Most regions of the Nation received well below their normal amount of moisture in March, No rain
fell in the dry Southwest for the third consecutive month and drouth conditions are beginning to plague
the region for the second straight year, High winds combined with warm temperatures to rapidly deplete
the “already short" moisture supply in the West, Dust storms were common in local areas as winds of 40
to 50 m.p.h. whipped the Southwest and Great Plains; some gusts hit 100 m.p.h, in Wyoming, By April 1,
many U, S. regions were in urgent need of rain to stimulate germination and plant growth, Heavy
precipitation was scarce during March and good moisture was received only along the Canadian Border
from the Pacific Northwest to New England, plus Florida. Precipitation was below 50 percent of normal
from California eastward to Missouri and Arkansas,

As of March 1 the reservoir water supply in the 11 Western States was generally adequate for most
irrigated areas, Minor irrigation water shortages could occur in drouth-plagued Arizona, New Mexico,
and southern California,

ELELDWORK PROGRESSES WELL IN SOUTH AND SOUTHWEST

As of April 1, fieldwork progress was well ahead of normal in the Southern States where good
weather permitted farmers to plow, disk, and apply chemicals. Corn planting got underway across the
South, Texas growers have planted about half their corn acreage and are a few days ahead of last
spring. Cotton and sorghum planting were also earlier than last year in Texas, Tobacco growers in
Kentucky, Tennessee, and North Carolina were seeding plant beds. Transplanting tobacco was active in
Georgia and South Carolina.

In the North Atlantic and most North Central States, field activity was restricted by frozen or
wet fields during March, However, soil preparation for row crops is well along in the North Central
States as relatively "open" fall weather permitted farmers to accomplish more than the usual amount of
plowing and disking before winter. In contrast to delays in mich of the Corn Belt, fieldwork pro-
gessed unusually well in Kansas and Missouri. Oat seeding in Kansas was over four-fifths complete by
‘April 1 compared with about one-half complete a year earlier. A few fields of corn have been planted
in the southern part of the State, In Missouri two-thirds of the expected oat acreage has been seeded,

Considerable fieldwork was accomplistied in the central and northern Rocky Mountain States during
March, Small grain seeding was active in Colorado, Wyoming, and Washington by mid-month. Unseasonably
warm weather in early March hastened land preparation and cotton planting in Arizona and California.

In eastem Washington, fieldwork progressed rapidly during the month but in the western part of the
State soil preparation was confined to better-drained ground,

WINTER WHEAT GROWTH RAPID--MOISTURE NEEDED

Warm March temperatures got wheat off to an early spring start as thermometers hit the 80° mark as
far north as Nebraska, Maturity was advanced. Much of the Oklahoma wheat crop was jointing by April 1,
about 3 weeks ahead of normal. Overall condition of the U. S. crop ranged from fair to excellent.
April 1 crop prospects were mich better than last spring in both Texas and Oklahoma where this spring's
dry weather is not as serious as last year's drouth. Freezing weather the last week of March caused
light damage to grain acreage in the West and southern Great Plains, Strong winds caused dust storms
in the dry Southwest and Plains but rapid spring growth helped minimize crop damage, Growing conditions
were good on April 1 but a soaking rain would be extremely beneficial from the Great Plains to the
Pacific Ocean,

Kansas wheat fields were in good to excellent condition as warm weather got the crop off to a
fast start on the strength of last fall's moisture. Surface moisture was quite short in western and
central districts, Strong winds caused soil blowing but good ground cover minimized damage. Soil
moisture declined sharply in Oklahoma during March. The bulk of the wheat crop was making fair to
good progress but fields were under stress in dryer areas, Greenbugs were plentiful in southwest
Oklahoma and farmers have increased spraying activities. Wheat on the Texas Northern High Plains
is making good to excellent progress. However, growers are grazing out some dryland acreage on the
Low Plains and Southern High Plains because of soil moisture shortages,

Nebraska wheat greening was accelerated by warm temperatures. The crop outlook is generally good
in Colorado and Nebraska. Late month snows brought needed moisture to the dry soils in both States.

The Pacific Northwest, including Montana, was one wheat region where moisture supplies improved during
March. Mild spring weather enhanced crop growth. Washington wheat overwintered well and little reseed-
ing will be done. Dryland grain prospects are bleak in southern California and New Mexico. If sub-
stantial rainfall is not received shortly, considerable abandonment will likely occur.

CROP PRODUCTION, April 1972 5 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA


PEANUTS HARVESTED FOR NUTS

State z Kereage planted >
and 7 1969 1970} 97 1/ 1969 1971 1/
area: : : ae
: 1,000 acres
va. : 103 103 103 102 102 92
N.C. : 170 170 170 167 167 155
Total Va.- :
N.C. 273 273 273 269 269 247
S.C. : 13.5 14 ~~ 15.3 13 ~~ T3s8 “i
Ga. : 518 518 518 502 307 510
Fla. : 77 14 7% 53 53 54
Ala. : 192 195 199 18? 190 194
Miss. : 2 4 9.5 2 4 9.5
Total S.F. + 802.5 805 815.8. 757 767.8 a2
Okla. 223 22 122 120 116 119
Texas : 301 310 310 297 306 297
N. Mex. : 7.8 8.3 8.1 7.7 8.2 8
Total S. W. 2431.8 440.3 44001 426.7 430.2 2g
U.S. 2 1,507.3 1,518.3 _ 1,528.9 1,450.7. 1,467.0 1,453.5.
State A Yield per acre = TTT Production —
and : 1969 = 1970 * i971 a/ 1969 * 1970 : 1971 1/
area: : : : wt :
A Pounds 1,000 pounds
va. : 2,325 3,060 2,365 237,150 312,120 217,580
N.C. t 2,055 2,670 2,100 343,185 445,890 325,500
Total Va.- =:
N.C. : 2,157 2,818 21! 580,335 758,010
$s. Cc. : 1,550 1,880 2,000 20,150 25,944 30,000
Ga. : 1,885 2,220 23490 946,270 1,125,540 1,269,900
Fla. ’ 1,605 2,075 2,590 85,065 109,975 139,860
Ala, : 1,525 1,660 2,070 285,175 315,400 401,580
Miss. : 600 1,100 1,785 1,200 4,400 16,958
Total SE. : 1,767 2,059 23375 1,337,860 1,581,259 1,858,298
Okla. : T, 700 1,655 1, 840 206,000 191,980 218,960
Texas : 1,310 1,405 1,235 389,070 429,930 366,795
N. Mex. : 2,270 2,230 2,070 17,479 18,286 16,560
Total S.W.: 1,438 1,488 1,421 610,549 640,196 602,315
U.S. : 1,743 2,031 2,067 2,528,744 2,979,465 3,003,693

I/ Revised.

CROP PRODUCTION, April 1972 10 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA



Citrus Crop - Utilization to April 1

1970-71 F W7i-72
Utilization TRemaining! Utilization ?Remaining

crop nh? * otal ? fF + Fresh ' Processed’? ‘Total * , TOF
Fresl H rocesse ot : harvest : res) a Toe 2 :_ harvest

‘Thousand boxes

Oranges 24,182 89,542 113,724 76,936 «22,650 «72,612 «95,262 94,438
Grapefruit 17,785 «31,063 © 48,848 «11,832 18,241 28,276 © 46,517 16,983
Lemons + 5,346 4,626 9,772 6,678 «5,829 4954 = 10,783 «6,517

By the end of March, 95,3 million boxes of oranges or about one-half the U. S. crop had
been harvested, compared with 113.7 million boxes or 60 percent of the crop harvested a year
earlier, Processors had used 76 percent of the oranges harvested by April 1, compared with 79
percent a year earlier,

Grapefruit harvest was 73 percent complete by April 1, somewhat behind last April when 81
percent was harvested, To date, 61 percent of the crop harvested has been utilized by processors,
compared with 64 percent a year earlier,

About 62 percent of the lemons had been picked by April 1, while this time last year, 59
percent had been picked, Thus far, processors have utilized 46 percent of the crop, compared
with 45 percent by April 1 last year,

FLORUIDA FROZEN CONCENTRATED QRANGE JUICE YELL

Florida's April 1 maturity and juice yield
tests suggest a yield of 1,31 gallons of 45°
Brix frozen concentrated orange juice per box in the 1971-72 season, This is the same as pro-
jected last month and compares with last season's final yield of 1,21 gallons per box, This
indicated yield can differ from the final yield because of weather and decisions within the
citrus industry,

GRAPEFRUIT: The U, S. 1971-72 grapefruit crop is expected to total 63,5 million boxes, up 1.7

million boxes from the March 1 forecast. This is 5 percent more than last season's
harvest and 18 percent above the 1969-70 crop. Changes in the U. S. production between April 1
forecasts and final production have averaged 2.1 million boxes over the past seven seasons,
ranging from 0.9 to 4.1 million boxes,

Florida's crop is forecast at 45,7 million boxes, 1.7 million more than a month earlier,
7 percent above last season's output, and 22 percent above the 1969-70 level. Production
changes in Florida between the April 1 forecasts and final production over the past seven
seasons have averaged 1,5 million boxes--ranging from 0.4 to 3.6 million boxes, Picking con-
tinued at about 2 million boxes per week during March; however, by April 1 supplies were running
short and volume should decline sharply by mid-April. Groves are in excellent condition, having
received above normal precipitation during March, Trees were blooming by April 1 and should
reach full bloom during the first 2 weeks of the month, New growth is becoming abundant with
the advent of warmer temperatures and longer days.

The Texas crop is forecast at 10,2 million boxes, unchanged from the March 1 forecast, 0.1
million boxes more than last season, and one~fourth more than the 1969-70 output, Harvest was
moderately active during March and by April 1 was in seasonal decline, Picking should be com-
pleted in early May. Trees are in good condition and were in peak bloom about mid-March,
Irrigation water supplies are above average and prospects for next season's crop appear
favorable.

Arizona's grapefruit prospects remain at 2.4 million boxes, 120,000 boxes less than last
season and nearly one-fourth less than harvested in 1969-70, Harvest continued on a limited
basis during March. Quality has generally been good with about half the fruit harvested to
date going to export. Trees have put on a heavy new growth and were in full bloom on April 1.

California's grapefruit crop is placed at 5,2 million boxes, unchanged from last month
and 1 percent more than last season, Harvest in the Desert Valley was active during March
with most of the fruit going to processors, Movement of fresh fruit is expected to increase
during April and May, Harvest of the "Other Areas" crop is underway in both the Central Valley
and in southern CaTifornia, Some frost damage has been reported but fruit losses should be
minor, Sizes and quality are reported to be good,

CROP PRODUCTION, April 1972 7 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA


Grain crops were having problems in the South, Rust and mildew have hit many fields in south
Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and South Carolina. Highly infected fields were being plowed under in
Georgia. Small grains in other areas east of the Mississippi River were in basically good shape. Cold
weather slowed greening in some States. Winterkill was light; however, the usual number of low pockets
were drowned out during the winter.

PASTURE AND RANGE FEED PROSPECTS GOOD

Pasture and range feed conditions in the 37 States reporting on April 1 averaged 80 percent of
normal, Condition for the 30 States with comparable records for last year was 78 percent, 8 percentage
points above April 1, 1971, and 1 point above the 1961-70 average for the date.

Temperatures were below normal over most of the Nation in late March. Ground water and moisture
were adequate except in southern and central California and part of Arizona where it was extremely dry
for this time of year. Conditions in Oklahoma and Texas were greatly improved over the droughty con-
dition of 1971.

Reported pasture and range feed conditions ranged from a low of 58 percent in California to a high
of 9% in Idaho. The reported condition in California was the lowest since 196L. Conditions in the North
Cental States averaged about the same as a year earlier. In most South Atlantic and all South Central
States conditions were above last April 1, with Texas up 30 points and Oklahoma up 14 points.

ek Rk

ORANGES: The Nation's 1971-72 orange crop, as of April 1, is forecast at 189.7 million boxes, unchanged

from a month earlier, slightly less than last season, but 2 percent more than the 1969-70 crop.
Over the past seven seasons, the April } orange forecasts have differed from actual production an average
of 4,0 million boxes, ranging from 0.9 to 7.4 million boxes.

Prospective production of oranges in Florida is placed at 136.0 million boxes, the same as the
March I forecast, 4 percent below last season,and 1 percent less than the 1969-70 crop. In the past
seven seasons, Florida's April 1 forecasts have differed from actual production an average of 4.3 million
boxes, ranging from 0.7 to 7.7 million boxes. Harvest of early and mid-season varieties was complete
at the end of March except for smali amounts from the East Coast. Valencia harvest is underway but
peak movement is not expected until after mid-April,

Grove conditions are excellent as above normal moisture was received during March in most areas.
High winds accompanied some of the rains. Valencia orange’ losses due to winds have been extremely low.
Orange trees began blooming the last 10 days of March and reached full bloom about April 1. Bloom con-
dition appeared to be normal and with an excellent, uniform bloom population on the trees. New growth
becoming more abundant with the arrival of warmer temperatures and longer days.

California's orange production is placed at 43.0 million boxes, unchanged from last month, 11 per-
cent al ve last season, and 10 percent more than the 1969-70 crop. Harvest of the Navel and miscellaneous
crop was 63 percent complete by April 1. Fruit condition and color were holding well. Picking the
Valencia crop was just getting underway by April 1. Fruit quality was good but sizes are generally
smaller than normal. Bloom for new crop of oranges in California was generally good in all areas and
escaped damage from the recent cold weather.

Production of Texas oranges is forecast at 6,0 million boxes, unchanged from the March 1 forecast,
0.2 million boxes less than last season, but 1.8 million boxes larger than the 1969-70 crop. Harvest of
the early and mid-season crop was essentially complete by April 1 and was declining seasonally for
Valencias. Trees are in good condition. Peak bloom occurred about mid-March and heavy showers prior
to bloom brought on a heavy, uniform bloom set in contrast to the intermittent set last year, Irrigation
water supplies are above average and prospects for next year's orange crop are now very favorable.

Arizona's 1971-72 orange crop is placed at 4.7 million boxes, the same as last month, 1.1 million
boxes above last season, and slightly more than harvested in 1969-70. Harvest of Navels and miscellan-
eous varieties is complete. Picking of Valencias is in full swing in both the Yuma and Salt River Valley
areas. Freezing weather occurred during the winter but loss of Valencias is expected to be very light.
Groves are generally in good to excellent condition and most trees had reached or passed full Wioom by
April 1,

CROP PRODUCTION, April 1972 6 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA


PASTURE AND RANGE FEED: Pasture and range feed conditions in the 37 States reporting on April 1
~~ averaged 80 percent of normal. For the 30 States having comparable re-
cords for last year and the 10-year average, the condition was 78 percent. This is 8 percentage
points above Apr. 1, 197land 1 percentage point above the 1961-70 average for the date. Temper-
atures were below normal over most of the Nation in late March. Ground water and moisture was
generally good except in south and central California and part of Arizona where it was extremely
dry for this time of year. Conditions in Oklahoma and Texas were greatly improved over last
year when drouth prevailed.

Reported pasture and range feed conditions ranged from a low of 58 percent in California to
a high of 94 in Idaho. The reported condition in California was the lowest since 1961. Con-
ditions in the North Central States averaged close to a year earlier, Most South Atlantic and
all South Central States were improved from last April 1, with the Texas average up 30 percentage
points and Oklahoma up 14 points.

PEANUTS: ‘The revised peanut crop for 1971 of nearly 3,004 million pounds {net weight) was almost
1 percent above the previous years record large crop. A yield per harvested acre of 2,067
pounds in 1971 exceeded the 1970 record high yield by 36 pounds. The 1971 revised production
is less than one-half of 1 percent above the estimate released in the Annual Crop Summary in
January 1972.

Acres planted alone for all purposes in the 10 producing States totaled 1,528,900, up 10,600
acres from a year earlier. Acreage harvested for nuts totaled 1,453,500 acres in 1971, 13,500
acres less than in 1970, The drop. in harvested acres was due to heavy abandonment caused by
extremely wet conditions at harvesttime in the Virginia-North Carolina area, and dry weather
during the growing season in parts of Texas and Oklahoma.

In the Virginia-North Carolina area production was 543 million pounds, off 28 percent from
the record 758 million pounds produced in 1970. Yield was 2,199 pounds per acre, 619 pounds
less than 1970. Acreage harvested for nuts in 1971 totaled 247,000 acres, down 22,000 acres from
the year before. A tropical storm crossed over the major peanut area at harvésttime, causing
heavy damage to the crop.

Peanut production in the Southeast area is estimated at a record 1,858 million pounds,
nearly 18 percent above the previous record in 1970. A record yield of 2,375 pounds exceeded
the 1970 record yield by 316 pounds. All five States in the Southeast area had record yields
while productionin Georgia and Florida set new highs. Acreage harvested totaled 782,500 acres,
14,700 above the previous year. The increase in hatvested acres, favorable weather, and greater
use of higher yielding varieties contributed to the record crop for the area.

. The Southwestern peanut crop, at 602 million pounds, was 6 percent less than 1970. The 1971
yield per acre was 1,421 pounds, down 67 pounds from a year earlier. Acreage harvested for nuts

totaled 424,000 acres compared with 430,200 acres in 1970. Dry weather early in the season
caused extensive abandonment in Texas and reduced yields over the area.

CROP REPORTING BOARD

CROP PRODUCTION, April 1972 9 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA


crop production

(— Release:

April 10, 1972
3:00 P.M. EST

HIGHLIGHTS OF U. S. CROP REPORT AS OF APRIL 1, 1972

Citrus production is 0.6 percent more than last month and is expected to
be 0.9 percent more than last season, All the increase from last
month is for Florida grapefruit.

Orange production is forecast at 189,7 million boxes, unchanged from
March 1, and 1.0 million boxes (0.5 percent) below last season's
production.

Grapefruit production is placed at 63.5 million boxes, 1.7 million boxes
(2.8 percent) more than last month, and 2.8 million boxes (5 percent)
above the 1970-71 crop. Prospects increased in Florida but were
unchanged in all other States.

Lemon production, at 17,3 million boxes is unchanged from last month but
0.9 million boxes (5 percent) more than last season.

Early spring potato production of 4.0 million cwt, is 0.3 million cwt.
(7 percent) more than last year but 0.8 million ewt. (16 percent)
less than 1970.

Late spring potato acreage, at 70,600 acres for harvest, is 9 percent less
than last year and 13 percent less than 1970,

UNITED STATES DEPARYMENT OF AGRICULTURE
STATISTICAL REPORTING SERVICE CROP REPORTING BOARD
Nae Cr Pr 2-2 (4-72) WASHINGTON, D.C. 20250

7



IRISH POTATOES

Seasonal Acreage Yield per acre
group ____.
and ___Harvested 7 indi= =
State 1970 1971 : cated : 1970
_ + 1972
Cwt.
Minter:
Fla. 10.3 10.9 10.0 158 140 145 1,627 1,526 1,450
Calif. 8.5 71 5.7 230 220 170 1,955 1,562 969
Total 18,8 18,0 15.7 191 172 154 3,582 3,088 2,419
Early Spring:
Fla.-Hastings 24.5 23.0 21.0 165 132 160 4,043 3,036 3,360
Other 1.9 2.4 2.2 140 125 130 266 300 286
Texas 3.2 3.8 2.8 140 105 125 448 399 350
Total 29.6 29,2 26.0 161 128 154 4,757 3,735 3,996
Late Spring:
N.C.-8 N.E. Co. 10.0 9.6 8.8 145 150 May 111,450 1,440 May 12
~Other Co, 2.4 2.2 2.2 135 130 " 324 286 ”
Ala. 7.9 8.7 9.0 130 11s " 1,027 1,001 "
Miss, 2.5 2.0 2.0 85 85 " 213 170 "
Ark. LA 14 1.4 65 65 ” 91 91 "
La. 2.6 2.7 2.9 75 70 " 195 189 "
Texas 4.8 5.0 4.8 120 100 " 576 500 "
Ariz. 11.3 10.1 8.3 240 280 " 2,712 2,828 "
Calif. 38.2 36.2 431.2 380 370 ” 14,516 1/13,394 "
Total 81.1 1249 10.6, 260 255 Mo 21,104 19,399 "

*® Does not include acreage classified as early summer that was included in the intended acreage for

planting reported earlier..

1/ Does not include 1,369,000 hundredveight not harvested because of economic conditions.

CROP PRODUCTION, April 1972

12

Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA


CITRUS FRUITS, PRODUCTION 1/

Crop and State : 1969-70? 1970-71 Seger 1969-70} 1970-71 cf erie ee
: 1,000 boxes 2/ Equivalent tons
NAVEL VARIETIES: 3/ t
Calif. : 21,200 17,900 22,000 795,000 671,000 825,000
Fla. 2 72,900 82,100 69,000, 3,281,000 3,695,000 3,105,000
Texas t 2,800 4,000 3,800 126,000 180,000 171,000
Ariz. t 990 760 800 37,100 28,500 30,000
Total Above Varieties :__97,890 104,760 95,600 4,239,100 4,574,500 4,131,000.
: 17,800 20,700 21,000 668,000 776 ,000 788,000
+ 64,800 60,200 67,000 2,916,000 2,709,000 3,015,000
: 1,400 2,200 2,200 63,000 99,000 99,000
Ariz. : 3,640 2,800 3,900 137,000 105,000 146,000
Total Valencias 2 87,640 85,900 94,100 3,784,000 _ 3,689,000 4,048,000.
ALL ORANGES: :
Calif. z 39,000 38,600 43,000 1,463,000 1,447,000 1,613,000
Fla. + 137,700 142,300 136,000 6,197,000 6,404,000 6,120,000
Texas : 4,200 6,200 6,000 189,000 279,000 270,000
Ariz. : 4,630 3,560 4,700 174,100 133,500 176,000
U. S., All Oranges + 185,530 190,660 __189.700_ 8,023,100 _ 8,263,500 8,179,000
GRAPEFRUIT: :
> ALL : 37,400 42,900 45,700 1,590,000 1,824,000 1,943,000
Seedless : 27,900 31,100 35,000 1,186,000 1,322,000 1,488,000
Pink : 10,200 10,900 12,000 434,000 463,000 510,000
White : 17,700 20,200 23,000 752,000 859,000 978,000
Other 2 9,500 11,800 10,700 404,000 502,000 455,000
Texas : 8,100 10,100 10,200 324,000 404,000 408,000
Ariz. z 3,160 2,520 2,400 101,000 80,600 76,800
Calif., All : 5,250 5,160 5,200 171,500 168,700 169,000
Desert Valleys z 2,950 3,260 3,200 94,400 105,000 102,000
Other Areas : 2,300 1,900 2,000 77,100 63,700 67,000
U. S., All Grapefruit 253,910 60,680 __ 63,500 2,186 500 2,477,300 2,596,800
LEMONS: 4/ :
Calif. (Nov.1-Oct. 31) : 12,700 13,500 483,000 513,000
Calif. (Aug.1-July 31) : 12,300 13,300 146,000 468,000 506 ,000 532,000
Ariz. : 2,820 3,150 3,300 107 ,000 120,000 125,000
U. S. Lemons 115,120 16,450 17,300 ___575,000____626,000___ 657,000
TANGELOS: :
Fla. : 2,500 2,700 3,800 _113,000 122,000___171,000
TANGERINES: :
Fla. 2 3,000 3,700 3,300 143,000 176,000 157,000
Ariz. : 350 390 300 13,100 14,600 11,300
Calif. : 760 800 600 28,500 30,000 22,500
Total Tangerines t 4,110 4,890 4,200 184,600 220,600 190,800
TEMPLES: :
Fla. 3 5,200. 5,000 5,500 234,000 225,000 248,000

1/ The crop year begins with the bloom of the first year shom and ends with completion of harvest the
following year, 2/ Net content of box varies. Approximate averages are as follows: Oranges - Califor-
nia 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 lba.; 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. 4/ Beginning with the 1971-72 crop, the
crop year for California lemons was changed from (November 1~October 31) to (August 1-July 31) of each
year. Data for prior years are presented on both the new and old basis.

CROP PRODUCTION, April 1972 2 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA



LEMONS: Lemon production in California and Arizona is forecast at 17.3 million boxes, unchanged
from last month, 5 percent more than last sesson, and 14 percent above the 1969-70 crop.
Harvest is complete in Arizona. Generally mild spring weather prevailed during most of March in
California, aiding fruit in sizing. By April 1 more normal-size lemons were being delivered to
the packinghouses. The fruit is expected to increase in size and improve in quality during April.

TANGELOS: Florida's tangelo production, now completely harvested, remains at 3.8 million boxes,
1.1 million more than last season,

TANGERINES: The U. S. tangerine crop, completely harvested, is estimated at 4,2 million boxes,
unchanged from last month but 14 percent less than last season,

TEMPLES: In Florida, a crop of 5.5 million boxes is expected, unchanged fron March 1 and 0.5 mil-
lion more than last season. Harvest was nearing completion on April 1 with nearly 90
percent of the crop picked. Trees were in full bloom on April 1.

POTATOES: Production of early spring potatoes is forecast at 3,996,000 cwt., 7 percent more than
last year's 3,735,000 cwt. but 16 percent less than the 1970 crop of 4,757,000 cwt.

The Hastings, Florida, crop is estimated at 3,360,000 cwt., 11 percent more than the
3,036,000 cwt. harvested in 1971. in the "Other" Florida area, production is forecast at 286,000
cwt. compared with 300,000 cwt. last year. Production for Texas is placed at 350,000 cwt., 12
percent less than last year.

Heavy rains in the Hastings, Florida area during late March caused some washing of beds.
Light harvesting started in early April and digging should increase to volume levels about mid-
month. Harvesting of white types is underway in the lighlands-Manatee-Hillsborough area and
reds are scheduled for digging after mid-April. Heavy rains in Texas caused abandonment of some
acreage during March.

The late spring crop is estimated at 70,600 acres for harvest in 1972, 9 percent less than
the 77,900 acres harvested last year and 13 percent less than the 81,100 acres harvested in 1970,

The 1972 California late spring crop ig estimated at 31,200 acres compared with 36,200 acres
harvested in 1971 and 38,200 in 1970. Note: The 1972 late spring acreage for California ex-
cludes acreage classified as early summer that was included with the acreage intended for planting
reported earlier.

Harvest is expected to get underway in Kern County by late April with volume movement start-
ing about May 1. Vines were burned back by the freeze in late March but production probably will
not be materially affected.

Reductions in acreage from a year ago are also indicated for North Carolina, Texas and
Arizona, A small increase in the acreage for 1972 is estimated for the Baldwin area of Alabama
and for Louisiana. In the Baldwin area completion of planting was delayed until about March 1 by
wet weather. Weather has been very favorable for the Frio County, Texas, crop. Harvest is ex-
pected to begin about mid-April, earlier than usual.

Production for the winter crop is estimated at 2,419,000 ewt., down 2 percent from the
March 1 forecast and 22 percent less than 1971 production.

In Florida, harvesting of reds and whites is expected to continue into May. About 65 percent

of the crop remains to be harvested after April 1 compared with 60 percent on the corresponding
1971 date. Harvest of California's winter crop was virtually completed by April 1.

CROP PRODUCTION, April 1972 8 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA


CROP REPORT SUMMARY AS OF APRIL 1, 1972

Hot, dry, windy weather continued to deplete moisture supplies in the southwest and southern
Great Plains, according to the Crop Reporting Board. On April 1, the dry area extended from
southern California eastward into Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. However, moisture supplies are
above last spring's drouth conditions in both Texas and Oklahoma. Record high temperatures got
wheat growth off to a rapid start; crop development is as much as 3 weeks ahead of normal.
Rain is needed over much of the Nation to aid grain growth and provide moisture for spring plant-
ing. Little rainfall during March allowed farmers to get an early start on spring fieldwork.
Cotton farmers started planting this year's crop late in the month. Some corn was planted as
far North as Kansas.

The Nation's 1971-72 citrus production is expected to be 0.9 percent more than last year and
up 0.6 percent from March 1, Freezing temperatures in the West during the last week of March
caused extensive damage to some deciduous fruit crops. The early spring vegetable crop is forecast
5 percent below last year. Early spring potato production is up 7 percent from last year.

Western Deciduoug Fruit Hit by Freeze

Temperatures in the teens and low twenties in many western fruit growing areas during the
last week of March caused extensive damage to some crops. Fruit trees were blooming well ahead of
usual since above normal temperatures had prevailed. Orchards were damaged from Washington and
California across the Rocky Mountains to northern Texas and Oklahoma. The extent of damage has
not been determined at this time. Freezing temperatures nipped some peach orchards in North and
South Carolina during the third week of March. By the end of March, peaches were in full bloom
in the Southern States.

In California temperatures during the first 3 weeks of March were above normal but dipped to
below normal the last week. Development of most deciduous fruit, nut, and grape crops was about
10 days ahead of normal. Young growth in vineyarés and orchards was susceptible to frost damage
and on March 26 and 27 freezing temperatures hit major producing districts throughout California.
Damage was generally light in most tree fruits and nut crops. Grapes, particularly raisin variet-
fes in the San Joaquin Valley, suffered light to moderate damage with some growers reporting a
complete loss.

Total citrus production is expected to be 0.9 percent more than a year earlier and 0.6 per-
cent more than last month. The increase in due to a slightly larger crop forecast for Florida
grapefruit.

Less garly Spring Fresh Market Vegetables but More Potatoes

Production of early spring fresh vegetables is forecast 5 percent less than last year and 6
percent below 1970. Smaller crops than last year are expected for snap beans, cauliflower, sweet
corn, lettuce, onions, and tomatoes. Early spring broccoli and cucumber production is expected
to be more than a year ago. No change is indicated for cabbage production.

Early spring potato production is forecast 7 percent above last year but 16 percent below
1970. Late spring potato acreage is expected to be 9 percent less than in 1971.

MARCH WARM AND DRY

March came in like a lamb but went out like a lion in many parte of the Nation. lemperatures
during the first three weeks were balmy and weekly averages ranged up to 25° above normal in some
areas of the West. In many States farmers started spring work.

March temperatures were below normal only in a small area from Minnesota and Iowa into the
Northeast, the Appalachian Mountain region, and west Florida. Temperatures in the Great Plains
and Southwest were 3° to 9° above normal.

The balmy weather came to a halt the last 6 days of the month. An early spring storm brought
freezing weather to the West and severly damaged fruit crops as far east as Kansas. Thermometers
dropped to the teens and low twenties in Utah orchards on six consecutive nights. A late winter
storm dumped heavy snow from Montana to the Great Lakes. This halted fieldwork, but the melting
snow will improve topsoil moisture. All was not calm on the warm aide of this storm as rain,
thunderstorms, hail, strongwinds, and tornadoes occurred south to the Gulf of Mexico.

CROP PRODUCTION, April 1972 4 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA


PASTURE AND RANGE FEED CONDITIONS *
April 1, 1972

PERCENT

OF NORMAL
80 and over Good to excellent x
65 to 80 ZZ Poor to fair Se)

50 to 65 GRY Very poor
35 to 50 EGBG Severe drought
[1] Not estimated

‘SAS REPORTED BY
(CROP CORRESPONDENTS

INDICATES CURRENT SUPPLY OF FEED FOR GRAZING ON NON-IRRIGATED PASTURES AND RANGES
RELATIVE TO THAT EXPECTED FROM EXISTING STANDS UNDER VERY FAVORABLE WEATHER CONDITIONS

UsS. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE NEG. SRS 287-72 (4) STATISTICAL REPORTING SERVICE

April 1 Pasture ane Range Feed Condition, as Percent of Normal, by States

: Average
1 1961-70,

Percent :
H. J. 82 73 : 77 75 79
: 68 68 78
: : 67 70 75
Ohio 2 §3 83 78 174 74 82
Ind. : 87 85 88 : 69 72 80
Tl. > 87 35 36 : 76 66 380
: 2 71 46 76

Towa 1/  ? 87 :
Mo. ~  o: 80 80 79 : 32
N. Dakeqyt 83 : 94
S. Dak.T/ : 84 : 8
Nebr. 1/ : 82 : 78 79 72
Kans. 7 79 81 31 174 63 75
Del. > 83 31 75 : 79 69 70
Md. > 81 80 75 : aL 83 8
Va. : 80 81 86 : 78 81 84
W. Va. : 76 73 79 2 83 79 87
N.C. + 82 82 85 : 82 78 8s
S.C. 77 75 83 : 80 73 58

Ga. 77 74 82 :
Fla. 2 7b 66 80 States2/: 77 70 78
Ky. 1 70 78 86 3:37 States”; 80.

J/ Comparable data prior to 1972 not available.
?/ 30 States for which compazabie data are available fer average, 197] and 1972.

CROP PRODUCTION, April 1972 3 Crop Renertine Board, SRS, USDA


UNITED STATES CROP SUMMARY AS OF APRIL 1, 1972
CITRUS FRUITS, PRODUCTION 1/
Crop 1969-70 > 1970-71 Indicated 1971-72

Hy _. : : March 1 : April 1
A 1,000 boxes
Oranges : 185,530 190 ,660 189,700 189,700
Grapefruit : 53,910 60,680 61,800 63,500
Lemons : 15,120 16,450 17,300 17,300

17 Season begins with the bloom of the first year shown and ends with the
completion of harvest the following year.

IRISH POTATOES

Seasonal Acreage :Yield per harv. acre: Production
:_ Harvested —:For harv: : : Ind. : : Ind. 1972
group ya7osis7t: 1972, 1979; 1971. 97: 1970 21971 a Teapre
1,000 acres Cut. 1,000 cwt.
Winter :18.8 18.0 15.7 191 172 154 3,582 3,088 2,476 2,419
9.6 29.2 26.0 161 128 154 4,757 3,735 3,996
381.1 77.9 70.6 260 255 May 11 21,104 19,899 May 11
PASTURE AND RANGE
a
: Percent
Condition April 1/ : 77 70 78

17 Average for 30 States.

CROP REPORTING BOARD:
B. M. Graham, Chairman,
APPROVED: M. L. Koehn, Secretary,

B. W. Kelly, Cc. E. Burkhead,

CLEVE erden. J. E. Mullin, R. R. Hancock,
A. A. Marburger, S. J. Pscodna,

4 . G. H. Moody, J. R. Standley.

ACTING SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE

CROP PRODUCTION, April 1972 2 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA