Crop Production 

ISSN: 1936-3737

Released March 10, 2011, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department of 

Agriculture (USDA).

Orange Production Up 2 Percent from February

The United States all orange forecast for the 2010-2011 season is 8.84 million tons, up 2 percent from the February 1 

forecast and 8 percent above the 2009-2010 final utilization. The Florida all orange forecast, at 142 million boxes

(6.39 million tons), is up 3 percent from the February 1 forecast and 6 percent above last season’s final utilization. Early, 

midseason, and navel varieties in Florida are forecast at 70.0 million boxes (3.15 million tons), up 6 percent from 

February and 2 percent higher than last season. The Florida Valencia orange forecast, at 72.0 million boxes (3.24 million 

tons), is unchanged from the previous forecast but up 11 percent from the 2009-2010 crop. In Florida, fruit size is 

projected to be below average while droppage is projected to be above average. The forecast for Texas is carried forward 

from February.

The California Valencia orange forecast is 13.0 million boxes (520,000 tons), down 7 percent from the previous forecast. 

This brings California’s all orange forecast to 59.5 million boxes (2.38 million tons), down 2 percent from the February 1 

forecast. Objective survey measurements taken during January and February indicated that fruit set per tree was down 

compared with last year, while measured average fruit size was smaller than the previous year.

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

42.0 degrees Brix, unchanged from the February 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 1.52 gallons per box, up 1 percent from last season’s yield of 

1.51 gallons per box. The Valencia portion is projected at 1.62 gallons per box, 1 percent lower 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 (March 2011)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

This report was approved on March 10, 2011.

Acting Secretary of

Agriculture

Karis T. Gutter

Agricultural Statistics Board

Chairperson

Hubert Hamer
Crop Production (March 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 

March 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

February Weather Summary ................................................................................................................................................. 13

February Agricultural Summary ........................................................................................................................................... 13

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

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

Information Contacts ............................................................................................................................................................ 16
4 Crop Production (March 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

375.0

15.7

390.0

49.0

829.7

19.0

1.5

30.0

3.0

53.5

394.0

17.2

420.0

52.0

883.2

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

37.3

30.0

29.0

33.0

32.2

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

12,263

1,198

11,310

1,617

26,388

709

45

870

99

1,723

12,972

1,243

12,180

1,716

28,111

1 Net tons.

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

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

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

March 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 ..........................................

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

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

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

All

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

 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

70,000

1,360

117,860

13,000

72,000

280

85,280

59,500

142,000

1,640

203,140

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

1,100

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

3,150

58

5,068

520

3,240

12

3,772

2,380

6,390

70

8,840

238

595

140

833

228

1,201

12

384

209

605

100

840

940

50

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 (March 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

883.2

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 (March 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

28,111

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 (March 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

357,420

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 (March 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

71.35

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

25,501,870

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 (March 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

8,840

50

605

1 Production years are 2009-2010 and 2010-2011.
Crop Production (March 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

8,019,510

45,360

548,850

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

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

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

February Weather Summary

Many parts of the country experienced opposite weather regimes during the first and second halves of the month. For 

example, the West turned cool and wet in mid-February, following an extended period of mild, dry weather.

Variable weather conditions also affected the Plains, where two severe cold outbreaks were followed by record-breaking 

warmth. Of particular concern was winter wheat on the central and southern High Plains, which - in addition to the 

February temperature swings - has been adversely affected by drought. From November 28 to February 27, the portion of 

the winter wheat crop rated in very poor to poor condition increased from 26 to 56 percent in Texas, 8 to 42 percent in 

Oklahoma, and 25 to 40 percent in Kansas.

In contrast, snow continued to accumulate across the northern Plains and upper Midwest, increasing the likelihood of 

spring flooding. Flooding was a more immediate concern in the central and eastern Corn Belt, where melting snow and 

late-February downpours pushed many creeks and rivers out of their banks.

Elsewhere, parts of the Mid-South and Southeast experienced some February drought relief, but drought continued to 

expand and intensify in southern Florida and the western and central Gulf Coast States.

February Agricultural Summary

Despite an early-month storm system that delivered subfreezing temperatures, snow, and ice to areas as far south as 

Florida, above average temperatures and mostly sunny skies blanketed much of the Southeast and mid-Atlantic Coast 

during February. Elsewhere, below average temperatures prevailed throughout much of the country from the Great Plains 

westward. Specifically, monthly recordings dipped to 10 degrees or more below normal in the northern Rocky Mountains. 

While much of the United States was relatively dry during the month, areas of the Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, Corn 

Belt, and Ohio Valley received precipitation totaling 200 percent or more above normal.

Row crop producers in many areas of the country were afforded ample time throughout much of the month to ready farm 

equipment and fields for spring planting. In California, garbanzo beans and safflower were being planted as the month 

began, while corn and sorghum fields in several regions of Texas were planted toward month’s end. Sugarcane producers 

in Florida and Texas spent much of the month wrapping up the harvest of their 2010 crop.

A lack of available soil moisture left producers in portions of Kansas and Texas, the two largest winter wheat-producing 

States, concerned about crop condition and development as spring approached. Similarly, a strong winter storm delivered 

subfreezing temperatures and ice to areas of the Blacklands, Cross Timbers, Plains, and Trans-Pecos regions of Texas, 

negatively impacting many oat and wheat fields. Elsewhere, many winter wheat fields in Washington were reported in 

good condition despite concerns of potential mold and stripe rust outbreaks.

As subfreezing temperatures plunged southward in early February, vegetable producers in southern Texas ran irrigation 

systems to help prevent crop damage while continuing to harvest their cabbage and citrus crops. In Florida, citrus 

producers harvested grapefruit, as well as early and midseason oranges throughout the month. Orchard maintenance 

activities were ongoing and included irrigation, hedging and topping of trees, and lime applications. Bee colonies were 

moved into almond orchards in California as seedbed preparations were made for spring vegetable crops. As the month 

ended, producers in California made bloom sprays to almond orchards, while budding and early bloom was evident on 

many peach and plum trees.

Crop Comments

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

tons will be utilized for sugar and 1.72 million tons for seed. Total production for sugar and seed is up fractionally from 

the previous forecast but down 8 percent from 2009. Producers expect to harvest 883,200 acres for sugar and seed for the 

2010 crop year, up 1,000 acres from February and 9,300 acres from the previous year. Expected yield is forecast at 

31.8 tons per acre, unchanged from the previous forecast but down 3.0 tons from 2009.
14 Crop Production (March 2011)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Production in Florida is estimated at 13.0 million tons, up marginally from February but 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, reducing yields in others, and ultimately leading to a shorter 

harvest period this year. Warmer temperatures following the rapid harvest of freeze-damaged cane led to some 

fermentation in cane stocks. As a result, sugar and seed yield in Florida is estimated at 32.9 tons per acre, unchanged from 

February but 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 February 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. 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 February 1 forecast.

Tangelos: Florida’s tangelo forecast is 1.10 million boxes (50,000 tons), up 11 percent from the February 1 forecast and 

up 22 percent from last season’s final utilization.

Tangerines and mandarins: The United States tangerine and mandarin crop is forecast at 605,000 tons, unchanged from 

the February 1 forecast but up 2 percent from the previous season. Florida’s tangerine crop is forecast at 4.40 million 

boxes (209,000 tons), unchanged 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 February 1 forecast.

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

stations reported lows in the 30s to the 50s and highs in the 80 degree range. Drought conditions worsened during 

February, with light rainfall having little effect on improving soil moisture.

Citrus growers reported harvest of Murcott tangerines continued, while harvesting of the Sunburst variety neared 

completion. The harvest of Navel oranges was winding down, while that of Valencia oranges began. Grapefruit and early 

and midseason oranges continued to be picked on schedule.

Nearly all of the processing plants are open. Early and midseason oranges and grapefruit made up the majority of fruit 

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

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

Valley, but wet conditions slowed the pace and increased fruit decay. The navel orange growers accelerated harvest in 

order to limit fruit losses due to rind breakdown. Lemons and grapefruit were also picked in the desert region, with 

lemons being picked in the coastal regions as well. Freezing temperatures were recorded during February in the desert 

region. 

California noncitrus fruits and nuts: Budding in peach and plum trees continued as blooming started in early variety 

trees. Pruning, spraying, and planting in orchards and vineyards were conducted as conditions allowed. Netting was 

placed on some stone fruit trees to protect new blossoms from birds. Good bud growth was reported in early season 

blueberry fields with bees being used for pollination.

The almond bloom was underway with most farmers getting ready for bloom spray. No significant damage to the trees 

was reported at this time as a result of cool temperatures late in the month.
Crop Production (March 2011) 15

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Statistical Methodology

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

accounts for nearly 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 also conducts objective measurement surveys 

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 March 1 forecast.

Revision policy: The March 1 production forecasts 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 March 1 production forecasts, the "Root Mean Square 

Error," a statistical measure based on past performance, is computed. The deviation between the March 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 that factors affecting this year's forecast are not different from those influencing 

recent years.

The "Root Mean Square Error" for the March 1 orange production forecast is 2.1 percent. However, if you exclude the 

4 abnormal production seasons (2 freeze seasons and 2 hurricane seasons), the "Root Mean Square Error" is 2.0 percent. 

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

estimates by more than 2.1 percent, or 2.0 percent excluding abnormal seasons. Chances are 9 out of 10 (90 percent 

confidence level) that the difference will not exceed 3.6 percent, or 3.4 percent when excluding abnormal seasons.

Changes between the March 1 orange forecast and the final estimates during the past 20 years have averaged 191,000 tons 

(192,000 tons, excluding abnormal seasons), ranging from 18,000 tons to 503,000 tons (18,000 tons to 503,000 tons, 

excluding abnormal seasons). The March 1 forecast for oranges has been below the final estimate 9 times and above 

11 times (below 8 times and above 8 times, excluding abnormal seasons). The difference does not imply that the 

March 1 forecasts this year are likely to understate or overstate final production.
16 Crop Production (March 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

 Sarah Speedy – Floriculture, Maple Syrup, Nursery, Tree Nuts .....................................................(202) 720-9085

 Chris Hawthorn – Citrus, Coffee, Grapes, Tropical Fruits...............................................................(202) 720-5412

 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

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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 

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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. 

 

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