Cr Pr 2-2 (1-00)

Washington, D.C.

Crop

Production

Released January 11, 2000, 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.

All Cotton Production Up Slightly

All cotton production is forecast at 17.0 million 480-pound bales, up less than 1 percent from last

month, and up 22 percent from 1998. Yield is expected to average 608 pounds per harvested acre, down

17 pounds from last year. Texas production was decreased 56,000 bales from December’s forecast,

while California’s production was increased 45,000 bales.

All oranges: The forecast of the 1999-00 U.S. all orange crop is 12.5 million tons, up 2 percent from

December and up 26 percent from last season. Florida's all orange forecast is 219 million boxes

(9.86 million tons), 2 percent more than the December 1 forecast and 18 percent higher than the

186 million boxes (8.36 million tons) utilized last season. Early and midseason varieties in Florida are

forecast at 127 million boxes (5.72 million tons), up 2 percent from December and 13 percent higher

than last season. Florida’s Valencia forecast of 92.0 million boxes (4.14 million tons) is 2 percent above

the December 1 forecast and 25 percent higher than last season’s final utilization. California’s all orange

forecast continues at 67.0 million boxes (2.51 million tons), 76 percent higher than last season’s freezedamaged crop. Texas orange production is forecast at 1.60 million boxes (68,000 tons), unchanged from

December and up 12 percent from last season. Arizona’s all orange forecast is increased to 1.05 million

boxes (40,000 tons), down 9 percent from last season’s final utilization.

Florida frozen concentrated orange juice (FCOJ) yield for the 1999-00 season is decreased from

1.60 gallons per box to 1.57 gallons at 42.0 degrees Brix. The early and midseason portion is projected

at 1.50 gallons per box and Valencias at 1.68. The final all orange yield for last season as reported by

the Florida Citrus Processors Association was a record high 1.63 gallons per box. Last season’s early

and midseason yield was 1.58 and the Valencia portion was 1.75, also record highs.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

January 2000 2 NASS, USDA

This report was approved on January 11, 2000.

Acting Secretary of

Agriculture

Richard E. Rominger

Agricultural Statistics Board

Chairperson

Frederic A. Vogel
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

January 2000 3 NASS, USDA

Contents

Page

Citrus ............................................................................ 8

Cotton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Cottonseed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Crop Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Hay Stocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Information Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Papayas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Potatoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Weather Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

January 2000 4 NASS, USDA

Cotton: Area Planted and Harvested by Type, State,

and United States, 1997-99

Type

and

State

Area Planted Area Harvested

1997 1998 1999 1997 1998 1999

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

Upland

 AL

 AZ

 AR

 CA

 FL

 GA

 KS

 LA

 MS

 MO

 NM

 NC

 OK

 SC

 TN

 TX

 VA

 US

Amer-Pima

 AZ

 CA

 NM

 TX

 US

All

 AL

 AZ

 AR

 CA

 FL

 GA

 KS

 LA

 MS

 MO

 NM

 NC

 OK

 SC

 TN

 TX

 VA

 US

535.0

325.0

980.0

880.0

100.0

1,440.0

12.0

655.0

985.0

395.0

70.0

690.0

200.0

290.0

490.0

5,500.0

101.0

13,648.0

22.0

185.0

11.0

32.0

250.0

535.0

347.0

980.0

1,065.0

100.0

1,440.0

12.0

655.0

985.0

395.0

81.0

690.0

200.0

290.0

490.0

5,532.0

101.0

13,898.0

495.0

250.0

920.0

650.0

89.0

1,370.0

17.0

535.0

950.0

370.0

66.3

710.0

160.0

290.0

450.0

5,650.0

92.0

13,064.3

15.9

200.0

7.3

105.0

328.2

495.0

265.9

920.0

850.0

89.0

1,370.0

17.0

535.0

950.0

370.0

73.6

710.0

160.0

290.0

450.0

5,755.0

92.0

13,392.5

565.0

265.0

970.0

610.0

107.0

1,470.0

33.0

615.0

1,200.0

380.0

70.0

880.0

240.0

330.0

570.0

6,150.0

110.0

14,565.0

9.5

240.0

7.5

33.0

290.0

565.0

274.5

970.0

850.0

107.0

1,470.0

33.0

615.0

1,200.0

380.0

77.5

880.0

240.0

330.0

570.0

6,183.0

110.0

14,855.0

442.0

324.0

965.0

875.0

99.0

1,425.0

10.0

650.0

970.0

390.0

66.0

685.0

190.0

286.0

480.0

5,200.0

100.0

13,157.0

22.0

184.0

11.0

32.0

249.0

442.0

346.0

965.0

1,059.0

99.0

1,425.0

10.0

650.0

970.0

390.0

77.0

685.0

190.0

286.0

480.0

5,232.0

100.0

13,406.0

475.0

248.0

900.0

620.0

80.0

1,280.0

16.5

525.0

940.0

357.0

60.3

705.0

120.0

286.0

445.0

3,300.0

91.0

10,448.8

15.5

180.0

7.3

32.0

234.8

475.0

263.5

900.0

800.0

80.0

1,280.0

16.5

525.0

940.0

357.0

67.6

705.0

120.0

286.0

445.0

3,332.0

91.0

10,683.6

560.0

264.0

960.0

605.0

106.0

1,300.0

28.0

610.0

1,180.0

375.0

67.0

800.0

150.0

315.0

565.0

5,100.0

108.0

13,093.0

9.5

239.0

7.5

32.0

288.0

560.0

273.5

960.0

844.0

106.0

1,300.0

28.0

610.0

1,180.0

375.0

74.5

800.0

150.0

315.0

565.0

5,132.0

108.0

13,381.0
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

January 2000 5 NASS, USDA

Cotton: Yield and Production by Type, State,

and United States, 1997-99

Type

and

State

Yield Production 1

1997 1998 1999 1997 1998 1999

Pounds Pounds Pounds 1,000 Bales 2 1,000 Bales 2 1,000 Bales 2

Upland

 AL

 AZ

 AR

 CA

 FL

 GA

 KS

 LA

 MS

 MO

 NM

 NC

 OK

 SC

 TN

 TX

 VA

 US

Amer-Pima

 AZ

 CA

 NM

 TX

 US

All

 AL

 AZ

 AR

 CA

 FL

 GA

 KS

 LA

 MS

 MO

 NM

 NC

 OK

 SC

 TN

 TX

 VA

 US

597

1,255

837

1,202

577

646

418

728

901

695

676

652

462

688

662

474

659

666

912

1,141

641

815

1,056

597

1,233

837

1,191

577

646

418

728

901

695

671

652

462

688

662

477

659

673

559

1,177

645

887

489

578

404

586

737

471

640

699

560

587

589

524

765

619

830

941

658

791

904

559

1,156

645

899

489

578

404

586

737

471

642

699

560

587

589

526

765

625

549

1,236

715

1,250

589

580

384

708

708

595

609

486

464

419

501

475

667

596

960

1,245

608

705

1,159

549

1,227

715

1,248

589

580

384

708

708

595

609

486

464

419

501

477

667

608

550.0

847.0

1,683.0

2,191.0

119.1

1,919.0

8.7

986.0

1,821.0

565.0

93.0

930.0

183.0

410.0

662.0

5,140.0

137.2

18,245.0

41.8

437.2

14.7

54.3

548.0

550.0

888.8

1,683.0

2,628.2

119.1

1,919.0

8.7

986.0

1,821.0

565.0

107.7

930.0

183.0

410.0

662.0

5,194.3

137.2

18,793.0

553.0

608.0

1,209.0

1,146.0

81.5

1,542.0

13.9

641.0

1,444.0

350.0

80.4

1,026.0

140.0

350.0

546.0

3,600.0

145.1

13,475.9

26.8

352.8

10.0

52.7

442.3

553.0

634.8

1,209.0

1,498.8

81.5

1,542.0

13.9

641.0

1,444.0

350.0

90.4

1,026.0

140.0

350.0

546.0

3,652.7

145.1

13,918.2

640.0

680.0

1,430.0

1,575.0

130.0

1,570.0

22.4

900.0

1,740.0

465.0

85.0

810.0

145.0

275.0

590.0

5,050.0

150.0

16,257.4

19.0

620.0

9.5

47.0

695.5

640.0

699.0

1,430.0

2,195.0

130.0

1,570.0

22.4

900.0

1,740.0

465.0

94.5

810.0

145.0

275.0

590.0

5,097.0

150.0

16,952.9 1 Production ginned and to be ginned. 2 480-lb. net weight bales.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

January 2000 6 NASS, USDA

Cottonseed: Production by State and United States, 1997-99

State

Production

1997 1998 1999 1

1,000 Tons 1,000 Tons 1,000 Tons

AL

AZ

AR

CA

FL

GA

KS

LA

MS

MO

NM

NC

OK

SC

TN

TX

VA

US

196.0

312.0

632.0

942.0

45.0

660.0

3.1

359.0

704.0

223.0

40.5

321.0

72.0

142.0

260.0

1,983.0

40.0

6,934.6

192.0

288.0

478.0

544.0

26.0

526.0

5.8

236.0

561.0

135.0

32.6

351.0

54.0

122.0

205.0

1,558.0

51.0

5,365.4

224.0

273.0

553.0

797.0

45.0

529.0

8.4

336.0

676.0

182.0

34.0

279.0

58.0

95.0

227.0

2,056.0

50.0

6,422.4 1 Estimates based on a 3-year average lint-seed ratio.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

January 2000 7 NASS, USDA

Potatoes: Area Planted, Harvested, Yield, and Production

by Seasonal Group, State, and United States, 1998-00

Seasonal

Group

and

State

Area

Yield Production

Planted Harvested

1999 2000 1999 2000 1999 2000 1998 1999 2000

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 1

 AL

 AZ

 CA

 FL

 Hastings

 Other FL

 NC

 TX

 Total

8.5

9.6

18.1

1.7

10.0

19.0

28.8

21.5

7.3

17.0

10.3

86.8

10.0

8.2

18.2

8.5

9.3

17.8

1.6

9.6

19.0

28.0

21.0

7.0

16.5

9.8

84.5

10.0

8.0

18.0

260

200

229

175

315

400

315

330

270

200

235

300

300

200

256

1,540

1,440

2,980

221

2,268

6,198

7,358

5,758

1,600

3,325

1,751

21,121

2,210

1,860

4,070

280

3,024

7,600

8,820

6,930

1,890

3,300

2,303

25,327

3,000

1,600

4,600

1 1999 Revised.

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

Month

Area Fresh Production

Total in Crop Harvested 1998 1999

1998 1999 1998 1999

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

Nov

Dec

3,785

3,740

3,205

3,230

2,215

2,185

1,585

1,625

3,250

3,380

3,480

3,345
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

January 2000 8 NASS, USDA

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

1997-98, 1998-99 and Forecasted January 1, 2000 1

Crop and State

Utilized Production

Boxes

Utilized Production

Ton Equivalent

1997-98 1998-99 1999-00 1997-98 1998-99 1999-00

1,000 Boxes 2 1,000 Boxes 2 1,000 Boxes 2 1,000 Tons 1,000 Tons 1,000 Tons

Oranges

 Early Mid &

 Navel 3

 AZ

 CA

 FL

 TX

 US

 Valencia

 AZ

 CA

 FL

 TX

 US

 All

 AZ

 CA

 FL

 TX

 US

Temples

 FL

Grapefruit

 White Seedless

 FL 4

 Colored Seedless

 FL 5

 Other

 FL

 All

 AZ

 CA

 FL 4 5

 TX

 US

Tangerines

 AZ 6

 CA 6

 FL

 US

Lemons

 AZ

 CA

 US

Tangelos

 FL

K-Early Citrus

 FL

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

8,000

49,550

4,800

63,150

600

2,400

5,200

8,200

2,600

21,000

23,600

2,850

40

550

21,000

112,000

1,250

134,800

600

17,000

73,700

180

91,480

1,150

38,000

185,700

1,430

226,280

1,800

17,800

28,700

550

750

7,500

47,050

6,100

61,400

950

1,500

4,950

7,400

3,450

16,200

19,650

2,550

80

600

40,000

127,000

1,300

168,900

450

27,000

92,000

300

119,750

1,050

67,000

219,000

1,600

288,650

2,100

18,500

27,000

500

800

8,000

46,000

5,500

60,300

1,100

2,300

6,600

10,000

3,100

21,000

24,100

2,800

90

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

268

2,106

192

2,593

23

90

247

360

99

798

897

128

2

21

787

5,040

53

5,901

22

638

3,317

8

3,985

43

1,425

8,357

61

9,886

81

757

1,220

23

25

251

2,000

244

2,520

36

56

235

327

131

616

747

115

4

23

1,500

5,715

55

7,293

17

1,013

4,140

13

5,183

40

2,513

9,855

68

12,476

95

786

1,148

21

27

268

1,955

220

2,470

41

86

314

441

118

798

916

126

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

 Net lbs. per box: oranges-AZ & CA-75, FL-90, TX-85; grapefruit-AZ & CA-67, FL-85, TX-80; lemons-76; tangelos, KEarly Citrus & Temples-90; tangerines-AZ & CA-75, FL-95. 3

 Navel and miscellaneous varieties in AZ and CA. Early

(including Navel) and midseason varieties in FL and TX. Small quantities of tangerines in TX. 4

 Excludes White Seedless

economic abandonment of 5,000,000 boxes in 1997-98. 5

 Excludes Colored Seedless economic abandonment of

1,000,000 boxes in 1997-98. 6 Includes tangelos and tangors.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

January 2000 9 NASS, USDA

Hay: Stocks on Farms by State and United States,

December 1 and May 1, 1997-99

State Dec 1 May 1

1997 1998 1 1999 1998 1999 1

1,000 Tons 1,000 Tons 1,000 Tons 1,000 Tons 1,000 Tons

AL

AZ

AR

CA

CO

CT

DE

FL

GA

ID

IL

IN

IA

KS

KY

LA

ME

MD

MA

MI

MN

MS

MO

MT

NE

NV

NH

NJ

NM

NY

NC

ND

OH

OK

OR

PA

RI

SC

SD

TN

TX

UT

VT

VA

WA

WV

WI

WY

US

1,646

171

2,075

1,598

2,133

69

7

436

1,045

2,743

1,327

1,213

3,374

5,609

3,615

668

152

381

92

1,993

3,647

1,530

6,239

5,042

4,549

708

49

138

479

1,998

1,162

4,069

2,387

4,444

1,600

2,299

9

410

7,888

3,184

8,764

1,658

261

1,591

1,295

848

4,320

2,129

103,044

1,213

177

1,900

3,246

2,807

77

18

357

1,000

3,329

2,100

1,775

4,500

6,500

4,922

290

196

333

101

2,093

5,261

1,500

6,933

4,568

5,170

857

72

121

450

1,990

1,189

4,064

2,558

3,042

2,159

2,800

12

415

9,500

3,175

5,496

1,695

328

1,693

1,663

949

5,100

2,372

111,839

1,472

184

1,850

2,285

2,900

47

15

550

1,245

2,617

1,600

1,316

4,700

5,800

4,006

502

138

300

84

2,110

5,286

1,350

5,997

4,448

4,900

867

65

109

595

1,900

1,090

5,291

1,830

4,200

2,245

1,700

8

410

9,500

2,655

6,568

1,540

229

1,883

1,377

524

5,900

2,480

108,668

191

34

272

420

616

16

5

65

203

520

474

327

623

889

603

103

25

55

17

414

640

198

881

1,151

1,222

151

9

20

165

344

152

744

616

919

621

452

1

82

2,031

555

2,191

435

73

250

308

110

1,271

363

21,827

141

28

260

428

966

13

8

27

209

777

543

350

1,050

1,525

913

58

56

76

40

556

1,493

200

1,387

1,104

1,306

233

17

15

170

435

163

545

581

507

135

730

2

96

2,000

635

1,450

485

116

417

410

150

1,400

611

24,795 1 Revised.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

January 2000 10 NASS, USDA

December Weather Summary

The continuation of warm, dry weather further reduced soil moisture and increased irrigation

requirements across the South, especially in California, the Southwest, the southern half of Texas, and

the Southeast. In addition, the South’s warmth and dryness stressed dryland crops, including pastures,

vegetative winter grains, and cold-season vegetables. Although winter wheat remained dormant farther

north, unfavorably dry conditions persisted in the western Corn Belt and on the Plains as far south as

western Kansas. In contrast, beneficial precipitation, including locally heavy snow, fell across the

southeastern Plains and in the Texas northern panhandle. Widespread, early- to mid-month precipitation

boosted soil moisture from the middle Mississippi and lower Ohio Valleys southward to the central Gulf

Coast. Storminess abated after mid-month in the Pacific Northwest, ending a 2-month spell of very wet

weather. The remainder of the West received little precipitation, raising concerns about possibly

inadequate spring runoff due to meager snow packs.

Near- to above-normal monthly temperatures prevailed nationwide, except at a few locations in the

Southwest. December readings averaged 7 to 15 degrees F above normal on the northern Plains, where

the month ended with a 10th consecutive week of warmer-than-normal weather. Temperatures averaged

as much as 6 degrees F above normal from the Corn Belt to New England. Generally mild conditions in

the Midwest and East were briefly interrupted after mid-month by a cold snap that dropped temperatures

below 0 degrees F as far south as northern portions of Missouri and Illinois. Across the South,

meanwhile, occasional cool outbreaks aided pest control but burned back pastures and winter grains. 

Temperatures remained above freezing in southernmost Texas and central and southern Florida.

General Crop Comments: Rain and snow boosted soil moisture supplies in eastern Kansas and

northern and eastern Oklahoma early in the month improving wheat conditions, while also reducing

insect populations. In Texas and western Oklahoma, insect populations remained active until the warm,

dry weather pattern was replaced by precipitation and cooler weather near mid-month. In other areas of

the Great Plains and California, dry soils hampered wheat development early in the month. Shortly after

mid-month, a blast of cold air descended on the Corn Belt, bringing a light and patchy layer of protective

snow cover, that melted when warmer temperatures returned near Christmas. As the month ended, the

wheat crop lacked snow cover across much of the Corn Belt and Great Plains, but freeze damage was

minimal due to mild temperatures. The late-month warm, dry weather increased insect activity in the

central and southern Great Plains. In Texas, seeding and re-seeding of wheat and oats continued where

rain or snowfall supplied some moisture.

In Florida, activities included harvesting fruits and vegetables, as well as cutting and grinding old crop

and planting new crop sugarcane. Vegetable harvest in Florida was active for the holiday market,

although rain briefly delayed some activity during the holiday weekend and allowed citrus caretakers to

temporarily discontinue irrigation. In California, field activities progressed normally, however rain was

badly needed in most areas. Seeding of irrigated small grains, alfalfa, and forage crops continued, but

growers postponed planting of dryland small grains. Many seeded wheat fields required irrigation to

germinate and emerge, but warm weather stimulated growth where moisture was available. Orchards,

vineyards, and vegetable growers continued with normal winter activities. Other activities included

harvesting sugar beets, cotton, and grain sorghum. In the Pacific Northwest, a persistent rainy pattern

limited field activities along the coast from northern California to the Canada border.

Cotton: Upland cotton planted acreage is estimated at 14.6 million acres, up 2 percent from the August

estimate, and up 11 percent from last year. Harvested acreage at 13.1 million acres, is 25 percent above

last year. The increases in planted acreage are attributable to the favorableness of cotton as an
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

January 2000 11 NASS, USDA

alternative crop during times of low prices. Harvested acreage increased due to more traditional

abandonment levels than in 1998, when high abandonment occurred due to extremely dry conditions. 

Producers planted 290,000 acres of American-Pima cotton in 1999, down 12 percent from last year. 

Harvested acreage is estimated at 288,000 acres, an increase of 23 percent from 1998. 

Harvest of Texas upland cotton progressed normally during the season as conditions were generally dry

and open. However, there were brief harvest delays on the High Plains during early harvest due to cool

temperatures and widely scattered showers. Delays were also experienced late in the harvest season due

to blowing, wet snow. Some farmers sprayed to aid in harvest rather than waiting for the first hard

freeze, which did not occur until late November. Abandonment, at 1.05 million acres, is higher than

average, but much less than last year’s drought affected crop. Hail and wind damage in June resulted in

some cotton acreage being replanted to alternative crops. Crop development began slowly, but was on

pace with average by the first of August. Heavy rains during early September raised some concerns

about regrowth. Cotton objective yield data indicate Texas’ crop has the seventh lowest boll weight in

the last 10 years.

The Delta States (Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee) planted 3.74 million acres. 

This is 16 percent more than in 1998. Harvested area totaled 3.69 million acres. Warm, dry weather

accelerated development of this year’s crop, but resulted in deterioration of the condition and quality of

the cotton. The dry weather also allowed harvest to progress well ahead of average. On October 31,

Arkansas was 15 points ahead of average at 94 percent harvested. Louisiana reported 99 percent

harvested, 7 points ahead of the 5-year average. Mississippi, at 97 percent harvested, was 10 percentage

points ahead of average. Missouri and Tennessee both reported 96 percent of their cotton acreage

harvested on October 31, twenty-one and 20 points ahead of the 5-year average. Data from objective

yield surveys show boll weights in Arkansas and Mississippi were the lowest in the last ten years, while

Louisiana’s weight was ranked as the ninth lowest out of the last ten years.

Arizona increased the acreage they planted to Upland cotton in 1999, while California decreased their

planted acres. Arizona planted 265,000 acres, a 6 percent increase from last year, while California

planted 610,000 acres, 6 percent less than in 1998. Unseasonably cool weather hampered planting

activities, resulting in a late developing crop. Despite the slow development, condition ratings remained

high throughout the season. Warm, dry weather allowed great harvest progress during October and

November, with California being virtually complete by the end of November. January 1 cotton objective

yield counts show boll weights in California are the lowest in the last ten years.

In the Southeastern States (Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina), plantings were

delayed, except in Alabama and North Carolina, due to extremely dry conditions. Alabama and North

Carolina were able to progress at a normal pace during the planting season, but were required to do some

replanting because of the dry conditions. The extremely dry conditions persisted for Georgia and

Alabama during August and September, leading to deterioration of the cotton crop. North Carolina and

South Carolina were dry during most of August. Hurricane Dennis improved soil moisture in some

areas during late August, but some fields were too mature to benefit from the moisture. During

September, the Carolina’s were adversely affected by torrential rainfall from Hurricane Floyd. North

Carolina abandoned 80,000 acres during 1999, mostly the result of wind and rain damage from the

hurricane. The excessively wet, muddy fields also delayed harvest in North Carolina. As of October

31, North Carolina reported only 24 percent of their cotton acreage harvested. This compared to

55 percent for the 5-year average. Harvest activities progressed ahead of average in Alabama and

remained on pace for both Georgia and South Carolina.

American-Pima production is forecast at 695,500 bales, up 57 percent from 1998's output, and up

16,500 bales from the December forecast. This is the largest crop on record. The U.S. yield is forecast

at 1,159 pounds per harvested acre, 103 pounds above the previous record high yield set in

1997. California producers increased planted acres 20 percent from 1998, to 240,000 acres. Arizona
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

January 2000 12 NASS, USDA

and Texas decreased acres planted to Pima from last year while New Mexico increased their acreage. 

Planting in the San Joaquin Valley began in late March, but made very little progress until mid-April. 

The delay in progress was due to the persistent cool, damp weather which kept soil temperatures below

the optimal level for planting. Cool temperatures during August resulted in the crop developing slowly. 

However, weather conditions were ideal for virtually the entire harvest season. The harvest was nearly

complete by mid-December and some growers picked a third time in order to get the last few lateopening bolls.

Ginnings totaled 15,898,850 running bales prior to January 1, compared with 13,159,700 running bales

ginned prior to the same date last year and 17,613,350 running bales in 1997. 

Winter Potatoes: Production of winter potatoes in 2000 is forecast at 4.60 million cwt. This is up

13 percent from 1999 and 54 percent above 1998. Area for harvest is estimated at 18,000 acres, up

1 percent from a year ago and 20 percent above two years ago. The average yield is projected at 256 cwt

per acre, 27 cwt above last year.

The growing season for California’s winter crop was relatively good with minimal damage from weather

or disease. In Florida, the planting season has been a good one. Potatoes are currently in good

condition with robust development and growth.

Spring Potatoes: Revisions of spring potatoes place production at 25.3 million cwt in 1999, up

20 percent from a year earlier and 14 percent above 1997. Final data was up 9 percent from the May 1

forecast. Harvested area totaled 84,500 acres, down 7 percent from 1998, while the average yield of

300 cwt per acre gained 67 cwt from last year.

Papayas: Hawaii fresh papaya production for December is estimated at 3.35 million pounds, 1 percent

less than a year earlier and 4 percent below the November total. Area devoted to papaya production

totaled 3,230 acres, 14 percent less than a year ago. Harvested area totaled 1,625 acres, 26 percent less

than last December. Moderate to heavy rain fell on major production areas during December. 

Seasonally cooler temperatures slowed crop progress.

Grapefruit: The forecast of the 1999-00 grapefruit crop for the United States is 2.47 million tons, up

less than 1 percent from the December 1 forecast. The forecast is down 2 percent from last season. The

Florida grapefruit forecast continues at 46.0 million boxes (1.96 million tons). The white seedless

forecast, at 18.5 million boxes (786,000 tons), is unchanged but up 4 percent from last year. The colored

seedless utilization is forecast at 27.0 million boxes (1.15 million tons), also unchanged, but 6 percent

less than the 1998-99 season. The seedy grapefruit crop is expected to total 500,000 boxes

(21,000 tons), unchanged from the previous forecast. 

California’s grapefruit forecast is 8.00 million boxes (268,000 tons), unchanged from the initial forecast

and up 7 percent from the previous season. Fruit set is good, but size is small and growth has been

sluggish due to below normal precipitation. The Texas grapefruit forecast remains at 5.50 million boxes

(220,000 tons) and is down 10 percent from last season. Arizona growers expect to harvest

800,000 boxes (27,000 tons), up 23 percent from the initial forecast and up 7 percent from the previous

season.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

January 2000 13 NASS, USDA

Lemons: The 1999-00 lemon forecast for United States is 916,000 tons, down 1 percent from the initial

forecast and up 23 percent from last season. California production is forecast at 21.0 million boxes

(798,000 tons), 2 percent more than the last forecast and 30 percent more than the previous season. 

Desert area pick volume is strong and quality is good. In the south coastal growing region, volume

harvested is low. Quality is mostly good. Quality in the Central Valley is fair to excellent with slight

decay in some lots. The Arizona lemon crop is forecast at 3.10 million boxes (118,000 tons), down

10 percent from the previous season.

Tangelos: The 1999-00 tangelo forecast from Florida is increased to 2.80 million boxes (126,000 tons),

8 percent higher than last month. The route survey (Row Count) conducted in late December indicated

that less than one-third of the rows had been harvested. There are some rows of tangelos that are used as

pollinators in other hybrids. It is assumed that the remaining crop (other than the pollinators) will be

harvested.

Tangerines: The 1999-00 U.S. tangerine crop is forecast at a record large 441,000 tons, up 6 percent

from the December 1 forecast and up 35 percent from the freeze-damaged crop last season. Florida’s

tangerine forecast is increased to 6.60 million boxes (314,000 tons), 3 percent more than last month and

33 percent larger than last season. Harvest of the Robinson and Fallglo varieties is complete, while the

Dancy tangerine harvest has just started. Picking of the major early variety, Sunburst, is well underway

but with considerable volume yet to go. Late variety Honey tangerines are just beginning to be 

harvested. As of January 1, the drop rate for Honeys has been the lowest on record. The average fruit

size is close to the smallest on record. There is a heavy fruit set on most trees this year but also

considerable later than normal bloom. This combination indicates an increase in the forecast.

California’s 1999-00 tangerine forecast continues at 2.30 million boxes (86,000 tons), a 53 percent

increase from a year ago. Fruit condition is good. Color and eating quality have been excellent. The

1999-00 tangerine forecast for Arizona is raised to 1.10 million boxes (41,000 tons) and is up 16 percent

from the previous season.

Temples: Florida’s 1999-00 Temple forecast remains at 2.10 million boxes (94,500 tons), 17 percent

higher than the 1.80 million boxes recorded last season. The crop appears to be lagging in maturity. 

Loss from droppage is expected to remain below the mean, while the average fruit size continues well

below the seasonal average. Harvest has just started.

K-Early Citrus: The K-Early Citrus Fruit forecast for 1999-00 remains at 90,000 boxes (4,050 tons),

10,000 boxes more than the final utilization last season. Harvest is nearing completion.

Florida Citrus: Most of December was mild and dry with fall like weather. There were a few days

early in the month and near Christmas when temperatures were in the mid 30's. The last week of 1999

was warm and dry. Rain is needed in all areas of Florida’s citrus belt. Growers and caretakers are

utilizing all types of irrigation equipment to maintain good tree and fruit condition. Some trees on the

high sand hill groves are showing afternoon leaf curl due to the current dry conditions. Most of the early

and midseason fruit have good on-tree color break. Harvesting crews were very active throughout the

month moving fruit to the fresh fruit packinghouses and processing plants. There was the normal
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

January 2000 14 NASS, USDA

seasonal slowdown during the winter holidays. Caretakers in all areas have been busy cutting cover

crops prior to the harvesting operations. Some sprays for fresh fruit and a few winter fertilizations have

been applied in most areas.

Texas Citrus: Texas is looking forward to a good crop this year. Grapefruit and early orange quality is

very good. Movement to date is well ahead of last year’s pace. No adverse weather has affected the Rio

Grande Valle.

California Citrus: Precipitation has been well below normal in the citrus growing areas, adversely

affecting fruit size. Harvest of the navel orange crop progressed during December with approximately

one-fifth of the crop picked by January 1. Quality is good, but the small size of the individual fruit

concerns growers. The new Valencia orange crop is maturing well with a good set. Picking should

begin in the desert area in late February. Grapefruit harvest was active in the desert area with small sizes

reported. Picking of lemons was active in the desert, central valley, and south coast areas. Overall

quality is good, but there are indications of windscar, tip injuries, and coarse texture. In the Central

Valley, harvest of Satsuma tangerines was progressing well. In the desert growing region, Fairchild

tangerines look very good. Fruit condition has been good. Color and eating quality have been excellent. 

Defects include wind scar and sunburn.

California Non-Citrus Fruits and Nuts: Growers were busy with normal winter cultural activities

during December such as weed control, fertilizing, and pruning. Growers also had to irrigate their

orchards due to the lack of precipitation. Preparation for tree replanting was active. Harvest of pecans,

kiwifruit, and persimmons continued. Picking of table grapes and apples was completed. Strawberry

growers were weeding fields.

Hay Stocks on Farm: Stocks of all hay on farms December 1, 1999 totaled 109 million tons, 3 percent

below the stocks on farms December 1, 1998. Stock decreases occurred in 29 of the forty-eight

contiguous States. Dry weather conditions in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwestern States played a major

role in stock decreases. California, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland,

Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee had stocks down by 15 percent or more. Oklahoma and Texas had

the largest stock increases, up 38 and 20 percent respectively, from last December.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

January 2000 15 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) 720-2127

Rhonda Brandt - Corn (202) 720-9526

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

Lance Honig - Wheat, Rye (202) 720-8068

Jay V. Johnson - Cotton, Cotton Ginnings (202) 720-5944

Roy Karkosh - Hay, Sorghum, Barley (202) 690-3234

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

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

Fruit, Vegetable & Special Crops Section

Jim Smith, Head (202) 720-2127

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

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

Debbie Flippin - Fresh and Processing Vegetables (202) 720-3250

Steve Gunn - Apples, Cherries, Cranberries, Prunes, Plums (202) 720-4488

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

Mushrooms (202) 690-0270

Keith Lacy - Berries, Grapes, Maple Syrup, Tobacco (202) 720-7235

Kim Ritchie - Hops (360) 902-1940

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

Biz Wallingsford - Fresh and Processing Vegetables, Onions,

 Strawberries (202) 720-2157

The next "Crop Production" report will be released at 8:30 a.m. ET on February 11, 2000.
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Agricultural Outlook Forum 2000

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For program and registration details, access the Forum

web site, send an e-mail to agforum@oce.usda.gov, or

call 202-720-3050. Register today; rates go up after

February 1.

www.usda.gov/oce

February 24-25, 2000 • Arlington, Virginia

• Commodity Outlook, 2000 and Beyond

• Coming to Terms with Biotechnology

• Future of Farming and Rural America

• Farming under Contract

• Impact of Agribusiness Mergers

• New Markets: E-Commerce, Organic

Foods, Biomass

• WTO Talks, Animal & Plant Health

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