Cr Pr 2-2 (11-08) 

Washington, D.C.

Crop 

Production

Released November 10, 2008, 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. 

Corn Production Down Slightly from October 

Soybean Production Down Less Than 1 Percent 

Cotton Production Down 1 Percent 

Corn production is forecast at 12.0 billion bushels, down slightly from the October forecast and 8 percent below 2007. 

Based on conditions as of November 1, yields are expected to average 153.8 bushels per acre, down 0.1 bushel from 

October but 2.7 bushels above last year. If realized, this will be the second highest yield on record, behind 2004, and 

production will be the second largest, behind last year. Forecasted yields are higher than last year across the northern 

half of the Great Plains and northern and central Corn Belt. Yield prospects are lower than last year in the southern half 

of the Great Plains and Delta. 

Soybean production is forecast at 2.92 billion bushels, down less than 1 percent from the October forecast but up 

9 percent from last year. If realized, this will be the fourth largest production on record. Based on November 1 

conditions, yields are expected to average 39.3 bushels per acre, down 0.2 bushel from October 1 and down 2.4 bushels 

from 2007. Compared with October 1, yields are forecast lower or unchanged across the Corn Belt and Great Plains, 

with the exception of Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri. Yields increased from the October 1 forecast in Alabama, 

Arkansas, Tennessee, New York, and Virginia. Area for harvest in the U.S. is forecast at 74.4 million acres, unchanged 

from October 1 but up 16 percent from 2007. 

All Cotton production is forecast at 13.5 million 480-pound bales, down 1 percent from last month and down 

30 percent from last year. Yield is expected to average 837 pounds per harvested acre, down 12 pounds from last 

month and down 42 pounds from the record high yield in 2007. Upland cotton production is forecast at 

13.1 million 480-pound bales, down 1 percent from last month and 29 percent below 2007. Texas producers expect 

lower yields than last month, while producers in the Southeast are expecting increased yields. Upland growers in 

Alabama and New Mexico are expecting record high yields. American-Pima production is forecast at 459,000 bales, up 

2 percent from last month but down 46 percent from last year. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 2 NASS, USDA 

This report was approved on November 10, 2008. 

Acting Secretary of 

Agriculture 

Charles F. Conner 

Agricultural Statistics Board 

Chairperson 

Carol C. House 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 3 NASS, USDA 

Contents

Page 

Grains & Hay

 Corn for Grain........................................................................................................................................................ 4 

 Ears Per Acre..................................................................................................................................................... 22 

 Frequency of Farmer Reported Row Widths..................................................................................................... 24 

 Percentage Distribution by Measured Row Width and Average Row Width ................................................... 25 

 Percentage Distribution by Plant Population..................................................................................................... 23 

 Plant Population Per Acre ................................................................................................................................. 21 

 Rice ......................................................................................................................................................................... 6 

 Rice, by Class....................................................................................................................................................... 6 

 Sorghum for Grain .................................................................................................................................................. 5 

 

Oilseeds

 Peanuts ................................................................................................................................................................... 8 

 Soybeans ................................................................................................................................................................ 7 

 Frequency of Farmer Reported Row Widths...................................................................................................... 28 

 Percentage Distribution by Measured Row Width and Average Row Width .................................................... 29 

 Pods with Beans per 18 Square Feet .................................................................................................................. 27 

 

Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops

 Cotton..................................................................................................................................................................... 9 

 Cumulative Boll Counts .................................................................................................................................... 26 

 Cottonseed.............................................................................................................................................................. 8 

 Sugarbeets ............................................................................................................................................................ 10 

 Sugarcane ............................................................................................................................................................. 10 

Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils

 Austrian Winter Peas............................................................................................................................................ 11 

 Dry Edible Peas.................................................................................................................................................... 11 

 Lentils................................................................................................................................................................... 10 

Noncitrus Fruits & Tree Nuts 

 Papayas................................................................................................................................................................. 12 

Potatoes & Miscellaneous Crops

 Potatoes ............................................................................................................................................................... 12 

 Fall Percent of Major Varieties Planted ........................................................................................................... 13 

 Number of Hills by Type.................................................................................................................................. 30 

 Harvest Loss by Type....................................................................................................................................... 31 

 Grading Categories by Type............................................................................................................................. 31 

 Size Categories by Type................................................................................................................................... 32 

 Size Categories: Long Potatoes........................................................................................................................ 33 

Crop Comments ........................................................................................................................................................ 36 

Crop Summary.......................................................................................................................................................... 15 

Information Contacts................................................................................................................................................ 44 

Reliability of Production Data in this Report......................................................................................................... 42 

Weather Maps ........................................................................................................................................................... 34 

Weather Summary.................................................................................................................................................... 35 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 4 NASS, USDA 

Corn for Grain: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by State 

and United States, 2007 and Forecasted November 1, 2008 

Area Harvested Yield Production 

State 2008 2007 2008 2007 

Oct 1 Nov 1 

2007 2008 

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

AL 

AR 

CA 

CO 

DE 

GA 

IL 

IN 

IA 

KS 

KY 

LA 

MD 

MI 

MN 

MS 

MO 

NE 

NJ 

NM 

NY 

NC 

ND 

OH 

OK 

PA 

SC 

SD 

TN 

TX 

VA 

WA 

WI 

Oth 

 Sts 1

US 

280 

590 

200 

1,060 

185 

450 

13,050 

6,370 

13,850 

3,700 

1,360 

730 

455 

2,350 

7,800 

940 

3,250 

9,200 

82 

55 

550 

1,020 

2,350 

3,610 

270 

980 

370 

4,500 

785 

2,000 

405 

120 

3,280 

345 

86,542 

240 

440 

215 

1,120 

152 

320 

11,700 

5,450 

12,500 

3,600 

1,110 

510 

390 

2,070 

7,250 

700 

2,600 

8,550 

74 

60 

610 

830 

2,300 

3,050 

330 

930 

325 

4,300 

630 

2,100 

350 

75 

3,000 

296 

78,177 

79.0 

168.0 

180.0 

142.0 

97.0 

130.0 

175.0 

155.0 

171.0 

140.0 

129.0 

165.0 

103.0 

124.0 

146.0 

150.0 

142.0 

160.0 

125.0 

175.0 

127.0 

100.0 

116.0 

150.0 

145.0 

128.0 

100.0 

121.0 

106.0 

148.0 

85.0 

210.0 

135.0 

148.5 

151.1 

92.0 

160.0 

180.0 

140.0 

124.0 

130.0 

177.0 

160.0 

172.0 

137.0 

133.0 

145.0 

121.0 

140.0 

167.0 

143.0 

140.0 

161.0 

115.0 

175.0 

133.0 

70.0 

127.0 

147.0 

134.0 

122.0 

52.0 

132.0 

111.0 

127.0 

99.0 

210.0 

139.0 

148.5 

153.9 

92.0 

157.0 

180.0 

140.0 

122.0 

125.0 

179.0 

160.0 

172.0 

137.0 

133.0 

145.0 

121.0 

137.0 

168.0 

143.0 

140.0 

161.0 

110.0 

175.0 

134.0 

75.0 

124.0 

140.0 

134.0 

122.0 

54.0 

129.0 

115.0 

129.0 

101.0 

210.0 

137.0 

148.5 

153.8 

22,120 

99,120 

36,000 

150,520 

17,945 

58,500 

2,283,750 

987,350 

2,368,350 

518,000 

175,440 

120,450 

46,865 

291,400 

1,138,800 

141,000 

461,500 

1,472,000 

10,250 

9,625 

69,850 

102,000 

272,600 

541,500 

39,150 

125,440 

37,000 

544,500 

83,210 

296,000 

34,425 

25,200 

442,800 

51,233 

13,073,893 

22,080 

69,080 

38,700 

156,800 

18,544 

40,000 

2,094,300 

872,000 

2,150,000 

493,200 

147,630 

73,950 

47,190 

283,590 

1,218,000 

100,100 

364,000 

1,376,550 

8,140 

10,500 

81,740 

62,250 

285,200 

427,000 

44,220 

113,460 

17,550 

554,700 

72,450 

270,900 

35,350 

15,750 

411,000 

43,970 

12,019,894 

1

 Other States include AZ, FL, ID, MT, OR, UT, WV, and WY. Individual State level estimates will be published in the "Crop Production 2008 

Summary." 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 5 NASS, USDA 

Sorghum for Grain: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by State 

and United States, 2007 and Forecasted November 1, 2008 

Area Harvested Yield Production 

State 2008 2007 2008 2007 

Oct 1 Nov 1 

2007 2008 

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

AR 

CO 

IL 

KS 

LA 

MO 

NE 

NM 

OK 

SD 

TX 

Oth 

 Sts 1

US 

215 

150 

77 

2,650 

245 

105 

240 

75 

220 

130 

2,450 

248 

6,805 

110 

180 

77 

2,750 

115 

85 

220 

80 

320 

110 

3,100 

238 

7,385 

94.0 

37.0 

81.0 

80.0 

97.0 

96.0 

98.0 

40.0 

58.0 

62.0 

66.0 

73.0 

74.2 

90.0 

27.0 

85.0 

76.0 

93.0 

95.0 

89.0 

41.0 

47.0 

65.0 

52.0 

69.7 

63.9 

85.0 

32.0 

95.0 

74.0 

90.0 

95.0 

87.0 

41.0 

43.0 

65.0 

52.0 

68.9 

63.0 

20,210 

5,550 

6,237 

212,000 

23,765 

10,080 

23,520 

3,000 

12,760 

8,060 

161,700 

18,111 

504,993 

9,350 

5,760 

7,315 

203,500 

10,350 

8,075 

19,140 

3,280 

13,760 

7,150 

161,200 

16,391 

465,271 

1

 Other States include AL, AZ, CA, GA, KY, MS, NC, PA, SC, and TN. Individual State level estimates will be published in the "Crop Production 

2008 Summary." 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 6 NASS, USDA 

Rice: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by State 

and United States, 2007 and Forecasted November 1, 2008 

Area Harvested Yield Production 

State 2008 2007 2008 2007 

Oct 1 Nov 1 

2007 2008 

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

AR 

CA 

LA 

MS 

MO 

TX 

US 

1,325 

533 

378 

189 

178 

145 

2,748 

1,345 

517 

465 

229 

199 

169 

2,924 

7,130 

8,220 

6,140 

7,450 

6,900 

6,600 

7,185 

6,900 

8,100 

5,700 

7,200 

7,100 

7,300 

6,982 

6,850 

8,100 

5,800 

7,000 

7,100 

7,300 

6,959 

94,487 

43,822 

23,222 

14,081 

12,279 

9,565 

197,456 

92,133 

41,877 

26,970 

16,030 

14,129 

12,337 

203,476 

Rice: Production by Class, United States, 

2006-2007 and Forecasted November 1, 2008 

Year Long Grain Medium Grain Short Grain 1

 All 

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

2006 

2007 

2008 2

146,214 

142,182 

154,733 

43,802 

51,184 

45,516 

3,720 

4,090 

3,227 

193,736 

197,456 

203,476 

1

 Sweet rice production included with short grain. 

2

 The 2008 rice production by class forecasts are based on class harvested acreage estimates and the 5-year average class yield compared to the all 

rice yield. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 7 NASS, USDA 

Soybeans for Beans: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by State 

and United States, 2007 and Forecasted November 1, 2008 

Area Harvested Yield Production 

State 2008 2007 2008 2007 

Oct 1 Nov 1 

2007 2008 

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

AL 

AR 

DE 

GA 

IL 

IN 

IA 

KS 

KY 

LA 

MD 

MI 

MN 

MS 

MO 

NE 

NJ 

NY 

NC 

ND 

OH 

OK 

PA 

SC 

SD 

TN 

TX 

VA 

WI 

Oth 

 Sts 1

US 

185 

2,820 

155 

285 

8,280 

4,790 

8,630 

2,610 

1,100 

600 

390 

1,790 

6,290 

1,440 

4,670 

3,850 

80 

203 

1,380 

3,060 

4,240 

180 

425 

440 

3,240 

1,010 

92 

500 

1,380 

26 

64,141 

350 

3,250 

192 

410 

9,050 

5,400 

9,600 

3,200 

1,390 

990 

490 

1,890 

6,900 

1,980 

5,050 

4,850 

89 

226 

1,660 

3,720 

4,480 

360 

440 

520 

4,040 

1,460 

210 

570 

1,560 

47 

74,374 

21.0 

36.0 

26.0 

30.0 

43.5 

46.0 

52.0 

33.0 

27.5 

43.0 

27.0 

39.5 

42.5 

40.5 

37.5 

51.0 

31.0 

39.0 

22.0 

35.5 

47.0 

26.0 

41.0 

18.5 

42.0 

19.0 

37.5 

27.5 

40.5 

28.8 

41.7 

29.0 

39.0 

28.0 

30.0 

45.0 

42.0 

46.0 

36.0 

34.0 

35.0 

30.0 

37.0 

40.0 

38.0 

37.0 

47.0 

28.0 

44.0 

32.0 

31.0 

38.0 

27.0 

39.0 

28.0 

36.0 

30.0 

22.0 

28.0 

36.0 

37.7 

39.5 

31.0 

40.0 

27.0 

30.0 

46.0 

44.0 

46.0 

36.0 

34.0 

31.0 

30.0 

37.0 

39.0 

38.0 

38.0 

46.0 

26.0 

45.0 

32.0 

29.0 

36.0 

25.0 

38.0 

27.0 

33.0 

31.0 

22.0 

30.0 

34.0 

37.7 

39.3 

3,885 

101,520 

4,030 

8,550 

360,180 

220,340 

448,760 

86,130 

30,250 

25,800 

10,530 

70,705 

267,325 

58,320 

175,125 

196,350 

2,480 

7,917 

30,360 

108,630 

199,280 

4,680 

17,425 

8,140 

136,080 

19,190 

3,450 

13,750 

55,890 

750 

2,675,822 

10,850 

130,000 

5,184 

12,300 

416,300 

237,600 

441,600 

115,200 

47,260 

30,690 

14,700 

69,930 

269,100 

75,240 

191,900 

223,100 

2,314 

10,170 

53,120 

107,880 

161,280 

9,000 

16,720 

14,040 

133,320 

45,260 

4,620 

17,100 

53,040 

1,771 

2,920,589 

1

 Other States include FL and WV. Individual State level estimates will be published in the "Crop Production 2008 Summary." 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 8 NASS, USDA 

Peanuts: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by State 

and United States, 2007 and Forecasted November 1, 2008 

Area Harvested Yield Production 

State 2008 2007 2008 2007 

Oct 1 Nov 1 

2007 2008 

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

AL 

FL 

GA 

MS 

NM 

NC 

OK 

SC 

TX 

VA 

US 

157.0 

119.0 

520.0 

18.0 

10.0 

90.0 

17.0 

56.0 

187.0 

21.0 

1,195.0 

191.0 

133.0 

685.0 

21.0 

8.0 

98.0 

18.0 

67.0 

250.0 

23.0 

1,494.0 

2,550 

2,700 

3,120 

3,300 

3,500 

2,900 

3,400 

3,100 

3,700 

2,500 

3,076 

3,100 

3,400 

3,250 

3,400 

3,500 

3,200 

3,900 

3,500 

3,500 

2,800 

3,298 

3,300 

3,400 

3,300 

3,400 

3,500 

3,500 

3,900 

3,500 

3,300 

3,400 

3,342 

400,350 

321,300 

1,622,400 

59,400 

35,000 

261,000 

57,800 

173,600 

691,900 

52,500 

3,675,250 

630,300 

452,200 

2,260,500 

71,400 

28,000 

343,000 

70,200 

234,500 

825,000 

78,200 

4,993,300 

Cottonseed: Production, United States, 

2006-2007 and Forecasted November 1, 2008 

Production State 

2006 2007 2008 1

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

US 7,347.9 6,588.7 4,599.0 

1

 Based on a 3-year average lint-seed ratio. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 9 NASS, USDA 

Cotton: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by Type, State, 

and United States, 2007 and Forecasted November 1, 2008 

Area Harvested Yield Production 1

2008 

Type 

and 

State 2007 2008 2007 

Oct 1 Nov 1 

2007 2008 

1,000 Acres 1,000 Acres Pounds Pounds Pounds 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 

385.0 

168.0 

850.0 

194.0 

81.0 

995.0 

43.0 

330.0 

655.0 

379.0 

39.0 

490.0 

165.0 

158.0 

510.0 

4,700.0 

59.0 

10,201.0 

2.5 

257.0 

4.6 

24.0 

288.1 

385.0 

170.5 

850.0 

451.0 

81.0 

995.0 

43.0 

330.0 

655.0 

379.0 

43.6 

490.0 

165.0 

158.0 

510.0 

4,724.0 

59.0 

10,489.1 

285.0 

128.0 

640.0 

117.0 

65.0 

940.0 

28.0 

260.0 

360.0 

307.0 

34.0 

438.0 

155.0 

134.0 

280.0 

3,350.0 

64.0 

7,585.0 

1.0 

151.0 

3.0 

15.0 

170.0 

285.0 

129.0 

640.0 

268.0 

65.0 

940.0 

28.0 

260.0 

360.0 

307.0 

37.0 

438.0 

155.0 

134.0 

280.0 

3,365.0 

64.0 

7,755.0 

519 

1,469 

1,071 

1,608 

687 

801 

639 

1,017 

966 

968 

1,095 

767 

817 

486 

565 

843 

829 

864 

883 

1,481 

856 

920 

1,419 

519 

1,460 

1,071 

1,536 

687 

801 

639 

1,017 

966 

968 

1,070 

767 

817 

486 

565 

843 

829 

879 

733 

1,425 

1,125 

1,559 

775 

812 

686 

591 

907 

1,048 

1,101 

778 

805 

795 

840 

759 

750 

839 

960 

1,335 

800 

768 

1,273 

733 

1,421 

1,125 

1,433 

775 

812 

686 

591 

907 

1,048 

1,077 

778 

805 

795 

840 

759 

750 

849 

842 

1,425 

1,013 

1,559 

812 

843 

686 

517 

867 

1,048 

1,115 

800 

805 

860 

917 

731 

863 

827 

960 

1,335 

800 

1,024 

1,296 

842 

1,421 

1,013 

1,433 

812 

843 

686 

517 

867 

1,048 

1,090 

800 

805 

860 

917 

732 

863 

837 

416.0 

514.0 

1,896.0 

650.0 

116.0 

1,660.0 

57.2 

699.0 

1,318.0 

764.0 

89.0 

783.0 

281.0 

160.0 

600.0 

8,250.0 

101.9 

18,355.1 

4.6 

793.0 

8.2 

46.0 

851.8 

416.0 

518.6 

1,896.0 

1,443.0 

116.0 

1,660.0 

57.2 

699.0 

1,318.0 

764.0 

97.2 

783.0 

281.0 

160.0 

600.0 

8,296.0 

101.9 

19,206.9 

500.0 

380.0 

1,350.0 

380.0 

110.0 

1,650.0 

40.0 

280.0 

650.0 

670.0 

79.0 

730.0 

260.0 

240.0 

535.0 

5,100.0 

115.0 

13,069.0 

2.0 

420.0 

5.0 

32.0 

459.0 

500.0 

382.0 

1,350.0 

800.0 

110.0 

1,650.0 

40.0 

280.0 

650.0 

670.0 

84.0 

730.0 

260.0 

240.0 

535.0 

5,132.0 

115.0 

13,528.0 

1

 Production ginned and to be ginned. 

2

 480-lb. net weight bale. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 10 NASS, USDA 

Sugarbeets: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by State 

and United States, 2007 and Forecasted November 1, 2008 1

Area Harvested Yield Production 

State 2008 2007 2008 2007 

Oct 1 Nov 1 

2007 2008 

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

CA 

CO 

ID 

MI 

MN 

MT 

NE 

ND 

OR 

WA 

WY 

US 

39.1 

29.2 

167.0 

149.0 

481.0 

47.0 

44.3 

247.0 

11.0 

2.0 

30.2 

1,246.8 

25.8 

28.6 

117.0 

136.0 

430.0 

30.7 

37.0 

212.0 

5.9 

1.6 

27.0 

1,051.6 

37.5 

26.2 

34.4 

23.4 

23.8 

24.7 

23.5 

23.1 

31.9 

42.0 

21.8 

25.6 

39.0 

27.0 

30.5 

28.5 

25.0 

25.5 

23.5 

25.5 

31.2 

39.4 

24.0 

26.5 

39.1 

25.7 

31.0 

29.8 

25.1 

26.5 

22.5 

25.5 

32.9 

41.9 

24.0 

26.8 

1,466 

765 

5,745 

3,487 

11,448 

1,161 

1,041 

5,706 

351 

84 

658 

31,912 

1,009 

735 

3,627 

4,053 

10,793 

814 

833 

5,406 

194 

67 

648 

28,179 

1

 Relates to year of intended harvest in all States except CA. In CA, relates to year of intended harvest for fall planted beets in central CA and to 

year of planting for overwintered beets in central and southern CA. 

Sugarcane for Sugar and Seed: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by State 

and United States, 2007 and Forecasted November 1, 2008 

Area Harvested Yield 1

 Production 1

State 2008 2007 2008 2007 

Oct 1 Nov 1 

2007 2008 

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

FL 

HI 

LA 

TX 

US 

393.0 

22.9 

420.0 

43.7 

879.6 

400.0 

22.0 

405.0 

41.5 

868.5 

36.1 

68.3 

30.4 

33.4 

34.1 

39.0 

75.8 

27.0 

39.8 

34.4 

39.0 

75.8 

27.0 

39.8 

34.4 

14,177 

1,564 

12,768 

1,460 

29,969 

15,600 

1,668 

10,935 

1,652 

29,855 

1

 Net tons. 

Lentils: Area Planted, Harvested, Yield, and Production 

by State and United States, 2007 and Forecasted November 1, 2008 

Area Planted Area Harvested State 

2007 2008 2007 2008 

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

ID 

MT 

ND 

WA 

US 

38.0 

87.0 

110.0 

68.0 

303.0 

38.0 

83.0 

97.0 

55.0 

273.0 

37.0 

85.0 

106.0 

67.0 

295.0 

37.0 

81.0 

93.0 

55.0 

266.0 

Yield Production 

2007 2008 2007 2008 

Pounds Pounds 1,000 Cwt 1,000 Cwt 

ID 

MT 

ND 

WA 

US 

1,150 

990 

1,260 

1,200 

1,155 

950 

750 

890 

1,100 

900 

426 

842 

1,336 

804 

3,408 

352 

608 

828 

605 

2,393 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 11 NASS, USDA 

Dry Edible Peas: Area Planted, Harvested, Yield, and Production by State 

and United States, 2007 and Forecasted November 1, 2008 

Area Planted Area Harvested State 

2007 2008 2007 2008 

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

ID 

MT 

ND 

OR 

WA 

US 

25.0 

235.0 

515.0 

5.5 

67.0 

847.5 

37.0 

242.0 

520.0 

5.0 

70.0 

874.0 

24.0 

217.0 

500.0 

4.3 

66.0 

811.3 

35.0 

223.0 

500.0 

4.8 

70.0 

832.8 

Yield Production 

2007 2008 2007 2008 

Pounds Pounds 1,000 Cwt 1,000 Cwt 

ID 

MT 

ND 

OR 

WA 

US 

1,700 

1,700 

2,080 

2,300 

1,980 

1,960 

1,500 

1,100 

1,580 

2,550 

1,600 

1,455 

408 

3,689 

10,400 

99 

1,307 

15,903 

525 

2,453 

7,900 

122 

1,120 

12,120 

Austrian Winter Peas: Area Planted, Harvested, Yield, and Production by State 

and United States, 2007 and Forecasted November 1, 2008 

Area Planted Area Harvested State 

2007 2008 2007 2008 

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

ID 

MT 

OR 

US 

6.0 

20.0 

3.0 

29.0 

5.0 

19.0 

2.5 

26.5 

5.0 

4.0 

2.0 

11.0 

4.0 

4.0 

1.0 

9.0 

Yield Production 

2007 2008 2007 2008 

Pounds Pounds 1,000 Cwt 1,000 Cwt 

ID 

MT 

OR 

US 

1,300 

650 

1,800 

1,155 

1,400 

900 

1,850 

1,233 

65 

26 

36 

127 

56 

36 

19 

111 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 12 NASS, USDA 

Papayas: Area and Fresh Production by Month, Hawaii, 2007-2008 

Area Fresh Production 1

Month Total in Crop Harvested 

2007 2008 2007 2008 

2007 2008 

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

Aug 

Sep 

2,105 

2,105 

2,040 

2,205 

1,370 

1,375 

1,330 

1,280 

2,815 

2,765 

2,200 

2,460 

1

 Utilized fresh production. 

Potatoes: Area Planted, Area Harvested, Yield, and Production, 

by Seasonal Group, State, and United States, 2007-2008 

Seasonal Group Area Planted Area Harvested Yield Production 

and 

State 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 

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

Winter 1

 Total 

Spring 1

 Total 

Summer 1

 Total 

Fall 

 CA 

 CO 

 ID 

 10 SW Co 

 Other ID 

 ME 

 MA 

 MI 

 MN 

 MT 

 NE 

 NV 

 NM 

 NY 

 ND 

 OH 

 OR 

 Malheur 

 Other OR 

 PA 

 RI 

 WA 

 WI 

 Total 

US 

11.5 

72.8 

53.7 

7.9 

59.2 

350.0 

21.0 

329.0 

57.1 

2.7 

42.5 

50.0 

11.3 

21.0 

7.3 

5.5 

19.0 

97.0 

3.2 

36.5 

3.5 

33.0 

10.5 

0.6 

165.0 

64.5 

1,010.8 

1,148.8 

11.0 

69.2 

48.5 

7.8 

57.0 

305.0 

15.0 

290.0 

56.0 

2.8 

43.0 

48.0 

10.9 

19.5 

5.8 

5.8 

18.0 

82.0 

2.5 

35.3 

2.8 

32.5 

10.0 

0.5 

155.0 

63.5 

928.4 

1,057.1 

11.5 

70.2 

51.2 

7.9 

59.1 

349.0 

21.0 

328.0 

57.0 

2.7 

42.0 

47.0 

11.2 

19.8 

7.3 

5.4 

18.3 

91.0 

3.0 

36.5 

3.5 

33.0 

10.0 

0.6 

165.0 

64.0 

996.8 

1,129.7 

11.0 

67.7 

46.2 

7.8 

56.9 

304.0 

15.0 

289.0 

54.5 

2.7 

42.5 

45.0 

10.8 

19.2 

5.8 

5.8 

17.8 

81.0 

2.1 

35.3 

2.8 

32.5 

9.5 

0.5 

155.0 

62.0 

918.2 

1,043.1 

215 

282 

332 

480 

355 

373 

490 

365 

295 

310 

350 

440 

330 

415 

390 

370 

285 

260 

330 

554 

455 

565 

220 

300 

620 

440 

409 

396 

230 

289 

324 

505 

375 

378 

525 

370 

265 

260 

320 

420 

340 

410 

410 

370 

325 

280 

325 

521 

415 

530 

265 

285 

605 

415 

407 

394 

2,473 

19,820 

16,997 

3,792 

20,981 

130,010 

10,290 

119,720 

16,815 

837 

14,700 

20,680 

3,696 

8,217 

2,847 

1,998 

5,216 

23,660 

990 

20,238 

1,593 

18,645 

2,200 

180 

102,300 

28,160 

407,517 

446,807 

2,530 

19,573 

14,946 

3,939 

21,338 

114,805 

7,875 

106,930 

14,443 

702 

13,600 

18,900 

3,672 

7,872 

2,378 

2,146 

5,785 

22,680 

683 

18,387 

1,162 

17,225 

2,518 

143 

93,775 

25,730 

373,496 

410,545 

1

 Estimates for current year carried forward from an earlier forecast. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 13 NASS, USDA 

Fall Potatoes: Percent of Varieties Planted, 2008 Crop

The National Agricultural Statistics Service conducts variety surveys in 8 States, accounting for 89 percent of the 2008 

forecasted U.S. fall potato production. Colorado data are from a growers’ potato variety survey. The remaining 7 

States conduct objective yield surveys where all producing areas are sampled in proportion to planted acreage. Variety 

data shown below are actual percentages from these surveys. 

Fall Potatoes: Percent of Major Varieties Planted, 

Selected States and 8 State Total, 2008 Crop 1

State Varieties 

Pct. of 

Planted 

Acres 

State Varieties 

Pct. of 

Planted 

Acres 

CO 

ID 

ME 

R Norkotah 

Rio Grande R 

Canela R 

Centennial R 

Yukon Gold 

R Nugget 

Satina 

Cherry Red 

Other 

R Burbank 

Ranger R 

R Norkotah 

Western R 

Shepody 

Umatilla R 

Alturas 

Frito-Lay 

Other 

R Burbank 

Frito-Lay 

Shepody 

R Norkotah 

Norland 

Yukon Gold 

Goldrush 

Norwis 

Superior 

Ontario 

Katahdin 

Reba 

Atlantic 

Red LaSoda 

Other 

55.2 

9.6 

8.7 

5.6 

3.9 

3.7 

1.7 

0.4 

11.2 

57.4 

15.0 

13.1 

2.7 

2.1 

1.6 

1.6 

1.3 

5.2 

42.6 

13.8 

4.6 

4.2 

4.0 

3.7 

3.7 

3.6 

3.5 

2.6 

2.4 

2.2 

1.4 

1.0 

6.7 

 

 

 

 

MN 

ND 

OR 

R Burbank 

Norland 

Umatilla R 

Dakota Rose 

Ranger R 

Premier R 

Gold Rush 

Cascade 

Dakota Pearl 

NorValley 

Shepody 

Other 

R Burbank 

Shepody 

Norland 

Ranger R 

Umatilla R 

Frito-Lay 

Dakota Crisp 

Dakota Pearl 

Red LaSoda 

Ivory Crisp 

Bannock 

Sangre 

NorValley 

Viking 

Other 

R Norkotah 

R Burbank 

Ranger R 

Shepody 

Umatilla R 

Frito-Lay 

Alturas 

Premier R 

Yukon Gold 

Modoc 

Other 

51.7 

24.3 

4.4 

2.4 

2.0 

1.6 

1.3 

1.3 

1.3 

1.2 

1.2 

7.3 

52.6 

7.9 

6.1 

5.9 

5.6 

3.6 

2.7 

2.7 

2.6 

2.6 

1.7 

1.5 

1.2 

1.1 

2.2 

23.8 

22.1 

12.2 

12.0 

7.5 

5.3 

4.3 

3.1 

2.4 

1.8 

5.5 

See footnote(s) at end of table. --continued
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 14 NASS, USDA 

Fall Potatoes: Percent of Major Varieties Planted, 

Selected States and 8 State Total, 2008 Crop 1

 (continued) 

State Varieties 

Pct. of 

Planted 

Acres 

State Varieties 

Pct. of 

Planted 

Acres 

WA 

WI 

R Burbank 

Ranger R 

Umatilla R 

Shepody 

R Norkotah 

Alturas 

Premier R 

Frito-Lay 

Chieftain 

Other 

R Burbank 

R Norkotah 

Frito-Lay 

Goldrush 

Norland 

Silverton R 

Superior 

Snowden 

Atlantic 

Shepody 

Other 

27.1 

19.2 

15.1 

10.6 

9.6 

5.7 

2.4 

2.1 

1.7 

6.5 

19.8 

17.6 

17.4 

11.5 

10.7 

7.0 

3.8 

2.4 

1.7 

1.5 

6.6 

 

TOTAL 

(8 Sts) 

R Burbank 

R Norkotah 

Ranger R 

Shepody 

Umatilla R 

Frito-Lay 

Norland 

Alturas 

Goldrush 

Yukon Gold 

Premier R 

Western R 

Rio Grande R 

Canela R 

Silverton R 

Superior 

Dakota Pearl 

Chieftain 

Centennial R 

Red LaSoda 

CalWhite 

Ivory Crisp 

Bannock 

Dakota Crisp 

Snowden 

Pike 

R Nugget 

Atlantic 

Norwis 

Satina 

Sangre 

Dakota Rose 

NorValley 

Ontario 

Cascade 

Reba 

Katahdin 

NorDonna 

Defender 

Modoc 

Viking 

Other 

41.0 

13.5 

10.8 

4.7 

4.7 

3.9 

3.6 

1.9 

1.3 

1.1 

1.1 

1.0 

0.7 

0.6 

0.6 

0.6 

0.5 

0.4 

0.4 

0.4 

0.3 

0.3 

0.3 

0.3 

0.3 

0.3 

0.3 

0.3 

0.3 

0.2 

0.2 

0.2 

0.2 

0.2 

0.2 

0.2 

0.2 

0.2 

0.1 

0.1 

0.1 

2.4 

1

 Revised from the September preliminary. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 15 NASS, USDA 

Crop Summary: Area Planted and Harvested, United States, 2007-2008 

(Domestic Units) 1

Area Planted Area Harvested Crop 

2007 2008 2007 2008 

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

4,020.0 

93,600.0 

3,760.0 

570.0 

2,761.0 

1,376.0 

7,718.0 

60,433.0 

44,987.0 

2,149.0 

13,297.0 

1,183.0 

354.0 

56.0 

1,230.0 

1.5 

180.0 

64,736.0 

2,068.0 

10,827.2 

10,535.0 

292.2 

1,268.8 

29.0 

1,526.9 

847.5 

303.0 

1,148.8 

11.5 

72.8 

53.7 

1,010.8 

100.6 

4,234.0 

85,889.0 

3,217.0 

605.0 

2,940.0 

1,260.0 

8,327.0 

63,047.0 

46,181.0 

2,731.0 

14,135.0 

1,015.0 

340.0 

67.0 

1,533.0 

0.5 

191.0 

75,878.0 

2,507.0 

9,414.0 

9,239.0 

175.0 

1,110.1 

26.5 

1,492.9 

874.0 

273.0 

1,057.1 

11.0 

69.2 

48.5 

928.4 

104.1 

3,508.0 

86,542.0 

6,071.0 

61,625.0 

21,670.0 

39,955.0 

1,505.0 

515.0 

2,748.0 

289.0 

6,805.0 

399.0 

51,011.0 

35,952.0 

2,112.0 

12,947.0 

1,163.0 

349.0 

52.8 

1,195.0 

1.0 

172.0 

64,141.0 

2,009.5 

10,489.1 

10,201.0 

288.1 

1,246.8 

879.6 

356.0 

11.0 

1,478.7 

811.3 

295.0 

6.4 

0.1 

30.9 

73.3 

1,129.7 

11.5 

70.2 

51.2 

996.8 

19.6 

97.5 

0.4 

3,767.0 

78,177.0 

60,439.0 

20,778.0 

39,661.0 

1,395.0 

2,924.0 

269.0 

7,385.0 

55,685.0 

39,614.0 

2,584.0 

13,487.0 

986.0 

333.0 

64.0 

1,494.0 

0.4 

183.0 

74,374.0 

2,385.0 

7,755.0 

7,585.0 

170.0 

1,051.6 

868.5 

356.0 

9.0 

1,424.6 

832.8 

266.0 

0.1 

39.3 

1,043.1 

11.0 

67.7 

46.2 

918.2 

100.8 

1

 Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2008 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 

November 2008 16 NASS, USDA 

Crop Summary: Yield and Production, United States, 2007-2008 

(Domestic Units) 1

Yield Production Crop Units 

2007 2008 2007 2008 

 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 

60.4 

151.1 

17.5 

2.44 

3.35 

1.95 

60.9 

32.3 

7,185 

27.4 

74.2 

15.6 

40.5 

42.2 

33.9 

37.0 

1,250 

16.9 

603 

3,076 

1,300 

1,215 

41.7 

1,436 

879 

864 

1,419 

25.6 

34.1 

2,191 

1,155 

1,716 

1,960 

1,155 

1,170 

35,000 

1,949 

93 

396 

215 

282 

332 

409 

121 

185 

63.6 

153.8 

2.49 

3.44 

1.99 

63.5 

6,959 

29.7 

63.0 

44.9 

47.2 

32.8 

40.5 

1,514 

3,342 

39.3 

1,448 

837 

827 

1,296 

26.8 

34.4 

2,261 

1,233 

1,774 

1,455 

900 

30,000 

1,942 

394 

230 

289 

324 

407 

211,825 

13,073,893 

106,328 

150,304 

72,575 

77,729 

91,599 

16,615 

197,456 

7,914 

504,993 

6,206 

2,066,722 

1,515,989 

71,686 

479,047 

1,453,830 

6,588.7 

5,904 

31,826 

3,675,250 

1,300 

208,995 

2,675,822 

2,886,065 

19,206.9 

18,355.1 

851.8 

31,912 

29,969 

779,899 

127 

25,371 

15,903 

3,408 

541 

7,500 

2,800 

60,253.1 

6,794 

446,807 

2,473 

19,820 

16,997 

407,517 

2,379 

18,082 

4,000 

239,498 

12,019,894 

150,500 

71,424 

79,076 

88,635 

203,476 

7,979 

465,271 

2,499,524 

1,867,903 

84,877 

546,744 

1,492,846 

4,599.0 

4,993,300 

2,920,589 

3,454,640 

13,528.0 

13,069.0 

459.0 

28,179 

29,855 

804,927 

111 

25,268 

12,120 

2,393 

1,800 

76,234.4 

410,545 

2,530 

19,573 

14,946 

373,496 

1

 Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2008 crop 

year. 2

 Yield in pounds. 

3

 Yield is not estimated. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 17 NASS, USDA 

Fruits and Nuts 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 

9,113.9 

88.5 

19,700.0 

7,018.0 

132.5 

33,400.0 

1,128.7 

873.0 

83.0 

12.1 

1,390,000 

37.0 

385,305 

325.0 

1,258 

1,569 

703 

10,167 

68 

490 

9,242.2 

86.8 

7,206.1 

65.0 

1,093.9 

821.8 

120.0 

18.8 

1,500,000 

34.0 

204,060 

375.0 

1,635 

1,379 

817 

9,194 

68 

480 

1

 Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2008 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 

November 2008 18 NASS, USDA 

Crop Summary: Area Planted and Harvested, United States, 2007-2008 

(Metric Units) 1

Area Planted Area Harvested Crop 

2007 2008 2007 2008 

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

1,626,850 

37,878,980 

1,521,630 

230,670 

1,117,350 

556,850 

3,123,400 

24,456,630 

18,205,790 

869,680 

5,381,160 

478,750 

143,260 

22,660 

497,770 

610 

72,840 

26,198,010 

836,900 

4,381,660 

4,263,410 

118,250 

513,470 

11,740 

617,920 

342,970 

122,620 

464,910 

4,650 

29,460 

21,730 

409,060 

40,710 

1,713,460 

34,758,420 

1,301,890 

244,840 

1,189,790 

509,910 

3,369,850 

25,514,490 

18,688,990 

1,105,210 

5,720,290 

410,760 

137,590 

27,110 

620,390 

200 

77,300 

30,707,070 

1,014,560 

3,809,750 

3,738,930 

70,820 

449,250 

10,720 

604,160 

353,700 

110,480 

427,800 

4,450 

28,000 

19,630 

375,710 

42,130 

1,419,650 

35,022,680 

2,456,870 

24,939,020 

8,769,630 

16,169,390 

609,060 

208,420 

1,112,090 

116,960 

2,753,920 

161,470 

20,643,640 

14,549,410 

854,710 

5,239,520 

470,650 

141,240 

21,370 

483,600 

400 

69,610 

25,957,220 

813,220 

4,244,830 

4,128,240 

116,590 

504,570 

355,970 

144,070 

4,450 

598,420 

328,320 

119,380 

2,590 

30 

12,510 

29,660 

457,180 

4,650 

28,410 

20,720 

403,390 

7,930 

39,460 

150 

1,524,470 

31,637,450 

24,459,060 

8,408,650 

16,050,410 

564,540 

1,183,310 

108,860 

2,988,640 

22,535,160 

16,031,390 

1,045,720 

5,458,050 

399,020 

134,760 

25,900 

604,610 

160 

74,060 

30,098,410 

965,190 

3,138,370 

3,069,570 

68,800 

425,570 

351,470 

144,090 

3,640 

576,520 

337,030 

107,650 

20 

15,890 

422,130 

4,450 

27,400 

18,700 

371,590 

40,790 

1

 Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2008 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 

November 2008 19 NASS, USDA 

Crop Summary: Yield and Production, United States, 2007-2008 

(Metric Units) 1

Yield Production Crop 

2007 2008 2007 2008 

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

3.25 

9.48 

39.26 

5.47 

7.51 

4.36 

2.18 

1.81 

8.05 

1.72 

4.66 

34.87 

2.72 

2.84 

2.28 

2.49 

1.40 

1.06 

0.68 

3.45 

1.46 

1.36 

2.81 

1.61 

0.99 

0.97 

1.59 

57.38 

76.38 

2.46 

1.29 

1.92 

2.20 

1.29 

1.31 

39.23 

2.18 

0.10 

44.33 

24.10 

31.65 

37.21 

45.82 

0.14 

20.79 

3.42 

9.65 

5.58 

7.71 

4.47 

2.28 

7.80 

1.86 

3.95 

3.02 

3.17 

2.21 

2.73 

1.70 

3.75 

2.64 

1.62 

0.94 

0.93 

1.45 

60.07 

77.06 

2.53 

1.38 

1.99 

1.63 

1.01 

33.63 

2.18 

44.11 

25.78 

32.40 

36.26 

45.59 

4,611,940 

332,092,180 

96,459,140 

136,353,500 

65,838,930 

70,514,560 

1,329,560 

376,820 

8,956,450 

201,020 

12,827,410 

5,629,990 

56,246,960 

41,258,460 

1,950,970 

13,037,520 

659,450 

5,977,170 

149,970 

14,440 

1,667,070 

590 

94,800 

72,823,940 

1,309,100 

4,181,810 

3,996,350 

185,460 

28,950,080 

27,187,420 

353,760 

5,760 

1,150,810 

721,350 

154,580 

24,540 

3,400 

1,270 

27,330 

3,080 

20,266,830 

112,170 

899,020 

770,970 

18,484,660 

1,080 

820,190 

1,810 

5,214,450 

305,319,370 

136,531,300 

64,794,760 

71,736,540 

1,286,530 

9,229,520 

202,680 

11,818,430 

68,025,900 

50,835,990 

2,309,970 

14,879,930 

677,140 

4,172,140 

2,264,920 

79,485,410 

1,567,000 

2,945,380 

2,845,440 

99,940 

25,563,560 

27,084,000 

365,110 

5,010 

1,146,140 

549,750 

108,540 

820 

34,580 

18,622,010 

114,760 

887,820 

677,940 

16,941,490 

1

 Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2008 crop 

year. 2

 Production may not add due to rounding. 

3

 Yield is not estimated. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 20 NASS, USDA 

Fruits and Nuts 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 

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 

4,134,000 

80,250 

8,940 

6,366,620 

120,200 

15,150 

1,023,980 

791,930 

75,300 

10,980 

630,490 

33,570 

174,770 

294,840 

6,290 

1,423,370 

637,750 

9,223,350 

61,690 

444,520 

4,192,190 

78,780 

6,537,260 

58,970 

992,320 

745,480 

108,860 

17,060 

680,390 

30,840 

92,560 

340,190 

8,170 

1,251,010 

741,170 

8,340,660 

61,690 

435,450 

1

 Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2008 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 

November 2008 21 NASS, USDA 

Corn for Grain: Objective Yield Data

The National Agricultural Statistics Service is conducting objective yield surveys in 10 corn producing States during 

2008. Randomly selected plots in corn for grain fields are visited monthly from August through harvest to obtain 

specific counts and measurements. Data in these tables are rounded actual field counts from this survey. 

Corn for Grain: Plant Population per Acre, 

Selected States, 2004-2008 

State Month 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 

 Number Number Number Number Number 

IL 

IN 

IA 

KS 

MN 

MO 

NE 

 All 

NE 

 Irrigated 

NE 

 Non-Irrigated 

OH 

SD 

WI 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Final 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Final 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Final 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Final 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Final 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Final 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Final 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Final 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Final 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Final 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Final 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Final 

27,750 

27,750 

27,700 

27,700 

26,650 

26,500 

26,500 

26,500 

28,000 

27,950 

27,850 

27,850 

22,000 

21,900 

21,900 

21,900 

29,300 

29,200 

29,250 

29,300 

24,350 

24,350 

24,350 

24,350 

24,100 

24,100 

24,050 

24,050 

26,900 

26,900 

26,900 

26,900 

19,700 

19,750 

19,750 

19,700 

26,950 

26,550 

26,650 

26,650 

21,800 

21,800 

21,850 

21,850 

27,700 

27,550 

27,550 

27,550 

28,000 

28,050 

28,000 

28,000 

25,300 

25,200 

25,200 

25,200 

28,050 

27,950 

28,000 

28,000 

21,600 

21,500 

21,400 

21,400 

28,400 

28,300 

28,400 

28,450 

24,100 

24,050 

24,050 

24,050 

23,900 

23,700 

23,700 

23,700 

26,700 

26,650 

26,650 

26,650 

20,400 

20,000 

20,000 

20,000 

25,650 

25,600 

25,600 

25,600 

23,450 

23,650 

23,700 

23,700 

27,400 

27,100 

27,050 

27,050 

28,050 

28,000 

28,000 

28,000 

26,450 

26,350 

26,350 

26,350 

28,600 

28,600 

28,600 

28,600 

21,800 

21,750 

21,750 

21,750 

28,850 

28,900 

28,900 

28,900 

24,350 

24,350 

24,350 

24,350 

24,750 

24,550 

24,600 

24,450 

27,400 

27,200 

27,200 

27,200 

20,650 

20,450 

20,550 

20,250 

26,250 

26,250 

26,200 

26,200 

23,900 

24,000 

24,000 

24,000 

27,250 

27,100 

27,450 

27,450 

28,000 

28,100 

28,100 

28,100 

27,350 

27,350 

27,350 

27,350 

29,100 

29,100 

29,100 

29,100 

20,600 

20,500 

20,500 

20,500 

29,850 

29,800 

29,750 

29,750 

24,200 

24,300 

24,300 

24,300 

25,000 

25,000 

25,000 

25,000 

27,250 

27,250 

27,200 

27,200 

21,350 

21,300 

21,350 

21,350 

26,900 

26,700 

26,600 

26,600 

23,400 

23,100 

23,150 

23,150 

28,800 

28,700 

28,800 

28,800 

29,150 

29,000 

28,950 

28,500 

28,350 

28,350 

29,300 

29,250 

29,250 

20,250 

20,950 

20,950 

30,150 

30,100 

30,150 

25,700 

25,700 

25,700 

24,500 

24,300 

24,250 

27,250 

27,350 

27,250 

20,000 

19,900 

19,900 

27,750 

27,800 

27,800 

22,950 

23,100 

23,100 

28,800 

28,500 

28,250 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 22 NASS, USDA 

Corn for Grain: Number of Ears per Acre, 

Selected States, 2004-2008 

State Month 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 

 Number Number Number Number Number 

IL 

IN 

IA 

KS 

MN 

MO 

NE 

 All 

NE 

 Irrigated 

NE 

 Non-Irrigated 

OH 

SD 

WI 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Final 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Final 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Final 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Final 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Final 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Final 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Final 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Final 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Final 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Final 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Final 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Final 

27,350 

27,400 

27,400 

27,400 

26,200 

25,950 

26,050 

26,050 

27,350 

27,550 

27,500 

27,500 

22,100 

22,150 

22,150 

22,150 

29,000 

29,250 

29,150 

29,200 

24,400 

24,250 

24,250 

24,250 

23,650 

24,000 

24,050 

24,050 

26,550 

26,700 

26,650 

26,650 

19,100 

19,800 

20,000 

20,000 

25,950 

26,000 

26,000 

26,050 

21,950 

22,700 

22,700 

22,700 

25,600 

27,150 

26,800 

26,800 

26,950 

26,850 

26,850 

26,850 

24,850 

24,600 

24,650 

24,650 

27,150 

27,100 

27,100 

27,100 

21,100 

21,000 

20,900 

20,900 

28,000 

27,900 

28,050 

28,050 

22,550 

22,600 

22,600 

22,600 

23,250 

22,800 

22,800 

22,800 

26,250 

25,900 

25,900 

25,900 

19,550 

18,950 

18,900 

18,900 

24,800 

24,700 

24,650 

24,650 

23,150 

23,100 

23,050 

23,050 

26,550 

26,350 

26,350 

26,350 

27,600 

27,450 

27,400 

27,400 

25,850 

25,750 

25,700 

25,750 

27,350 

27,350 

27,350 

27,350 

20,850 

20,750 

20,750 

20,750 

28,050 

28,250 

28,250 

28,250 

23,850 

23,800 

23,800 

23,800 

23,850 

23,700 

23,700 

23,550 

26,750 

26,600 

26,600 

26,650 

19,400 

19,150 

19,200 

18,800 

25,200 

25,350 

25,450 

25,450 

22,050 

21,900 

21,700 

21,700 

26,750 

26,850 

27,200 

27,200 

27,750 

27,750 

27,750 

27,750 

26,950 

26,800 

26,800 

26,800 

28,500 

28,400 

28,450 

28,400 

20,900 

20,800 

20,800 

20,800 

28,850 

28,600 

28,600 

28,600 

23,950 

23,950 

23,950 

23,950 

24,850 

24,750 

24,750 

24,750 

27,200 

27,000 

27,000 

27,000 

21,100 

21,050 

21,100 

21,100 

26,350 

26,000 

25,950 

25,950 

23,250 

22,700 

22,700 

22,700 

27,800 

27,700 

27,850 

27,850 

28,600 

28,500 

28,400 

27,950 

27,700 

27,700 

28,600 

28,600 

28,600 

19,850 

20,600 

20,650 

29,900 

29,350 

29,450 

25,050 

25,000 

24,900 

24,050 

23,950 

23,900 

26,800 

27,000 

26,900 

19,550 

19,500 

19,550 

26,950 

27,400 

27,250 

24,150 

23,900 

23,800 

27,750 

28,300 

27,950 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 23 NASS, USDA 

Corn for Grain: Percentage Distribution by Plant Population Per Acre 

Selected States, 2004-2008 

Plant Populations 

State Year Less than 

20,000 

20,000- 

22,500 

22,501- 

25,000 

25,001- 

27,500 

27,501- 

30,000 

More than 

30,000 

 Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent 

IL 

IN 

IA 

KS 

MN 

MO 

NE 

OH 

SD 

WI 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

4.4 

2.8 

0.4 

2.2 

2.6 

4.1 

11.5 

6.8 

4.7 

5.9 

2.9 

3.8 

0.8 

1.4 

0.3 

33.9 

40.7 

30.3 

42.9 

42.1 

2.5 

1.1 

2.8 

0.6 

1.0 

11.3 

13.1 

15.9 

12.6 

9.6 

18.5 

22.8 

19.5 

15.4 

23.1 

2.8 

10.3 

8.5 

5.8 

7.4 

33.0 

19.1 

19.2 

25.4 

27.4 

9.1 

7.0 

10.1 

4.1 

4.4 

3.6 

2.8 

4.3 

2.9 

3.2 

5.2 

13.8 

6.8 

3.5 

5.0 

2.6 

3.8 

2.6 

1.1 

4.2 

11.3 

4.9 

12.8 

8.0 

13.7 

3.8 

2.8 

3.4 

1.8 

1.4 

15.7 

23.8 

10.3 

18.9 

9.6 

13.3 

10.0 

11.8 

12.6 

8.7 

7.5 

15.5 

6.0 

10.0 

2.5 

16.5 

19.1 

17.9 

20.8 

17.9 

6.8 

7.0 

3.0 

6.1 

5.1 

9.8 

11.4 

11.9 

10.3 

6.1 

23.3 

17.2 

18.6 

16.4 

6.9 

9.2 

12.2 

9.0 

7.2 

4.8 

3.8 

10.7 

11.0 

15.2 

11.6 

3.8 

10.2 

6.2 

6.0 

3.8 

31.3 

22.1 

25.4 

21.3 

17.8 

12.9 

15.6 

15.0 

17.7 

16.5 

18.7 

20.7 

18.8 

15.0 

11.6 

21.4 

21.3 

19.2 

17.9 

18.9 

12.5 

12.8 

11.1 

10.2 

11.0 

23.6 

21.4 

23.1 

20.1 

16.2 

30.8 

27.6 

28.0 

26.9 

18.3 

26.8 

19.6 

21.1 

16.3 

18.1 

12.3 

10.7 

14.7 

11.6 

14.7 

11.9 

22.2 

21.3 

13.3 

15.7 

22.6 

23.8 

27.7 

29.1 

27.5 

20.2 

20.8 

19.9 

20.5 

15.3 

34.6 

19.0 

28.2 

25.0 

22.3 

15.5 

22.5 

21.9 

17.0 

16.8 

21.6 

25.5 

21.2 

17.3 

17.6 

34.6 

36.7 

36.1 

35.6 

29.9 

23.8 

16.1 

26.1 

29.2 

24.8 

34.6 

29.7 

33.4 

32.6 

29.2 

17.9 

15.5 

20.2 

14.3 

12.6 

33.8 

30.1 

24.2 

30.7 

22.4 

13.0 

12.3 

16.7 

13.4 

24.4 

19.8 

19.2 

22.8 

23.2 

24.0 

24.3 

19.0 

24.8 

26.7 

22.3 

6.8 

10.6 

11.5 

12.3 

9.5 

21.6 

22.1 

22.2 

19.4 

22.1 

24.0 

24.9 

24.2 

28.9 

42.0 

12.8 

13.8 

13.7 

19.3 

39.1 

23.9 

30.9 

33.1 

41.4 

43.4 

20.8 

17.5 

11.0 

8.0 

5.3 

44.2 

33.6 

42.1 

47.6 

55.7 

6.1 

4.9 

4.0 

4.7 

11.1 

15.3 

11.6 

11.0 

10.6 

12.4 

12.1 

15.5 

13.7 

17.5 

33.9 

6.8 

7.4 

10.3 

6.6 

9.5 

28.4 

25.6 

32.4 

42.9 

39.8 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 24 NASS, USDA 

Corn for Grain: Frequency of Farmer Reported Row Widths, 

Selected States, 2004-2008 

Row Width (inches) 

State Year Less than 

30 30 36 38 More than 

38 

 Number Number Number Number Number 

IL 

IN 

IA 

KS 

MN 

MO 

NE 

OH 

SD 

WI 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

6 

4 

5 

3 

3 

4 

1 

11 

13 

6 

7 

7 

7 

9 

2 

4 

3 

1 

3 

28 

37 

36 

38 

44 

2 

1 

2 

1 

1 

8 

5 

8 

1 

4 

3 

1 

1 

1 

1 

10 

11 

9 

8 

10 

3 

1 

5 

4 

4 

255 

266 

269 

260 

298 

157 

161 

153 

153 

193 

217 

236 

234 

245 

310 

103 

104 

110 

114 

98 

135 

128 

138 

125 

179 

97 

110 

112 

108 

119 

173 

184 

185 

197 

191 

107 

109 

114 

117 

118 

74 

75 

71 

90 

83 

78 

81 

86 

87 

122 

11 

14 

12 

12 

6 

13 

13 

14 

11 

7 

17 

15 

14 

11 

9 

1 

6 

9 

3 

9 

1 

10 

6 

3 

4 

4 

72 

69 

56 

57 

54 

5 

3 

6 

2 

9 

12 

9 

13 

8 

5 

5 

3 

4 

5 

5 

6 

4 

7 

7 

3 

4 

3 

2 

33 

31 

17 

15 

16 

1 

1 

1 

3 

2 

2 

3 

2 

10 

11 

9 

13 

13 

6 

2 

5 

7 

2 

1 

3 

2 

1 

2 

19 

9 

9 

10 

8 

10 

5 

14 

13 

10 

4 

1 

6 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

3 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 25 NASS, USDA 

Corn for Grain: Percentage Distribution by Measured Row Width and Average 

Row Width, Selected States, 2004-2008 

Row Width (inches) 

State Year 

Number 

of 

Samples 

20.5 

or Less 

20.6- 

30.5 

30.6- 

34.5 

34.6- 

36.5 

36.6- 

38.5 

38.6 & 

Greater 

Average 

Row 

Width 

 Number Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Inches 

IL 

IN 

IA 

KS 

MN 

MO 

NE 

OH 

SD 

WI 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

275 

281 

277 

273 

345 

172 

174 

161 

171 

202 

272 

286 

266 

276 

332 

106 

103 

109 

112 

95 

160 

176 

178 

166 

210 

115 

122 

126 

127 

135 

248 

250 

246 

254 

242 

107 

116 

117 

120 

121 

103 

94 

78 

106 

95 

88 

86 

99 

98 

136 

0.7 

1.4 

1.4 

0.7 

0.3 

0.6 

2.9 

0.0 

3.5 

4.5 

1.5 

1.4 

1.9 

1.8 

1.8 

1.9 

2.9 

0.9 

1.8 

1.1 

1.9 

2.3 

3.4 

6.6 

3.8 

0.9 

0.0 

1.6 

0.0 

0.7 

1.2 

1.6 

2.0 

0.4 

1.2 

0.9 

0.0 

0.9 

0.8 

0.0 

4.9 

6.4 

1.3 

3.8 

4.2 

1.1 

0.0 

4.0 

2.0 

2.2 

84.1 

82.5 

84.9 

78.4 

86.7 

69.8 

67.4 

73.2 

73.0 

73.2 

61.7 

72.7 

71.0 

73.3 

78.0 

78.3 

69.9 

83.5 

75.0 

72.5 

76.2 

82.4 

82.0 

71.1 

76.2 

58.2 

58.2 

61.9 

55.9 

69.0 

56.5 

54.8 

60.6 

56.3 

60.0 

74.7 

64.6 

70.0 

74.2 

72.8 

41.7 

58.5 

52.6 

56.5 

58.9 

60.3 

56.9 

60.7 

57.2 

72.1 

9.8 

9.3 

9.0 

13.9 

8.1 

20.3 

21.8 

15.5 

16.4 

17.8 

17.3 

10.5 

15.4 

16.3 

13.0 

13.2 

25.2 

13.8 

22.3 

25.3 

17.5 

10.2 

10.7 

16.9 

18.1 

22.6 

27.9 

24.6 

29.9 

16.3 

12.5 

17.2 

13.8 

17.7 

16.1 

20.6 

25.9 

17.9 

16.7 

19.8 

22.3 

10.6 

28.2 

20.8 

22.1 

19.3 

32.6 

19.2 

21.4 

16.2 

3.6 

3.2 

3.6 

5.1 

2.9 

5.2 

3.4 

7.5 

4.7 

1.5 

6.3 

4.9 

4.9 

5.4 

2.4 

0.0 

1.0 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

1.9 

4.0 

1.1 

3.0 

0.5 

7.0 

4.1 

2.4 

2.4 

3.7 

16.5 

20.0 

18.7 

14.6 

13.6 

1.9 

1.7 

4.3 

7.5 

2.5 

9.7 

7.4 

5.1 

10.4 

5.3 

6.8 

2.3 

3.0 

9.2 

2.9 

1.8 

3.6 

1.1 

1.5 

1.4 

4.1 

3.4 

1.9 

1.2 

2.5 

11.0 

8.4 

4.9 

1.8 

3.6 

0.9 

1.0 

1.8 

0.0 

1.1 

2.5 

1.1 

2.8 

2.4 

1.4 

8.7 

5.7 

7.9 

5.5 

9.6 

11.7 

6.4 

4.9 

10.6 

7.9 

1.9 

5.2 

6.0 

0.8 

4.1 

16.5 

16.0 

11.5 

6.6 

7.4 

8.0 

7.0 

9.1 

7.1 

2.9 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

0.4 

0.6 

0.0 

1.1 

1.9 

1.2 

0.5 

2.2 

2.1 

1.9 

1.4 

1.2 

5.7 

0.0 

0.0 

0.9 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

2.6 

4.1 

1.6 

6.3 

0.7 

1.6 

0.0 

0.0 

0.4 

1.2 

0.0 

2.6 

0.9 

0.0 

0.8 

4.9 

1.1 

1.3 

1.9 

2.1 

4.5 

1.2 

4.0 

3.1 

3.7 

30.4 

30.3 

30.3 

30.6 

30.3 

30.8 

30.4 

31.0 

30.1 

30.0 

31.4 

31.1 

30.8 

30.6 

30.5 

30.6 

30.0 

30.2 

30.3 

30.1 

29.2 

28.7 

28.7 

28.5 

28.7 

31.5 

31.4 

30.9 

31.5 

31.0 

31.8 

31.8 

31.4 

31.9 

31.6 

30.3 

31.0 

30.9 

30.6 

30.7 

31.7 

30.9 

31.2 

30.9 

30.4 

31.2 

31.1 

30.8 

31.1 

30.5 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 26 NASS, USDA 

Cotton: Objective Yield Data 

The National Agricultural Statistics Service is conducting objective yield surveys in 6 cotton producing States during 

2008. Randomly selected plots in cotton fields are visited monthly from August through harvest to obtain specific 

counts and measurements. Data in this table are actual field counts from this survey. 

Cotton: Cumulative Boll Counts, Selected States, 2004-2008 1

State Month 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 

 Number Number Number Number Number 

AR 

GA 

LA 

MS 

NC 

TX 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Dec 

Final 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Dec 

Final 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Dec 

Final 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Dec 

Final 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Dec 

Final 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Dec 

Final 

864 

771 

753 

754 

754 

646 

690 

686 

687 

687 

635 

707 

691 

691 

691 

808 

789 

780 

780 

780 

758 

719 

732 

733 

733 

639 

672 

593 

624 

624 

811 

728 

733 

733 

733 

667 

689 

767 

767 

767 

746 

768 

775 

775 

775 

818 

729 

724 

722 

722 

799 

693 

721 

721 

721 

620 

516 

586 

585 

585 

859 

814 

849 

824 

824 

648 

675 

774 

790 

790 

760 

781 

786 

785 

785 

700 

699 

695 

695 

695 

637 

641 

671 

671 

671 

530 

477 

533 

544 

544 

790 

839 

849 

849 

849 

616 

570 

707 

708 

708 

796 

808 

841 

841 

841 

819 

745 

747 

747 

747 

527 

601 

625 

625 

625 

602 

538 

631 

632 

632 

943 

810 

852 

587 

613 

733 

655 

578 

579 

909 

679 

728 

667 

652 

702 

633 

513 

579 

1

 Includes small bolls (less than one inch in diameter), large unopened bolls (at least one inch in diameter), open bolls, partially opened bolls, and 

burrs per 40 feet of row. November, December, and Final exclude small bolls. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 27 NASS, USDA 

Soybeans: Objective Yield Data

The National Agricultural Statistics Service is conducting objective yield surveys in 11 soybean producing States 

during 2008. Randomly selected plots in soybean fields are visited monthly from August through harvest to obtain 

specific counts and measurements. Data in these tables are actual field counts from this survey. Changes have been 

made to the September counts in order to be more consistent with other months. 

Soybeans: Pods with Beans per 18 Square Feet, 

Selected States, 2004-2008 

State Month 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 

 Number Number Number Number Number 

AR 1

IL 

IN 

IA 

KS 

MN 

MO 

NE 

ND 

OH 

SD 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Final 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Final 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Final 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Final 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Final 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Final 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Final 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Final 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Final 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Final 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Final 

2,446 

2,483 

2,511 

1,911 

1,923 

1,943 

1,947 

1,821 

1,866 

1,917 

1,917 

1,644 

1,731 

1,737 

1,741 

1,304 

1,588 

1,639 

1,636 

1,461 

1,406 

1,446 

1,435 

1,857 

1,943 

1,998 

2,038 

1,727 

1,836 

1,895 

1,895 

1,088 

1,148 

1,243 

1,242 

1,793 

1,873 

1,840 

1,837 

1,186 

1,332 

1,302 

1,308 

1,796 

1,823 

1,824 

1,824 

1,820 

1,858 

1,858 

1,747 

1,790 

1,899 

1,899 

1,796 

1,935 

1,968 

1,970 

1,383 

1,431 

1,547 

1,546 

1,597 

1,598 

1,640 

1,640 

1,580 

1,585 

1,679 

1,652 

1,778 

1,903 

1,920 

1,920 

1,386 

1,471 

1,496 

1,496 

1,990 

1,890 

1,974 

1,981 

1,572 

1,617 

1,605 

1,556 

1,645 

1,655 

1,667 

1,860 

1,890 

1,923 

1,923 

1,764 

1,893 

1,909 

1,909 

1,688 

1,758 

1,760 

1,760 

1,466 

1,509 

1,581 

1,581 

1,500 

1,586 

1,568 

1,568 

1,673 

1,746 

1,738 

1,735 

1,699 

1,801 

1,784 

1,766 

1,127 

1,241 

1,260 

1,260 

1,868 

1,895 

1,835 

1,866 

1,255 

1,345 

1,316 

1,312 

1,621 

1,665 

1,690 

1,800 

1,796 

1,818 

1,831 

1,667 

1,660 

1,628 

1,641 

1,787 

1,917 

1,933 

1,932 

1,605 

1,524 

1,608 

1,609 

1,558 

1,589 

1,588 

1,588 

1,566 

1,579 

1,685 

1,697 

1,876 

2,042 

2,088 

2,084 

1,323 

1,445 

1,500 

1,497 

1,892 

1,850 

1,909 

1,909 

1,476 

1,492 

1,510 

1,510 

1,569 

1,723 

1,621 

1,893 

1,801 

1,608 

1,577 

1,648 

1,758 

1,732 

1,770 

1,346 

1,487 

1,581 

1,466 

1,493 

1,470 

1,538 

1,473 

1,673 

1,692 

1,766 

1,857 

1,261 

1,261 

1,405 

1,942 

1,755 

1,618 

1,425 

1,465 

1,492 

1

 September data not available due to plant immaturity. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 28 NASS, USDA 

Soybeans: Frequency of Farmer Reported Row Widths, 

Selected States, 2004-2008 

Row Width (inches) 

State Year Less than 

7.5 1 7.5 15 30 More than 

30 

 Number Number Number Number Number 

AR 

IL 

IN 

IA 

KS 

MN 

MO 

NE 

ND 

OH 

SD 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

36 

31 

17 

17 

12 

7 

12 

9 

8 

15 

3 

8 

4 

5 

6 

13 

5 

7 

5 

7 

4 

3 

1 

3 

13 

8 

9 

6 

8 

7 

7 

8 

10 

5 

6 

1 

1 

1 

2 

18 

16 

26 

14 

23 

17 

13 

5 

6 

2 

4 

3 

1 

2 

2 

88 

96 

108 

96 

84 

65 

51 

42 

38 

53 

86 

69 

70 

71 

59 

29 

26 

25 

18 

21 

13 

22 

22 

14 

16 

15 

16 

17 

14 

7 

39 

26 

27 

30 

24 

12 

8 

4 

7 

8 

27 

16 

27 

20 

17 

82 

75 

74 

74 

77 

23 

11 

15 

12 

11 

53 

60 

54 

56 

68 

111 

116 

119 

123 

128 

53 

65 

70 

78 

112 

72 

76 

68 

89 

102 

25 

38 

28 

29 

37 

40 

29 

41 

42 

45 

63 

73 

68 

54 

70 

37 

32 

36 

37 

40 

53 

54 

43 

54 

57 

26 

41 

45 

50 

56 

48 

46 

48 

41 

52 

27 

21 

46 

32 

36 

30 

35 

41 

43 

43 

14 

15 

9 

13 

13 

83 

99 

95 

92 

138 

46 

41 

46 

43 

53 

32 

39 

39 

47 

68 

14 

15 

29 

17 

30 

33 

47 

52 

39 

46 

2 

13 

11 

10 

16 

4 

1 

9 

8 

2 

32 

34 

38 

47 

42 

26 

21 

27 

35 

42 

3 

2 

1 

4 

1 

2 

2 

7 

10 

12 

4 

4 

1 

2 

2 

2 

1 

2 

6 

9 

3 

5 

9 

13 

16 

14 

17 

11 

1 

6 

7 

6 

9 

6 

1

 Includes broadcast soybeans. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 29 NASS, USDA 

Soybeans: Percentage Distribution by Measured Row Width 

and Average Row Width, Selected States, 2004-2008 

Row Width (inches) 

State Year 

Number 

of 

Samples 

10.0 & 

Less 1

10.1- 

18.5 

18.6- 

28.5 

28.6- 

34.5 

34.6 & 

Greater 

Average 

Row 

Width 1

 Number Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Inches 

AR 

IL 

IN 

IA 

KS 

MN 

MO 

NE 

ND 

OH 

SD 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

232 

233 

232 

236 

246 

219 

220 

215 

220 

247 

157 

161 

151 

165 

187 

207 

217 

208 

210 

276 

92 

104 

95 

85 

107 

101 

98 

107 

109 

128 

128 

130 

135 

120 

142 

101 

104 

108 

101 

106 

100 

93 

107 

105 

111 

130 

130 

132 

136 

138 

108 

100 

108 

109 

112 

47.9 

47.3 

37.1 

34.3 

25.1 

32.2 

24.5 

20.2 

19.5 

20.9 

47.4 

39.4 

46.7 

36.4 

30.8 

15.0 

10.1 

10.3 

8.6 

6.9 

17.4 

12.0 

22.1 

12.9 

11.3 

20.8 

14.8 

18.3 

13.4 

10.2 

32.4 

23.5 

16.3 

24.2 

13.4 

14.4 

4.8 

1.9 

9.0 

6.1 

35.0 

27.0 

32.2 

26.2 

22.5 

70.0 

63.9 

45.6 

51.5 

52.5 

12.9 

11.5 

10.6 

9.2 

8.0 

20.0 

22.0 

23.3 

28.1 

29.8 

49.6 

55.7 

58.8 

54.2 

57.4 

43.0 

49.7 

45.7 

52.4 

60.6 

35.3 

33.0 

36.3 

40.6 

37.3 

27.7 

40.4 

33.2 

32.9 

36.6 

25.2 

27.5 

31.9 

31.3 

23.4 

46.5 

54.2 

56.7 

51.7 

54.6 

35.6 

36.1 

31.5 

31.0 

35.4 

53.5 

54.6 

44.9 

55.2 

56.3 

25.8 

31.5 

46.0 

44.5 

43.9 

41.7 

34.5 

34.7 

31.7 

38.8 

11.9 

13.7 

16.1 

17.1 

24.5 

2.7 

3.4 

2.1 

3.9 

2.8 

1.6 

2.8 

2.0 

1.8 

2.4 

8.0 

7.6 

5.3 

7.6 

6.7 

9.2 

9.6 

1.6 

6.5 

8.0 

20.3 

19.4 

15.5 

16.1 

16.0 

4.7 

5.4 

4.4 

7.5 

5.6 

5.4 

4.3 

7.4 

7.5 

6.6 

8.5 

9.7 

14.5 

10.0 

8.6 

1.1 

3.1 

1.5 

0.3 

1.8 

17.1 

15.5 

15.3 

11.9 

7.2 

11.3 

8.1 

15.6 

11.5 

11.0 

14.4 

15.5 

18.4 

20.1 

18.5 

8.0 

7.2 

5.6 

8.2 

6.2 

37.9 

46.1 

42.8 

40.3 

47.6 

41.3 

37.0 

42.1 

45.3 

43.6 

30.7 

38.3 

34.3 

38.3 

48.8 

12.9 

10.0 

20.4 

13.3 

19.7 

31.2 

41.8 

45.8 

37.5 

40.6 

3.0 

8.7 

8.4 

8.6 

12.6 

3.1 

1.5 

6.1 

3.7 

1.8 

21.8 

30.0 

34.3 

40.8 

39.3 

8.9 

8.9 

7.9 

9.0 

9.6 

1.1 

0.9 

0.5 

2.3 

0.4 

0.0 

0.9 

0.0 

1.2 

0.0 

3.8 

3.2 

5.3 

2.9 

1.5 

4.4 

1.0 

1.0 

2.4 

0.5 

3.0 

0.0 

0.0 

0.9 

1.6 

3.5 

6.9 

2.2 

3.3 

6.7 

13.4 

13.0 

13.4 

15.0 

11.3 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

0.8 

0.0 

0.0 

6.5 

8.5 

5.1 

6.4 

6.7 

16.6 

16.3 

18.0 

17.5 

18.6 

15.3 

16.1 

16.6 

17.6 

16.7 

12.8 

13.7 

12.7 

13.9 

14.0 

21.3 

22.6 

22.4 

21.8 

22.6 

22.2 

20.6 

20.4 

21.9 

21.3 

20.2 

21.2 

20.0 

21.1 

23.0 

15.8 

16.9 

17.9 

16.7 

19.1 

22.3 

24.3 

25.2 

23.6 

23.8 

13.1 

14.7 

14.6 

14.7 

15.3 

10.5 

10.7 

12.6 

11.7 

11.4 

20.1 

21.5 

21.9 

22.8 

22.5 

1

 Broadcast soybeans included as "10.0 inches and less" but excluded in computation of average width. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 30 NASS, USDA 

2008 Potato Objective Yield Data

The National Agricultural Statistics Service is conducting objective yield surveys in 7 fall potato producing States 

during 2008. These 7 States account for 84 percent of the fall potato production. Sample plots were located in potato 

fields randomly selected using a scientifically designed sampling procedure. Field workers recorded counts and 

measurements within the field and then harvested six hills per sample. Potatoes were sent to laboratories for sizing and 

grading according to accepted U.S. fresh grading standards. 

Fall Potatoes: Number of Hills by Type, Seven Objective 

Yield States, 2007-2008 1 2

Reds Whites Yellows Russets 

State Crop 

Year 

Number 

of 

Samples 

Avg No. 

Hills 

per Acre 

Number 

of 

Samples 

Avg No. 

Hills 

per Acre 

Number 

of 

Samples 

Avg No. 

Hills 

per Acre 

Number 

of 

Samples 

Avg No. 

Hills 

per Acre 

 

ID 

ME 

MN 

ND 

OR 

WA 

WI 

2007 

2008 

2007 

2008 

2007 

2008 

2007 

2008 

2007 

2008 

2007 

2008 

2007 

2008 

3 

6 

8 

43 

43 

29 

16 

6 

5 

11 

17 

17,356 

12,874 

13,785 

12,936 

13,278 

10,741 

11,499 

16,271 

15,012 

14,950 

14,957 

8 

10 

63 

50 

5 

8 

23 

25 

25 

24 

18 

24 

34 

35 

14,131 

12,682 

13,098 

12,655 

11,070 

11,854 

11,367 

11,743 

14,051 

14,555 

14,292 

14,600 

13,823 

15,077 

4 

11 

9 

3 

7 

13,626 

13,418 

13,228 

13,042 

13,136 

264 

270 

68 

69 

82 

83 

81 

88 

91 

91 

154 

129 

77 

77 

12,134 

12,536 

9,629 

9,603 

12,293 

12,309 

12,105 

12,311 

12,409 

13,581 

15,087 

14,852 

12,875 

12,693 

1

 Based on row measurements and counts in potato fields selected for objective yield samples. 2

 Missing data represents insufficient number of samples. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 31 NASS, USDA 

Fall Potatoes: Harvest Loss by Type, Seven Objective 

Yield States, 2007-2008 1 2

State Crop 

Year Reds Whites Yellows Russets All Types 

 Cwt per Acre Cwt per Acre Cwt per Acre Cwt per Acre Cwt per Acre 

ID 

ME 

MN 

ND 

OR 

WA 

WI 

2007 

2008 

2007 

2008 

2007 

2008 

2007 

2008 

2007 

2008 

2007 

2008 

2007 

2008 

10 

15 

17 

14 

7 

18 

23 

15 

22 

18 

44 

20 

14 

14 

13 

10 

10 

26 

31 

16 

20 

30 

25 

34 

32 

29 

35 

20 

24 

11 

10 

27 

30 

17 

20 

21 

21 

27 

27 

30 

31 

19 

22 

11 

10 

1

 Potatoes left in the field at time of harvest. Based on counts in potato fields selected for postharvest samples. 2

 Missing data represents insufficient number of samples. 

Fall Potatoes: Grading Categories by Type and State, 

2007-2008 1

No. 1 

2 Inch Minimum 2

No. 2 or 

Processing Usable 

1 1/2 Inch Minimum 2

Cull Type 3

and 

State 

2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 

Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent 

Round Red Potatoes 

 MN 

 ND 

 WI 

Round White Potatoes 

 ME 4

 ND 

 OR 

 WA 

 WI 

Yellow Potatoes 

 ME 4

Long Potatoes 

 (Russet and Shepody) 

 ID 5

 ME 4

 MN 

 ND 

 OR 

 WA 

 WI 

77.9 

70.2 

79.8 

89.1 

67.5 

90.0 

77.6 

82.0 

71.9 

68.8 

73.1 

70.9 

73.4 

76.0 

83.0 

76.7 

81.4 

76.5 

76.3 

85.6 

84.4 

73.0 

82.2 

70.4 

65.5 

71.9 

76.5 

77.4 

80.3 

84.2 

17.3 

23.2 

18.8 

8.7 

17.7 

8.9 

20.9 

12.2 

27.1 

18.6 

19.4 

21.1 

24.9 

22.1 

16.0 

17.0 

14.7 

23.3 

11.9 

9.2 

10.0 

26.8 

10.2 

20.6 

20.0 

21.6 

18.3 

17.7 

15.6 

15.6 

4.8 

6.6 

1.4 

2.2 

14.8 

1.1 

1.5 

5.8 

1.0 

12.6 

7.5 

8.0 

1.7 

1.9 

1.0 

6.4 

4.0 

0.2 

11.7 

5.3 

5.5 

0.2 

7.6 

9.0 

14.5 

6.5 

5.2 

4.9 

4.1 

0.1 

1

 Gross yield basis. 

2

 Potatoes which meet the requirements for US #1 or US #2, as stated in United States Standards for Grades of Potatoes, United States Department 

of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service. 3

 Potatoes not meeting the requirements for US #1 or US #2, as stated in United States Standards for Grades of Potatoes, United States Department 

of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service. 4

 Percent of net yield - adjusted for field loss. 

5

 Russets only. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 32 NASS, USDA 

Round Potatoes: Size Categories by Type and State, 

2007-2008 1 2

Year Inches 

Type 

State 

and 

1 1/2 

- 

1 7/8 

1 7/8 

- 

2 

2 

- 

2 1/4 

2 1/4 

- 

2 1/2 

2 1/2 

- 

3 1/2 

3 1/2 

- 

4 

4 Inch 

and 

over 

Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent 

2007 

Red Potatoes 

 MN 

 ND 

 WI 

White Potatoes 

 ME 3

 ND 

 WA 

 WI 

Yellow Potatoes 

 ME 3

5.7 

7.4 

7.9 

0.9 

6.6 

3.2 

3.1 

1.5 

4.3 

6.0 

5.8 

1.3 

7.6 

2.5 

3.2 

2.5 

14.3 

13.9 

16.0 

10.5 

16.1 

8.5 

9.9 

8.4 

22.3 

18.5 

20.4 

20.8 

23.9 

11.7 

14.5 

12.5 

52.7 

50.1 

44.6 

60.7 

41.7 

61.5 

64.8 

65.5 

0.5 

4.1 

5.3 

4.9 

2.6 

10.9 

4.2 

9.6 

0.2 

0.9 

1.5 

1.7 

0.3 

 

2008 

Red Potatoes 

 MN 

 ND 

 WI 

White Potatoes 

 ME 3

 ND 

 OR 

 WI 

Yellow Potatoes 

 ME 3

4.6 

3.3 

9.2 

0.5 

4.6 

3.9 

4.4 

3.3 

3.4 

6.9 

4.1 

3.8 

7.2 

4.2 

11.0 

10.3 

20.2 

11.9 

12.4 

40.8 

11.0 

18.4 

18.3 

26.3 

19.7 

18.3 

11.9 

13.2 

60.8 

62.8 

36.9 

59.6 

56.2 

26.0 

60.0 

2.0 

2.0 

0.5 

3.0 

4.0 

5.4 

5.8 

1.2 

0.8 

4.6 

1.5 

1

 Gross yield basis. 

2

 Missing data represents insufficient number of samples. 

3

 Percent of net yield - adjusted for field loss. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 33 NASS, USDA 

Long Potatoes (Russet & Shepody): Size Categories 

Maine, 2007-2008 1

Inches Ounce 

Crop 

Year 

1 1/2 

- 

1 7/8 

1 7/8 

- 

2 

2 in. 

or 

4-6 

6-8 8-10 10-12 12-14 

14 

and 

Over 

Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent 

2007 

2008 

6.3 

5.5 

5.4 

7.1 

33.6 

33.2 

20.7 

19.6 

14.6 

12.6 

7.9 

8.3 

5.6 

5.9 

5.9 

7.8 

1

 Percent of net yield - adjusted for field loss. 

Long Potatoes (Russet & Shepody): Size Categories 

by State, 2007-2008 1

Inches Ounce State 

and 

Year 

1 1/2 

- 

1 5/8 

1 5/8 

- 

1 7/8 

1 7/8 

- 

2 

2 in. 

or 

4-6 

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 

14 

and 

Over 

Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent 

2007 

ID 2

MN 

ND 

OR 

WA 

WI 

1.9 

1.3 

0.8 

1.3 

0.9 

0.3 

6.5 

5.2 

6.5 

4.2 

3.8 

4.4 

3.8 

4.9 

3.5 

3.3 

2.9 

3.6 

22.8 

22.3 

25.8 

21.5 

22.0 

23.7 

10.0 

11.0 

11.8 

9.3 

9.5 

10.3 

9.1 

10.8 

10.2 

8.5 

9.1 

8.3 

7.2 

7.9 

9.4 

8.6 

8.2 

9.3 

6.2 

7.1 

8.1 

6.7 

7.5 

8.2 

5.9 

6.1 

5.9 

6.3 

6.6 

5.4 

5.3 

5.9 

5.1 

5.6 

5.8 

5.0 

4.1 

3.4 

3.5 

5.1 

4.7 

3.3 

2.9 

3.4 

2.2 

3.6 

3.8 

3.2 

14.3 

10.7 

7.2 

16.0 

15.2 

15.0 

 

2008 

ID 2

MN 

ND 

OR 

WA 

WI 

1.3 

2.4 

1.0 

1.4 

0.6 

0.6 

6.2 

8.7 

5.7 

5.0 

3.5 

6.0 

5.2 

5.9 

3.9 

3.9 

3.3 

5.6 

26.4 

29.0 

24.9 

24.5 

24.7 

32.0 

9.7 

10.9 

11.1 

10.7 

10.3 

11.6 

8.5 

9.5 

10.0 

8.9 

9.6 

8.9 

7.5 

7.8 

9.4 

7.3 

8.4 

7.6 

7.1 

6.1 

7.4 

8.0 

7.7 

6.6 

5.3 

5.2 

5.7 

6.0 

6.5 

5.0 

4.2 

4.1 

4.5 

5.4 

5.2 

4.4 

3.7 

2.9 

3.0 

3.8 

4.3 

3.4 

3.0 

1.7 

3.2 

3.4 

3.2 

2.5 

11.9 

6.0 

10.3 

11.9 

12.7 

5.7 

1

 Gross yield basis. 

2

 Russets only. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 34 NASS, USDA 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 35 NASS, USDA 

October Weather Summary

Heavy precipitation soaked much of the nation’s mid-section, hampering fieldwork but providing abundant moisture for 

emerging winter wheat. The heaviest band of rain, totaling at least twice the October normal, stretched from northern 

Texas to the Red River (of the North) Valley. Crop concerns related to the excessive wetness included sugarbeet 

quality and delayed corn, cotton, and sorghum harvesting. The Midwestern corn harvest was also significantly delayed, 

but largely due to late maturation. In fact, October dryness in the eastern Corn Belt was favorable for summer crop dry 

down and harvesting, but remained a concern with respect to soft red winter wheat establishment. By November 2, the 

corn harvest ranged from 26 to 58 points behind the 5-year average pace in six Midwestern States (Illinois, Iowa, 

Minnesota, Nebraska, and the Dakotas). Similarly, the sorghum harvest lagged the 2003-07 average by 27 to 48 points 

in six states (Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and South Dakota). In contrast, autumn fieldwork 

advanced across the South and East with few delays, especially in the western and central Gulf Coast States and the 

Mid-Atlantic region. In Louisiana, harvesting of rice and sorghum was complete by November 2, while only a small 

amount of cotton and soybeans remained in the field. After mid-month, heavy rain briefly affected the lower Southeast, 

including heavily agricultural areas of southwestern Georgia. Elsewhere, occasionally stormy October weather in the 

Northeast included some late-month snow, while warm, mostly dry conditions prevailed in the West. At month’s end, 

however, much-needed precipitation spread into California and the Northwest, aiding pastures, rangeland, and 

emerging winter grains. 

The first half of the month featured generally warm weather across the eastern half of the nation and cool conditions in 

the West. Following a mid-month reversal in the weather pattern, warmth developed across the West, while a series of 

cold outbreaks chilled the remainder of the U.S. Between mid-October and month’s end, progressively colder 

conditions ended the growing season from the northern Plains and the upper Midwest deep into the Southeast. 

Interestingly, Bismarck, ND, noted its latest first freeze on record on October 14, followed by the second-earliest 

autumn freeze in Mobile, AL, on October 29. Several locations in Florida, including Tallahassee (29 degrees F) and 

Jacksonville (33 degrees F), posted monthly record lows on October 29. In the upper Midwest, nearly all of the corn 

was dented at the time of the season-ending, mid-October freezes, but as much as 15 to 25 percent of the crop was not 

yet fully mature. On the southern Plains, freezes on October 23-24 helped to defoliate mature cotton but threatened 

harm to late-developing cotton and sorghum. 

October Agricultural Summary 

Seventy-three percent of the corn crop was mature on October 5, about two weeks behind the 5-year average. 

However, by October 26, nearly all of the acreage was mature, lagging only 3 points behind the 5-year average of 

99 percent. The harvest pace lagged more than two weeks behind the 5-year average throughout the month, as the 

late-maturing crop limited progress. Slow starts in Illinois and Missouri contributed to the late harvest progress early in 

the month, lagging 38 and 43 points behind normal, respectively on October 5. Late starts and slow progress in the 

western Corn Belt and Great Plains added to the delays after mid-month. By October 26, only 39 percent of the harvest 

was complete, compared with 66 percent normally harvested by this date. Condition of the corn crop improved slightly 

during the month, as the percent rated good to excellent increased from 61 percent on October 5 to 64 percent by 

October 26. 

The Nation’s sorghum crop reached maturity more than one week later than normal during October. Ripening 

advanced from 57 percent mature on October 5 to 91 percent mature on October 26. In the Delta, virtually all of the 

acreage was mature by October 5, but development lagged far behind normal in the southern and western Corn Belt. 

The harvest pace fell behind normal early in the month and by the end of the month, harvest progress trailed the 5-year 

average by more than one week. Harvest advanced from 39 percent complete on October 5 to 49 percent on 

October 26. Harvest was complete in Louisiana by mid-month and Arkansas growers finished harvest by the end of the 

month. However, the harvest pace lagged far behind normal in the Corn Belt and Great Plains, where less than one-half 

of the acreage was harvested on October 26. The sorghum crop was rated 54 percent good to excellent on October 5, 

improving slightly through mid-month before slipping to 53 percent good to excellent on November 2. 

Winter wheat seeding progressed near the 5-year average throughout most of the month, trailing the 5-year average of 

60 percent by only 1 percentage point on October 5 and lagging only 2 percentage points behind the 5-year average on 

November 2. Delayed seeding progress in the southern Corn Belt and Delta was partially offset by near-normal 

progress in the Great Plains and a faster-than-normal pace in the eastern Corn Belt. Acreage was 28 percent emerged 

by October 5, three points ahead of last year but 2 points behind the 5-year average. Near-normal temperatures and 

adequate precipitation supported emergence in most wheat-producing areas of the Great Plains. By November 2, the 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 36 NASS, USDA 

crop was 76 percent emerged, ahead of last year’s 74 percent pace but behind the 5-year average of 78 percent. The 

crop was rated 65 percent good to excellent on October 26, the first condition rating of the season, and improved 

2 points to 67 percent good to excellent on November 2. 

The rice harvest was 69 percent complete on October 5, well behind last year’s 82-percent pace and nearly two weeks 

behind the 5-year average. By mid-month, harvest was complete in Texas and nearly complete in Louisiana. On 

October 26, harvest was 95 percent complete, slightly ahead of last year’s 94-percent pace but 1 point behind the 

5-year average. 

Soybean acreage at or beyond the leaf-dropping stage advanced from 83 percent on October 5 to 95 percent on 

October 19. Progress lagged more than one week behind the 5-year average due to late development in the Mississippi 

Valley and southern Atlantic Coast. Development was furthest behind in Missouri, Arkansas, and North Carolina. 

Harvest was 31 percent complete on October 5 and advanced to 86 percent complete by November 2. The harvest pace 

was steady but lagged nearly one week behind normal throughout the month. Harvest delays were most evident in 

Arkansas, Illinois, and Mississippi, while progress in the eastern Corn Belt advanced well ahead of the 5-year average. 

Condition of the soybean crop was rated 57 percent good to excellent on October 12, the last condition rating of the 

season. 

Sunflower harvest advanced from 7 percent complete on October 12 to 51 percent on November 2. The early harvest 

pace was slow and lagged far behind normal through the end of the month despite a rapid acceleration during the final 

week. Harvest lagged in all States except Colorado, where progress remained at or ahead of normal. During the last 

week of the month, North Dakota growers harvested one-third of their acreage, while Kansas and South Dakota 

producers harvested nearly one-fourth of their crop. 

Peanut harvest was 27 percent complete early in the month, 10 points ahead of last year and the same as the 

5-year average. Major harvest activity was apparent in the Southeast and Oklahoma. By month’s end, 79 percent of 

the crop was harvested, 8 points ahead of last year and 1 point ahead of the 5-year average. Harvest was within 7 points 

of normal in all States except Oklahoma, where progress lagged 11 points behind the average. On October 19, the last 

condition rating of the season, peanut acreage was rated 66 percent good to excellent. 

Seventy-seven percent of the Cotton acreage had open bolls on October 5 and reached 95 percent by November 2. 

Development progressed slightly behind last year’s pace and the 5-year average. Development was near-normal across 

most producing States. Progress advanced ahead of normal in Kansas and Oklahoma, while development lagged most 

in Alabama and California. Harvest of the cotton crop was 16 percent complete on October 5, and advanced to 

47 percent complete by November 2. Harvest progress was about 2 weeks behind normal at the beginning of the month 

and remained more than one week behind throughout the month. Picking delays were most evident in Mississippi, but 

progress also lagged well behind the 5-year average in California. The harvest pace trailed the 5-year average in 

Arkansas early in the month, but exceeded the normal pace by the end of the month. In Tennessee, picking progressed 

well ahead of normal through most of the month. By month’s end, condition of the cotton crop was rated 47 percent 

good to excellent, a 3 point decline from early October. 

The sugarbeet harvest advanced from 30 percent complete on October 5 to 89 percent complete on November 2. 

Progress was slightly ahead of the 5-year average at the beginning of the month, but the harvest pace lagged behind 

normal through most of the month, falling nearly one week behind the 5-year average by October 26. A busy harvest 

pace in Idaho and Michigan narrowed the gap during the final week, but progress remained about 2 days behind normal 

when the month ended. 

Crop Comments

Corn: Area harvested and to be harvested for grain is forecast at 78.2 million acres, unchanged from October but down 

10 percent from 2007. If realized, area harvested for grain will be the second largest on record since 1946, behind last 

year. 

The November 1 corn objective yield data indicate a record high number of ears per acre for the combined 10 objective 

yield States (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin). 

Record high ear counts are forecast in all objective yield States except Kansas and Nebraska. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 37 NASS, USDA 

Corn continued to mature behind the normal pace due to the spring planting delays and cooler than normal temperatures 

throughout much of the growing season. At the end of September, 52 percent of the acreage was rated mature and 

beyond, 27 points behind the 5-year average. Maturation progress was more than 30 points behind normal in the 

middle Mississippi Valley and was at least 20 points behind in the central and northern Great Plains. The northern 

Corn Belt received a light frost in early October while the rest of the Midwest didn’t experience a widespread freeze 

until late October. The late developing crop continued to push towards maturity during October under generally cool, 

wet conditions and by October 26, ninety-six percent of the acreage was mature and beyond, 3 points behind normal. 

Nebraska’s crop, which is normally fully developed at this point in the growing season, was only 87 percent mature and 

beyond. 

Corn harvesting proceeded behind the normal pace due to the late maturation and wet conditions during October. By 

November 2, corn harvesting was 55 percent complete, 24 points behind the average. The most progress was made in 

the eastern Corn Belt and Ohio Valley, where periods of warm, dry conditions, particularly late in the month, promoted 

corn maturation and harvesting. Meanwhile, intermittent showers and thunderstorms across the northern and western 

Corn Belt and northern half of the Great Plains during October hampered corn harvesting. By month’s end, North 

Dakota was 58 points behind their average harvesting pace while Nebraska and South Dakota were 39 and 35 points 

behind, respectively. Meanwhile States in the upper and middle Mississippi Valley trailed their average harvest pace 

by 26 to 36 points. 

Sorghum: Production is forecast at 465 million bushels, down 1 percent from the October 1 forecast and 8 percent 

below 2007. Expected area for harvest for grain is forecast at 7.39 million acres, unchanged from last month but up 

9 percent from last year. Based on November 1 conditions, the sorghum yield forecast is 63.0 bushels per acre, down 

0.9 bushel from October and down 11.2 bushels from last year. Kansas, the top producing State, expects a yield of 

74.0 bushels, 2.0 bushels below last month. The yield forecast for Texas is unchanged from October, at 52.0 bushels 

per acre. As of November 2, harvest in the top 11 producing States was 56 percent complete, compared with 85 percent 

last year and 73 percent for the 5-year average. Harvest was complete in Arkansas and Louisiana. 

Rice: Production is forecast at 203 million cwt, down less than 1 percent from the October forecast but up 3 percent 

from last year. Area for harvest is expected to total 2.92 million acres, unchanged from the previous forecast but up 

6 percent from 2007. As of November 1, the U.S. yield is forecast at 6,959 pounds per acre, down 23 pounds from the 

October 1 forecast and 226 pounds below the 2007 record yield of 7,185 pounds per acre. Expected yields decreased 

from the previous month in both Arkansas and Mississippi, while Louisiana’s forecasted yield increased 100 pounds 

per acre. Yields were unchanged from the previous month in California, Texas, and Missouri. 

As of October 26, ninety-five percent of the U.S. acreage was harvested, compared with 94 percent harvested at the 

same time last year and 96 percent for the five-year average. Significant progress was made during October in 

Arkansas, Mississippi, and Missouri, but harvest in all 3 States was later than normal due to late spring planting. 

Harvest was complete in Texas by October 12, while Louisiana growers finished by months’ end. Ninety-three percent 

of California’s rice acreage was harvested by October 26, fourteen percentage points ahead of last year’s pace and 

7 percentage points ahead of the five-year average. 

Soybeans: Growers expect to harvest 74.4 million acres, unchanged from October 1 but up 16 percent from 2007. 

Harvested area, if realized, will be the second largest on record. 

The November objective yield data for the combined seven major soybean producing States (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, 

Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska and Ohio) indicate a lower pod count compared with last year, as late planting this 

spring led to slower than normal development. Compared with final counts for 2007, pod counts are down in all of the 

seven major States except Indiana, which is showing a slight increase of 7 pods per 18 square feet. The largest 

decreases from 2007 are in Nebraska and Ohio, down 227 and 291 pods per 18 square feet, respectively. 

At the beginning of October, harvest progress was 15 points behind last year’s pace and 12 points behind the 5-year 

average. Freezing temperatures in mid-October ended the growing season for soybeans across the northern Great 

Plains and the upper Midwest, but virtually all of the soybeans were dropping leaves by that point and were not 

damaged by the frost. There were some minor harvest delays during October due to periods of rain. However, in 

general, harvest progressed well during October, and by the end of the month was within a few percentage points of 

normal. As of November 2, growers had harvested 86 percent of their acreage, compared with 90 percent last year and 

the 5-year average of 89 percent. Harvest progress lagged behind normal in a majority of States, but was at or ahead of 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 38 NASS, USDA 

normal in the Great Lakes States, Kentucky, Louisiana, and the Ohio Valley. By the beginning of November, harvest 

was 95 percent complete or more in Louisiana, Minnesota and Ohio. If realized, the yield forecast in Arkansas will be 

the highest on record. 

Peanuts: Production is forecast at 4.99 billion pounds, up 1 percent from last month and up 36 percent from last year. 

This will be the largest U.S. production on record if realized. Area for harvest is expected to total 1.49 million acres, 

unchanged from October but up 25 percent from 2007. Yields are expected to average 3,342 pounds per acre, up 

44 pounds from last month and up 266 pounds from 2007. If realized, this will be a record high yield for the U.S. 

Production in the Southeast States (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina) is expected to total 

3.65 billion pounds, up 2 percent from October and up 42 percent from last year. Expected area for harvest, at 

1.10 million acres, is unchanged from October but up 26 percent from 2007. Yields in the region are expected to 

average 3,326 pounds per acre, up 66 pounds from last month and 364 pounds above last year. Yields are forecast 

higher than last year in all Southeast States, and record yields are forecast in Alabama, Florida, Mississippi and South 

Carolina. As of November 2, harvest progress in most of the Southeast States was on pace with the five-year average. 

Virginia-North Carolina production is forecast at 421 million pounds, up 11 percent from the October 1 forecast and up 

34 percent from 2007. Expected area for harvest, at 121,000 acres, is unchanged from the previous forecast but up 

9 percent from last year. Yield is forecast at 3,481 pounds per acre, up 357 pounds from the October 1 forecast and up 

657 pounds from 2007. If realized, the average yields in both States will be record highs. Ninety-seven percent of the 

acreage in North Carolina was harvested by November 2, while Virginia growers had harvested 86 percent of their 

crop. 

Southwest peanut production (New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas) is expected to total 923 million pounds, down 

5 percent from last month but up 18 percent from 2007. Acreage for harvest is forecast at 276,000, unchanged from last 

month but up 29 percent from last year. Yields are expected to average 3,345 pounds per acre for the region, down 

181 pounds from the October forecast and down 322 pounds from the previous year. The average yield in Texas, which 

is forecast 200 pounds lower than last month, is the reason for the decline in production for the region compared with 

the previous forecast. 

Cotton: Upland cotton harvested area, at 7.59 million acres, is unchanged from last month but down 26 percent from 

last year. American-Pima harvested acres are unchanged from last month but down 41 percent from last year. 

In the Southeastern region, defoliation and harvest was underway. During the latter part of the month, a cold front 

moved through delaying harvest activities. The crop was reported to be in mostly fair to good condition. In Georgia, 

objective yield measurements indicate boll counts and boll weights are slightly above the 5-year averages. 

Producers in the Delta region were hit by rain and cooler temperature during the early part of the month delaying 

harvest activities. By the end of the month, harvest was in full swing. In Louisiana, harvest was virtually complete by 

the end of the month, while harvest in Mississippi was slightly behind normal. Cotton harvest in Arkansas, Missouri 

and Tennessee was ahead of last year and normal. The crop was rated in mostly fair to good condition. Objective yield 

data for Louisiana shows the boll counts to be the lowest since 2001 and boll weights to be the lightest since 2000. In 

Arkansas, objective yield measurements show boll counts and boll weights to be the highest in the last 10 years. 

In Texas, cool, wet weather moved through the Panhandle delaying harvest preparations. By mid-month, drier weather 

conditions allowed the crop to advance and harvest-aid applications to be applied. By the end of the month, the 

Panhandle was hit with a hard freeze allowing defoliation to expand rapidly throughout the region. The crop was rated 

in mostly fair to good condition. Data from the objective yield survey shows boll counts to be the fourth largest in the 

last ten years. In Oklahoma and Texas, harvest was beginning by the end of the month behind both last year and 

normal. 

In California and Arizona, upland cotton harvest was underway, slightly behind last year and normal. The crop was 

reported in mostly good to excellent condition. 

American-Pima production is forecast at 459,000 bales, up 2 percent from October but down 46 percent from last year. 

The U.S. yield is forecast at 1,296 pounds per acre, up 23 pounds from last month but down 123 pounds from 2007. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 39 NASS, USDA 

California producers are expecting 420,000 bales, unchanged from last month but down 47 percent from last year. By 

mid-October, harvesting was underway throughout the growing area. 

All cotton ginned totaled 4,365,450 running bales prior to November 1, compared with 7,071,700 running bales ginned 

prior to the same date last year and 8,604,200 running bales ginned by November 1, 2006. 

Sugarbeets: Production of sugarbeets in 2008 is forecast at 28.2 million tons, 1 percent above the October forecast but 

12 percent below 2007’s production of 31.9 million tons. Growers expect to harvest 1.05 million acres, slightly below 

the October forecast and the lowest acreage since 1960. The yield is forecast at 26.8 tons per acre, slightly above the 

October forecast and up 1.2 tons from the previous year. If realized, this will be the highest yield on record. As of 

November 2, sugarbeet harvest was 89 percent complete, compared with 93 percent for the 5-year average. 

Sugarcane: Production of sugarcane for sugar and seed in 2008 is forecast at 29.9 million tons, unchanged from the 

October forecast but down slightly from 2007. Sugarcane growers intend to harvest 868,500 acres for sugar and seed 

during the 2008 crop year, unchanged from October but down 11,100 acres from last year. Yield is forecast at 

34.4 tons per acre, the same as the October forecast but up 0.3 ton from 2007. 

Harvested acreage in Florida is up 7,000 acres from last year, while yield is up 2.9 tons per acre, resulting in a 

production forecast 10 percent above last year. Acres harvested for sugar and seed in Louisiana are following the 

opposite trend, down 15,000 from 2007. Yield is down 3.4 tons from last year and production is down 14 percent from 

2007. Yields are forecast above last year in all States except Louisiana, where excessive rains and winds from 

Hurricane Gustav negatively affected the crop. 

Lentils: Production of lentils is forecast at 2.39 million cwt, down 30 percent from last year. Area for harvest is 

forecast at 266,000 acres, down 10 percent from the previous year. Average yield is expected to be 900 pounds per 

acre, down 255 pounds per acre from 2007. 

North Dakota=s production, at 828,000 cwt, is down 38 percent from 2007. Harvested area is down 12 percent from last 

year, while the average yield decreased by 370 pounds per acre to 890. Planting started in mid-April and was complete 

by the third week of May. Soil moisture supplies were rated mostly short through May, improved to adequate during 

June, and regressed back to short during the remainder of the season. Additionally, below normal temperatures delayed 

crop development. Harvest of the crop started the last week of July and was essentially complete by early September. 

Wet conditions in August hampered some harvest progress. 

Montana=s production is forecast at 608,000 cwt, down 28 percent from last year. Harvested area decreased 5 percent 

from 2007, while yields decreased by 240 pounds per acre to 750. During most of April and the beginning of May, 

Montana experienced light precipitation. Northeastern Montana experienced drought-like conditions this year, which 

lowered yields. 

Washington=s production, at 605,000 cwt, is down 25 percent from 2007. Harvested area decreased by 18 percent to 

55,000 acres with yields decreasing by 100 pounds per acre to 1,100. By mid-April, producers were able to begin 

planting. Temperatures were colder than normal but spring finally arrived in May. In July and August, conditions were 

hot and dry with temperatures reaching 100 degrees in some areas. Rain in late August slowed harvest, but afterwards, 

harvesting progressed normally and ended in late September. 

Production in Idaho, at 352,000 cwt, is down 17 percent from last year. Harvested area is the same as last year at 

37,000 acres. Average yield decreased 200 pounds per acre to 950. 

Dry Edible Peas: Production of dry edible peas is forecast at 12.1 million cwt, down 24 percent from the 2007 

estimate. Area for harvest, at 832,800 acres, is 3 percent above a year ago. Average yield is forecast at 1,455 pounds 

per acre, down 505 pounds from last season. 

North Dakota’s dry edible pea production is forecast at 7.90 million cwt, down 24 percent from last season. Harvested 

acres, at 500,000, remained at last year’s level but yields decreased 500 pounds per acre from last season. Soil moisture 

supplies were rated mostly short through May, adequate during June, and short the remainder of the growing season. 

Below normal temperatures during the growing season delayed crop development. Harvest was essentially complete by 

the end of August, slightly behind last year’s pace. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 40 NASS, USDA 

Production in Montana, at 2.45 million cwt, is down 34 percent from the 2007 estimate. Harvested area increased by 

3 percent to 223,000 acres but yields decreased by 600 pounds per acre to 1,100. Drought-like conditions in 

northeastern Montana reduced crop yields. 

Production in Idaho is expected to total 525,000 cwt, up 29 percent from 2007. Harvested area, at 35,000 acres, 

increased 46 percent, while yields, at 1,500 pounds per acre, decreased 200 pounds from last year. 

Washington’s production forecast, at 1.12 million cwt, is 14 percent below last year. Area for harvest, at 70,000 acres, 

increased 6 percent from last season, but yield, at 1,600 pounds per acre, decreased 380 pounds. Mid-June 

temperatures set cold records throughout the growing region. In July and August conditions were hot and dry with 

temperatures reaching 100 degrees. 

Austrian Winter Peas: Production of Austrian winter peas is forecast at 111,000 cwt, down 13 percent from 2007. 

Area harvested is forecast at 9,000 acres, down 18 percent from last year. Average yield is expected to be 1,233 pounds 

per acre, up 78 pounds per acre from last season. 

The Idaho Austrian winter pea production forecast, at 56,000 cwt, is down 14 percent from last year. Montana’s 

production forecast of 36,000 cwt is up 38 percent from last year. Harvested area is unchanged from a year ago at 

4,000 acres. Cooler temperatures with adequate moisture in mid-June through July enabled yields to surpass last year’s 

level by 250 pounds per acre. 

Oregon’s production forecast, at 19,000 cwt, is down 47 percent from last year’s crop. Harvested area decreased to 

1,000 acres. Despite cool, wet initial conditions, more favorable weather increased yields slightly above last year’s 

crop. 

Papayas: Hawaii fresh papaya production is estimated at 2.46 million pounds for September 2008, up 12 percent from 

August but 11 percent lower than a year ago. Total crop acreage for September is estimated at 2,205 acres, up 8 percent 

from August and up 5 percent from September 2007. Harvested area totaled 1,280 acres, down 4 percent from the 

previous month and 7 percent lower than September 2007. Humid and sunny weather combined with a few scattered 

showers prevailed during September. Flowering was steady, and fruit development improved slightly in some fields. 

Gaps in the fruit columns were becoming more evident in fields exposed to prolonged dry weather. Crop conditions 

were generally fair to good. Large fields were being prepared for replanting. 

Fall Potatoes: Production of fall potatoes for 2008 is forecast at 373 million cwt, down 8 percent from 2007. Area 

harvested, at 918,200 acres, is virtually unchanged from the July estimate but 8 percent lower than last year. The 

average yield, forecast at 407 cwt per acre, is down 2 cwt from last year’s record high yield and, if realized, will be the 

second highest yield on record. 

Idaho’s yield is forecast at 378 cwt per acre. If realized, this will be the second highest yield on record, 8 cwt below the 

record yield set in 2006. Cool, wet weather delayed planting this spring, but with reports of Potato Virus Y down, 

potato quality was better than last year. In eastern Washington, potatoes were planted on time, but growth was delayed 

due to cool, wet weather in the early summer, which also delayed planting in the western part of the State. Potato size 

was smaller than last year, but quality was good. In Colorado, the growing season was favorable for the San Luis 

Valley, however, severe hail storms in August damaged plants just before vine killing. As a result, potato sizes were 

more variable. Despite a slow start to the potato crop in Oregon, most growers reported normal to slightly below 

normal yields. In California, favorable weather conditions resulted in excellent crop quality and yields. 

In North Dakota, crop condition was rated fair to good throughout the growing season. Wisconsin growers reported a 

smaller crop with good quality potatoes. In Michigan, there were low disease and insect pressures across the State and 

farmers were able to take timely corrective action when needed. As of November 2, ninety-eight percent of the crop 

was harvested. 

In Maine, a wet growing season resulted in below average potato yields. Dry weather in September promoted excellent 

harvest and storage conditions. Massachusetts potato farmers battled wet conditions during the season, while growing 

conditions were excellent in Rhode Island. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 41 NASS, USDA 

All Potatoes: Total U.S. potato production in 2008 from all four seasons is forecast at 411 million cwt, down 8 percent 

from last year. Harvested area, at 1.04 million acres, decreased 8 percent from 2007. Yield is forecast at 394 cwt per 

acre, down 2 cwt from last year’s record high. 

Florida Citrus: Weather conditions were favorable for citrus crops throughout the month of October. Several days of 

rainfall were beneficial to both the fruit and the trees. The quantity and quality of fruit continued to be reported as good 

in all areas. Ratios of sugar solids to acid were ahead of last year on all orange varieties, whereas grapefruit ratios were 

about the same. Due to the availability of trees, only a few caretakers were resetting groves. Grove activity included 

limited harvesting, applying herbicides, and mowing. Field crews were scouting for greening and removing affected 

trees, primarily in the southern citrus growing region. About forty major packinghouses had opened and began 

shipping fruit. Harvesting of grapefruit, Fallglo tangerines, and Ambersweet and navel oranges began the first week of 

the month, primarily for the fresh market. Other varieties picked later in the month included Hamlin oranges and 

Sunburst tangerines. Processing was still very limited, with only five houses open. 

California Citrus: Some packing houses continued to pack Valencia oranges but harvest remained slow. Navel 

orange fruit continued to develop size and mature. Navel harvest began during October but picking was limited. 

Mandarins continued to mature and harvest of Satsuma mandarins began in Stanislaus County. The harvest of desert 

lemons remained underway and supplies were plentiful. 

California Noncitrus Fruits and Nuts: Grape and stone fruit growers continued to irrigate, cultivate, and apply 

treatments to control diseases and insect pests during October. Some stone fruit orchards were being pruned and 

cleaned in anticipation of winter. The raisin grape harvest was complete in most areas and there were no signs of fruit 

damage from rain that fell toward the end of the month. Table grape harvest remained underway, with good quality 

fruit reported. Wine and juice grapes also continued to be harvested. Stone fruit harvest was nearly complete, but a 

few varieties of peaches, plums, pluots, and nectarines were picked and packed. Pomegranate harvest of Early Foothill, 

Wonderful, and Flamingo varieties continued. Some Gala, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, and Rome 

Beauty variety apples continued to be picked as apple harvest was winding down. Picking of Fuyu and Hachiya 

persimmons, Mission figs, and Asian pears was ongoing. Other fruit harvested included kiwifruit, quince, strawberries, 

jujubes, olives, and avocados. Walnut and pistachio harvests remained underway. Recent rains were expected to 

accelerate walnut hull split in some areas. Almond harvest was nearly complete. Late variety trees were shaken and 

nuts were picked up. Almond pruning had begun and fertilizing was expected to begin soon.
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 42 NASS, USDA 

Reliability of November 1 Crop Production Forecast

Survey Procedures: Objective yield and farm operator surveys were conducted between October 24 and November 5 

to gather information on expected yield as of November 1. The objective yield surveys for corn, cotton, and soybeans 

were conducted in the major producing States that usually account for about 75 percent of the U.S. production. 

Randomly selected plots were revisited to make current counts. The counts made within each sample plot depend on 

the crop and the maturity of that crop. In all cases, plant counts are recorded along with other measurements that 

provide information to forecast the number of ears, bolls, or pods and their weight. The counts are used with similar 

data from previous years to develop a projected biological yield. The average harvesting loss is subtracted to obtain a 

net yield. The plots are revisited each month until crop maturity when the fruit is harvested and weighed. After the 

farm operator has harvested the sample field, another plot is sampled to obtain current year harvesting loss. 

The farm operator survey was conducted primarily by telephone with some use of mail, internet, and personal 

interviewers. Approximately 12,000 producers were interviewed during the survey period and asked questions about 

probable yield. These growers will continue to be surveyed throughout the growing season to provide indications of 

average yields. 

Estimating Procedures: National and State level objective yield and grower reported data were reviewed for 

reasonableness and consistency with historical estimates. The survey data were also reviewed considering weather 

patterns and crop progress compared to previous months and previous years. Each State Field Office submits their 

analysis of the current situation to the Agricultural Statistics Board (ASB). The ASB uses the survey data and the State 

analyses to prepare the published November 1 forecasts. 

Revision Policy: The November 1 production forecast will not be revised; instead, a new forecast will be made each 

month throughout the growing season. End-of-season estimates are made after harvest. At the end of the marketing 

season, a balance sheet is calculated using carryover stocks, production, exports, millings, feeding, and ending stocks. 

Revisions are then made if the balance sheet relationships or other administrative data warrant changes. Estimates of 

planted acres for spring planted crops are subject to revision in the August Crop Production report if conditions altered 

the planting intentions since the mid-year survey. Planted acres may also be revised for cotton, peanuts, and rice in 

September Crop Production report each year; spring wheat, Durum wheat, barley, and oats only in the Small Grains 

Summary report at the end of September; and all other spring planted crops in the October Crop Production report. 

Revisions to planted acres will only be made when either special survey data or administrative data are available. 

Harvested acres may be revised any time a production forecast is made if there is strong evidence that the intended 

harvested area has changed since the last forecast. 

Reliability: To assist users in evaluating the reliability of the November 1 production forecast, the "Root Mean Square 

Error," a statistical measure based on past performance, is computed. The deviation between the November 1 

production forecast and the final estimate is expressed as a percentage of the final estimate. The average of the 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. For example, the "Root Mean Square Error" for the November 1 corn for grain 

production forecast is 1.6 percent. This means that chances are 2 out of 3 that the current production forecast will not 

be above or below the final estimate by more than 1.6 percent. Chances are 9 out of 10 (90 percent confidence level) 

that the difference will not exceed 2.8 percent. 

Also, shown in the following table is a 20-year record for selected crops of the differences between the November 1 

forecast and the final estimate. Using corn again as an example, changes between the November 1 forecast and the 

final estimate during the last 20 years have averaged 97 million bushels, ranging from 1 million bushels to 257 million 

bushels. The November 1 forecast has been below the final estimate 6 times and above 14 times. This does not imply 

that the November 1 corn forecast this year is likely to understate or overstate final production. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 43 NASS, USDA 

Reliability of November 1 Crop Production Forecasts 

Root Mean 

Square Error 

20-Year Record of 

Differences Between Forecast 

and Final Estimate 

Crop Unit Quantity Years 

Percent 

90 

Percent 

Confidence 

Interval 

Average Smallest Largest Below 

Final 

Above 

Final 

 Million Million Million Number Number 

Corn For Grain 

Sorghum for Grain 

Rice 

Soybeans for Beans 

Cotton 1

Fall Potatoes 

Bu 

Bu 

Cwt 

Bu 

Bales 

Cwt 

1.6 

4.7 

2.1 

1.4 

2.8 

1.8 

2.8 

8.1 

3.7 

2.4 

4.9 

3.1 

97 

17 

3 

27 

393 

5 

1 

1 

* 

2 

1 

1 

257 

86 

12 

82 

949 

16 

6 

7 

12 

9 

14 

15 

14 

13 

8 

11 

6 

5 

 * Rounds to less than 1 million. 

1

 Quantity is in thousands of units. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

November 2008 44 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 

Vacant, Head.......................................................................................................(202) 720-2127 

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

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

Don Gephart - Hay, Oats, Sorghum ....................................................................(202) 690-3234 

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

Dawn Keen - 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 

Mike Jacobsen - Apples, Apricots, Cherries, Cranberries, 

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

Doug Marousek - 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, 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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