CROP PRODUCTION, December 1964 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA

CITRUS: The 1964-65 orange crop is forecast at 113 million boxes, up 22
percent from last year although 8 percent below average. ‘The in-
crease is primarily in Florida, although Texas also shows greater production
then last season. The U. S. forecast for Early, Midseason, and Navel
varieties is 58.1 million boxes--31 percent above last year, but 9 percent
below average. Although prospects for these varieties in Florida declined
2 million boxes from a month ago because of poor sizing, the crop is still
nearly 15 million boxes larger than last year. California's Navel crop
also is below expectations of a month ago. ‘The Valencia crop, forecast at
55-1 million boxes, is 14 percent larger than last year's production, but
T percent below average. Most of the increase is in Florida. California is
the only State that expects fewer Valencias than last year.

The grapefruit crop for 1964-65 is forecast at 40.6 million boxes,
up 19 percent from last year and only 2 percent below average. Although
prospects in Florida are down from a month ago because of poor sizing, pro-
duction is expected to be about 5 million boxes greater than the 1963-64
crop. Texas expects an increase of nearly 2 million boxes above last year,
but in Arizona and California indicated production is down slightly.

The lemon forecast is 13.8 million boxes, about three-fourths as large
as last year and 13 percent below average. In both California and Arizona
the crop is smaller than during the 1963-64 season.

Production of Florida tangerines is forecast at 4,2 million boxes,
17 percent above last year and 15 percent above average. Production of
tengelos in Florida is estimated at 850,000 boxes, down 50,000 from last
year, although 37 percent above average.

Florida's lime crop is expected to total 520,000 boxes, up 16 percent
from last year and 66 percent above average.

Florida citrus trees remained in fairly good condition during November
even though most of the citrus belt was very dry up to the last week of the
month when scattered rains occurred. Some leaf wilt was beginning to show
the last part of the month, particularly on young trees, and some fruit was
softening. Dry soil conditions have limited fruit sizing, particularly Early
end Midseason oranges, grapefruit, and tangerines. Fruit droppage is about
as projected earlier in the season. Grapefruit groves in the Indian River
area generally are in good condition because that area had sufficient moisture.
However, in the interior area effects of dry weather were showing up by
late November. Although rains the last week of November were helpful,
grapefruit sizes are expected to remain smaller than usual. The grapefruit
have shown a heavy drop of fruit in some areas, but overall droppage of both
grapefruit and oranges is in line with earlier expectations.

Harvest of oranges is ahead of last season, but that of grapefruit is
behind. Tangelos in general have not shown much effect from dry weather.
By December 1 about half of the tangelos had been harvested. Tangerines
are maturing about two weeks later than last year. Fruit sizes are small,
but color is about as expected for this time of year.


CROP PRODUCTION, December 1964 Crop Reporting Beard, SRS, USBA
CYRUS FRUITS 1
mre mm mm ne ST TTT TT PROD VOT TT

t
Crop tT > > TT 0 oxss TRguivalent toms” ~ ~~
Frees 17 Bearage a To63 tT iogg tae Gator
ww re nt REE tL aepere2_ OL 84
St t
EARLY, MIDSEASON & = t
ene tam 14,000 447,000 _ 574,000 _ 525,000
Calit. ' 15,300 , 1
Fla., Ala 1 49,900 273800 423600 «24245800 14251,000 1,917,000
Temple t 3,500 3,400 3,600 157,600 153,000 162,000
Other 7 46,400 24,400 39,000 2,088,200 1,098,000 1,755,000
Toxas + 14365 150 675 62,404 64750 30,400
Ariz, ry 5: 930 800 19,120 34,800 30,000
: ~- 28 5 78
Total Mbove ~ TTT EE
Calle, t 17,180 16,700 14,500 644,400 _ 626,000 544,000
Fla,” t 40,520 30,500 39,000 1,823,000 1,372,000 1,755,000
- Texas 2 803 90 3235 36,105 4,050 14,600
ratte a 744 1,270 1,300 27,900 47,600, _ 48,800 _
otal TT AT TE TTR SOS RS we SES om
Yelenoia 1 59,247 48 5560 55,125 _ _ 2,531,415 _ 2,049,650 _ 2,362,400 _
RL Ona Tn aialabebaieiniatel *
Califte 29,100 32,000 28,500 1,091,400 1,200,000 1,069,000
Pla, 90,420 58 5300 82,600 4,068,600 2,623,000 3,672,000
Te: 2,168 240 1,000 97,519 10,800 45,000
Ariz. 1,254 2,200 23300 47,020 82,500 78,800
vettar- ~~ ~~ 8 - - - - B28
eigen em —— — ft ReLAZ__ _ 222755__ _ 3-210 _ _ 55313,974 _ 349164975. _ 4865250 _
Flas, All 32,460 264300 31,500 -14379,600 1,127,000 1,339,000
Seedless 205540 193700 203500 873,000 837,000
Pink 9,220 7,600 8,000 306 5800 323,000
White 13532 12,100 12,500 566,200 514,000
Other 11,920 506 5600 280 ,000
Texas 3,794 151760 20 ,000
Ariz, 2,358 755420 103,000
Calif,, all 23662
Desert Valleys 1,22
Other Areas _ 1,460 _
Ws, an
Grapefrut _____s_ 41274 .
TENORS? ~
Calif. 15,100 16,300 12,500 573,800 620,000 473,000
Arite ot 808 1,740__ _ _1,300 30,680 66,100 49,400
Dy Se feta” ~~ ITT S.BR TTT tase > AT mo - - ~ soa TSO T sea -
lines 1
Pee -- 3 314 0 BL 26560 _ 28,000 _ _ 20,800 _
7
mMaknesT ~ — — ~~ ~- PP - - - 90 - ~~ 850 ~~ 27292_ _ _ 404500_ _ _ 38,200__
aE Lt = 360 3 4800_ _ _ _ 4200 _ _ _ 173,000 _ _ 171,000 _ _ 200,000 _

X, The orop year begins with the bloom of the year shown and ends with completion of harvest the

following year, Inoludes quantities not harvested, or harvested but not utilized, on account of
egonomic conditions, and quantities donated to charity.

PA Net content of bex varies, Approximate averages are as fo 3 Oranges-California and
‘rizona, 75 lbs; Florida and other States, 90 1bsj Grapefruit = California, Desert Valleys and

Arizona, 64 lbss other California sreas, 67 lbs Florida 85 lbs. and Texas 60 lbs} Lemons — 76 lbsj
Liges ~ 80 lbsz Tangelos ~ 90 Iba, and Tangorines ~ 95 lbse

3/ Navel and Misce ous varieties in California and drizona, Early and Midseason varieties

Florida and Texas, All varieties in Loulsians, For all States except Florida, inoludes small

quantities of tangerines,

-10-


CROP PRODUCTION, December 1964 Crop Reporting Board, SKS, USDA

Growers of early spring potatoes intend to plant 30 »800 acres for
harvest in 1965 » an increase of 13 percent. In the Hastings area of Florida,
intentions are to plant 26,500 acres, 10 percent more than last year.

In other Florida areas, a 12 percent increase in plantings to 1,800 acres
is indicated. Texas growers expect to plant 2,500 acres, 47 percent more
than a year earlier. Planting in both Florida and Texas is expected to
start in late December.

POULTRY AND EGG PRODUCTION: Egg production in the United States during

November totaled 5,167 million eggs 1 percent
more than November 1963 and 5 percent more than the 1958-62 average. Rate
of lay was 1 percent above a year earlier and a record high for the month.
Layer numbers during November were about the same as a year earlier but up
1 percent frome month earlier. In the first eleven months of 194 egg

production was 59,177 million eggs, 2 percent above January-November 1963.

November egg production continued at record highs in the South Atlantic,
South Central, and Western States. Production was up 9 percent from a year
earlier in the South Central and 4 percent in both the South Atlantic and
Western States. Compared to a year earlier, output was 4 percent less in
the East North Central and West North Central States and 1 percent less in
the North Atlantic States.

Production per layer averaged 16.86 eggs during November, 1 percent
more than November last year and the highest of record for the month.
Compared with a year earlier, rate of ley was up 4 percent in the South
Central region and up 1 percent in each North Atlantic, West North Central,
and South Atlantic regions. The West was down 1 percent while the East
North Central showed only a fractional increase. Nationally, the rate of
lay per hundred layers on December 1 averaged 56.1 eggs, up slightly from
December 1, 1963 and a record high for the date.

The number of layers in the Nation during November averaged 306.5
million birds, up fractionally from November last year and 1 percent above
October 1964. On December 1, layer mumleis were 307-6 million, virtually
unchanged from a year earlier. The seascnal increase from November 1 to
December 1 was smaller this year than lest. Layers on hand during November
and on December 1 continued at record highs in the South Atlantic and
Western States.

Pullets not of leying age on December 1, 1964 are estimated at
49,380,000, up 7 percent from a year earlier. Pullet numbers increased
14 percent in the South Atlantic, 12 percent in the east North Central,
9 percent in the South Central and 7 percent in the West. In the North
Atlantic States, a 3 percent decrease occurred and in the West North
Central there was a 1 percent decrease.

Potential layers (hens and pullets of laying age plus pullets not
of laying age) on December 1 totaled 357,002,000, and increase of 1 percent
from December 1, 1963. Regional increases of 6 percent in the West and
5 percent in the South Atlantic and South Central States offset decreases
of 5 percent in the West North Central, 3 percent in the North Atlantic
and 2 percent in the East North Central regions.

-T-


CROP PRODUCTION, December 1964 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA

California Navel oranges show @ rather spotty set. Harvest has been
held back because of lack of maturity and mddy groves caused by heavy
rains about mid-November. Fruit sizes are considerably above normal.
There has been mich color and size picking because of the delayed mtu-
rity. The mid-November rains were especially helpful to Valencia oranges
since some of the groves are in areas that have had a below normal supply
of irrigation water. Valencia trees have a lighter set of fruit than last
season but size growth has been good so far this year. Cold weather of
short duration occurred about mid-November without causing serious
injury to the crop. Conditions generally have been favorable for develop~
ment of the Desert Valleys grapefruit crop. Harvest began near the end
of November but is expected to remain quite light until after mid-March.
The mid-November cold weather caused some damage to California's smll --
button sized, and pencil sized -- lemons but mid-November rains will help
sizing of the rest of the lemons.

Movement of Texas citrus was fairly light during November, but is
expected to become much heavier during December. Fruit sizes are good.

In Arizona, Navel oranges are the only citrus crop sizing properly.
Navel trees had a lighter set of fruit than did the other citrus. Picking
started early in November but has been slow to date. Valencias have not
sized as well as expected but picking will not start for another two months.
Wet ground and cold weather during November interfered with the harvest of
Arizona grapefruit. The average size of lemons harvested to date has been
mach smaller than expected, and the set of fruit was not as good as most
growers thought earlier in the season. Harvest in the Yuma area is ex-
pected to be finished by late December.

AVOCADOS: The Florida avocado crop is estimated at 14,300 tons, up 3 per-

cent from last year and more than double the 1958-62 average.
Trees are in excellent condition and fruit has sized well. Most of the
mid-season type fruit has been picked and growers are now harvesting the
late varieties. About 65 percent of Florida's avocado crop had been har-~
vested by December 1. California's Fall and Winter avocado crop is fore-
cast at 10,500 tons, not quite one-third as large as last year.

POTATOES: Production of 1965 winter potatoes is forecast at 3,618,000

hundredweight, 2 percent less than the 1964 crop and 11 per-
cent below the 5-year average. Growing conditions in both California and
Florida have been good and yields are expected to equal last year's
favorable yields in both States. The California forecast, at 2,162,000
hundredweight, is 14 percent less than 1964 because of reduced acreage.
Harvest is just beginning in the Perris-Hemet district of Riverside County
where condition is above average. Frost in the Kern district on Novem-
ber 20 killed vines but growth had been good and yields are expected to
be average or above. Digging in Kern County will become active the last
half of December. The Florida forecast, at 1,456,000 hundredweight, is
23 percent larger than 1964 production because of increased acreage.
Harvest will get underway about mid-December in the Everglades and will
be somewhat later in other sections.

~6-


CROP PRODUCTION, December 1964 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA

MIIX PRODUCTION: United States milk production in November was 9,370 million pounds.

This is about 2 percent more than a year earlier and a new record
high for November, Average daily milk production increased slightly during October
for the first time on record.

Monthly milk production on farms,
November 1964, with comparisons
(In millions of pounds)

ans 1958-62: 193 196K 5 1968 2s sgse62 2 1963 198 1
Maine : 2/ 58 43 AS 43
NE 0: 31 TH 81 Th
vt. i 148 ni 118 17
Mss. :  2/ 65 185 213 184
R.I. iV 8.6 148 176 1h6
Conn. V/ 56 69 TT 70
MY. 2 756 78, 8 oh oh
NJ. 89 60 62 61
Pa. > 512 525 7 Bh 78
Ohio haa 102 107 102
Ind. : 240 250 232 ako 238
Tl. 8: 30 302 321 30 29
Mich, : 422 Ako 113 nn7 nu
Wis. : 1,254 1,335 1,375 12.7 13.5 12.4
Minn. 681 70! 8 66 68 63
Towa 4o6 yay 23 25 ak
Mo. 253 ehi ho 4h 43
N.Dake : 102 98 58 59 58
S.Dak. 91 91 306 10.8 10.7
Nebr. 128 lok 153 163 153
Kans. 152 155 69 5

Del. > Ly 13.3 646 706 678
Ma. 118 122 1.8 1.9 1.8
Va 156 152 10.7 12.0 11.8
Wevae : 50. 45 AG tt a OT a ee
ne wo 9,205 9,652 9,370

L/ Averages not available.


. Release:
December 10, 1964
3:00 P.M, (E.S.T.)
DECEMBER 1, 1964
The Crop Reporting Board of the Statistical Reporting Service makes the
following report for the United States from data furnished by crop correspondents,

field statisticians, and cooperating State agencies,

__CITRUS FRUITS 1/ __

CROP : “Average > A t
oe 195862 7 a 1963 21964
— OO T0000, 000 TT  00
boxes boxes boxes boxes
Oranges .. 123,147 104, 915 92,755 113,210
Grapefruit . 41,274 34, 740 34,210 40, 600
Lemons seceseravceeet 15,908 12,990 18,040 13,800

i Season begins with the ‘bloom of the | year “Shown and ends with the | completion
‘of harvest the following year.

_POTATOES, IRISH 1965 CROP

3 YIELD:
Seasonal: __ _-PERACRE : PRODUCTION
verage: Average : 2
5 9- 1959265; 39641965; yosqcgs : 1964 1965
7000 i, Doe" T, 000° 1,000 1,000 1,000
: acres acresacres Cwt, Cwt, Cwt. cwt. cwt. cwt.

Winter .:__22,6 18.3 18.5 180.1 201.7195.6 4,052, 3, 691 3,618
A ield per planted ac

153,2 s+» 3,967 4,183 Apr. 9

1958-62 17; 296? _; 1964

+ Million Million Million”
$ pounds pounds pounds Millions Millions Millions

October ..... 9, 489 9,557 9,652 4,921 5,140 5,268
November . 9,054 9,205 9,370 4 928 5.104 5,167
I 116,030 _ 7

i Data for Alaska and Hawaii not available for inclusion in average.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Statistical Reporting Service Crop Reporting Board
CrPr 2-2 (12-64) Washington, D. C.


CROP PRODUCTION, December 1964 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA

State
and

Pa.
_N. Atl.
Ohio
Ind.
m1.
Mich.

Se
E. Ne cent. 2875) = 7 0787 —
Minn. + 13,229 12,376

: 1, 2
. : 5 yy 0 . 0

Wash. : 4 788 1010 2833 12883 95 8 90 9 ‘i 5)
wee ae pe BB gk ask atte yh

alif. 1,812 = 1,7 af 9142.
West. : reset Patt 76 13,769 ~~ 860 896 93555 9,900
4B states — : 305,054 _ 305,638 _ 1,668 _ _1,085 5,089 _ 5,151 _ 57, Ti _99,.001
Alaska : En 30° 1,512 ~ “1,82 On o- 5 q
Hawaii isby 1,794 _ wh. 15.3 155, 172

t. 19 852 TO _ 1,
U. 8. :305,877 ~~ 306,520 1,669 ~ “3,

--


CROP PRODUCTION, December 1964 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA

Seasonal :__ _ _Acreage_ a
group :_ Harvested _ : 3
and =: Average: 196% tharyest: 1700 Se: 1964 : cated Average: 1964 cated
— — State 11959263: 77 3 1965. 2999-03: __+_1965 _12959-68:_ ___ i 1965. _
: 1,000 15000 1,600 1,000 “170007 ~ 1,000
: acres acres acres Cwt. Cwt. Owt, ewt. cut. ewt,
Winter: :
Florida : 9.4 7.4 9.2 1s8 160 16 1,378 1,184 1,456
California: 13.1 10.9 _ 9.4 _ 204 230 _ 230 2,675 2,507 _ 2,162 __
Total : 22.6 18.3 18.5 180.1 201.7 195.6 4,052 3,691 3,618

group and Average ? verage’ 3
State * 1959-63 : 959-63: 1964 1965
TO, : 1,000 ~ “21,0007 1, 060~ I,505 ~1;000~
7 acres owt, ewt, owt.
E, Spring: :
Florida :
Hastings : 22.2 24.0 26.5 146 159 3,441 3,808 Apr. 9
Other 2 3.3 1.6 1.8 126 118 4k 188 "
Texas 2 1 17 2.5 109 110 12 («187 "

California, All 4g, 400 40,000 46,800

Fall and Winter 3/ : 5/ 27,900 32,200 10,500
Spring and Summer 4/ : of, 12,100 14,600

Florida 6,3)

United States

T/ crop year begins with bloom of the year shown and ends with completion of har-
vest the following year. 2/ Includes quantities unharvested on account of economic
conditions and excess cullage of harvested fruit. 3 Includes "Fuerte" and other
fall and winter verieties. 4/ Includes "Hass" and other spring and sumer varieties
5/ Not available, 6/ First forecast for California "Spring and Summer" varieties
and California, "All" to be released April 9.

-ll-


CROP PRODUCTION, December 1964 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA

HENS AND PULLETS OF LAYING AGE, PULLETS NOT OF LAYING AGE, POTENTIAL
LAYERS AND EGGS LAID PER 100 LAYERS ON FARMS, DECEMBER 1

; South : 7 48 United
. Western’
lantic;Central: ___ :Steates ; Statesl/

BENS AND PULLETS OF LAYING AGE ON FARMS, DECEMBER 1

Thou. JOU. Thou. Thou. Thou. Thou. Thou. Thou.

50,85 53,470 76,899 41,328 50,762 41,225 311,539 er
46,562 46,183 59,974 48,088 57,750 48,138 306,695 307,527
45,306 4h,4h3 56,513 49,575 60,027 50,879 306,743 307,622

1958-62 (Av.)
1963
1964

PULLETS NOT OF LAYING AGE ON FARMS, DECEMBER 1

1958-62 (Av.)
1963
1964

6,107 4,290 6,935 7,770 «= 8, 282 7,332 +40, 716 Saiadad
5,79. 5,132 5,508 «12,479 10,085 7,732 45,747 45,955
5,993 5,75. 5,529 13,101 10,905 8,292 49,171 49,360

POTENTIAL LAYERS ON FARMS, DECEMBER 1 2/

1958-62 (Av.) : 56,961 57,761 83,834 49,098 59,044 48,557 355,254 --
1963 : 52,353 51,315 65,542 59,567 67,795 55,870 352,442 353,462
1964 50,899 50,194 62,042 62,676 70,932 59,171 355,914 357,002

EGGS LAID PER 100 LAYERS ON FARMS, DECEMBER 1

Number Number Number Number Number Number Number Number

1958-62 (Av.) : 5565 56.5 53.3 52.9- 4k.7 57.8 5364 o
1963 : 56.3 5765 5526 56.5 52.0 59.1 56.0 56.0
196k : 56 — 960 53-2 TT 56-2 _ _ 5601

Prices received in mid-November by producers for eggs averaged 34.0 cents per
dozen, 0.6 cent below a month earlier and 2.3 cents below a year earlier. Pro-
ducers of commercial broilers received 14,5 cents per pound live weight during
November, the same as a month earlier but 0.1 cent above a year earlier. Farm
chicken prices in mid-November averaged 8.8 cents per pound live weight, 0.2 cent
above a month earlier but 0.8 cent below a year earlier. Farm price of turkeys
in mid-November averaged 21.2 cents per pound live weight, 1.8 cents below a
year earlier.

The average price of the farm poultry ration in mid-November 1964 was $3.41
per 100 pounds, compared with $3.52 in mid-November a year earlier. Broiler grcwer
feed cost averaged $4.78 per 100 pounds, a decrease of 1 cent from a year earlier.
Turkey grower feed in mid-November averaged $4.78 per 100 pounds--4 cents less
than e year earlier. The egg~feed, turkey-feed, and farm chicken-feed price ratios
in mid-November were less favorable to producers than a year earlier. Broiler~feed
price ratio in mid-November was the same as in mid-November 1963.


CROP PRODUCTION, December 1964 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA

Winter Grazing Prospects Improve in Southwest

Wheat growth improved rapidly with November rainfall and grazing
prospects brightened especially in Oklahoma and Texas. Less acreage
than last year was being pastured at the end of November because
growth occurred later in the season.

In the North Central and Northeastern areas, farmers made full
use of crop residues early in November because regular pasture fields
remained dry. South Central and South Atlantic States had rela-
tively favorable winter pasture prospects because weather was gener-
ally favorable for seeding winter grains and other grazing crops.

In the Mountain and Pacific States November precipitation im-
proved grazing prospects. However, unusually heavy snow cover on
ranges at higher elevations necessitated extensive supplemental
feeding in these areas.

More Winter Vegetables - Less Potatoes

A 2 percent increase in 1965 winter vegetable production is in-
dicated by the December 1 estimates for crops, which usually account
for more than half of the total winter output. Increases in winter
production are indicated for broccoli, celery, and spinach, but
small decreases are expected in artichokes and lettuce. An acreage
increase is indicated for escarole, but small decreases are expected
for winter cabbage and carrots.

Production forecasts for 1965 winter potatoes indicate a crop
2 percent smaller than 1964 and 11 percent less than average. The
California crop is smaller than last year because of reduced acreage
put Florida acreage and production will be larger. Growers of early
spring potatoes indicate an increase of 13 percent in acreage from
last year because of larger acreages in both Florida and Texas.

Milk and Egg Production Increase t

United States milk production in November was 9,370 million
pounds, about 2 percent more than a year earlier and a new high for
November, Average daily milk production increased slightly from
October to November this year -- for the first time on record.

Egg production during November totaled 5,167 million eggs, 1
percent more than November 1963 and 5 percent above average. Rate
of lay was 1 percent above a year earlier and layer numbers were
about the same.




CROP PRODUCTION, December 1964 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA

Harvest Well Advanced in North

Farmers in the North Central and North Atlantic areas took
full advantage of the favorable early November weather and most crops
were harvested before cold and snow arrived. Only scattered fields
remained unharvested by the end of the month. Fall plowing for next
season's crops made fairly good progress although hampered by dry
soils.

In the South Atlantic and most of the South Central States,
NMarvest operations were progressing favorably. Some delays followed
heavier rains and progress is slower than last year in some areas.
Cotton picking and peanut harvest lagged in the Oklahoma-Texas areas
where November showers kept soils soggy until the last week of the
month,

Frequent rains and generally cool weather also hampered
harvest operations in much of the western area of the Nation. For
example, cotton picking was 55 percent finished in Arizona by the
end of November compared with 63 percent a year earlier.

Winter Wheat Growth Limited

Mild weather early in November was welcome for harvest work,
but dry topsoils delayed development of winter grain crops. Rain
and snow in the latter half of the month brought needed moisture,
but the extremely low temperatures prevented growth. Snow cover’
was generally adequate to prevent freezing damage during the cold
waves, but much of the winter wheat acreage in the Central and
Northern Plains and across the Corn Belt is entering the winter
with limited top growth.

In the impcytant Southern Plains area, condition appears more
favorable. Texas, Oklahoma, and most of the central and eastern
Kansas area received good November rains. Late season development
has been rapid and good top growth is reported in most of this area.
A much less favorable report is indicated for eastern Colorado and
northwestern Kansas. Wheat seedings in this area received limited
rainfall and dry topsoils have deterred the development of crown
roots and limited top growth. Ground cover is light and wheat
fields are subject to wind damage unless winter precipitation firms
the soils or snow cover provides protection.

In the Pacific Northwest most winter grain acreage benefited
from November precipitation. Heavy snows covered some fields before
the ground was frozen--a condition that could lead to snow mold
damage--but vo abnormal losses are indicated at present.


CROP PRODUCTION, December 1964 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA

GENERAL CROP REPORT AS OF DECEMBER 1, 1964

Early November weather favored field work and most crops were har-
vested before late November cold waves halted outdoor work. Rain and snow
at the end of the month partially relieved topsoil moisture shortages, but
had little effect on subsoil reserves. ‘inter grains have limited growth
except in Oklehoma-Texas areas which received good November rain. Citrus
production is forecast 18 percent larger than last year.

Citrus Prospects Above Last Year

Total citrus production is up 18 percent from last year with prospects
for larger crops of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and limes. Growers
expect fewer lemons and tangelos. The orange crop is 22 percent larger
than last year with both the Early, Midseason, and Navel varieties and the
Valencias up sharply. The Florida crop is much larger than last year's,
but California has fewer oranges. Production of grapefruit is expected
to be 19 percent greater than the 1963-64 crop, mostly in Florida, al-
though the Texas crop is also larger. Harvest of oranges and grapefruit is
progressing in all citrus States although generally later than last year.

Subsoil Moisture Shortages Persist

November remained warm and dry over most of the Nation until mid-
month. Cooler air brought rain and snow across the northern half of
the country during the last ten days of the month with heavy snows and
record breaking low temperatures at the month's end. Surfac@ soil moisture
was improved and stock ponds started to fill but little relief was in-
dicated for subsoil moisture shortages,

Above normal November rainfall covered much of the Southern Plains
area. Winter grain growth was stimulated and greatly improved conditions
are reported in Oklahoma, Texas, and most of Kansas. Most of the rains
missed an area spreading from eastern Colorado through northern Kansas
over much of Nebraska and eastern South Dakota. Soils remained critically
dry in this area and winter precipitation will be essential.

In the South Atlantic and South Central States scattered heavy showers
hampered field activity in some areas especially in Mississippi and parts
of the Carolinas but November weather was generally favorable over most
of the area. In the Mountain States, November brought frequent showers
and above normal precipitation. Snow cover at higher levels is unusually
heavy for so early in the season.




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

OFFICIAL BUSINESS

POSTAGE AND FEES PAID
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE