Crop Production 

ISSN: 1936-3737

Released February 9, 2011, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department 

of Agriculture (USDA).

Orange Production Down 1 Percent from January

The United States all orange forecast for the 2010-2011 season is 8.70 million tons, down 1 percent from the January 1 

forecast but 6 percent above the 2009-2010 final utilization. The Florida all orange forecast, at 138 million boxes

(6.21 million tons), is down 1 percent from the January 1 forecast but 3 percent above last season’s final utilization. Early, 

midseason, and navel varieties in Florida are forecast at 66.0 million boxes (2.97 million tons), down 1 percent from 

January and 4 percent lower than last season. The Florida Valencia orange forecast, at 72.0 million boxes (3.24 million 

tons), is down 1 percent from the previous forecast but up 11 percent from the 2009-2010 crop. Fruit size and droppage 

are projected to be below average. California and Texas forecasts are carried forward from January.

Florida frozen concentrated orange juice (FCOJ) yield forecast for the 2010-2011 season is 1.57 gallons per box at 

42.0 degrees Brix, down 2 percent from the January 1 forecast but up 1 percent from last season’s final yield of 

1.56 gallons per box. The early-midseason portion is projected at 1.50 gallons per box, down 1 percent from last season’s 

yield of 1.51 gallons per box. The Valencia portion is projected at 1.64 gallons per box, 1 percent higher than last year’s 

final yield of 1.63 gallons per box. All projections of yield assume the processing relationships this season will be similar 

to those of the past several seasons.
2 Crop Production (February 2011)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

This report was approved on February 9, 2011.

Acting Secretary of

Agriculture

Joseph W. Glauber

Agricultural Statistics Board

Chairperson

Hubert Hamer
Crop Production (February 2011) 3

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Contents

Sugarcane Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by Use – States and United States: 2009 and 2010 ................................ 4

Utilized Production of Citrus Fruits by Crop – States and United States: 2009-2010 and Forecasted 

February 1, 2011 ..................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Crop Area Planted and Harvested – United States: 2010 and 2011 (Domestic Units) ........................................................... 6

Crop Yield and Production – United States: 2010 and 2011 (Domestic Units)...................................................................... 7

Crop Area Planted and Harvested – United States: 2010 and 2011 (Metric Units)................................................................ 8

Crop Yield and Production – United States: 2010 and 2011 (Metric Units) .......................................................................... 9

Fruits and Nuts Production – United States: 2010 and 2011 (Domestic Units).................................................................... 10

Fruits and Nuts Production – United States: 2010 and 2011 (Metric Units) ........................................................................ 11

Percent of Normal Precipitation............................................................................................................................................ 12

Departure from Normal Temperature ................................................................................................................................... 12

January Weather Summary ................................................................................................................................................... 13

January Agricultural Summary ............................................................................................................................................. 13

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

Statistical Methodology ........................................................................................................................................................ 15

Information Contacts ............................................................................................................................................................ 16
4 Crop Production (February 2011)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Sugarcane Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by Use – States and United States: 2009 and 2010

Use and State

Area harvested Yield per acre 1 Production 1

2009 2010 2009 2010 2009 2010

(1,000 acres) (1,000 acres) (tons) (tons) (1,000 tons) (1,000 tons)

For sugar

Florida .........................................................

Hawaii 2.......................................................

Louisiana 2..................................................

Texas 2........................................................

United States ..............................................

For seed

Florida .........................................................

Hawaii 2.......................................................

Louisiana 2..................................................

Texas 2........................................................

United States ..............................................

For sugar and seed

Florida .........................................................

Hawaii 2.......................................................

Louisiana 2..................................................

Texas 2........................................................

United States ..............................................

370.0

20.3

390.0

36.7

817.0

17.0

1.9

35.0

3.0

56.9

387.0

22.2

425.0

39.7

873.9

376.0

15.7

390.0

49.0

830.7

17.0

1.5

30.0

3.0

51.5

393.0

17.2

420.0

52.0

882.2

35.9

65.6

32.2

36.0

34.9

38.6

26.3

32.2

35.0

34.1

36.0

62.3

32.2

35.9

34.8

32.7

76.3

29.0

33.0

31.8

38.4

30.0

29.0

33.0

32.4

32.9

72.3

29.0

33.0

31.8

13,283

1,332

12,558

1,321

28,494

656

50

1,127

105

1,938

13,939

1,382

13,685

1,426

30,432

12,295

1,198

11,310

1,617

26,420

653

45

870

99

1,667

12,948

1,243

12,180

1,716

28,087

1 Net tons.

2 Estimates are carried forward from the Crop Production 2010 Summary released January 12, 2011.
Crop Production (February 2011) 5

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Utilized Production of Citrus Fruits by Crop – States and United States: 2009-2010 and Forecasted 

February 1, 2011

[The crop year begins with the bloom of the first year shown and ends with the completion of harvest the following year]

Crop and State

Utilized production boxes 1 Utilized production ton equivalent

2009-2010 2010-2011 2009-2010 2010-2011

(1,000 boxes) (1,000 boxes) (1,000 tons) (1,000 tons)

Oranges

Early, mid, and navel 2

 California 3........................................

 Florida ..............................................

 Texas 3.............................................

 United States ....................................

Valencia

 California 3........................................

 Florida ..............................................

 Texas 3.............................................

 United States ....................................

All

 California 3........................................

 Florida ..............................................

 Texas 3.............................................

 United States ....................................

Grapefruit

White

 Florida ..............................................

Colored

 Florida ..............................................

All

 California 3........................................

 Florida ..............................................

 Texas 3.............................................

 United States ....................................

Tangerines and mandarins

Arizona 3 4.............................................

California 3 4..........................................

Florida ..................................................

United States ........................................

Lemons 3

Arizona .................................................

California ..............................................

United States ........................................

Tangelos

Florida ..................................................

42,500

68,600

1,360

112,460

14,000

65,000

275

79,275

56,500

133,600

1,635

191,735

6,000

14,300

4,200

20,300

5,600

30,100

350

9,900

4,450

14,700

2,200

20,500

22,700

900

46,500

66,000

1,360

113,860

14,000

72,000

280

86,280

60,500

138,000

1,640

200,140

5,600

14,000

3,500

19,600

5,700

28,800

300

9,600

4,400

14,300

2,500

21,000

23,500

1,000

1,594

3,087

58

4,739

525

2,925

12

3,462

2,119

6,012

70

8,201

255

608

141

863

224

1,228

13

371

211

595

84

779

863

41

1,860

2,970

58

4,888

560

3,240

12

3,812

2,420

6,210

70

8,700

238

595

140

833

228

1,201

12

384

209

605

100

840

940

45

1 Net pounds per box: oranges in California-80 (75 prior to the 2010-2011 crop year), Florida-90, Texas-85; grapefruit in California-80 (67 prior to the 

2010-2011 crop year), Florida-85, Texas-80; lemons-80 (76 prior to the 2010-2011 crop year), tangelos-90; tangerines and mandarins in Arizona and 

California-80 (75 prior to the 2010-2011 crop year), Florida-95.

2 Navel and miscellaneous varieties in California. Early (including navel) and midseason varieties in Florida and Texas. Small quantities of tangerines 

in Texas and Temples in Florida.

3 Estimates for current year carried forward from previous forecast.

4

Includes tangelos and tangors.
6 Crop Production (February 2011)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Crop Area Planted and Harvested – United States: 2010 and 2011 (Domestic Units)

[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2011 crop year. 

Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

Crop

Area planted Area harvested

2010 2011 2010 2011

(1,000 acres) (1,000 acres) (1,000 acres) (1,000 acres)

Grains and hay

Barley .................................................................................

Corn for grain 1....................................................................

Corn for silage ....................................................................

Hay, all ................................................................................

 Alfalfa ..............................................................................

 All other ...........................................................................

Oats ....................................................................................

Proso millet .........................................................................

Rice ....................................................................................

Rye .....................................................................................

Sorghum for grain 1.............................................................

Sorghum for silage ..............................................................

Wheat, all ............................................................................

 Winter .............................................................................

 Durum .............................................................................

 Other spring ....................................................................

Oilseeds

Canola ................................................................................

Cottonseed .........................................................................

Flaxseed .............................................................................

Mustard seed ......................................................................

Peanuts ..............................................................................

Rapeseed ...........................................................................

Safflower .............................................................................

Soybeans for beans ............................................................

Sunflower ............................................................................

Cotton, tobacco, and sugar crops

Cotton, all ...........................................................................

 Upland ............................................................................

 American Pima ................................................................

Sugarbeets .........................................................................

Sugarcane ..........................................................................

Tobacco ..............................................................................

Dry beans, peas, and lentils

Austrian winter peas ...........................................................

Dry edible beans .................................................................

Dry edible peas ...................................................................

Lentils .................................................................................

Wrinkled seed peas ............................................................

Potatoes and miscellaneous

Coffee (Hawaii) ...................................................................

Hops ...................................................................................

Peppermint oil .....................................................................

Potatoes, all ........................................................................

 Spring .............................................................................

 Summer ..........................................................................

 Fall ..................................................................................

Spearmint oil .......................................................................

Sweet potatoes ...................................................................

Taro (Hawaii) 2....................................................................

2,872

88,192

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

3,138

390

3,636

1,211

5,404

(NA)

53,603

37,335

2,570

13,698

1,448.8

(X)

421

50.5

1,288.0

2.3

175.0

77,404

1,951.5

10,973.2

10,769.0

204.2

1,171.4

(NA)

(NA)

31.2

1,911.4

756.0

658.0

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

1,020.6

88.8

38.1

893.7

(NA)

119.8

(NA)

40,990

2,465

81,446

5,567

59,862

19,956

39,906

1,263

363

3,615

265

4,808

273

47,637

31,749

2,529

13,359

1,431.0

(X)

418

48.1

1,255.0

2.2

167.7

76,616

1,873.8

10,706.7

10,505.0

201.7

1,155.7

882.2

337.5

17.9

1,842.7

711.4

634.0

(NA)

6.3

31.3

71.3

1,004.3

85.9

37.1

881.3

18.6

116.9

0.5

(NA) Not available.

(X) Not applicable.

1 Area planted for all purposes.

2 Area is total acres in crop, not harvested acres.
Crop Production (February 2011) 7

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Crop Yield and Production – United States: 2010 and 2011 (Domestic Units)

[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2011 crop year. 

Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

Crop

Yield per acre Production

2010 2011 2010 2011

(1,000) (1,000)

Grains and hay

Barley ................................................................................... bushels

Corn for grain ........................................................................ bushels

Corn for silage ............................................................................tons

Hay, all .......................................................................................tons

 Alfalfa .....................................................................................tons

 All other ..................................................................................tons

Oats ...................................................................................... bushels

Proso millet ........................................................................... bushels

Rice 1........................................................................................... cwt

Rye ....................................................................................... bushels

Sorghum for grain ................................................................. bushels

Sorghum for silage ......................................................................tons

Wheat, all ............................................................................. bushels

 Winter ............................................................................... bushels

 Durum ............................................................................... bushels

 Other spring ...................................................................... bushels

Oilseeds

Canola ...................................................................................pounds

Cottonseed .................................................................................tons

Flaxseed ............................................................................... bushels

Mustard seed .........................................................................pounds

Peanuts .................................................................................pounds

Rapeseed ..............................................................................pounds

Safflower ...............................................................................pounds

Soybeans for beans .............................................................. bushels

Sunflower ..............................................................................pounds

Cotton, tobacco, and sugar crops

Cotton, all 1............................................................................... bales

 Upland 1................................................................................ bales

 American Pima 1................................................................... bales

Sugarbeets .................................................................................tons

Sugarcane ..................................................................................tons

Tobacco .................................................................................pounds

Dry beans, peas, and lentils

Austrian winter peas 1.................................................................. cwt

Dry edible beans 1....................................................................... cwt

Dry edible peas 1......................................................................... cwt

Lentils 1........................................................................................ cwt

Wrinkled seed peas ..................................................................... cwt

Potatoes and miscellaneous

Coffee (Hawaii) ......................................................................pounds

Hops ......................................................................................pounds

Peppermint oil ........................................................................pounds

Potatoes, all ................................................................................. cwt

 Spring ...................................................................................... cwt

 Summer ................................................................................... cwt

 Fall .......................................................................................... cwt

Spearmint oil .........................................................................pounds

Sweet potatoes ............................................................................ cwt

Taro (Hawaii) .........................................................................pounds

73.1

152.8

19.3

2.43

3.40

1.95

64.3

31.8

6,725

28.0

71.8

12.5

46.4

46.8

42.4

46.1

1,713

(X)

21.7

870

3,311

1,891

1,320

43.5

1,460

821

814

1,184

27.6

31.8

2,133

1,666

1,726

1,999

1,365

(NA)

1,250

2,093

89

395

289

311

409

125

204

(NA)

180,268

12,446,865

107,314

145,556

67,903

77,653

81,190

11,535

243,104

7,431

345,395

3,420

2,208,391

1,485,236

107,180

615,975

2,450,947

6,191.0

9,056

41,861

4,155,600

4,160

221,335

3,329,341

2,735,570

18,314.5

17,817.0

497.5

31,945

28,087

719,786

237

31,801

14,221

8,657

580

7,900

65,492.6

6,363

397,077

24,820

11,530

360,727

2,318

23,845

3,900

(NA) Not available.

(X) Not applicable.

1 Yield in pounds.
8 Crop Production (February 2011)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Crop Area Planted and Harvested – United States: 2010 and 2011 (Metric Units)

[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2011 crop year. 

Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

Crop

Area planted Area harvested

2010 2011 2010 2011

(hectares) (hectares) (hectares) (hectares)

Grains and hay

Barley .................................................................................

Corn for grain 1....................................................................

Corn for silage ....................................................................

Hay, all 2.............................................................................

 Alfalfa ..............................................................................

 All other ...........................................................................

Oats ....................................................................................

Proso millet .........................................................................

Rice ....................................................................................

Rye .....................................................................................

Sorghum for grain 1.............................................................

Sorghum for silage ..............................................................

Wheat, all 2.........................................................................

 Winter .............................................................................

 Durum .............................................................................

 Other spring ....................................................................

Oilseeds

Canola ................................................................................

Cottonseed .........................................................................

Flaxseed .............................................................................

Mustard seed ......................................................................

Peanuts ..............................................................................

Rapeseed ...........................................................................

Safflower .............................................................................

Soybeans for beans ............................................................

Sunflower ............................................................................

Cotton, tobacco, and sugar crops

Cotton, all 2.........................................................................

 Upland ............................................................................

 American Pima ................................................................

Sugarbeets .........................................................................

Sugarcane ..........................................................................

Tobacco ..............................................................................

Dry beans, peas, and lentils

Austrian winter peas ...........................................................

Dry edible beans .................................................................

Dry edible peas ...................................................................

Lentils .................................................................................

Wrinkled seed peas ............................................................

Potatoes and miscellaneous

Coffee (Hawaii) ...................................................................

Hops ...................................................................................

Peppermint oil .....................................................................

Potatoes, all 2......................................................................

 Spring .............................................................................

 Summer ..........................................................................

 Fall ..................................................................................

Spearmint oil .......................................................................

Sweet potatoes ...................................................................

Taro (Hawaii) 3....................................................................

1,162,270

35,690,420

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

1,269,920

157,830

1,471,450

490,080

2,186,940

(NA)

21,692,600

15,109,100

1,040,050

5,543,440

586,310

(X)

170,370

20,440

521,240

930

70,820

31,324,620

789,750

4,440,740

4,358,110

82,640

474,050

(NA)

(NA)

12,630

773,520

305,950

266,290

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

413,030

35,940

15,420

361,670

(NA)

48,480

(NA)

16,588,240

997,560

32,960,380

2,252,910

24,225,550

8,075,990

16,149,560

511,120

146,900

1,462,950

107,240

1,945,750

110,480

19,278,220

12,848,500

1,023,460

5,406,250

579,110

(X)

169,160

19,470

507,890

890

67,870

31,005,730

758,310

4,332,890

4,251,270

81,630

467,700

357,020

136,560

7,240

745,720

287,900

256,570

(NA)

2,550

12,660

28,850

406,430

34,760

15,010

356,650

7,530

47,310

190

(NA) Not available.

(X) Not applicable.

1 Area planted for all purposes.

2

Total may not add due to rounding.

3 Area is total hectares in crop, not harvested hectares.
Crop Production (February 2011) 9

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Crop Yield and Production – United States: 2010 and 2011 (Metric Units)

[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2011 crop year. 

Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

Crop

Yield per hectare Production

2010 2011 2010 2011

(metric tons) (metric tons) (metric tons) (metric tons)

Grains and hay

Barley ..................................................................

Corn for grain .......................................................

Corn for silage .....................................................

Hay, all 1..............................................................

 Alfalfa ..............................................................

 All other ...........................................................

Oats .....................................................................

Proso millet ..........................................................

Rice .....................................................................

Rye ......................................................................

Sorghum for grain ................................................

Sorghum for silage ...............................................

Wheat, all 1..........................................................

 Winter ..............................................................

 Durum ..............................................................

 Other spring .....................................................

Oilseeds

Canola .................................................................

Cottonseed ..........................................................

Flaxseed ..............................................................

Mustard seed .......................................................

Peanuts ...............................................................

Rapeseed ............................................................

Safflower .............................................................

Soybeans for beans .............................................

Sunflower ............................................................

Cotton, tobacco, and sugar crops

Cotton, all 1..........................................................

 Upland .............................................................

 American Pima ................................................

Sugarbeets ..........................................................

Sugarcane ...........................................................

Tobacco ...............................................................

Dry beans, peas, and lentils

Austrian winter peas ............................................

Dry edible beans ..................................................

Dry edible peas ....................................................

Lentils ..................................................................

Wrinkled seed peas .............................................

Potatoes and miscellaneous

Coffee (Hawaii) ....................................................

Hops ....................................................................

Peppermint oil ......................................................

Potatoes, all 1......................................................

 Spring ..............................................................

 Summer ...........................................................

 Fall ..................................................................

Spearmint oil .......................................................

Sweet potatoes ....................................................

Taro (Hawaii) .......................................................

3.93

9.59

43.21

5.45

7.63

4.36

2.31

1.78

7.54

1.76

4.51

28.08

3.12

3.15

2.85

3.10

1.92

(X)

1.36

0.98

3.71

2.12

1.48

2.92

1.64

0.92

0.91

1.33

61.96

71.37

2.39

1.48

1.93

2.24

1.53

(NA)

1.41

2.35

0.10

44.32

32.39

34.83

45.88

0.14

22.86

(NA)

3,924,870

316,164,930

97,353,620

132,046,180

61,600,570

70,445,620

1,178,470

261,610

11,027,010

188,760

8,773,440

3,102,570

60,102,550

40,421,500

2,916,960

16,764,090

1,111,730

5,616,380

230,030

18,990

1,884,950

1,890

100,400

90,609,810

1,240,830

3,987,510

3,879,190

108,320

28,980,020

25,480,100

326,490

10,750

1,442,470

645,050

392,670

26,310

3,580

29,710

2,890

18,011,110

1,125,820

522,990

16,362,300

1,050

1,081,590

1,770

(NA) Not available.

(X) Not applicable.

1 Production may not add due to rounding.
10 Crop Production (February 2011)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Fruits and Nuts Production – United States: 2010 and 2011 (Domestic Units)

[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2011 crop year, 

except citrus which is for the 2010-2011 season. Blank cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

Crop

Production

2010 2011

(1,000) (1,000)

Citrus 1

Grapefruit ...........................................................tons

Lemons ..............................................................tons

Oranges .............................................................tons

Tangelos (Florida) ..............................................tons

Tangerines and mandarins .................................tons

Noncitrus

Apples ...........................................................pounds

Apricots ..............................................................tons

Bananas (Hawaii) ..........................................pounds

Grapes ...............................................................tons

Olives (California) ..............................................tons

Papayas (Hawaii) ..........................................pounds

Peaches .............................................................tons

Pears .................................................................tons

Prunes, dried (California) ...................................tons

Prunes and plums (excludes California) .............tons

Nuts and miscellaneous

Almonds, shelled (California) ........................pounds

Hazelnuts, in-shell (Oregon) ...............................tons

Pecans, in-shell .............................................pounds

Walnuts, in-shell (California) ..............................tons

Maple syrup .................................................. gallons

1,228

863

8,201

41

595

9,286.6

65.5

20,900

6,856.8

190.0

27,500

1,151.3

807.6

125.0

12.3

1,650,000

27

259,660

510

1,955

1,201

940

8,700

45

605

1 Production years are 2009-2010 and 2010-2011.
Crop Production (February 2011) 11

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Fruits and Nuts Production – United States: 2010 and 2011 (Metric Units)

[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2011 crop year, 

except citrus which is for the 2010-2011 season. Blank cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

Crop

Production

2010 2011

(metric tons) (metric tons)

Citrus 1

Grapefruit ..............................................................

Lemons .................................................................

Oranges .................................................................

Tangelos (Florida) .................................................

Tangerines and mandarins ....................................

Noncitrus

Apples ...................................................................

Apricots .................................................................

Bananas (Hawaii) ..................................................

Grapes ..................................................................

Olives (California) ..................................................

Papayas (Hawaii) ..................................................

Peaches ................................................................

Pears .....................................................................

Prunes, dried (California) .......................................

Prunes and plums (excludes California) .................

Nuts and miscellaneous

Almonds, shelled (California) .................................

Hazelnuts, in-shell (Oregon) ..................................

Pecans, in-shell .....................................................

Walnuts, in-shell (California) ..................................

Maple syrup ...........................................................

1,114,020

782,900

7,439,820

37,190

539,770

4,212,330

59,400

9,480

6,220,360

172,370

12,470

1,044,440

732,640

113,400

11,160

748,430

24,490

117,780

462,660

9,770

1,089,530

852,750

7,892,510

40,820

548,850

1 Production years are 2009-2010 and 2010-2011.
12 Crop Production (February 2011)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service
Crop Production (February 2011) 13

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

January Weather Summary

In a dramatic change from December, little or no precipitation fell in California during January. The water content of the 

Sierra Nevada snow pack, which rose about 16 inches in December, increased only one inch during January. The dry 

regime also stretched eastward into the Four Corners States. Farther north, warmth and melting snow accompanied a 

period of heavy precipitation from the Pacific Northwest to the northern Rockies, leading to some flooding.

Farther east, frequent snowfall blanketed the northern Plains and the upper Midwest, insulating winter grains but 

hampering rural travel and stressing livestock. In contrast, drought continued to expand and intensify across the southern 

half of the Plains. From November 28 to January 30, the portion of the winter wheat crop rated in very poor to poor 

condition increased from 26 to 52 percent in Texas, 8 to 40 percent in Oklahoma, and 25 to 37 percent in Kansas.

Elsewhere, January precipitation was generally below average across the South and East. Exceptions included Florida’s 

peninsula and southern and eastern Texas, which received drought-easing rainfall, and the northern Atlantic region, which 

experienced record-setting snowfall. Despite frequent January showers across the South, long-term drought remained a 

concern in many areas.

Colder than normal weather dominated the eastern half of the Nation during January, while near to above normal 

temperatures covered most areas from the High Plains westward. Monthly temperatures averaged at least 5 degrees 

Fahrenheit below normal in parts of the southern Atlantic region and a few locations in the upper Midwest.

January Agricultural Summary

With the exception of portions of New England, temperatures east of the Great Plains were near to below average during 

January. Most notably, locations in the northern Great Plains and Southeast recorded temperatures that dipped to as many 

as 8 degrees below normal. In contrast, much of the Great Basin, Pacific Northwest, and northern Rocky Mountains 

experienced warmer than normal temperatures. Precipitation totals varied drastically from one region to another, with the 

northern Great Plains, southern Texas, and central Florida accumulating snow and rain totaling 200 percent or more above 

normal.

A series of winter storms brought hard freezes and frosts to much of Florida during the month, negatively impacting the 

State’s winter vegetable, strawberry, and sugarcane crops. With producers harvesting when the first cold spell hit, growth 

of the 2010 sugarcane crop was halted and some cane that was to be used for replanting next season was destroyed. 

Following the freeze, producers quickly harvested their remaining crop in hopes of limiting deterioration and sucrose loss. 

Similarly, yield and quality were decreased in many vegetable crops, leaving market movement below normal throughout 

the month.

Elsewhere, unusually wet weather fell on portions of California during the first week of the month, slowing fieldwork and 

causing yellowing and water stress in some low-lying wheat fields. In the San Joaquin Valley, harvest of citrus crops 

slowed mid to late month due to inconsistent sizing and quality. As vegetable fields and orchard floors began to dry out 

toward month’s end, producers resumed planting, maintenance, and harvest activities.

Producers in several States were busy cultivating, fertilizing, and irrigating fields in preparation for spring planting. While 

vegetable producers in Arizona continued to ship a variety of crops throughout the month, cotton and alfalfa hay harvest 

activities were winding down toward month’s end. On the central Plains, portions of the winter wheat crop were left 

vulnerable to wind and freeze damage because of limited snow cover and dry soil conditions.

Crop Comments

Sugarcane: Production of sugarcane for sugar and seed in 2010 is forecast at 28.1 million tons, of which 26.4 million tons 

will be utilized for sugar and 1.67 million tons for seed. Total production for sugar and seed is down 5 percent from the 

previous forecast and down 8 percent from 2009. Producers expect to harvest 882,200 acres for sugar and seed for the 

2010 crop year, up 1,000 acres from January and 8,300 acres from the previous year. Expected yield is forecast at 

31.8 tons per acre, down 1.7 tons from the previous forecast and 3.0 tons from 2009.
14 Crop Production (February 2011)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Production in Florida is forecast at 12.9 million tons, down 10 percent from January and down 7 percent from last year. 

Hard freezes in late December and January negatively impacted the sugarcane crop in the Everglades region of Florida, 

leaving portions of some seed cane fields unsalvageable while reducing yields in others. As a result, sugar and seed yield 

is forecast at 32.9 tons per acre, down 3.8 tons from January and down 3.1 tons from 2009. Estimates for Hawaii, 

Louisiana, and Texas were carried forward from January.

Grapefruit: The 2010-2011 United States grapefruit crop is forecast at 1.20 million tons, unchanged from the January 1 

forecast but down 2 percent from the 2009-2010 crop.

Florida grapefruit production is forecast at 19.6 million boxes (833,000 tons), unchanged from the previous forecast but 

down 3 percent from last season. The Florida all white grapefruit forecast is 5.60 million boxes (238,000 tons), down 

7 percent from the 2009-2010 season. White grapefruit droppage is expected to be slightly above average. The colored 

grapefruit forecast, at 14.0 million boxes (595,000 tons), is 2 percent below last season. California and Texas grapefruit 

production forecasts are carried forward from the January 1 forecast.

Tangerines and mandarins: The United States tangerine and mandarin crop is forecast at 605,000 tons, up 2 percent 

from both the January 1 forecast and the 2009-2010 crop. Florida’s tangerine crop is forecast at 4.40 million boxes 

(209,000 tons), up 5 percent from the previous forecast but down 1 percent from the previous season. Arizona and 

California tangerine and mandarin production forecasts are carried forward from the January 1 forecast.

Tangelos: Florida’s tangelo forecast is 1.00 million boxes (45,000 tons), unchanged from the January 1 forecast but up 

11 percent from last season’s final utilization.

Florida citrus: In the citrus growing areas, temperatures were predominantly in the 70s during the month. Weather 

stations reported lows in the 30s and highs in the 80 degree range. Drought conditions worsened during the first part of the 

month, however rainfall during the latter part lessened the drought conditions in many counties.

Harvesting of Murcott and Sunburst tangerines continued, while harvesting of Navel oranges was winding down. 

Harvesting of grapefruit and early and midseason oranges continued on schedule.

Almost all of the processing plants have opened. Early and midseason oranges and grapefruit made up the majority of 

fruit going to the plants. Heavy irrigation and harvesting dominated the grove activities this month. 

California citrus: The navel orange, mandarin, lemon, pummelo, and grapefruit harvests continued in the San Joaquin 

Valley. Lemons and grapefruit were also picked in the desert region. Fruit and nut nursery stock plants continued to be 

prepared for sale in Sutter County. Cool, overcast weather kept orchard floors from drying, which slowed weed and soil 

pest treatments.

California noncitrus fruits and nuts: New grape vineyards were being planted in Fresno County, while herbicides were 

applied in Napa County vineyards. Some young strawberry fields along the Central Coast suffered from Anthomyiid and 

Sciarid fly infestations. Blueberry and raspberry plants arrived from out-of-state for transplanting. With the exception of 

citrus and avocado, fruit trees, vines, and nut trees were in dormancy for the winter. Dormant orchards and vineyards 

continued to be pruned and sprayed as part of their off-season maintenance.

Almond pruning and orchard removal was ongoing in the Central Valley as field conditions allowed.
Crop Production (February 2011) 15

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Statistical Methodology

Survey procedures: The orange objective yield survey for the February 1 forecast was conducted in Florida, which 

produces about 75 percent of the United States production. Bearing tree numbers are determined at the start of the season 

based on a fruit tree census conducted every other year, combined with ongoing review based on administrative data or 

special surveys. From mid-July to mid-September, the number of fruit per tree is determined. In September and 

subsequent months, fruit size measurement and fruit droppage surveys are conducted, which are combined with the 

previous components to develop the current forecast of production. California and Texas conduct grower and packer 

surveys on a quarterly basis in October, January, April, and July. California conducts an objective measurement survey in 

September for navel oranges and in March for Valencia oranges.

Estimating procedures: State level objective yield estimates for Florida oranges were reviewed for errors, 

reasonableness, and consistency with historical estimates. Reports from growers and packers in California and Texas were 

also used for setting estimates. These three States submit their analyses of the current situation to the Agricultural 

Statistics Board (ASB). The ASB uses the survey data and the State analyses to prepare the published February 1 forecast.

Revision policy: The February 1 production forecast will not be revised. A new forecast will be made each month 

throughout the growing season. End-of-season estimates will be published in the Citrus Fruits Summary released in 

September. The production estimates are based on all data available at the end of the marketing season, including 

information from marketing orders, shipments, and processor records. Allowances are made for recorded local utilization 

and home use.

Reliability: To assist users in evaluating the reliability of the February 1 production forecast, the "Root Mean Square 

Error," a statistical measure based on past performance, is computed. The deviation between the February 1 production 

forecast and the final estimate is expressed as a percentage of the final estimate. The average of squared percentage 

deviations for the latest 20-year period is computed. The square root of the average becomes statistically the "Root Mean 

Square Error." Probability statements can be made concerning expected differences in the current forecast relative to the 

final end-of-season estimate, assuming factors affecting this year's forecast are not different from those influencing recent 

years.

The "Root Mean Square Error" for the February 1 orange production forecast is 3.4 percent. However, if you exclude the 

4 abnormal production years (2 freeze seasons and 2 hurricane seasons), the "Root Mean Square Error" is 3.2 percent. 

This means chances are 2 out of 3 that the current orange production forecast will not be above or below the final estimate 

by more than 3.4 percent, or 3.2 percent excluding abnormal seasons. Chances are 9 out of 10 (90 percent confidence 

level) that the difference will not exceed 5.9 percent, or 5.5 percent, excluding abnormal seasons.

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

312,000 tons (302,000 tons excluding abnormal seasons), ranging from 18,000 tons to 638,000 tons (18,000 tons to 

638,000 tons, excluding abnormal seasons). The February 1 forecast for oranges has been below the final estimate 7 times 

and above 13 times (below 7 times and above 9 times, excluding abnormal seasons). The difference does not imply the 

February 1 forecast this year is likely to understate or overstate final production.
16 Crop Production (February 2011)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Information Contacts

Listed below are the commodity statisticians in the Crops Branch of the National Agricultural Statistics Service to contact 

for additional information. E-mail inquiries may be sent to nass@nass.usda.gov

Lance Honig, Chief, Crops Branch .......................................................................................................(202) 720-2127

Jacqueline Moore, Head, Field Crops Section ...................................................................................... (202) 720-2127

 Suzanne Avilla – Peanuts, Rice........................................................................................................ (202) 720-7688

 Bryan Durham – Hay, Oats.............................................................................................................. (202) 690-3234

 Steve Maliszewski – Cotton, Cotton Ginnings, Sorghum................................................................ (202) 720-5944

 Anthony Prillaman – Corn, Proso Millet, Flaxseed ......................................................................... (202) 720-9526

 Nick Schauer – Wheat, Rye ............................................................................................................. (202) 720-8068

 Julie Schmidt – Crop Weather, Barley, Sugar Crops....................................................................... (202) 720-7621

 Travis Thorson – Soybeans, Sunflower, Other Oilseeds..................................................................(202) 720-7369

Jorge Garcia-Pratts, Head, Fruits, Vegetables and Special Crops Section............................................(202) 720-2127

 Debbie Flippin – Fresh and Processing Vegetables, Onions, Strawberries......................................(202) 720-2157

 Fred Granja – Apples, Apricots, Cherries, Plums, Prunes, Tobacco ...............................................(202) 720-4288

 Jorge Garcia-Pratts – Floriculture, Maple Syrup, Nursery, Tree Nuts ............................................(202) 720-2127

 Jorge Garcia-Pratts – Citrus, Coffee, Grapes, Tropical Fruits .........................................................(202) 720-2127

 Tierra Mobley – Berries, Cranberries, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes ....................................................(202) 720-4285

 Dan Norris – Austrian Winter Peas, Dry Edible Peas, Lentils, Mints,

 Mushrooms, Peaches, Pears, Wrinkled Seed Peas, Dry Beans ..................................................(202) 720-3250

 Kim Ritchie – Hops..........................................................................................................................(360) 709-2400
Access to NASS Reports

For your convenience, you may access NASS reports and products the following ways:

 All reports are available electronically, at no cost, on the NASS web site: http://www.nass.usda.gov

 Both national and state specific reports are available via a free e-mail subscription. To set-up this free 

subscription, visit http://www.nass.usda.gov and in the “Receive NASS Updates” box under “Receive reports by 

Email,” click on “National” or “State” to select the reports you would like to receive. 

 Printed reports may be purchased from the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) by calling toll-free 

(800) 999-6779, or (703) 605-6220 if calling from outside the United States or Canada. Accepted methods of 

payment are Visa, MasterCard, check, or money order. 

For more information on NASS surveys and reports, call the NASS Agricultural Statistics Hotline at (800) 727-9540, 

7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET, or e-mail: nass@nass.usda.gov. 

 

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the 

basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental 

status, religion, sexual orientation, political beliefs, genetic information, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's 

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should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant 

Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 9410, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call toll-free at 

(866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800) 845-6136 

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Today’s Strategies & Tomorrow’s Opportunities

February 24-25, 2011

Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel

Arlington, Virginia

www.usda.gov/oce/forum

Early Bird Registration $350 until January 21, 2011 

* $375 after January 21

Topical Sessions Will Address:

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