,880 185,660 197,100 198,100
Grapefruit : 54,170 53,910 57,400 58,800
Lemons $ 15,810 15,520 17,800 16,800

if Season begins
tion of harvest the following year.

with the bloom of the first year shown and ends with the comple-

IRISH POTATOES

3 Acreage a pe: 2 A Production
“group? Ev.2for hav i970 #-—ted- JOT.
Sroup _: 1970 : 1972 : Mer. 1: Apr. 1
3: 1,000 acres 1,000 cwt.
Winter : 18.8 = 17.7 193 1g) 175 3,828 = 3,582 3,170 3,099
E. Spring : 29.6 29.4 175 161 150 5,687 4,757 Aho
L. Spring: 81.1 82.6 2hl 260 May 10 21,308 21,104 May 10
PASTURE
: Average : :
Month i 1960-60 : 1970 : 1971
H Percent.
Condition April 1/ : TT 78 res
aw] Average for 30 States.
CROP REPORTING BOARD:
APPROVED: B, W. Kelly, Acting Chairman,
M, L. Koehn, Secretary,
J. R, Kendall, Cc, E. Burkhead,
J. E. Mullin, J. D. Witzig,
| ~ . J. R. Standley, B. L. Ross,
S. J. Pscodna, H,. F. Prindle,
G. H. Moody, Cc, O, Doescher,

J. S. Buche.

ACTING SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE

CROP PRODUCTION, April 1971

Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA