CROP REPORPING BOARD, March 1064 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA

Field activity is several weeks behind schedule in Utah and Nevada be-
cause of cold weather; while land preparation is going on in New Mexico and
Arizona but no cotton is planted by this time as it was a year ago. On
the West Coast spring work is advancing rapidly with some seeding already
done in the north. Clear, dry weather has accelerated both spring harvest-
ing and spring planting in California.

February Generally Favorable for Livestock

Except for a few northernmost counties, the snow cover receded rapidly
from the North Central States during February, With above normal temper-
atures, there was much use of winter pastures and other fields for grazing.
This eased feed requirements and alleviated the threat of shortage in areas
which had short winter feed supplies. In some local areas, particularly
in the eastern Corn Belt, farmers had to purchase more than the usual amounts
of hay and grain, In some Ohio and Missouri localities water supplies are
still so low that stock water hauling continues, The situation in the
Central and Southern Plains is quite varied. In much of the area open
weather permitted grazing and helped conserve feed supplies. Southern Kan-
sas has the best wheat pasture in years, There are areas, hovever, part~
icularly in Oklahoma, with poor ranges and pastures, There has been much
supplemental feeding, and some livestock are thin, Feed reserves in local
areas are limited while in parts of eastern Kansas and vestern Missouri
ponds and streams are low and stock vater hauling is necessary.

States from Louisiana to Virginia report conditions generally cold and
wet, There has been little grazing because pasture and winter grain growth
is short and fields are too soggy for livestock, Much supplemental feeding
is necessary but supplies are still adequate in most regions. Some farmers
in Virginia are stretching short feed supplies and hoping for early grass,
while others are buying hay and grain. Heavy supplemental feeding has
been required in the Intermountain States -- northvard because of severe
winter and heavy snow cover and to the south because it has been cold and
dry and ranges are short,

February's mild and open weather in most of the North Central States vas
favorable for livestock vith calving, lambing, and farrowing losses reported
as light.

February milk production is estimated to be 9,842 million pounds,
4 percent above February 1963 and also 4 percent above the 1958-62 average
for the month, Average daily production in February, with 29 days, vas
only slightly larger than a year ago. Egg production during February, at
5,201 million eggs, was 8 percent above February 1963, Four percent of
the increase, however, was accounted for by the extra day in February this
year. Layer numbers for the month were down slightly from a year ago but
this vas offset by an increase in the rate of lay,



Crop Reporting Board, SKS, USDA

THEE ta

Indicated ~ t ~ Indicated ~
aa Pb 1968 LL 1957-62 1962 1963_
‘ORAL GSS: ? wo TS ees ee ee eee ~
SARLY, MIDSEASON :
NAVEL VaRISTISS 3/  :
Calif, # 21,220 22,600 16,000 420, 800 472,000 600,000
Flas, All + 51,340 45,500 273,200 2,310,500 2,048,000 1,224,000
Temple : 3,400 2,900 35200 153,100 90,000 144,000
Other : 47,940 43,500 24} 000 2,157,400 1,958,000 1,080,000
Texas : 1,650 25 140 74,220 1,120 63300
Arize 480 640 950 18,000 243000 35,600
bas 243 5 tO 10,944 675 450
Total Above TTT ee
Varieties = 64,933_ _ _58,780 44,300 2,834,464 _ 2,545,795 _ _1, 606,350
VaLSiCrAs eee ee ee
Calif. 16,760 16,200 16,000 626,600 606,000 600,000
Flas 40,680 29,000 38,000 2,630,200 1,305,000 1,710,000
Texas 910 15 90 40,940 675 4,050
t fries Hi TU 2 PR OL 78,70 _ 98,500. 3D.
otal
Zarensia -- 39,02. _ 465133 _ 55,140 _ _ _ 25326,440 _ 1,248,175 _ 2.353.450.
RAIN
Calif. 27,980 28,800 32,000 1,049,400 1,080,000 1,200,000
Pla. 92,020 74,500 65,200 4,140,700 3,353,000 2,934,000
Texas 2,560 40 230 115,160 1,795 10,350
Ariz, 1,560 2,000 44,700 58,500 75,000
= = Be Bo LL 844 878 OL

5... 104,915 _ _ 99,442 _ _ _ 5,360,904 _ 4,493,970 _ 44219,800_ _

Fla., All 32,680 30,000 26,000 1,307,200 1,200,000 1,040,000
Seedless 20,060 20,000 20,000 802,400 800,000 ‘800,000
Pink 6,720 7,500 7,000 266, 600 300,000 280,000
White 13}340 12,500 13/000 533,600 500;000 520,000
texas 9 a
’ 's > f
Ariz. 2,469 2,170 2,600 79,340 69,400 63, 200
Calif, All 2,642 25500 3/400 86,760 €2,000 1113000
Desert Valleys +t 1,162 1,200 1,900 37,840 38,400 60,800
US. Stee Areas WMO 1430 44800 LL 48928 48,800 _ _ 80,200,
3B
Grapefruit 42,262 34,740 32,480 1,652,500 _ 1,354,200 1,253,400
finns 2 - - -- B44282_ 385740 _ _ 32,982 _ _ _ 2,892,308 _ 1,394,200 _ 1,229
Calif. 15,90 12,400 35,000 607,200 471,000 $70,000
Arite eee 490 _ 1,750 4/ 33,700 _ _ 16,600 __ 66,500, _
U.S“ Lenons ESO ~ “1B, E90 ~ 7 “187758 ~ 7 ~~ BSAlTED — ~ Ba9;BOO ~ ~ “SI6TSOOTM
[irss.7 77 7 wT re rr meee em man em mmm mm em mm
adlttng: << on ci - OL O 8 8269 . _. 28,009 28,000.
IACGLLOS:
wacstness meeen ~ 759 8 BO H 78320 _ 33,80. _ . 381200.
Flee nt 5a 2,009. 3809. - 154,500. 90,000_ _ 192,000

/ The crop year begins with the bloom of the year shown and ends with completion of harvest
The following year. For some States in certain years production includes quantities not har—
vested, or harvested but not utilized, on account of economic conditions, and quantities donated
to charity, istimates of such quantities for the 1962 crops were: Oranges-California, Navel
and Miscellaneous, 230,000 boxes (8,125 tons); California Yalencia 150,000 boxes (5,625 tons);
Grapefruit, California, Desert Valleys, 2,000 boxes (64 tons).

2/ Het content of box varies. Approximate averages are as follows: Oranges — California and
Zrizona, 75 1bs.; Florida and other States, 90 lbs.; Grapefruit — California, Desert Valleys and
Arizona, 64 1bs.; other California areas, 67 1bs.; Florida and Texas, 60 1bs.; Lemons - 76 lbs;
Lines -'80 lbs; Tangelos and Tangerines - 90 lbs.

3/ Navel and Miscellaneous varieties in California and Arizona. Zarly and Midseason varieties
‘Yn Florida and Texas, All varieties in Louisiana, For all States except Florida, includes small
quantities of tangerines.

4/ Short-tine averages



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

February there were several nights of below freezing temperatures in Ari-
zona but citrus groves escaped with minor damage as frost protective
measures were taken. ‘The Navel harvest is virtually complete in Arizona
and the Valencia harvest is underway. Harvest of the Texas crop is nearly
over.

Florida's grapefruit trees remain in excellent condition. Most trees
are covered with bloom buds and new growth with some open blossoms. Har-
vest of 1963-64 seedy (‘other ) grapefruit was nearly complete by March 1.
Most of the remaining fruit was from late bloom. Seedless grapefruit han
vest was nearly three-fourths completed with most of the remaining crop
in the Indian River area. Harvest of California's Desert Valleys grape-
fruit was more than one-third completed by March 1. Strong winds have
caused some wind scars and dropping of fruit in all citrus areas. Move-
ment of the Desert Valleys crop is expected to increase with the heaviest
volume moving during May and June. Development of the crop in other
areas of California has been about noxmal and volume movement is not
expected until summer. About half of the Arizona crop has been harvested
but movement was slov during February. Damage to grapefruit as the re-
sult of freezing temperatures in late February was minor because frost
protective ueasures were in operation. Harvest of the small crop in
Texas is nearly complete. Trees had begun to bloom in late February
and full bloom was expected in early March. Freeze damage in Texas has
been minor this winter.

POTATOES: ‘The estimate of winter potato production, at 3,706,000 hundred-

weight, is the same as a month ago and 4 percent less than
1963 production. Digging of winter crop potatoes in California was ac-
tive during February in the Perris-Hemet district and in the Kern dis-
trict. About 1,600 acres remained for harvest in the Perris-~Hemet dis-
trict on March 1. In the Kern district, wovement was decreasing by
March 1 as some growers finished harvest. In Florida, supplies were
increasing from Dade County the first of March as more growers started
active harvest. Harvest of red potatoes was completed in other winter
areas of the State. Digging of white skinned varieties in the Immokalee
and Vero Beach areas will start about mid-March.

There are 27,200 acres of early spring potatoes for harvest this
year compared with 28,400 acres harvested in 1963 and the 1958-62
average of 27,000 acres. Florida has less acreage than last year while
Texas has slightly more. In Florida, the crop is generally late.
Planting in the Hastings area where about seven-eighths of the early
spring acreage is located, was delayed by frequent, heavy rains and
cold weather during January and February but was almost complete by
March 1. Some replanting was necessary in low spots and poorly drained
fields. On March 1, potatoes on consideravle acreage were not up or
were just coming up and some stands are below normal. The acreage in
“other” Florida areas has dropped to 1,500 acres, one-third less than
is63. In Texas, planting of the 1,700 acres of early spring potatoes
in the Rio Grande Valley was completed the latter part of January.
Stands are even and plants are making good growth. Harvest is ex-
pected the last half of April and will continue into May.

POULTRY AND EGG PRODUCTICN: February egg production in the Nation totaled
5,201 nillion, 3 percent below January ‘but 8 per-
cent above February 1963. February had 1 more day this year and this account-
ed for 4 percent of the increase over last year. The increase in production
resulted from a higher rate of lay. 1 Layer numbers were down slightly from



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

CITRUS: The March 1 forecast of the 1963-64 orange crop is 99.4 million
boxes, 5 percent less than last year and 20 percent below the
1957-61 average. Both California and Arizona expect larger crops than
last year but these are more than offset by a smaller crop in Florida.
As of the end of February, 42 percent of the total orange crop had been
harvested, compared with 61 percent at the same time last year when sal-
vage operations were in progress because of the freeze, Of the total
orange crop, an estimated 44,3 million boxes are Early, Midseason, and
Navel varieties, down 25 percent from last year. About 86 percent of the
Early, Midseason, and Navel crop was harvested by March 1, and those still
to be harvested are mostly California Navels, A Valencia orange crop of
55.1 milionboxes is expected, up 20 percent from lest year, but 7 percent
below average, Florida accounts for most of the increased Valencia crop,
as the 1963 freeze sharply curtailed last year's production. Florida
growers have picked only 8 percent of their Valencias, Harvest for most
of the California crop will not start until after mid-April end will con-
tinue through early fall,

The forecast of grapefruit production is 32.5 million boxes, 7 per-
cent less than last year and 3 percent below average. All States except
Florida show an increase over last year, Florida's decline in production,
however, more than offsets the increase in the other States, About 69 per-
cent of crop was harvested by March 1 compared with 73 percent at the
same time a year ago,

A lemon crop of 16.8 million boxes of lemons is forecast, 30 percent
larger than last year and slightly above average, All of the Arizona crop
had been picked by March 1 while only 22 percent of the California crop
had been harvested,

The tangerine crop in Florida is expected to total 3.6 million
boxes, 80 percent greater than last year but 2 percent smaller than average,

Florida orange trees and fruit are both in excellent condition.
Weather during February was mostly cool and damp, maintaining a good
level of soil moisture and slowing progress of new growth and bloom buds.
Very little bloom appeared on orange trees until the latter part of the
month, when open blooms became increasingly apparent on the East Coast
and in the Southern Interior area. Harvest of Early and Midseason and
Temple oranges is almost over, except for late bloom fruit, some of
which has also been picked, Valencia quality is excellent for this time
of year and droppage has been below average, Valencia harvest has been
slow because processors are waiting for a higher level of maturity.

The harvest of tangelos, tangerines, and limes is virtually complete.
California Navel harvest continues to make progress as more than three-
fourths of the Central and Northern crop has been harvested while only
about one-half the Southern California crop had moved by March 1, Cold
weather has retarded new growth of Navels and bloom has not begun, Sizes
of the California Valencia oranges are running smaller than usual for

this time of year, This has been caused by lack of rainfall and relatively
low temperatures during Feburary, Strong winds have dried soils and
caused some dropping and searring of fruit. Valencia
bloom is also late this season, During the last week of


CROP PRODUCTION, March 196% Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA

196). averaged 9.8 cents per pound live weight ané also the lowest mid-
February price for these birds of record. Farm prices of turkeys averaged
21.7 cents per pound live weight~-0.5 cent per pound lower than in mid-
February 1963.

The average cost of farm poultry ration in mid-February was $3.57 per
100 pounds, as compared with $3.54 in mid-February 1963. Average cost of
broiler grower feed was $4.82--down 2 cents from February 1963. Turkey
grower feed in mid-February 196): averaged $4.88 per 100 pounds--up 4 cents
from February 1963. ‘The fam chicken-feed, turkey-feed, broiler-feed,
and egg-feed price ratios were each less favorable than a year earlier.

MILK PRODUCTION: February milk production is estimated at 9,842 million
pounds, 4 pexcent above both February 1963 and the 1958-62

average for the month. The extra day in February 1964 accounts for most

of the increase in production from a year earlier. On a daily average

basis, February production was only slightly larger than in 1963.

MONTHLY MILK PRODUCTION, FEBRUARY 196!:, ith Compaxisons

(In millions of pounds)

State

Meine

NH.

vt.

Mass.

R.I.

Conn.

N.Y.

NJ.

Pa.

Ohio

Ind.

Th. : 31

Mich. : 117 120. 22118

Wis. 1,420 1, Skt 13.6 12.3 12.1 12.0
Minn. 914 OTS 65 64 67 67

Towa, 450 N61 y 20 22 22

Mo. 2h6 ahd i/ 39 43 an

N.Dek. : 140 128 128 Es} 57 61 58

S.Dak. ¢ 11h 103 107 > Bal 9.2 9.8 99.3
Nebr. 128 13, + 139 Wa kk us

Kans. 133 146 : 72 67 68 68

Del. 13.4 1b.3 2 591 622 649 618

Ma. 117 128 ro 1.8 2.0 1.9
Va. 135 US y wb 10.7 9.9
W.Va. Ad Ens

Nc. 21 ~ 5,570 10966 ~9,8he” ~

2/ Averages not available.

CROP REPORTING BOARD



7) ° Release:
March 10, 1964

3:00 P.M. (E,S,T.)
UNITED STATES CROP SUMMARY AS OF MARCH 1, 1964

CITRUS FRUITS 1/

104, 915

42,910 34, 740

~Fyodistiag

- 7} Ind. : Average: T Ind

207 21964: 1958-62: 1983 + 1964 : 1958-62: 1963 1964 __
7000 1,000. ~~ SOSSC*~C~S~S~S:S::S D200", GGT
: acres acres acres Cwt. Cwt, Cwt. cwt. cwt,  cwt.
: 20.3 185 170.8 190.4 200.3 4,273 3,866 3,706

28,4 27,2 149.4 180.8 Apr,10_3, 861_5,134 Apr.10 _

MILK AND EGG PRODUCTION

tAverage: |

1195862; 190? 1964
?Million Million Million
* pounds pounds pounds Millions Millions Millions

January 2 9,867 10,065 10, 066 5,344 5,188 5,345
815 5,201

/ Monthly totais may not add to cumulative totals due to differences in rounding,
2/ Data for Alaska and Hawaii not available for inclusion in average.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Statistical Reporting Service Crop Reporting Board
CrPr 2-2 (3-64) Washington, D. C.



CROP PRODUCTION, March 1964

Maine
NaH.
Vt.
Mass.
R. I.
Conn.
WY,
Vine F
ae 29s. a -
NeAtl. 45,54 7 7 45,357
Ohio 27233673 1. ,206
Ind. : 10,882 10,622
nie 103164 27238
C]
Wis, 2 B23h 8 nT
E.N.Cent.: 47,257 — ~ Wu, 762_
Minn, Pe, 3h 3,654
Towa : 12,31 1690
Wine, 21590 Bit
SiDak. =: 73196 8,879
Nebr. 1,430 6,8
Kans. 21053  _ 4,6)
W.N.Cent Safe = 1 59,1897 ~
Del. : 31 6he
Ma. : LM2 1,39
Vow : 5,822 3af'
W-Va. : 2.69H 2,628
aC. : 12,01 149
S.C. : 43838 17888
Ga. : 1,226 was
Fla. 35,980 _ _ 6,993 _
ne ee 7543
. "356 238
SE Se ES
Miss. : ae 538
Ark. 7,944 10,019
la. ¢ 2,7 2,830
Okla. 2,548 2,6hi2
Texas 12,718 _ _ 12,8428
S.cent. 1153,539 ~~ 57,883”
Mont. :” 1,028 93T
aaho 3 1,210 1,191
yo. : 1 2%
Colo. 1,304 34273
N.Mex. 0
* 785. ae

|

' 1
IPI PP PP EE BE PHIRI Pe I eB eee ee eR ee ee

FEBRUARY EGG PRODUCTION

oom!
a
Sai

1,730

be

13680

13691

15702

i368
1,426 502
~ 2,613 _ bos

501
5Olo Tah

262% at
eh iB,
a - Ls
2
6
9

88

=
ro
Donn

10 FCs

ae
3
1
PE PPIFIPPE REP PIPIEPR ERIE

2)

et
BS
1
“apwiets
Fwy

Orn ONE
oes
IANO

BHO Bah ROS
ne
on

U1 EAN DVI-I on

gS
ERS
rere
OS
B38)

3
3

52 13668
3450 1760
es

3 ,
3909 2:558
"he5 7 L628
1988 ~ 1,895
663 5784
3490-7
kf 2839
Bhe 13699
;
,

ONY DOW:
By

7

[ory

ce

&

1,123

~12-

{ORONO
t

Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA

= Wy2k Ts
189 X 3!
177 1 370
160 337

~ ee eee = ae
@ TTL TT 820 7 150"

TO 126

5 B 130

12 163 252

12h 4 253

ver 17 251

Au hy

er ae)
Ap. - 204 -- Ri.
71h 33 1573_

a ae

20 al 3

4.0 Sel
20 20 uy
12.2 11.8 2

12.6 Wh.2 38

23 22 48

80°” ag et

ay 45 iL

— 22 TO 08

67k ~ 1,729 — “755_ ~ ~ B09 ~ “3,,506~

59h "1,723 4,802" _ 5,186 — "9, 976_
1,405 ~ 1,450 onl Ou Y
1,649 4,798 1267 _ 14.9 _ _ 26

408
~ L856 TT

5
10
4o

ah
ie
2

1je


CROP PRODUCTION, March 1564 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA

POTATOES, IRISH

Seasonal ' Acreage harvested Yield per harvested acre
group wm mT ed > vaedes TO TUL 7 Teidared 7 7
: Average < + Indicated : Average : : Indicated
_ ind Seat 2 gs8-ce;_ 1963 5” ag6h 3 agp8s62 2 193k age
1,000 T, 000 “1,000
acres acres acres Cut. Cwt. Cwt.

WINTER:

Florida ..-...:

California ...:

EARLY SPRING:
Fla. -Hastings.
-Other .

Texas ....-.55

Total .....

Florida ......

California ...

T/"includes the following quantities not harvested or not marketed because of low
prices (1,000 hundredweight): Early Spring, Florida, other - 18.

-D-



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

last month and last year. Above normal temperatures prevailed over the
upper Mississippi Valley and Northern Great Plains States during much of
February. Along the East Coast and in the Southern States temperatures
ranged from 3 to 12 degrees below normal. These lower than normal tempera-
tures apparently did not have much effect on rate of lay.

Regions with record egg production for February were: South Central, up
21 percent from last year; South Atlantic, up 11 percent; and the West, up 7
percent. Increases over last year were 5 percent in the North Atlantic, 3
percent in West North Central, and 2 percent in the East North Central States.
Production was above last year in the East and West North Central regions but,
except for 1963, was the lowest for February since 19h1.

Production per layer during February averaged 17.23 eggs, 8 percent above
@ year earlier and the highest of record for the month. Considered on a
@aily basis to exclude the effect of leap year, the rate of lay was 4.4 per-
cent above February 193. Rate of lay was above a year earlier in all re-
@ions. Increases ranged from 3 percent in the West to 11 percent in the Weat
North Central, and 14 percent in the South Central region. Rate per layer
was also at a record level nationally on March 1, averaging 60.9 eggs per 100
layers compared to 59.1 eggs on March 1963.

Number of layers in the Nation's poultry flock averaged 301.8 million
during February--fractionally below a year earlier. This was a seasonal de-
crease of 2.9 million birds from the January average compared to the usual
decrease of 5.5 million. On March 1, layers numbered 301.5 million, 0.2
Bercent below a month earlier but 0.3 percent above March 1, 1963. Regionally
layer numbers were record lows for the date in the East and West North Cen-
tral regions and the lowest since March 1, 1941 in the North Atlantic States.
At the same time, the South Atlantic and the West recorded new highs for
March 1 layer numbers.

HENS AND PULLETS OF LAYING AGE, AND EGGS LAID
PER 100 LAYERS ON FARMS MARCH 1

: South 3,
tlantic:Central:"°°t*?

OF LAYING AGE ON FARMS,

3 Thousands
1958-62(Av.):49,681 53,227 78,096 38,718 48,611 39,240 307,574 — --+
1963 345,098 46,699 62,985 45,873 53,7TT 45,508 299,940 300,744
1964 244,798 44,190 58,987 47,51 57,553 47,143 300,632 302,502

: EGGS LAID PER 100 LAYERS ON FARMS, MARCH 1

H Number
1958-62(Av.) : 57.5 59.4 61.4 57.9 55.0 61.9 59.0 oe
1963 + 57.4 59-5 61.7 59.2 54.6 0 62.0 59.2 59.1
1964, + 58.8 61.5 64.2 60.5 59.0 61.2 60.9 60.9

Prices received by producers for eggs averaged 34.9 cents per dozen
in mid-February, 2.9 cents below a month earlier and 2.4 cents below a year
earlier. Producers of commercial broilers received 14.2 cents per pound
live veight in mid-February, 1.6 cents below the mid-February price in 193
and the lovest nid-Fetruary price of record. Farm chicken prices innid¥ebmery


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

moisture supplies across the whole area, however, are reported as short
and favorable growth will depend on additional rainfall. February rains
in Texas and Oklahoma boosted prospects considerably. In parts of Oicla-
homa, however, condition is still poor -- in the southeast some wheat did
not germinate until February and stands are thin and spotty. Conditions
in Kansas are genera).ly good except in the west, and damage from Hessian
fly and winterkill is light. There is concern with wind erosion over much
of the area because of the Limited fall jrowth and dry topsoil. However,
damaze has been slight so far except in local areas.

On the northern plains winter creine are still dormant but a minimnm
of winterkill is expected because most areas had protective snov cover
during the severest cold temperatures. There is, however, some anxiety
because above average temperatures melted the snow cover and exposed the
crops to possible heaving and ice cover or to root rot. There is concern,
also, about the limited soil moisture which has een further accravated by
evaporation resulting from the relatively mild, open weather. wainfall
is needed to stimlate favorable crowth, particularly in those areas where
fall growth was excessive.

Northwest wheat prospects are favorable. At low elevations the crop
is "greening up" in generally good condition and soil moisture supplies
are adequate in most areas. At higher elevations the crop is still dormant
but under heav; snow cover, which is melting slowly with relatively little
runoff. In much of the eastern Corn Belt, below normal precipitation has
persisted through the winter and winter wheat condition ranges from spotty
in Ohio to generally good in Illinois. Condition of winter grains in the
Southeast is below average -~- in some areas fall growth was drought stunted,
while in almost all areas below normal temperature has slowed development.
Soil moisture supplies in most of this area are good and should stimlate
favorehle growth vith the coming of seasonably warm temperatures.

Spring Work Slow in South

Cool, wet weather has retarded field work in the Southeast and Texas
but favorable conditions on the Central Plains have allowed land prepara-
tion to advance seasonally and in some cases earlier than usual. In most
northern areas, from the Rockies eastward, farm work is limited to routine
chores and preparation for spring work. Much snow cover remains in the
east to keep farmers off the fields. In the lorth Central States tie
snow cover is mosti: melted and many farmers have seeded clover and grasses
and spread Lime and fertilizer, but little plowing has been done.

Spring grain seeding is wnderve, althou.h progressing slowly in sone
Southern and Eastern States due to wet fields. In Kansas 17 percent of
the oats and 4 percent of the expected barley acreage were seeded by
March 1, ahead of a year ago. Missouri reports some seeding in southern
counties. Corn, sorghum, and cotton planting has started in the Lower
Valley area of Texas but is 7 to 10 days later than usual. Low tempera-
tures and sogcy fields in the Southeast delayed field work and very little
seeding has been done. Seeding tovacco beds is underway in the iiid-Fast,
and is two weeks earlier than usual in Tennessee wnere 15 percent is
completed.




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

harvest, In Florida supplies vere increasing from the Dade county area, while

the harvest of red potatoes was finished in other areas, Digging of white varieties
in other areas is expected to start about mid-month. Early spring potato acre-

age for harvest this year is dow a little from last year but about the same

as average, Texas acreage is up from last year but is more than offset by a
decrease in Florida where plantings are about finished but were delayed several
weeks in the main area by cold, wet weather, Some replanting has been necessary,
while some stands, which are up, are below normal, Texas plantings, completed

the end of January, are up and making good growth,

Most Areas Colder than Usual

Colder than usual weather continued through February in most areas with the
exception of some northern States, During the first week temperatures in most
of the north half of the coutry were ebove normal. Cold air in succeeding
weeks, however, dropped temperatures below normal in most areas outside the
Northern Plains and Iskes States. Except for small areas in the south and west,
below freezing temperatures prevailed across the country at some time each week
of the month. While the cool weather slowed field work and plant. growth, re~
latively Little damage occurred. Much of the North was protected with snow
cover when temperatures were the lowest, while frost in the fruit and winter
vegetable areas was not severe or prolonged enough to do extensive damage,

Moisture Supplies Low Except in Southeast

February brought appreciable and much needed rainfall to parts of the South-
ern Plains and above average precipitation continued in the Atlantic and Gulf
Coast States but farmers in the heart of the Nation began to be restive over the
continued absence of moisture in sufficient amounts to begin restoring short soil
moisture supplies. The important producing Corn Belt and the Central and Northern
Plains States received below normal precipitation during February. The snow cover
melted with little runoff but was inadequate to restore already deficient soil
moisture, Also, evaporation in the Northern Plains was high because of above
normal temperatures, Because of previously dry conditions, recent rains in
the Southern Plains brought only partial relief and further precipitation is
necessary to assure future favorable plant growth, Not only are topsoils fairly
ary in the mid-continent, but subsoil reserves of moisture are also generally
short as evidenced by reports of wells going dry and streams and ponds dry or
low, particularly in the eastern and southern Corn Belt, Irrigation water supply
prospects range from adequate in the West Coast States, Idaho, and western
Nevada to rather substantial shortages to the south on the Arkansas and Rio
Grande. In some southwest areas water is available from reservoirs but stream
flow supplies are expected to be short because of the shallow snow pack unless
alleviated by late winter and spring precipitation.

Winter Grains Need Moisture

Winter wheat in the important Central and Southern Plains area
vas “greening up" by the end of February as far north as Kansas although
temperatures continued belov normal, As spring growth starts it appears
that winterkill was only moderate, and condition is generally good. Soil


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

GENERAL CROF REFORT AS OF MARCH I, 1964

Precipitation in the central and southern plains States in February
improved winter grain prospects but growth was limited by below normal
temperatures, according to the Crop Reporting Board. Warmer than usual
weather in the Corn Belt and northern plains States melted the snow
cover but soil moisture is still generally short for favorable future
growth of still dormant crops. In the Gulf and Atlantic Coast States
the month was cold and wet, which slowed plant growth and field work and
kept cattle out of pastures. The indicated production of winter vege-
tables improved slightly and citrus prospects held steady during February
but were 2 percent below last year. The mild open weather permitted
livestock to graze ranges and crop residues in North Central areas, re~
ducing the drain in locally short hey reserves.

Citrus Output Down From Last Year

Citrus production for 1963-64 is expected to be down 2 percent from
last year primarily because of Florida's smaller crops of grapefruit and
early and midseason oranges. However, more oranges are expected to be
available during the spring and summer months than last year because of
a larger crop of valencias. A little over 4O percent of this year’s
orange crop and about 70 percent of the grapefruit had been picked by
March 1, which is somewhat behind last year's progress. California's
deciduous fruit and nut crops are starting the new season with favorable
weather for bee activity and pollination. Almonds, apricots, nectarines,
peaches, and plums in that State were in various stages of bloom by
March 1. ‘In most other parts of the country deciduous fruit had not
advanced much past the bud stage.

Winter Vegetable Prospects Improve

The production of winter vegetables in 1954 is now expected to be
1 percent more than lest year and 8 percent greater than average.
During February, expectations decreased in Florida where cold, wet
weather hindered growth and harvest, but was more than offset by in-
creases in Texas and westward areas. Florida's winter production of
tomatoes is 4 percent above last year and a record high, but early
spring acreage intentions are down 29 percent from average. The Nation's
output of other winter crops showing increases from last year are cabbage,
lettuce, and onions while the production of carrots and celery during the
1964 winter season is expected to be smaller than a year earlier. Cabbage
acreage for early spring harvest and early spring lettuce production are
estimated to be less than last year. Watermelon acreage intentions for
early summer are down 2 percent. Florida's winter crop of strawberries
is 5 percent above last year's record high while early spring production
is now expected to be almost double the light 1963 crop.

Winter Potato Prospects Unchanged

The winter potato harvest continued on schedule in February with
the expected production unchanged from a month ago and estimated to be
4 percent less than last year. Digging was active in California but
movement was decreasing in the Kern district as some growers finished

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