Cr Pr 2-2 (4-99)

Crop

Production

National

Agricultural

Statistics

Service

USDA

Washington, D.C.

Released April 9, 1999, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department of

Agriculture. For information on "Crop Production" call (202) 720-2127, office hours 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET.

U.S. Orange Production Down 2 Percent

All oranges production forecast for 1998-99 is 9.93 million tons, down 2 percent from last month’s forecast

and down 27 percent from last year’s revised record large crop of 13.7 million tons. Florida's all orange

forecast is reduced to 190 million boxes (8.55 million tons), 1 percent below the March forecast and

22 percent less than the record large 244 million boxes (11.0 million tons) utilized last season. Early and

midseason varieties in Florida are forecast at 112 million boxes (5.04 million tons), 2 percent lower than the

March forecast and 20 percent below last season. Florida’s Valencia forecast of 78.0 million boxes

(3.51 million tons) remains unchanged and is 25 percent lower than last season’s utilization.

California’s all orange production forecast is lowered to 34.0 million boxes (1.28 million tons), down

11 percent from the January forecast and down 51 percent from the revised 1997-98 utilization of

69.0 million boxes (2.59 million tons). The late December freeze caused considerable losses to both the navel

and Valencia crops. California’s navel forecast, at 17.0 million boxes (637,500 tons), is down 11 percent

from the previous forecast and down 61 percent from last year’s final utilization. Due to the freeze, the navel

harvesting season is wrapping up a month or two ahead of normal. California’s forecast of Valencia oranges

is reduced to 17.0 million boxes (637,500 tons) and is down 32 percent from last season’s revised utilization

of 25.0 million boxes (937,500 tons). Picking began in late February in the desert area. Good quality was

reported. In the San Joaquin Valley, the adverse affects of the December freeze became apparent as spring

arrived.

Florida frozen concentrated orange juice (FCOJ) yield for the 1998-99 season is forecast at a record high

1.63 gallons per box at 42.0 degrees Brix, up from March’s record high forecast of 1.62 gallons per box. The

forecast projects the final yield as reported by the Florida Citrus Processors Association. Projected average

yield for early and midseason varieties is final at a record high 1.58 gallons per box. Valencias are projected

to yield a record high 1.72 gallons per box, up from 1.68 gallons last month. Average pound solids are at a

record high level for this time of year.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 1999 2 NASS, USDA

This report was approved on April 9, 1999.

Acting Secretary of

Agriculture

Keith J. Collins

Agricultural Statistics Board

Acting Chairperson

Frederic A. Vogel
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 1999 3 NASS, USDA

Contents

Page

Crop Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Fruit, Citrus ...........................................................................4

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

Papayas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Peanuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

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

Weather Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 1999 4 NASS, USDA

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

1996-97, 1997-98 and Forecasted April 1, 1999 1 2

Crop and State

Utilized Production

Boxes

Utilized Production

Ton Equivalent

1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99

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

Oranges

 Early Mid &

 Navel 4

 AZ

 CA

 FL

 TX

 US

 Valencia

 AZ

 CA

 FL

 TX

 US

 All

 AZ

 CA

 FL

 TX

 US

Temples

 FL

Grapefruit

 White Seedless

 FL 5

 Colored Seedless

 FL 6

 Other

 FL

 All

 AZ

 CA

 FL 5 6

 TX

 US

Tangerines

 AZ 7

 CA 7

 FL

 US

Lemons

 AZ

 CA

 US

Tangelos

 FL

K-Early Citrus

 FL

400

40,000

134,200

1,300

175,900

600

24,000

92,000

120

116,720

1,000

64,000

226,200

1,420

292,620

2,400

23,500

31,400

900

900

8,200

55,800

5,300

70,200

550

2,600

6,300

9,450

2,600

22,600

25,200

3,950

150

350

44,000

140,000

1,350

185,700

650

25,000

104,000

175

129,825

1,000

69,000

244,000

1,525

315,525

2,250

18,300

30,600

650

800

9,000

49,550

4,800

64,150

600

2,400

5,200

8,200

2,600

22,000

24,600

2,850

40

550

17,000

112,000

1,300

130,850

650

17,000

78,000

140

95,790

1,200

34,000

190,000

1,440

226,640

2,000

19,000

29,500

500

700

8,500

49,000

5,400

63,600

900

1,700

4,850

7,450

3,500

18,000

21,500

2,550

80

15

1,500

6,039

55

7,609

23

900

4,140

5

5,068

38

2,400

10,179

60

12,677

108

999

1,334

38

30

275

2,371

212

2,888

21

98

299

418

99

859

958

178

7

13

1,650

6,300

57

8,020

25

938

4,680

7

5,650

38

2,588

10,980

64

13,670

101

777

1,301

28

27

301

2,106

192

2,626

23

90

247

360

99

836

935

128

2

21

638

5,040

55

5,754

24

638

3,510

6

4,178

45

1,276

8,550

61

9,932

90

808

1,254

21

23

285

2,083

216

2,607

34

64

230

328

133

684

817

115

4 1

 The crop year begins with the bloom of the first year shown and ends with the completion of harvest the following year. 2 1997-

98 revised 3

 Net lbs. per box: oranges-AZ & CA-75, FL-90, TX-85; grapefruit-AZ & CA-67, FL-85, TX-80; lemons-76;

tangelos, K-Early Citrus & Temples-90; tangerines-AZ & CA-75, FL-95. 4

 Navel and miscellaneous varieties in AZ and CA. 

Early (including Navel) and midseason varieties in FL and TX. Small quantities of tangerines in TX. 5

 Excludes White Seedless

economic abandonment of 3,000,000 boxes in 1996-97 and 5,000,000 boxes in 1997-98. 6

 Excludes Colored Seedless economic

abandonment of 3,000,000 boxes in 1996-97 and 1,000,000 boxes in 1997-98. 7

 Includes tangelos and tangors.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 1999 5 NASS, USDA

Potatoes: Area Planted and Harvested, Yield, and Production

by Seasonal Group, State, and United States, 1997-99

Seasonal

Group

and

State

Area

Yield Production

Planted Harvested

1998 1999 1998 1999 1998 1999 1997 1998 1999

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

Winter

 CA

 FL

 Total

Spring

 AL

 AZ

 CA

 FL

 Hastings

 Other FL

 NC

 TX

 Total

Summer 1

 AL

 CA

 CO

 DE

 IL

 IA

 MD

 MO

 NE

 NJ

 NM

 NC

 TX

 VA

 Total

7.0

8.5

15.5

1.8

8.1

18.5

35.8

25.5

10.3

18.0

10.8

93.0

4.4

6.2

7.7

4.6

5.8

1.4

4.6

9.6

4.5

2.7

4.3

1.1

9.1

7.0

73.0

7.8

10.1

17.9

1.7

9.4

19.5

29.8

22.5

7.3

17.0

10.3

87.7

7.0

8.0

15.0

1.7

8.1

18.5

34.5

24.5

10.0

17.5

10.3

90.6

4.3

6.1

7.5

4.6

4.9

1.3

4.6

8.8

4.4

2.6

3.7

1.1

8.2

6.0

68.1

7.8

9.9

17.7

1.6

9.4

19.5

29.0

22.0

7.0

16.5

9.8

85.8

220

180

199

130

282

335

213

235

160

190

170

233

130

355

345

220

290

235

235

215

365

270

260

95

380

230

277

210

200

204

175

280

375

223

230

200

195

210

256

1,551

1,880

3,431

272

1,820

8,073

7,150

5,258

1,892

3,287

1,697

22,299

690

2,124

2,584

964

1,495

308

816

1,500

1,599

650

1,248

120

2,805

1,268

18,171

1,540

1,440

2,980

221

2,284

6,198

7,358

5,758

1,600

3,325

1,751

21,137

559

2,166

2,588

1,012

1,421

306

1,081

1,892

1,606

702

962

105

3,116

1,380

18,896

1,638

1,980

3,618

280

2,632

7,313

6,460

5,060

1,400

3,218

2,058

21,961

1 1998 revised.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 1999 6 NASS, USDA

Papayas: Area and Fresh Production, by Month, Hawaii, 1998-99

Month

Area

Total in Crop Harvested Fresh Production

1998 1999 1998 1999

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

Feb

Mar

3,505

3,205

3,700

3,735

1,740

1,750

2,135

2,110

2,655

2,845

2,870

2,830

Peanuts: Area Planted and Harvested, Yield, and Production

by State and United States, 1997-98 1

State

Area Planted Area Harvested

1997 1998 1997 1998

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

AL

FL

GA

NM

NC

OK

SC

TX

VA

US

194.0

92.0

520.0

18.0

124.0

79.0

11.0

320.0

76.0

1,434.0

198.0

98.0

540.0

22.0

125.0

80.0

12.0

370.0

76.0

1,521.0

193.0

84.0

519.0

17.3

123.0

77.0

10.5

315.0

75.0

1,413.8

197.0

90.0

537.0

22.0

124.5

75.0

11.5

335.0

75.0

1,467.0

Yield Production

1997 1998 1997 1998

Pounds Pounds 1,000 Pounds 1,000 Pounds

AL

FL

GA

NM

NC

OK

SC

TX

VA

US

1,930

2,715

2,570

2,700

2,680

2,400

2,900

2,610

2,550

2,503

2,195

2,590

2,815

2,820

3,190

2,130

2,450

2,740

2,950

2,702

372,490

228,060

1,333,830

46,710

329,640

184,800

30,450

822,150

191,250

3,539,380

432,415

233,100

1,511,655

62,040

397,155

159,750

28,175

917,900

221,250

3,963,440 1 1998 revised.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 1999 7 NASS, USDA

Peanuts: Farm Marketing Percents by Month,

State, and United States, 1997 and 1998 Crop Years

Crop Year

and

State

Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan 1 Feb

Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent

1997 Crop

 AL

 FL

 GA

 NC

 TX

 VA

 US

1998 Crop

 AL

 FL

 GA

 NC

 TX

 VA

 US

62.7

67.0

54.3

1.8

0.1

34.4

17.5

21.6

26.0

2.6

1.8

3.7

14.9

32.3

28.9

40.3

56.2

47.8

57.4

43.1

65.3

68.8

65.1

74.2

41.1

65.2

60.4

4.2

3.1

4.4

24.7

37.3

26.0

15.8

14.4

7.9

7.6

14.1

43.5

16.6

18.5

0.8

0.2

0.9

14.8

11.4

10.2

5.4

2.5

0.9

1.2

5.2

7.7

8.0

3.8

0.8

0.1

4.3

1.2

6.3

1.2

0.3

0.8

0.1

3.9

5.9

6.5

2.4

0.5

0.1

1 January of the following year.

Peanuts: Price and Value by State

and United States, 1997-98 1

State Price per Pound Value of Production

1997 1998 1997 1998

Dollars Dollars 1,000 Dollars 1,000 Dollars

AL

FL

GA

NM

NC

OK

SC

TX

VA

US

0.293

0.280

0.303

0.300

0.277

0.293

0.287

0.243

0.301

0.283

0.277

0.246

0.266

0.235

0.237

0.308

0.286

0.233

0.241

0.255

109,140

63,857

404,150

14,013

91,310

54,146

8,739

199,782

57,566

1,002,703

119,779

57,343

402,100

14,579

94,126

49,203

8,058

213,871

53,321

1,012,380 1 1998 revised.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 1999 8 NASS, USDA

Crop Summary: Area Planted and Harvested, United States, 1998-99

(Domestic Units) 1

Crop

Area Planted Area Harvested

1998 1999 1998 1999

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

Grains & Hay

 Barley

 Corn for Grain 2

 Corn for Silage

 Hay, All

 Alfalfa

 All Other

 Oats

 Rice

 Rye

 Sorghum for Grain 2

 Sorghum for Silage

 Wheat, All

 Winter

 Durum

 Other Spring

Oilseeds

 Canola

 Cottonseed

 Flaxseed

 Mustard Seed

 Peanuts

 Rapeseed

 Safflower

 Soybeans for Beans

 Sunflower

Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops

 Cotton, All

 Upland

 Amer-Pima

 Sugarbeets

 Sugarcane

 Tobacco

Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils

 Austrian Winter Peas

 Dry Edible Beans

 Dry Edible Peas

 Lentils

 Wrinkled Seed Peas

Potatoes & Misc.

 Coffee (HI)

 Ginger Root (HI)

 Hops

 Peppermint Oil

 Potatoes, All

 Winter

 Spring

 Summer

 Fall

 Spearmint Oil

 Sweet Potatoes

 Taro (HI) 3

6,340.0

80,187.0

4,902.0

3,345.0

1,571.0

9,626.0

65,871.0

46,449.0

3,805.0

15,617.0

1,127.0

336.0

98.9

1,521.0

4.8

303.0

72,375.0

3,553.0

13,417.9

13,088.0

329.9

1,497.9

9.0

2,010.1

323.4

162.0

1,422.7

15.5

93.0

73.0

1,241.2

86.8

5,274.0

78,219.0

4,732.0

3,580.0

1,590.0

8,804.0

63,029.0

43,399.0

4,270.0

15,360.0

521.0

1,508.0

73,105.0

3,955.0

13,944.2

13,639.0

305.2

1,547.7

2,045.5

17.9

87.7

86.7

5,867.0

72,604.0

5,919.0

60,016.0

23,642.0

36,374.0

2,765.0

3,317.0

418.0

7,723.0

305.0

59,002.0

40,126.0

3,728.0

15,148.0

1,092.0

329.0

95.6

1,467.0

4.7

285.0

70,811.0

3,476.0

10,722.5

10,486.0

236.5

1,451.6

951.5

726.9

7.4

1,913.9

309.1

158.5

6.1

0.4

36.6

124.0

1,393.7

15.0

90.6

68.1

1,220.0

27.4

83.8

0.5

60,093.0

2,686.0

647.9

17.7

85.8

1

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

full 1999 crop year. 2

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

April 1999 9 NASS, USDA

Crop Summary: Yield and Production, United States, 1998-99

(Domestic Units) 1

Crop Unit

Yield Production

1998 1999 1998 1999

1,000 1,000

Grains & Hay

 Barley

 Corn for Grain

 Corn for Silage

 Hay, All

 Alfalfa

 All Other

 Oats

 Rice 2

 Rye

 Sorghum for Grain

 Sorghum for Silage

 Wheat, All

 Winter

 Durum

 Other Spring

Oilseeds

 Canola

 Cottonseed 3

 Flaxseed

 Mustard Seed

 Peanuts

 Rapeseed

 Safflower

 Soybeans for Beans

 Sunflower

Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops

 Cotton, All 2

 Upland 2

 Amer-Pima 2

 Sugarbeets

 Sugarcane

 Tobacco

Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils

 Austrian Winter Peas 2

 Dry Edible Beans 2

 Dry Edible Peas 2

 Lentils 2

 Wrinkled Seed Peas

Potatoes & Misc.

 Coffee (HI)

 Ginger Root (HI)

 Hops

 Peppermint Oil

 Potatoes, All

 Winter

 Spring

 Summer

 Fall

 Spearmint Oil

 Sweet Potatoes

 Taro (HI) 3

Bu

"

Ton

"

"

"

Bu

Cwt

Bu

"

Ton

Bu

"

"

"

Lb

Ton

Bu

Lb

"

"

"

Bu

Lb

Bale

"

"

Ton

"

Lb

Cwt

"

"

"

"

Lb

"

"

"

Cwt

"

"

"

"

Lb

Cwt

Lb

60.1

134.4

16.0

2.52

3.47

1.91

60.4

5,669

28.2

67.3

11.4

43.2

46.9

37.8

34.9

1,455

20.4

855

2,702

1,353

1,446

38.9

1,509

618

612

873

22.5

35.8

2,104

1,405

1,611

1,920

1,223

1,480

50,000

1,625

78

343

199

233

277

356

109

142

204

256

352,445

9,761,085

94,525

151,338

82,010

69,328

167,122

188,051

11,795

519,933

3,487

2,550,383

1,880,605

141,069

528,709

1,588,620

5,182

6,708

81,750

3,963,440

6,360

412,085

2,756,794

5,246,701

13,796.2

13,366.2

430.0

32,660

34,057

1,529,647

104

30,828

5,934

1,938

674

9,000

18,000

59,548

9,727

477,381

2,980

21,137

18,896

434,368

2,987

11,887

6,000

3,618

21,961

1

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

full 1999 crop year. 2

 Yield in pounds. 3 Yield is not estimated.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 1999 10 NASS, USDA

Fruits and Nuts Production, United States, 1997-99

(Domestic Units) 1

Crop Unit

Production

1997 1998 1999

1,000 1,000 1,000

Citrus 2

 Grapefruit

 K-Early Citrus (FL)

 Lemons

 Oranges

 Tangelos (FL)

 Tangerines

 Temples (FL)

Non-Citrus

 Apples

 Apricots

 Bananas (HI)

 Grapes

 Olives (CA)

 Papayas (HI)

 Peaches

 Pears

 Prunes, Dried (CA)

 Prunes & Plums (Ex CA)

Nuts & Misc.

 Almonds (CA)

 Hazelnuts

 Pecans

 Pistachios (CA)

 Walnuts (CA)

 Maple Syrup

Ton

"

"

"

"

"

"

1,000 Lbs

Ton

Lb

Ton

"

Lb

1,000 Lbs

Ton

"

"

Lb

Ton

Lb

"

Ton

Gal

2,888

7

958

12,677

178

418

108

10,323.8

139.2

13,700.0

7,290.9

104.0

38,800.0

2,624.6

1,042.5

214.0

25.5

759,000

47.0

335,000

180,000

269.0

1,298

2,626

2

935

13,670

128

360

101

10,943.6

118.3

20,000.0

5,595.6

90.0

39,000.0

2,425.8

926.2

108.0

25.6

520,000

15.5

155,050

188,000

227.0

1,159

2,607

4

817

9,932

115

328

90

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

the full 1999 crop year. 2 Production years are 1996-97, 1997-98, and 1998-99.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 1999 11 NASS, USDA

Crop Summary: Area Planted and Harvested, United States, 1998-99

(Metric Units) 1

Crop

Area Planted Area Harvested

1998 1999 1998 1999

Hectares Hectares Hectares Hectares

Grains & Hay

 Barley

 Corn for Grain 2

 Corn for Silage

 Hay, All 3

 Alfalfa

 All Other

 Oats

 Rice

 Rye

 Sorghum for Grain 2

 Sorghum for Silage

 Wheat, All 3

 Winter

 Durum

 Other Spring

Oilseeds

 Canola

 Cottonseed

 Flaxseed

 Mustard Seed

 Peanuts

 Rapeseed

 Safflower

 Soybeans for Beans

 Sunflower

Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops

 Cotton, All 3

 Upland

 Amer-Pima

 Sugarbeets

 Sugarcane

 Tobacco

Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils

 Austrian Winter Peas

 Dry Edible Beans

 Dry Edible Peas

 Lentils

 Wrinkled Seed Peas

Potatoes & Misc.

 Coffee (HI)

 Ginger Root (HI)

 Hops

 Peppermint Oil

 Potatoes, All 3

 Winter

 Spring

 Summer

 Fall

 Spearmint Oil

 Sweet Potatoes

 Taro (HI) 4

2,565,730

32,450,880

1,983,790

1,353,690

635,770

3,895,550

26,657,330

18,797,450

1,539,850

6,320,040

456,090

135,980

40,020

615,530

1,940

122,620

29,289,440

1,437,860

5,430,090

5,296,580

133,510

606,190

3,640

813,470

130,880

65,560

575,750

6,270

37,640

29,540

502,300

35,130

2,134,340

31,654,450

1,914,990

1,448,790

643,460

3,562,890

25,507,210

17,563,140

1,728,030

6,216,040

210,840

610,270

29,584,860

1,600,550

5,643,080

5,519,570

123,510

626,340

827,790

7,240

35,490

35,090

2,374,320

29,382,110

2,395,360

24,287,880

9,567,680

14,720,190

1,118,970

1,342,360

169,160

3,125,420

123,430

23,877,520

16,238,590

1,508,680

6,130,240

441,920

133,140

38,690

593,680

1,900

115,340

28,656,500

1,406,700

4,339,290

4,243,580

95,710

587,450

385,060

294,170

2,990

774,540

125,090

64,140

2,470

150

14,830

50,180

564,020

6,070

36,660

27,560

493,720

11,090

33,910

200

24,319,040

1,087,000

262,180

7,160

34,720

1

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

full 1999 crop year. 2

 Area planted for all purposes. 3 Total may not add due to rounding. 4 Area is total hectares in crop, not

harvested hectares.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 1999 12 NASS, USDA

Crop Summary: Yield and Production, United States, 1998-99

(Metric Units) 1

Crop

Yield Production

1998 1999 1998 1999

Metric Tons Metric Tons Metric Tons Metric Tons

Grains & Hay

 Barley

 Corn for Grain

 Corn for Silage

 Hay, All 2

 Alfalfa

 All Other

 Oats

 Rice

 Rye

 Sorghum for Grain

 Sorghum for Silage

 Wheat, All 2

 Winter

 Durum

 Other Spring

Oilseeds

 Canola

 Cottonseed 3

 Flaxseed

 Mustard Seed

 Peanuts

 Rapeseed

 Safflower

 Soybeans for Beans

 Sunflower

Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops

 Cotton, All 2

 Upland

 Amer-Pima

 Sugarbeets

 Sugarcane

 Tobacco

Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils

 Austrian Winter Peas

 Dry Edible Beans

 Dry Edible Peas

 Lentils

 Wrinkled Seed Peas

Potatoes & Misc.

 Coffee (HI)

 Ginger Root (HI)

 Hops

 Peppermint Oil

 Potatoes, All 2

 Winter

 Spring

 Summer

 Fall

 Spearmint Oil

 Sweet Potatoes

 Taro (HI) 3

3.23

8.44

35.80

5.65

7.78

4.27

2.17

6.35

1.77

4.23

25.63

2.91

3.15

2.54

2.35

1.63

1.28

0.96

3.03

1.52

1.62

2.62

1.69

0.69

0.69

0.98

50.44

80.24

2.36

1.58

1.81

2.15

1.37

1.65

56.04

1.82

0.09

38.39

22.27

26.15

31.10

39.91

0.12

15.90

22.91

28.69

7,673,580

247,942,980

85,751,640

137,291,520

74,398,220

62,893,300

2,425,770

8,529,850

299,610

13,206,910

3,163,350

69,410,050

51,181,680

3,839,270

14,389,100

720,590

4,700,670

170,390

37,080

1,797,790

2,880

186,920

75,027,640

2,379,860

3,003,770

2,910,150

93,620

29,628,650

30,895,990

693,840

4,720

1,398,330

269,160

87,910

30,570

4,080

8,160

27,010

4,410

21,653,640

135,170

958,760

857,110

19,702,600

1,350

539,190

2,720

164,110

996,130

1

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

full 1999 crop year. 2

 Production may not add due to rounding. 3 Yield is not estimated.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 1999 13 NASS, USDA

Fruits and Nuts Production, United States, 1997-99

(Metric Units) 1

Crop

Production

1997 1998 1999

Metric tons Metric tons Metric tons

Citrus 2

 Grapefruit

 K-Early Citrus (FL)

 Lemons

 Oranges

 Tangelos (FL)

 Tangerines

 Temples (FL)

Non-Citrus

 Apples

 Apricots

 Bananas (HI)

 Grapes

 Olives (CA)

 Papayas (HI)

 Peaches

 Pears

 Prunes, Dried (CA)

 Prunes & Plums (Ex CA)

Nuts & Misc.

 Almonds (CA)

 Hazelnuts

 Pecans

 Pistachios (CA)

 Walnuts (CA)

 Maple Syrup

2,619,950

6,350

869,080

11,500,380

161,480

379,200

97,980

4,682,800

126,310

6,210

6,614,190

94,350

17,600

1,190,500

945,740

194,140

23,130

344,280

42,640

151,950

81,650

244,030

6,490

2,382,270

1,810

848,220

12,401,220

116,120

326,590

91,630

4,963,930

107,320

9,070

5,076,200

81,650

17,690

1,100,320

840,270

97,980

23,220

235,870

14,060

70,330

85,280

205,930

5,790

2,365,030

3,630

741,170

9,010,160

104,330

297,560

81,650

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

the full 1999 crop year. 2 Production years are 1996-97, 1997-98, and 1998-99.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 1999 14 NASS, USDA

March Weather Summary: In a sharp departure from February, below-normal temperatures prevailed

across much of the South due to a storm track that carried storms southward along the West Coast, then

northeastward across the central and southern Plains and into the East. Monthly temperatures averaged as

much as 3 degrees F below normal in Oklahoma and as much as 6 degrees F below normal in the Ohio

Valley. Despite cooler-than-normal weather in the Southeast, the region’s winter grains and fruit tree blooms

were not exposed to damaging cold, escaping with only occasional scattered frost. Meanwhile, cooler-thannormal conditions (as much as 5 degrees F below normal) persisted in California, perpetuating a long-term

trend. In contrast, warmer-than-normal weather dominated northern New England, and areas from the Four

Corners region to the northern Plains and upper Midwest. Monthly departures reached + 8 degrees F in

southeastern Montana.

The storm track shift provided much-needed moisture from the central and southern Plains into the East,

including several episodes of heavy snowfall. Toward month’s end, rain reached southern Texas’ parched

Rio Grande Valley, significantly improving topsoil moisture for spring-sown crops. Most of the precipitation

bypassed the Southwest and Peninsular Florida, however, leaving soils unfavorably dry and increasing the

threat of wildfires. Farther north, mostly dry weather in the northern Plains and the Midwest promoted spring

fieldwork. In the Pacific Northwest, slightly drier weather eased the risk of spring flooding following an

exceptionally wet winter.

General Crop Comments: March began with dry, windy conditions in the Great Plains that depleted soil

moisture reserves and hindered winter wheat development. The dry weather aided field preparations, and

planting was active in southern and eastern Texas and the Gulf Coast States. Some earlier-planted corn and

cotton fields emerged along the western Gulf Coast despite soil moisture shortages. Wet and cool weather

emerged over the southern and eastern third of the Nation during the second week of the month and prevailed

for most of the remainder of the month. The wet weather aided crop emergence, but periodically halted

fieldwork in the southern Plains, lower Mississippi Valley, and adjacent areas of the Southeast. The rain also

boosted winter wheat development in most areas of the southern Great Plains, but vegetative growth was

limited by below-normal temperatures. In Oklahoma and the central Great Plains, mid-month snowfall

rejuvenated soil moisture levels and curbed insect activity. In the northern Great Plains, dry conditions

continued to persist, but winter wheat was aided by mild temperatures and wind, disease, and insect damage

remained light. Warm, dry weather aided tillage and fertilizing activities in the western and central Corn Belt. 

Fieldwork was less active in the eastern and southern Corn Belt during the first half of the month due to

muddy field conditions. In the Great Plains and western Corn Belt, small grain seeding progressed well due

to mostly dry conditions. Temperatures averaged below normal in most of the Southeast and fell below

freezing as far south as northern Florida early in the month. Frost damage to fruit and vegetable crops was

limited due to the short duration of sub-freezing temperatures. Fieldwork in the Atlantic Coastal Plains was

aided by mostly dry weather, while a mixture of heavy rain, freezing rain, and snow saturated soils in parts of

the Ohio and Tennessee River Valleys and Appalachians. In the eastern Corn Belt and Northeast, most

precipitation came as snow. Coastal areas of the Pacific Northwest and northern California remained rainy. 

In inland areas of California, where dryer conditions prevailed, field preparations and planting were active. 

Gradual warming promoted growth of small grains, winter forages, and sugar beets. A few cotton fields were

planted in the northern valleys, but warmer soil temperatures were needed. In southern areas of the State,

small grains were irrigated to sustain growth. By the end of the month, winter wheat was heading and cotton

was developing squares in the Imperial and San Joaquin Valleys.

Grapefruit: The April 1 forecast of the 1998-99 U.S. grapefruit crop is 2.61 million tons, up less than

1 percent from the March forecast, but down 1 percent from last season. The April 1 forecast of Florida

grapefruit continues at 49.0 million boxes (2.08 million tons). If realized, the forecast will be down 1 percent

from a year ago. The white seedless forecast is 19.0 million boxes (808,000 tons), unchanged from March

and 4 percent higher than last season. The colored seedless forecast remains at 29.5 million boxes

(1.25 million tons), down 4 percent from 1997-98. March was a major harvesting month with 70 percent of

the seedless fruit being processed. Estimated utilization of both the white seedless and the colored seedless

varieties is ahead of last year’s pace to April 1. The forecast of seedy grapefruit is unchanged at
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 1999 15 NASS, USDA

500,000 boxes (21,000 tons). All seedy grapefruit are certified in processed form and records are dependent

on load tickets. 

California’s April 1 forecast of grapefruit production is 8.50 million boxes (285,000 tons), up 6 percent from

the January forecast, but down 5 percent from last year’s utilization. Most of California’s grapefruit was not

affected by the late December freeze that hit the San Joaquin Valley. Desert and south coast area groves have

increased yields with excellent color and quality. Grapefruit production in Texas is forecast at 5.40 million

boxes (216,000 tons), unchanged from March and up 13 percent from the previous season. The Texas

grapefruit harvest is three-fourths complete. Arizona’s grapefruit forecast continues at 700,000 boxes

(23,000 tons), down 13 percent from a year ago.

Tangerines: The 1998-99 U.S. tangerine crop is forecast at 328,000 tons, up 7 percent from last month but

down 9 percent from the previous year’s utilization. Florida’s tangerine crop is forecast at 4.85 million boxes

(230,000 tons), 4 percent higher than the March forecast. If realized, the crop will be 7 percent less than last

year. California’s April 1 tangerine forecast is 1.70 million boxes (64,000 tons), up 6 percent from January

but down 29 percent from last season. Approximately half of California’s tangerine acreage was adversely

affected by the December freeze. Heavy ice marks caused much of the fruit to be juiced. In southern

California, minimal freeze damage was reported on tangerines. Eating quality and color have been excellent. 

Arizona’s tangerine forecast on April 1 is 900,000 boxes (34,000 tons), up 29 percent from January and up

50 percent from a year ago. Improved market conditions and the effects of the California freeze have led to

more aggressive picking.

Lemons: The 1998-99 U.S. lemon crop is forecast at 817,000 tons, up 1 percent from the January forecast,

but down 13 percent from the 1997-98 crop. California’s forecast remains at 18.0 million boxes

(684,000 tons), 18 percent less than a year ago. Less than 20 percent of the lemons in California are grown

in the freeze damaged San Joaquin Valley area. Whatever wasn’t harvested before the freeze in those areas

will most likely be lost. In the south coast areas, the volume of picks has been increasing. Light frost damage

has been observed. The desert area harvest is wrapping up, with good quality reported. Typical defects

include windscar, flatsides, sunburn, and oil spotting. The Arizona lemon forecast is raised to 3.50 million

boxes (133,000 tons), up 9 percent from the January forecast and up 34 percent from a year ago. Improved

market conditions have led to more aggressive picking.

Tangelos: Florida’s April 1 tangelo forecast is final at 2.55 million boxes (115,000 tons). The 2 percent

reduction from last month is based on the estimated utilization to April 1 and the route survey which shows

very few rows remaining for harvest. Over the past eight seasons, final utilization has averaged 15 percent

larger than the current crop. Only the 1995-96 crop was smaller.

Temples: Florida’s forecast of Temple utilization remains unchanged from March at 2.00 million boxes

(90,000 tons). Harvest progressed rapidly in March and estimated utilization totaled 1.80 million boxes as of

April 1. With some rows remaining for harvest, the route survey strongly supports the current forecast,

unchanged since the initial forecast in October.

Florida Citrus: During March, the weather throughout Florida's citrus belt was generally dry, with cool

nights and mild to warm days. Rain is badly needed in all areas. Growers and caretakers have been irrigating

with all types of equipment. New growth and bloom bud development progressed slowly during the month. 

The dry weather and the cool nights have prolonged this year's bloom cycle. Full open bloom was generally

reached by the end of the month. Some groves are lagging and have very light bloom. Harvest of early and

midseason oranges was completed by the middle of March. Picking crews rapidly moved into the Valencia
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 1999 16 NASS, USDA

oranges and all types of grapefruit. Temples and Honey tangerines are still being harvested for both fresh and

process use. Caretakers were very active during the month cutting cover crops, spraying, hedging, and

topping. Dead tree removal continued along with some pushing out of abandoned and unprofitable groves.

Texas Citrus: Harvest of early and midseason oranges was completed during March and the Valencia

harvest began and made good progress. Grapefruit harvest moved past the 75 percent complete mark during

March. Some very beneficial rain fell late in the month and should help the grapefruit bloom which has been

lacking in many groves. The orange bloom looks good across the Rio Grande Valley.

California Citrus: Grapefruit growers in southern California were picking a good quality crop during

March. Color was excellent with a clean and smooth texture. Fruit sizes were small, however. The

December freeze did not hurt the grapefruit from the San Joaquin Valley as much as other citrus crops. 

Lemons in the San Joaquin Valley were devastated by the freeze. Very few lemons were picked there after

the freeze. Lemon harvesting was active in the south coast area with only light frost damage reported. Lemon

picking in the desert area was nearly complete by April 1 with good quality reported. The tangerine crop in

the San Joaquin Valley was significantly hurt by the freeze. Very few fruit picked after the freeze was useable

for the fresh market. Most was graded out to juice. Tangerines harvested in southern California, however,

were of good quality and color with minimal frost damage. 

Navel orange growers in the San Joaquin Valley tried to salvage any fruit that was useable after the December

freeze. Some navel oranges were sent to the fresh market, but many went to juice processors. In southern

California, navel orange picking went well. No freeze damage occurred there, and a good quality crop was

picked. Harvest is winding down in all areas of the state. Valencia orange picking began in late February in

the desert area with good quality reported. Growers in southern California will begin their Valencia orange

harvest soon and quality appears to be good. In the San Joaquin Valley, the adverse effects of the December

freeze became more apparent as spring arrived. Most of the fruit did not recover from the freeze, but some

are expected to be picked for juice.

California Fruits and Nuts: Many orchards and vineyards made significant progress during March. Stone

fruit trees bloomed and early season varieties were leafing out by April 1. Thinning of early varieties was

active by late March. Some growers applied fungicides to prevent fungal disease. Almond trees bloomed and

leafed out and growers tried to control fungi and anthracnose. Grape growers were busy with weed control. 

Strawberry picking was active with good quality reported.

Winter Potatoes: Production of winter potatoes in 1999 is forecast at 3.62 million cwt, up 17 percent from

January and 21 percent above last year. Area for harvest, at 17,700 acres, is up 18 percent from last year. 

The average yield is forecast at 204 cwt per acre, up 5 cwt. California’s harvest began in mid-December and

was finished by the end of January. Yields improved from the January forecast but were below a year ago. 

High temperatures after planting thinned stands and a freeze in December killed some fields. Florida’s winter

harvest is virtually complete, with yields averaging 20 cwt per acre above 1998.

Spring Potatoes: Spring production in 1999 is forecast at 22.0 million cwt, up 4 percent from last year but 2

percent short of 1997. Area for harvest is estimated at 85,800 acres, down 5 percent from a year ago and 2

percent below two years ago. The average yield is forecast at 256 cwt per acre, a gain of 23 cwt over last year

and 1 cwt above two years ago.

Florida’s spring acreage for harvest is down 5,500 acres from last year with cuts in both Hastings and other

Florida areas. Harvest in "other" areas is active. The southernmost growers should finish by the end of April. 
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 1999 17 NASS, USDA

Hastings growers expect to begin digging in mid April. California potato growth was slowed by early cool

weather but the crop is now only slightly behind normal. Harvest will start in early May and continue through

mid July. Arizona's growing weather has been exceptionally good for potatoes. Harvest started in early April

in Yuma and should be underway by the end of the month in Central Arizona. In Texas, conditions are

favorable for a good crop. North Carolina’s planting was ahead of normal, with 90 percent planted by the end

of March. Early fields show good growth.

Summer Potatoes, 1998 Revisions: The 1998 summer production estimate was revised down 2 percent

from the preliminary estimate in January. Production now stands at 18.9 million cwt, up 4 percent from a

year earlier but 1 percent below 1996 output. Harvest covered 68,100 acres, up 5 percent from the previous

year, while the average yield of 277 cwt per acre was down 3 cwt.

Papayas: Hawaii's March papaya production is estimated at 2.83 million pounds, 1 percent lower than both

last month and March 1998. Area devoted to papaya production totaled 3,735 acres, 1 percent more than in

February and 17 percent more than a year ago. Harvested area, totaling 2,110 acres, was 1 percent lower than

the previous month but 21 percent higher than last March.

March weather conditions were variable for papaya production. Light rains and sunny periods were beneficial

toward orchard development. Papaya ring spot virus continues to depress yields in infected orchards.

Peanuts, 1998 Final: U.S. peanut production in 1998 totaled 3.96 billion pounds, up 12 percent from the

1997 crop and up 1 percent from the January estimate. Planted area totaled 1.52 million acres, up 6 percent

from 1997. Harvested areas totaled 1.47 million acres, an increase of 4 percent from 1997. The U.S. yield

per harvested acre averaged 2,702 pounds up 199 pounds from 1997.

Production in the Southeastern States (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina) totaled 2.21 billion

pounds, up 12 percent from 1997. Yields in the 4-State area averaged 2,640 pounds, up 204 pounds from a

year earlier. Georgia remained the leading peanut producer with 38 percent of the total U.S. peanut

production.

Virginia and North Carolina growers produced 618 million pounds of peanuts in 1998, up 19 percent from

1997. Yields averaged 3,100 pounds, 469 pounds above 1997.

The Southwest crop (New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas) totaled 1.14 billion pounds, 8 percent above the

1997 total. Texas production and yield were the largest on record. Area harvested in the 3-State area was up

6 percent from a year ago. Yields averaged 2,638 pounds per acre, 64 pounds above the 1997 average.

The 1998 marketing year average price received by farmers for peanuts was 25.5 cents per pound, down

2.8 cents from 1997. The value of production for the 1998 crop totaled $1.01 billion, up 1 percent from a year

earlier.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

April 1999 18 NASS, USDA

Information Contacts

Listed below are the commodity specialists in the Crops Branch of the National Agricultural Statistics Service

to contact for additional information.

C. Ray Halley, Chief (202) 720-2127

Field Crops Section

Brad Parks, Head (202) 720-3843

Jerry Ramirez - Soybeans, Minor Oilseeds (202) 720-7369

Rhonda Brandt - Corn (202) 720-9526

Herman Ellison - Peanuts, Rice, Barley (202) 720-7688

Lance Honig - Hay, Sorghum (202) 690-3234

Roger Latham - Cotton, Cotton Ginnings (202) 720-5944

Mark E. Miller - Oats, Sugar Crops, Weekly Crop Weather (202) 720-7621

Vaughn Siegenthaler - Wheat, Rye (202) 720-8068

Fruit, Vegetable & Special Crops Section

Dean Groskurth, Head (202) 720-3843

Arvin Budge - Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes (202) 720-4285

Dave DeWalt - Citrus, Tropical Fruits (202) 720-5412

Howard Hill - Apples, Cherries, Berries, Prunes, Plums, Grapes

Cranberries, Maple Syrup, Tobacco (202) 720-7235

Dave Ranek - Nuts, Floriculture (202) 720-4215

Jeffrey Kissel - Noncitrus Fruits, Mint, Dry Beans & Peas,

Mushrooms (202) 690-0270

Biz Wallingsford - Fresh and Processing Vegetables, Onions,

 Strawberries (202) 720-2157

Harry Nishimoto - Hops (360) 902-1940
The next "Crop Production" report will be released at 8:30 a.m. ET on May 12, 1999.

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