Cr Pr 2-2 (4-09) 

Washington, D.C.

Crop 

Production

Released April 9, 2009, 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 Orange Production Up 1 Percent from March 

The U.S. all orange forecast for the 2008-09 season is 9.16 million tons, up 1 percent from the March 1 forecast 

but 9 percent lower than the 2007-08 final utilization of 10.1 million tons. The Florida all orange forecast, at 

158 million boxes (7.09 million tons), is relatively unchanged from the previous forecast but down 7 percent from 

last season’s final utilization. Early, midseason, and navel varieties in Florida are forecast at 84.6 million boxes 

(3.81 million tons), down slightly from the March forecast but up 1 percent from last season. The Florida 

Valencia forecast, at 73.0 million boxes (3.29 million tons), is unchanged from the previous forecast but 

16 percent less than the 2007-08 crop. The row count survey conducted at the end of March showed over 

98 percent of the early, midseason, and navel rows harvested. Weekly utilization declined sharply the last two 

weeks of the month indicating harvest was near completion. For the Valencia crop, objective survey 

measurements taken during March indicated a slightly above average rate of fruit drop and a smaller than average 

fruit size. The row count survey showed that only 19 percent of the Valencia rows had been picked but harvest 

was increasing rapidly. 

The California all orange forecast is 53.0 million boxes (1.99 million tons), up 7 percent from the previous 

forecast but down 15 percent from last season. The California navel orange utilization is forecast at 38.0 million 

boxes (1.43 million tons), up 10 percent from the January forecast but down 16 percent from last season. The 

Valencia orange forecast in California is forecast at 15.0 million boxes (563,000 tons), unchanged from the 

previous forecast but down 6 percent from last season’s final utilization. Harvest of navel oranges continued 

during March and Valencia orange harvest got underway. Fruit size and quality were reported as good but the 

fruit set per tree was lighter than average for both varieties. The Texas all orange forecast is 1.70 million boxes 

(72,000 thousand tons), up 3 percent from the January 1 forecast but down 2 percent from 2007-08. The Arizona 

all orange forecast is 300,000 boxes (12,000 tons), up 20 percent from the previous forecast but down 21 percent 

from last season. 

Florida frozen concentrated orange juice (FCOJ) yield forecast for the 2008-09 season is 1.64 gallons per box 

at 42 degrees Brix, unchanged from the March forecast but 2 percent lower than last season’s final record yield of 

1.67 gallons per box. The early-midseason portion is final at a record high 1.60 gallons per box, up 3 percent 

from last season’s final yield of 1.55 gallons per box. The Valencia portion remains at 1.70 gallons per box, 

5 percent lower than last year’s final yield of 1.79 gallons per box. All projections of yield assume the processing 

relationships this season will be similar to those of the past several seasons. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2009 2 NASS, USDA 

This report was approved on April 9, 2009. 

Acting Secretary of 

Agriculture 

Joseph W. Glauber 

Agricultural Statistics Board 

Chairperson 

Carol C. House 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2009 3 NASS, USDA 

Contents

Page

Noncitrus Fruits & Tree Nuts

 Papayas...........................................................................................................................................................5 

Citrus Fruits

 Grapefruit .......................................................................................................................................................4 

 Lemons...........................................................................................................................................................4 

 Oranges ..........................................................................................................................................................4 

 Tangelos .........................................................................................................................................................4 

 Tangerines and Mandarins .............................................................................................................................4 

Potatoes and Miscellaneous Crops 

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

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

Crop Summary ....................................................................................................................................................6 

Information Contacts........................................................................................................................................17 

Reliability of Production Data in this Report.................................................................................................16 

Weather Maps ...................................................................................................................................................12 

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

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2009 4 NASS, USDA 

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

2006-07, 2007-08 and Forecasted April 1, 2009 1 2

Utilized Production 

Boxes 

Utilized Production 

Crop and State Ton Equivalent 

2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 

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

Oranges 

 Early Mid & 

 Navel 4

 AZ 

 CA 

 FL 

 TX 

 US 

 Valencia 

 AZ 

 CA 

 FL 

 TX 

 US 

 All 

 AZ 

 CA 

 FL 

 TX 

 US 

Grapefruit 

 White 

 FL 

 Colored 

 FL 

 All 

 AZ 

 CA 

 FL 

 TX 

 US 

Tangerines and Mandarins 

 AZ 5

 CA 5

 FL 

 US 

Lemons 

 AZ 

 CA 

 US 

Tangelos 

 FL 

200 

34,500 

65,600 

1,600 

101,900 

100 

11,500 

63,400 

380 

75,380 

300 

46,000 

129,000 

1,980 

177,280 

9,300 

17,900 

100 

5,500 

27,200 

7,100 

39,900 

300 

3,500 

4,600 

8,400 

2,500 

18,500 

21,000 

1,250 

230 

45,000 

83,500 

1,500 

130,230 

150 

17,000 

86,700 

234 

104,084 

380 

62,000 

170,200 

1,734 

234,314 

9,000 

17,600 

100 

5,200 

26,600 

6,100 

38,000 

400 

6,700 

5,500 

12,600 

1,500 

14,800 

16,300 

1,500 

150 

38,000 

84,600 

1,550 

124,300 

150 

15,000 

73,000 

150 

88,300 

300 

53,000 

157,600 

1,700 

212,600 

7,000 

16,000 

150 

4,400 

23,000 

6,200 

33,750 

250 

6,700 

4,000 

10,950 

2,500 

19,000 

21,500 

1,200 

7 

1,294 

2,952 

68 

4,321 

4 

431 

2,853 

16 

3,304 

11 

1,725 

5,805 

84 

7,625 

395 

761 

3 

184 

1,156 

284 

1,627 

11 

131 

219 

361 

95 

703 

798 

56 

9 

1,688 

3,757 

64 

5,518 

6 

638 

3,902 

10 

4,556 

15 

2,326 

7,659 

74 

10,074 

383 

748 

3 

174 

1,131 

244 

1,552 

15 

251 

261 

527 

57 

562 

619 

68 

6 

1,425 

3,807 

66 

5,304 

6 

563 

3,285 

6 

3,860 

12 

1,988 

7,092 

72 

9,164 

298 

680 

5 

147 

978 

248 

1,378 

9 

251 

190 

450 

95 

722 

817 

54 

1

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

 2007-08 revised. 

3

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

mandarins-AZ & CA-75, FL-95. 4

 Navel and miscellaneous varieties in AZ and CA. Early (including navel) and midseason varieties in FL and TX. Small quantities of 

tangerines in TX. 5

 Includes tangelos and tangors. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2009 5 NASS, USDA 

Potatoes: Area Planted and Harvested, Yield, and Production 

by Seasonal Group, State, and United States, 2007-2009 

Area 

Planted Harvested 

Yield Production Seasonal 

Group 

and 

State 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2007 2008 2009 

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 

Spring 

 AZ 

 CA 

 FL 

 Hastings 

 Other FL 

 NC 

 TX 

 Total 

Summer 1

 AL 

 CA 

 CO 

 DE 

 IL 

 KS 

 MD 

 MO 

 NJ 

 TX 

 VA 

 Total 

11.0 

3.5 

15.4 

28.5 

17.4 

11.1 

14.5 

8.4 

70.3 

1.3 

3.6 

4.4 

1.7 

5.5 

5.0 

2.5 

7.2 

2.0 

8.0 

5.8 

47.0 

9.0 

4.1 

16.2 

29.3 

17.8 

11.5 

16.0 

8.8 

74.4 

11.0 

3.5 

15.4 

27.9 

17.0 

10.9 

14.0 

8.0 

68.8 

1.2 

3.6 

4.1 

1.7 

5.3 

4.8 

2.5 

6.5 

2.0 

7.4 

5.7 

44.8 

9.0 

4.1 

16.2 

28.6 

17.4 

11.2 

15.0 

8.3 

72.2 

230 

300 

450 

285 

285 

285 

180 

210 

293 

170 

360 

370 

250 

395 

320 

300 

190 

230 

395 

220 

306 

240 

280 

430 

271 

285 

250 

200 

235 

288 

2,258 

1,120 

6,123 

7,807 

4,617 

3,190 

2,700 

2,070 

19,820 

154 

1,548 

945 

540 

2,440 

1,789 

960 

1,980 

636 

3,871 

1,134 

15,997 

2,530 

1,050 

6,930 

7,952 

4,845 

3,107 

2,520 

1,680 

20,132 

204 

1,296 

1,517 

425 

2,094 

1,536 

750 

1,235 

460 

2,923 

1,254 

13,694 

2,160 

1,148 

6,966 

7,759 

4,959 

2,800 

3,000 

1,951 

20,824 

1

 2008 revised. 

Papayas: Area and Fresh Production by Month, Hawaii, 2008-2009 

Area Fresh Production 1

Month Total in Crop Harvested 

2008 2009 2008 2009 

2008 2009 

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

Jan 

Feb 

2,040 

2,040 

2,290 

2,330 

1,430 

1,430 

1,340 

1,400 

2,880 

2,645 

2,080 

2,300 

1

 Utilized fresh production. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2009 6 NASS, USDA 

Crop Summary: Area Planted and Harvested, United States, 2008-2009 

(Domestic Units) 1

Area Planted Area Harvested Crop 

2008 2009 2008 2009 

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

Grains & Hay 

 Barley 

 Corn for Grain 2

 Corn for Silage 

 Hay, All 

 Alfalfa 

 All Other 

 Oats 

 Proso Millet 

 Rice 

 Rye 

 Sorghum for Grain 2

 Sorghum for Silage 

 Wheat, All 

 Winter 

 Durum 

 Other Spring 

Oilseeds 

 Canola 

 Cottonseed 3

 Flaxseed 

 Mustard Seed 

 Peanuts 

 Rapeseed 

 Safflower 

 Soybeans for Beans 

 Sunflower 

Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops 

 Cotton, All 

 Upland 

 Amer-Pima 

 Sugarbeets 

 Sugarcane 

 Tobacco 

Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils 

 Austrian Winter Peas 

 Dry Edible Beans 

 Dry Edible Peas 

 Lentils 

 Wrinkled Seed Peas 3

Potatoes & Misc. 

 Coffee (HI) 

 Ginger Root (HI) 

 Hops 

 Peppermint Oil 

 Potatoes, All 

 Winter 

 Spring 

 Summer 

 Fall 

 Spearmint Oil 

 Sweet Potatoes 

 Taro (HI) 4

4,234.0 

85,982.0 

3,217.0 

520.0 

2,995.0 

1,260.0 

8,284.0 

63,147.0 

46,281.0 

2,731.0 

14,135.0 

1,011.0 

354.0 

79.5 

1,534.0 

0.2 

202.0 

75,718.0 

2,516.5 

9,470.0 

9,296.0 

174.0 

1,090.8 

17.5 

1,495.0 

882.5 

271.0 

1,058.8 

11.0 

70.3 

47.0 

930.5 

102.9 

3,953.0 

84,986.0 

3,400.0 

3,183.0 

6,960.0 

58,638.0 

42,889.0 

2,445.0 

13,304.0 

857.3 

386.0 

1,124.0 

76,024.0 

2,069.5 

8,811.5 

8,668.0 

143.5 

1,151.6 

19.0 

1,546.1 

966.0 

375.0 

9.0 

74.4 

101.9 

3,767.0 

78,640.0 

5,965.0 

60,062.0 

20,980.0 

39,082.0 

1,395.0 

460.0 

2,976.0 

269.0 

7,271.0 

408.0 

55,685.0 

39,614.0 

2,584.0 

13,487.0 

989.0 

340.0 

71.5 

1,507.0 

0.2 

195.0 

74,641.0 

2,396.0 

7,728.4 

7,559.0 

169.4 

1,004.6 

868.5 

354.2 

8.0 

1,445.2 

847.3 

263.0 

6.3 

0.1 

40.9 

60.0 

1,045.7 

11.0 

68.8 

44.8 

921.1 

20.4 

97.0 

0.4 

60,297.0 

353.2 

9.0 

72.2 

1

 Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2009 crop 

year. 2

 Area planted for all purposes. 

3

 Acreage is not estimated. 

4

 Area is total acres in crop, not harvested acreage. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2009 7 NASS, USDA 

Crop Summary: Yield and Production, United States, 2008-2009 

(Domestic Units) 1

Yield Production Crop Units 

2008 2009 2008 2009 

 1,000 1,000 

Grains & Hay 

 Barley 

 Corn for Grain 

 Corn for Silage 

 Hay, All 

 Alfalfa 

 All Other 

 Oats 

 Proso Millet 

 Rice 2

 Rye 

 Sorghum for Grain 

 Sorghum for Silage 

 Wheat, All 

 Winter 

 Durum 

 Other Spring 

Oilseeds 

 Canola 

 Cottonseed 3

 Flaxseed 

 Mustard Seed 

 Peanuts 

 Rapeseed 

 Safflower 

 Soybeans for Beans 

 Sunflower 

Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops 

 Cotton, All 2

 Upland 2

 Amer-Pima 2

 Sugarbeets 

 Sugarcane 

 Tobacco 

Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils 

 Austrian Winter Peas 2

 Dry Edible Beans 2

 Dry Edible Peas 2

 Lentils 2

 Wrinkled Seed Peas 3

Potatoes & Misc. 

 Coffee (HI) 

 Ginger Root (HI) 

 Hops 

 Peppermint Oil 

 Potatoes, All 

 Winter 

 Spring 

 Summer 

 Fall 

 Spearmint Oil 

 Sweet Potatoes 

 Taro (HI) 3

Bu 

" 

Tons 

" 

" 

" 

Bu 

" 

Cwt 

Bu 

" 

Tons 

Bu 

" 

" 

" 

Lbs 

Tons 

Bu 

Lbs 

" 

" 

" 

Bu 

Lbs 

Bales 

" 

" 

Tons 

" 

Lbs 

Cwt 

" 

" 

" 

" 

Lbs 

" 

" 

" 

Cwt 

" 

" 

" 

" 

Lbs 

Cwt 

Lbs 

63.6 

153.9 

18.7 

2.43 

3.32 

1.95 

63.5 

32.3 

6,846 

29.7 

65.0 

13.8 

44.9 

47.2 

32.8 

40.5 

1,461 

16.8 

577 

3,416 

1,500 

1,592 

39.6 

1,429 

810 

799 

1,265 

26.7 

33.0 

2,260 

1,300 

1,768 

1,448 

917 

1,160 

30,000 

1,971 

92 

395 

230 

293 

306 

409 

118 

189 

240 

288 

239,498 

12,101,238 

111,619 

145,672 

69,620 

76,052 

88,635 

14,880 

203,733 

7,979 

472,342 

5,646 

2,499,524 

1,867,903 

84,877 

546,744 

1,445,064 

4,429.0 

5,716 

41,255 

5,147,900 

300 

310,433 

2,959,174 

3,422,840 

13,035.6 

12,589.0 

446.6 

26,820 

28,636 

800,527 

104 

25,558 

12,270 

2,411 

580 

7,300 

1,800 

80,630.1 

5,499 

412,742 

2,530 

20,132 

13,694 

376,386 

2,399 

18,345 

4,400 

2,160 

20,824 

1

 Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2009 crop 

year. 2

 Yield in pounds. 

3

 Yield is not estimated. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2009 8 NASS, USDA 

Crop Summary: Area Planted and Harvested, United States, 2008-2009 

(Metric Units) 1

Area Planted Area Harvested Crop 

2008 2009 2008 2009 

Hectares Hectares Hectares Hectares 

Grains & Hay 

 Barley 

 Corn for Grain 2

 Corn for Silage 

 Hay, All 3

 Alfalfa 

 All Other 

 Oats 

 Proso Millet 

 Rice 

 Rye 

 Sorghum for Grain 2

 Sorghum for Silage 

 Wheat, All 3

 Winter 

 Durum 

 Other Spring 

Oilseeds 

 Canola 

 Cottonseed 4

 Flaxseed 

 Mustard Seed 

 Peanuts 

 Rapeseed 

 Safflower 

 Soybeans for Beans 

 Sunflower 

Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops 

 Cotton, All 3

 Upland 

 Amer-Pima 

 Sugarbeets 

 Sugarcane 

 Tobacco 

Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils 

 Austrian Winter Peas 

 Dry Edible Beans 

 Dry Edible Peas 

 Lentils 

 Wrinkled Seed Peas 4

Potatoes & Misc. 

 Coffee (HI) 

 Ginger Root (HI) 

 Hops 

 Peppermint Oil 

 Potatoes, All 3

 Winter 

 Spring 

 Summer 

 Fall 

 Spearmint Oil 

 Sweet Potatoes 

 Taro (HI) 5

1,713,460 

34,796,060 

1,301,890 

210,440 

1,212,050 

509,910 

3,352,450 

25,554,960 

18,729,460 

1,105,210 

5,720,290 

409,140 

143,260 

32,170 

620,790 

80 

81,750 

30,642,320 

1,018,400 

3,832,410 

3,762,000 

70,420 

441,440 

7,080 

605,010 

357,140 

109,670 

428,490 

4,450 

28,450 

19,020 

376,560 

41,640 

1,599,740 

34,392,980 

1,375,950 

1,288,130 

2,816,640 

23,730,210 

17,356,750 

989,470 

5,384,000 

346,940 

156,210 

454,870 

30,766,150 

837,510 

3,565,930 

3,507,850 

58,070 

466,040 

7,690 

625,690 

390,930 

151,760 

3,640 

30,110 

41,240 

1,524,470 

31,824,820 

2,413,980 

24,306,490 

8,490,400 

15,816,090 

564,540 

186,160 

1,204,360 

108,860 

2,942,500 

165,110 

22,535,160 

16,031,390 

1,045,720 

5,458,050 

400,240 

137,590 

28,940 

609,870 

80 

78,910 

30,206,470 

969,640 

3,127,610 

3,059,050 

68,550 

406,550 

351,470 

143,340 

3,240 

584,860 

342,890 

106,430 

2,550 

20 

16,550 

24,280 

423,180 

4,450 

27,840 

18,130 

372,760 

8,260 

39,250 

160 

24,401,590 

142,940 

3,640 

29,220 

1

 Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2009 crop 

year. 2

 Area planted for all purposes. 

3

 Total may not add due to rounding. 

4

 Acreage is not estimated. 

5

 Area is total hectares in crop, not harvested hectares. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2009 9 NASS, USDA 

Crop Summary: Yield and Production, United States, 2008-2009 

(Metric Units) 1

Yield Production Crop 

2008 2009 2008 2009 

Metric Tons Metric Tons Metric Tons Metric Tons 

Grains & Hay 

 Barley 

 Corn for Grain 

 Corn for Silage 

 Hay, All 2

 Alfalfa 

 All Other 

 Oats 

 Proso Millet 

 Rice 

 Rye 

 Sorghum for Grain 

 Sorghum for Silage 

 Wheat, All 2

 Winter 

 Durum 

 Other Spring 

Oilseeds 

 Canola 

 Cottonseed 3

 Flaxseed 

 Mustard Seed 

 Peanuts 

 Rapeseed 

 Safflower 

 Soybeans for Beans 

 Sunflower 

Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops 

 Cotton, All 2

 Upland 

 Amer-Pima 

 Sugarbeets 

 Sugarcane 

 Tobacco 

Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils 

 Austrian Winter Peas 

 Dry Edible Beans 

 Dry Edible Peas 

 Lentils 

 Wrinkled Seed Peas 3

Potatoes & Misc. 

 Coffee (HI) 

 Ginger Root (HI) 

 Hops 

 Peppermint Oil 

 Potatoes, All 2

 Winter 

 Spring 

 Summer 

 Fall 

 Spearmint Oil 

 Sweet Potatoes 

 Taro (HI) 3

3.42 

9.66 

41.95 

5.44 

7.44 

4.36 

2.28 

1.81 

7.67 

1.86 

4.08 

31.02 

3.02 

3.17 

2.21 

2.73 

1.64 

1.06 

0.65 

3.83 

1.68 

1.78 

2.67 

1.60 

0.91 

0.90 

1.42 

59.85 

73.91 

2.53 

1.46 

1.98 

1.62 

1.03 

1.30 

33.63 

2.21 

0.10 

44.24 

25.78 

32.80 

34.26 

45.80 

0.13 

21.20 

26.90 

32.33 

5,214,450 

307,385,600 

101,259,050 

132,151,420 

63,158,200 

68,993,210 

1,286,530 

337,470 

9,241,170 

202,680 

11,998,040 

5,121,970 

68,025,900 

50,835,990 

2,309,970 

14,879,930 

655,470 

4,017,920 

145,190 

18,710 

2,335,050 

140 

140,810 

80,535,520 

1,552,570 

2,838,170 

2,740,930 

97,240 

24,330,690 

25,978,140 

363,110 

4,720 

1,159,290 

556,560 

109,360 

26,310 

3,310 

820 

36,570 

2,490 

18,721,660 

114,760 

913,170 

621,150 

17,072,580 

1,090 

832,120 

2,000 

97,980 

944,560 

1

 Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2009 crop 

year. 2

 Production may not add due to rounding. 

3

 Yield is not estimated. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2009 10 NASS, USDA 

Fruits and Nuts Summary: Production, United States, 2007-2009 

(Domestic Units) 1

Production Crop Units 

2007 2008 2009 

 1,000 1,000 1,000 

Citrus 2

 Grapefruit 

 Lemons 

 Oranges 

 Tangelos (FL) 

 Tangerines and Mandarins 

Noncitrus 

 Apples 

 Apricots 

 Bananas (HI) 

 Grapes 

 Olives (CA) 

 Papayas (HI) 

 Peaches 

 Pears 

 Prunes, Dried (CA) 

 Prunes & Plums (Ex CA) 

Nuts & Misc. 

 Almonds (CA) (shelled) 

 Hazelnuts (OR) (in-shell) 

 Pecans (in-shell) 

 Walnuts (CA) (in-shell) 

 Maple Syrup 

Tons 

" 

" 

" 

" 

1,000 Lbs 

Tons 

Lbs 

Tons 

" 

Lbs 

Tons 

" 

" 

" 

Lbs 

Tons 

Lbs 

Tons 

Gals 

1,627 

798 

7,625 

56 

361 

9,089.4 

88.5 

25,600.0 

7,037.3 

132.5 

33,400.0 

1,127.2 

873.0 

83.0 

12.1 

1,390,000 

37.0 

387,305 

328.0 

1,517 

1,552 

619 

10,075 

68 

527 

10,035.2 

81.5 

22,800.0 

7,434.9 

66.8 

33,100.0 

1,121.9 

818.5 

126.0 

15.6 

1,550,000 

32.0 

191,080 

375.0 

1,635 

1,378 

817 

9,164 

54 

450 

1

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

2009 crop year, except citrus which is for the 2008-09 season. 2

 Production years are 2006-07, 2007-08, and 2008-09. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2009 11 NASS, USDA 

Fruits and Nuts Summary: Production, United States, 2007-2009 

(Metric Units) 1

Production Crop 

2007 2008 2009 

Metric tons Metric tons Metric tons 

Citrus 2

 Grapefruit 

 Lemons 

 Oranges 

 Tangelos (FL) 

 Tangerines and Mandarins 

Noncitrus 

 Apples 

 Apricots 

 Bananas (HI) 

 Grapes 

 Olives (CA) 

 Papayas (HI) 

 Peaches 

 Pears 

 Prunes, Dried (CA) 

 Prunes & Plums (Ex CA) 

Nuts & Misc. 

 Almonds (CA) (shelled) 

 Hazelnuts (OR) (in-shell) 

 Pecans (in-shell) 

 Walnuts (CA) (in-shell) 

 Maple Syrup 

1,475,990 

723,930 

6,917,280 

50,800 

327,490 

4,122,880 

80,250 

11,610 

6,384,090 

120,200 

15,150 

1,022,530 

791,930 

75,300 

10,980 

630,490 

33,570 

175,680 

297,560 

7,580 

1,407,950 

561,550 

9,139,890 

61,690 

478,090 

4,551,890 

73,940 

10,340 

6,744,840 

60,600 

15,010 

1,017,780 

742,490 

114,310 

14,150 

703,070 

29,030 

86,670 

340,190 

8,170 

1,250,100 

741,170 

8,313,440 

48,990 

408,230 

1

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

full 2009 crop year, except citrus which is for the 2008-09 season. 2

 Production years are 2006-07, 2007-08, and 2008-09. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2009 12 NASS, USDA 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2009 13 NASS, USDA 

March Weather Summary

Following the Nation’s driest start to a year on record in January and February, a stormier weather pattern developed 

during March. Rain storms stretched from central Texas into the Southeast, excluding Florida’s peninsula. Rain 

slowed Southern planting, following a quick start to spring fieldwork, but eased or eradicated drought. In Florida, 

however, mostly dry weather maintained heavy irrigation demand for citrus and vegetables. 

Farther north, wet weather also prevailed in parts of Midwest, although relatively drier conditions in a few areas, 

including the Ohio Valley, allowed producers to begin some fieldwork operations. Especially wet weather was 

observed in the far upper Midwest and from the lower Missouri Valley into the lower Great Lakes region. Extensive 

lowland flooding affected several areas, such as northern Indiana and the Red River Valley of Minnesota and North 

Dakota. 

The Red River Valley was part of a larger wet area covering the north-central U.S. A record setting Red River crest 

reached Fargo, North Dakota, on March 28, following a mid-month thaw and subsequent major spring storm. Across 

the southern half of the Plains, drought-stressed winter wheat benefited from the moisture associated with a significant 

late-season snow storm from March 26-28, but was threatened by cold weather that followed in late March. 

Elsewhere, cold, stormy weather in the Northwest contrasted with generally warm, dry conditions in the Southwest. In 

California, where water-supply prospects improved slightly with another round of storminess in early March, 

late-season precipitation was insufficient to prevent the completion of a third consecutive year of drought. 

March Agricultural Summary 

Strong storm systems throughout March brought a tremendous amount of precipitation to areas in the Delta and 

Southeast. Locations in southern Mississippi and Alabama received more than 14 inches of rainfall, with Geneva 

County in Alabama recording over 16 inches, causing localized flooding and slowing spring fieldwork. Eastern North 

Dakota and most of Minnesota accumulated monthly precipitation totals of up to 6 inches, or 400 percent of normal. 

During the last week of March, heavy rainfall and melting snow caused extensive flooding in North Dakota, where the 

Red River crested at 40.82 feet, breaking the 112 year-old record of 40.10 feet set in 1897 and potentially affecting the 

United States sugarbeet crop by severely delaying planting. 

In stark contrast, the Southwest, southern Nebraska, northern Kansas, and the Trans-Pecos region of Texas received less 

than 2 percent of normal precipitation during March. The lack of available soil moisture prompted Texas wheat 

producers to irrigate and hard-packed soils limited field cultivation for cotton producers. In addition to the Ohio and 

Tennessee Valleys, the southern Corn Belt and northern Atlantic Coast received monthly precipitation totaling between 

1 and 4 inches, or 25 to 75 percent of normal. 

Average temperatures during the month were below normal along the Atlantic Coast and across much of the northern 

and western regions of the country. In North Dakota, temperatures were recorded between 15 and 30 degrees 

Fahrenheit, more than 10 degrees Fahrenheit below average. Warmer weather prevailed in the Southwest, western 

Texas, and the Corn Belt, where temperatures were as many as 8 degrees Fahrenheit above normal. 

Crop Comments 

Grapefruit: The forecast of the 2008-09 U.S. grapefruit crop is 1.38 million tons, up 1 percent from the March 1 

forecast but 11 percent lower than 2007-08 final utilization of 1.55 million tons. Florida's grapefruit production is 

forecast at 23.0 million boxes (978,000 tons), unchanged from the March forecast but 14 percent below last season. 

The Florida all white grapefruit forecast is 7.00 million boxes (298,000 tons), unchanged from March but down 

22 percent from 2007-08 final utilization. The colored grapefruit forecast, at 16.0 million boxes (680,000 tons), is 

unchanged from the March 1 forecast but 9 percent lower than last season. With the lack of rainfall over the past 

several months, growers and caretakers were irrigating regularly to keep the trees and fruit in good condition. Field 

personnel reported a uniform bloom and a fully expanded flush on grapefruit. Approximately 81 percent of the rows 

observed in March in the row count survey were harvested. The majority of the survey rows were located in the Indian 

River District, where over 75 percent had been harvested. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2009 14 NASS, USDA 

The Texas grapefruit forecast, at 6.20 million boxes (248,000 tons) is up 9 percent from the January forecast and up 

2 percent from the previous season. California’s grapefruit production forecast is 4.40 million boxes (147,000 tons), 

down 2 percent from the January forecast and 15 percent lower than last season. Harvest of the Desert Rio Red variety 

continued and small sizes were reported. Arizona’s grapefruit production forecast is 150,000 boxes (5,000 tons), 

unchanged from January but up 50 percent from the 2007-08 final utilization. 

Tangerines and Mandarins: The U.S. tangerine and mandarin crop is forecast at 450,000 tons, down 3 percent from 

the March 1 forecast and 15 percent lower than the 2007-08 season. California’s tangerine and mandarin forecast is 

6.70 million boxes (251,000 tons), up 18 percent from the January forecast but unchanged from last season’s final 

utilization. W. Murcott and Fairchild mandarin harvest ended in March while Shasta Gold, Royal, Pixie, and Honey 

mandarin harvesting continued. An early season frost coupled with freezing temperatures in mid-March caused 

scattered freeze damage. 

Florida's tangerine crop is forecast at 4.00 million boxes (190,000 tons), unchanged from the March forecast but down 

27 percent from 2007-08 final utilization. Harvest of the Honey tangerine variety continued. The row count survey 

conducted at the end of March showed that over 86 percent of the Honey variety rows visited had already been 

harvested. The majority of fruit had been harvested for the fresh market. Arizona’s tangerine and mandarin forecast is 

250,000 boxes (9,000 tons), unchanged from the January forecast but down 38 percent from last season. 

Lemons: The forecast for the 2008-09 U.S. lemon crop is 817,000 tons, unchanged from the January 1 forecast but up 

32 percent from 2007-08. California’s production is forecast at 19.0 million boxes (722,000 tons), unchanged from 

January but up 28 percent from last season. Fruit size of California lemons was small but fruit quality was good. 

Freezing temperatures in March were a concern for growers in some areas, forcing them to use wind machines and 

irrigation to raise temperatures in unharvested groves. The production forecast for Arizona is 2.50 million boxes 

(95,000 tons), up 67 percent from the previous crop year but unchanged from the January forecast. Fruit size and 

quality were reported as good. 

Tangelos: Florida’s tangelo forecast is 1.20 million boxes (54,000 tons), unchanged from the March 1 forecast but 

20 percent lower than last season’s final production. Tangelo harvest was relatively complete for the season. 

Florida Citrus: A cold front moved across the State in early March bringing freezing temperatures to many locations 

but causing no damage to the citrus crop. A gradual warming trend followed almost immediately, raising temperatures 

to the low-50’s at night and high-80’s during the day. Warm, seasonal temperatures continued the remainder of the 

month. Many areas, especially in the south, have received very little appreciable precipitation in the past three months 

and are experiencing severe drought conditions. Growers and caretakers were irrigating regularly in an attempt to keep 

the trees and fruit in good condition. Other grove activities included fertilizing, hedging, topping, aerial spraying, and 

mowing. Trees were recovering well from the January and February freezes. Field personnel observed widespread 

spring citrus bloom and a fully expanded flush by the end of the month. 

Several packinghouses reported that they had finished or were planning to finish packing Honey tangerines within the 

next couple weeks. Early and midseason orange harvesting was relatively complete for the season. Valencia orange 

harvesting picked up steadily the last half of the month but ratios of sugar solids to acid continued to be reported as low 

and inconsistent. Grapefruit harvesting slowed to under a million boxes weekly, with the majority of white grapefruit 

being processed and almost equal amounts of red grapefruit going to processing and fresh. 

Arizona Citrus: Tangerines, lemons, and grapefruit continued to be harvested during March, while the navel orange 

harvest ended. It was reported that some of the grapefruit crop may not be harvested due to lack of a market. Fruit size 

and quality were reported as good for lemons and excellent for tangerines and mandarins. 

Texas Citrus: Many citrus groves continued to recover from damage suffered from Hurricane Dolly, which made 

landfall in southern Texas in July. Harvesting of oranges and grapefruit continued during March. Fruit was reported to 

be of very good quality and size overall. 

California Citrus: Valencia orange harvest began in early March, while picking of Washington, Nucellar, and 

Atwood navel oranges continued. Harvest progressed for lemons, Minneola and W. Murcott mandarins, and Pummelo, 

Oro Blanco, and Melo Gold grapefruit. Cold temperatures early and late in the month forced growers in the San 

Joaquin Valley to use wind machines and irrigation to keep temperatures above freezing in unharvested groves. Some 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2009 15 NASS, USDA 

mandarin orchards in the San Joaquin Valley were covered with nets to discourage cross pollination. New growth and 

buds were apparent on citrus trees but bloom had not yet arrived. 

California Noncitrus Fruits and Nuts: Freezing temperatures the second week of March resulted in reports of 

scattered freeze damage to tree fruit crops in the San Joaquin Valley. Many growers, however, were still assessing the 

damage, primarily in kiwifruit and grape vineyards. Spraying and cane tying wrapped up in grape vineyards during 

March and irrigation and site preparation began. Grape buds began to swell and bloom commenced in apple, apricot, 

peach, cherry, nectarine, pluot, prune, and pear orchards. Wet weather conditions in northern areas of the State 

prompted growers to begin fungicide treatments for bloom protection. In the Sacramento Valley, Cling peach bloom 

was complete, trees were leafing out, and growers began mowing orchard center rows. Persimmon trees also started 

leafing out. Blight treatments were applied in peach orchards and weed control treatments continued in peach and 

prune orchards. Lack of significant rainfall in the San Joaquin Valley during the month forced farmers to begin 

irrigation practices for most tree crops. Kiwifruit vines began leafing out but blossoms had not yet developed. Spring 

strawberries and blueberries were blooming. Olive orchard maintenance continued. 

Pre-planting fumigation continued in new almond and walnut orchards. Cool temperatures extended the almond bloom 

in parts of the Sacramento Valley, but in the San Joaquin Valley, petal fall was nearly complete and trees began leafing 

out. Early mite damage to almonds was reported, primarily in areas of the San Joaquin Valley where last year’s water 

restrictions increased tree susceptibility to water stress. Damage to almonds from the early March freeze had not yet 

been quantified. Walnut orchards were fertilized, irrigated, and treated for blight. Pollen sacks continued to develop on 

male pistachio trees and female pistachio trees were blooming. 

Winter Potatoes: California winter potato production for 2009 is estimated at 2.16 million cwt, up 14 percent from 

January’s forecast but down 15 percent from 2008. Harvested area in California is forecast at 9,000 acres, down 

18 percent from 2008. Yield is estimated at 240 cwt per acre, 30 cwt more than expected in January and 10 cwt higher 

than last year. California winter potato harvest was completed in March. 

Spring Potatoes: Production for 2009 is forecast at 20.8 million cwt, up 3 percent from 2008 and 5 percent above 

2007. Area for harvest is forecast at 72,200 acres, 5 percent more than 2008 and up 3 percent from 2007. The average 

yield of 288 cwt per acre is down 5 cwt from 2008 but 6 cwt higher than 2007. 

Florida production is estimated at 7.76 million cwt, down 1 percent from 2008 and 2 percent lower than the 2007 

production. Freezing temperatures during January damaged potato vines, which reduced yields. California spring 

potato production is forecast at 6.97 million cwt, up 1 percent from last year. Although average yield is forecast to 

decrease 35 cwt from last year, the increase in planted acres was enough to increase total production. Production in 

Texas is forecast to increase 16 percent from 2008 due to increases in both harvested area and average yield. Growers 

in North Carolina are expected to produce 19 percent more spring potatoes than the previous year and production in 

Arizona is forecast to increase 9 percent from last year. 

Summer Potatoes: The final estimate of 2008 summer potato crop production is 13.7 million cwt, up 1 percent from 

the preliminary estimate in the January Crop Production 2008 Summary but down 14 percent from the 2007 crop. 

Harvested area covered 44,800 acres, up 2 percent from the 2008 preliminary estimate but down 7 percent from 2007. 

The average yield of 306 cwt per acre is down 3 cwt from the 2008 preliminary estimate and 25 cwt below the 2007 

crop. 

Papayas: Hawaii fresh papaya production is estimated at 2.30 million pounds for February 2009, up 11 percent from 

January but down 13 percent from a year ago. Total crop area for February is estimated at 2,330 acres, up 2 percent 

from January and 14 percent above February 2008. Harvested area totaled 1,400 acres, up 4 percent from the previous 

month but 2 percent lower than last year. Wet weather and cool temperatures continued into February, along with 

variable trade winds. The soggy conditions resulted in disease outbreaks and root rot problems, especially in poorly 

drained soils, which negatively affected fruit quality. Despite the rainy weather and wet field conditions, growers tried 

to keep up with disease control efforts and usual field maintenance. Planting of new fields was underway. Newly 

planted seedlings benefited from the additional soil moisture.
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2009 16 NASS, USDA 

Reliability of April 1 Orange Forecast

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

accounts for nearly 75 percent of the U.S. 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, when combined with the previous components, are used to develop the current forecast of 

production. Arizona, 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 Arizona, 

California, and Texas were also used for setting estimates. These 4 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 April 1 forecast. 

Revision Policy: The April 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 April 1 production forecasts, the "Root Mean 

Square Error," a statistical measure based on past performance, is computed. The deviation between the April 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 April 1 orange production forecast is 2.2 percent. However, if you exclude 

the 5 abnormal production seasons (3 freeze seasons and 2 hurricane seasons), the "Root Mean Square Error" is 

1.8 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 2.2 percent, or 1.8 percent, excluding abnormal seasons. Chances are 

9 out of 10 (90 percent confidence level) that the difference will not exceed 3.9 percent, or 3.1 percent, excluding 

abnormal seasons. 

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

171,000 tons (164,000 tons, excluding abnormal seasons), ranging from 7,000 tons to 508,000 tons (7,000 tons to 

368,000 tons, excluding abnormal seasons). The April 1 forecast for oranges has been below the final estimate 

8 times and above 12 times (below 5 times and above 10 times, excluding abnormal seasons). The difference 

does not imply that the April 1 forecast this year is likely to understate or overstate final production. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2009 17 NASS, USDA 

Information Contacts 

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

contact for additional information. 

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

Field Crops Section 

Jacqueline Moore, Head .............................................................................. (202) 720-2127 

Todd Ballard - Wheat, Rye .......................................................................... (202) 720-8068 

Shiela Corley - Cotton, Cotton Ginnings..................................................... (202) 720-5944 

Jacqueline Moore - Hay, Oats, Sorghum ..................................................... (202) 720-2127 

Ty Kalaus - Corn, Proso Millet, Flaxseed.................................................... (202) 720-9526 

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

Anthony Prillaman - Peanuts, Rice.............................................................. (202) 720-7688 

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

Fruits, Vegetables & Special Crops Section 

Jorge Garcia-Pratts, Head ............................................................................ (202) 720-2127 

Leslie Colburn - Berries, Grapes, Maple Syrup, Tobacco ........................... (202) 720-7235 

Debbie Flippin - Fresh and Processing Vegetables, 

Onions, Strawberries..................................................... (202) 720-2157 

Fred Granja - Apples, Apricots, Cherries, Plums, 

Prunes............................................................................ (202) 720-4288 

Mike Jacobson - Cranberries ....................................................................... (202) 720-9085 

Dawn Keen - Floriculture, Nursery, Tree Nuts............................................ (202) 720-4215 

Dan Norris - Austrian Winter Peas, Dry Edible Peas, 

 Lentils, Mint, Mushrooms, Peaches, Pears, 

 Wrinkled Seed Peas ............................................................. (202) 720-3250 

Suzanne Avilla - Citrus, Coffee, Tropical Fruits ......................................... (202) 720-5412 

Faye Propsom - Dry Beans, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes................................. (202) 720-4285 

Kim Ritchie - Hops...................................................................................... (360) 902-1940 
 

 

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