Cr Pr 2-2 (4-08) 

Washington, D.C.

Crop 

Production

Released April 9, 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. 

All Orange Production Up 1 Percent From March 

The U.S. all orange forecast for the 2007-08 season is 10.1 million tons, up 1 percent from the March 1 forecast and 

33 percent higher than the 2006-07 final utilization of 7.63 million tons. Florida’s all orange forecast, at 169 million 

boxes (7.58 million tons), is up 1 percent from the previous forecast and 31 percent higher than last season’s final 

utilization of 129 million boxes. Early, midseason, and navel varieties in Florida are forecast at 83.5 million boxes 

(3.76 million tons), up 2 percent from the March 1 forecast and 27 percent above last season. Weekly harvest of the 

early, midseason, and navel varieties has declined sharply, indicating harvest is near completion. Florida’s Valencia 

forecast, at 85.0 million boxes (3.83 million tons), is unchanged from the last forecast but 34 percent higher than 

2006-07. The monthly row count survey indicated that only 12 percent of the Valencia orange rows had been 

harvested. All orange varieties experienced a heavy bloom in March and trees were in excellent condition. 

California’s all orange forecast is 65.5 million boxes (2.46 million tons), 2 percent above the previous forecast and 

42 percent higher than last season. California’s navel orange utilization is forecast at 49.5 million boxes (1.86 million 

tons), up 3 percent from the previous forecast and 43 percent higher than 2006-07. The navel season got off to a good 

start with above average yields and good fruit color, maturity, and sugar content. The Valencia orange forecast in 

California is 16.0 million boxes (600,000 tons), unchanged from the previous forecast but 39 percent above last season. 

Valencia harvest began early with limited picking. The crop looked good with a heavier than average fruit set per tree. 

The Texas all orange forecast is 1.79 million boxes (76,000 tons), up slightly from the January 1 forecast but down 

10 percent from 2006-07. Arizona’s all orange forecast is 350,000 boxes (13,000 tons), unchanged from January but 

17 percent higher than last season. 

Florida frozen concentrated orange juice (FCOJ) yield forecast for the 2007-08 season is 1.63 gallons per box at 

42.0 degrees Brix, unchanged from last month, but down from last season’s final yield of 1.65 gallons per box. The 

early-mid portion is final at 1.55 gallons per box, down slightly from last season’s final of 1.56 gallons per box. The 

Valencia portion remains at 1.73 gallons per box, 2 percent lower than last season’s final of 1.77 gallons per box. All 

yield projections include the assumption that the processing relationships this season will be similar to those of the past 

several seasons. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2008 2 NASS, USDA 

This report was approved on April 9, 2008. 

Secretary of 

Agriculture 

Edward T. Schafer 

Agricultural Statistics Board 

Chairperson 

Carol C. House 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2008 3 NASS, USDA 

Contents

Page

Noncitrus Fruits & Tree Nuts

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

Citrus Fruits

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

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

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

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

Tangerines..................................................................................................................................................................... 4 

Temples......................................................................................................................................................................... 4 

Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops 

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

Crop Comments ........................................................................................................................................................ 14 

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

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

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

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

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

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2008 4 NASS, USDA 

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

2005-06, 2006-07 and Forecasted April 1, 2008 1 2

Utilized Production 

Boxes 

Utilized Production 

Crop and State Ton Equivalent 

2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 

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

Oranges 

 Early Mid & 

 Navel 4

 AZ 

 CA 

 FL 5

 TX 

 US 

 Valencia 

 AZ 

 CA 

 FL 

 TX 

 US 

 All 

 AZ 

 CA 

 FL 

 TX 

 US 

Temples 5

 FL 

Grapefruit 

 White 

 FL 

 Colored 

 FL 

 All 

 AZ 

 CA 

 FL 

 TX 

 US 

Tangerines 

 AZ 6

 CA 6

 FL 

 US 

Lemons 

 AZ 

 CA 

 US 

Tangelos 

 FL 

250 

47,000 

75,000 

1,400 

123,650 

200 

14,000 

72,700 

200 

87,100 

450 

61,000 

147,700 

1,600 

210,750 

700 

6,500 

12,800 

100 

6,000 

19,300 

5,200 

30,600 

550 

3,600 

5,500 

9,650 

3,800 

22,000 

25,800 

1,400 

200 

34,500 

65,600 

1,600 

101,900 

100 

11,500 

63,400 

380 

75,380 

300 

46,000 

129,000 

1,980 

177,280 

9,300 

17,900 

100 

5,500 

27,200 

7,100 

39,900 

300 

3,500 

4,600 

8,400 

2,500 

18,500 

21,000 

1,250 

250 

49,500 

83,500 

1,400 

134,650 

100 

16,000 

85,000 

388 

101,488 

350 

65,500 

168,500 

1,788 

236,138 

7,500 

17,000 

150 

5,000 

24,500 

6,400 

36,050 

400 

5,100 

4,800 

10,300 

1,500 

17,000 

18,500 

1,500 

9 

1,763 

3,375 

60 

5,207 

8 

525 

3,272 

9 

3,814 

17 

2,288 

6,647 

69 

9,021 

32 

276 

544 

3 

201 

820 

208 

1,232 

21 

135 

261 

417 

144 

836 

980 

63 

8 

1,294 

2,952 

68 

4,322 

4 

431 

2,853 

16 

3,304 

12 

1,725 

5,805 

84 

7,626 

395 

761 

3 

184 

1,156 

284 

1,627 

11 

131 

219 

361 

95 

703 

798 

56 

9 

1,856 

3,758 

60 

5,683 

4 

600 

3,825 

16 

4,445 

13 

2,456 

7,583 

76 

10,128 

319 

723 

5 

168 

1,042 

256 

1,471 

15 

191 

228 

434 

57 

646 

703 

68 

1

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

 2006-07 revised. 

3

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

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

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

in TX. 5

 Temples included in early and midseason orange varieties beginning with 2006-07 season. 6

 Includes tangelos and tangors. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2008 5 NASS, USDA 

Potatoes: Area Planted and Harvested, Yield, and Production 

by Seasonal Group, State, and United States, 2006-2008 

Area 

Planted Harvested 

Yield Production Seasonal 

Group 

and 

State 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2006 2007 2008 

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

Winter 

 CA 

 FL 1

 Total 

Spring 

 AZ 

 CA 

 FL 1

 Hastings 

 Other FL 

 NC 

 TX 

 Total 

Summer 2

 AL 

 CA 

 CO 

 DE 

 IL 

 KS 

 MD 

 MO 

 NJ 

 TX 

 VA 

 Total 

11.5 

11.5 

4.0 

15.5 

27.8 

16.5 

11.3 

16.0 

9.7 

73.0 

1.4 

7.0 

3.0 

2.0 

6.3 

5.0 

3.0 

6.8 

2.4 

11.2 

5.6 

53.7 

11.0 

11.0 

3.5 

13.3 

28.5 

17.3 

11.2 

15.0 

8.9 

69.2 

11.5 

11.5 

4.0 

15.5 

27.2 

16.2 

11.0 

14.5 

9.2 

70.4 

1.3 

7.0 

2.8 

2.0 

6.1 

4.9 

3.0 

6.6 

2.4 

9.8 

5.4 

51.3 

11.0 

11.0 

3.5 

13.3 

27.9 

17.0 

10.9 

14.0 

8.5 

67.2 

215 

215 

280 

395 

287 

285 

290 

186 

320 

294 

140 

360 

350 

270 

400 

365 

320 

300 

265 

395 

210 

332 

240 

240 

300 

415 

290 

290 

290 

200 

290 

297 

3,120 

1,375 

4,495 

1,170 

6,044 

6,441 

4,731 

1,710 

3,255 

2,856 

19,766 

240 

2,111 

1,296 

504 

2,489 

1,824 

928 

2,394 

600 

4,268 

1,512 

18,166 

2,473 

2,473 

1,120 

6,123 

7,807 

4,617 

3,190 

2,700 

2,944 

20,694 

182 

2,520 

980 

540 

2,440 

1,789 

960 

1,980 

636 

3,871 

1,134 

17,032 

2,640 

2,640 

1,050 

5,520 

8,091 

4,930 

3,161 

2,800 

2,465 

19,926 

1

 Winter potatoes combined with spring potatoes in 2007. 

2

 2007 revised. 

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 

Jan 

Feb 

2,330 

1,930 

2,045 

2,040 

1,400 

1,160 

1,260 

1,430 

2,465 

2,015 

2,880 

2,695 

1

 Utilized fresh production. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2008 6 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 

63,631.0 

2,068.0 

10,830.3 

10,538.0 

292.3 

1,269.8 

29.0 

1,526.9 

847.5 

303.0 

1,148.8 

11.5 

73.0 

53.7 

1,010.6 

100.6 

4,147.0 

86,014.0 

3,420.0 

2,770.0 

7,415.0 

63,803.0 

46,840.0 

2,630.0 

14,333.0 

1,010.0 

360.0 

1,430.0 

74,793.0 

2,153.0 

9,389.6 

9,186.0 

203.6 

1,131.8 

25.5 

1,398.5 

820.0 

277.0 

11.0 

69.2 

103.8 

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 

62,820.0 

2,009.5 

10,492.2 

10,204.0 

288.2 

1,246.9 

883.5 

356.0 

11.0 

1,478.7 

811.3 

295.0 

6.4 

0.1 

30.9 

73.3 

1,129.9 

11.5 

70.4 

51.3 

996.7 

19.6 

97.5 

0.4 

60,583.0 

350.9 

11.0 

67.2 

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 

April 2008 7 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 

3,130 

1,300 

1,215 

41.2 

1,437 

871 

857 

1,374 

25.6 

34.9 

2,187 

1,155 

1,716 

1,960 

1,155 

1,170 

35,000 

1,949 

93 

398 

215 

294 

332 

410 

121 

189 

240 

297 

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 

6,596.0 

5,904 

31,826 

3,740,650 

1,300 

208,995 

2,585,207 

2,888,555 

19,033.0 

18,208.0 

825.0 

31,912 

30,837 

778,624 

127 

25,371 

15,903 

3,408 

541 

7,500 

2,800 

60,253.1 

6,794 

449,281 

2,473 

20,694 

17,032 

409,082 

2,379 

18,452 

4,000 

2,640 

19,926 

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 

April 2008 8 NASS, USDA 

Fruits and Nuts Production, United States, 2006-2008 

(Domestic Units) 1

Production Crop Units 

2006 2007 2008 

 1,000 1,000 1,000 

Citrus 2

 Grapefruit 

 Lemons 

 Oranges 3

 Tangelos (FL) 

 Tangerines 

 Temples (FL) 3

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 

1,232 

980 

9,021 

63 

417 

32 

9,851.7 

44.5 

20,000.0 

6,377.2 

23.5 

28,700.0 

1,010.1 

842.0 

198.0 

21.5 

1,120,000 

43.0 

206,300 

346.0 

1,449 

1,627 

798 

7,626 

56 

361 

9,342.6 

88.3 

21,000.0 

6,729.7 

132.5 

33,300.0 

1,112.7 

881.0 

81.0 

11.9 

1,360,000 

36.0 

349,155 

320.0 

1,258 

1,471 

703 

10,128 

68 

434 

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 2007-08 season. 2

 Production years are 2005-06, 2006-07, and 2007-08. 

3

 Temples included in oranges beginning with the 2006-07 season. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2008 9 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 

25,750,830 

836,900 

4,382,910 

4,264,620 

118,290 

513,880 

11,740 

617,920 

342,970 

122,620 

464,910 

4,650 

29,540 

21,730 

408,980 

40,710 

1,678,250 

34,809,010 

1,384,040 

1,120,990 

3,000,780 

25,820,440 

18,955,680 

1,064,330 

5,800,420 

408,740 

145,690 

578,710 

30,267,980 

871,300 

3,799,880 

3,717,480 

82,390 

458,030 

10,320 

565,960 

331,850 

112,100 

4,450 

28,000 

42,010 

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 

25,422,630 

813,220 

4,246,090 

4,129,460 

116,630 

504,610 

357,540 

144,070 

4,450 

598,420 

328,320 

119,380 

2,590 

30 

12,510 

29,660 

457,260 

4,650 

28,490 

20,760 

403,350 

7,930 

39,460 

150 

24,517,330 

142,010 

4,450 

27,200 

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 

April 2008 10 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 

3.51 

1.46 

1.36 

2.77 

1.61 

0.98 

0.96 

1.54 

57.37 

78.24 

2.45 

1.29 

1.92 

2.20 

1.29 

1.31 

39.23 

2.18 

0.10 

44.57 

24.10 

32.95 

37.21 

46.00 

0.14 

21.21 

26.90 

33.23 

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 

5,983,790 

149,970 

14,440 

1,696,730 

590 

94,800 

70,357,800 

1,310,230 

4,143,950 

3,964,330 

179,620 

28,950,080 

27,974,860 

353,180 

5,760 

1,150,810 

721,350 

154,580 

24,540 

3,400 

1,270 

27,330 

3,080 

20,379,040 

112,170 

938,660 

772,560 

18,555,650 

1,080 

836,970 

1,810 

119,750 

903,830 

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 

April 2008 11 NASS, USDA 

Fruits and Nuts Production, United States, 2006-2008 

(Metric Units) 1

Production Crop 

2006 2007 2008 

Metric tons Metric tons Metric tons 

Citrus 2

 Grapefruit 

 Lemons 

 Oranges 3

 Tangelos (FL) 

 Tangerines 

 Temples (FL) 3

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 

1,117,650 

889,040 

8,183,710 

57,150 

378,300 

29,030 

4,468,660 

40,350 

9,070 

5,785,250 

21,320 

13,020 

916,370 

763,880 

179,620 

19,500 

508,020 

39,010 

93,580 

313,890 

7,240 

1,475,990 

723,930 

6,918,190 

50,800 

327,490 

4,237,730 

80,070 

9,530 

6,105,080 

120,200 

15,100 

1,009,460 

799,180 

73,480 

10,800 

616,890 

32,660 

158,370 

290,300 

6,290 

1,334,470 

637,750 

9,187,970 

61,690 

393,720 

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 2007-08 season. 2

 Production years are 2005-06, 2006-07, and 2007-08. 

3

 Temples included in oranges beginning with the 2006-07 season. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2008 12 NASS, USDA 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2008 13 NASS, USDA 

March Weather Summary

A furious barrage of storms dumped heavy rain and snow in a band more than 2000 miles long and roughly 200 to 

300 miles wide from central Texas into the Northeast, delaying spring fieldwork and causing widespread flooding. 

Lowland flooding was most extensive from the Mid-South into the lower Ohio Valley, especially in the wake of a 

tremendous storm that dropped more than a foot of rain on parts of the Missouri Bootheel and neighboring areas on 

March 17-19. In stark contrast, drier-than-normal conditions covered much of the remainder of the nation. Exceptions 

to the dryness included southern Florida and scattered locations from the Pacific Northwest into the northern and 

central Rockies. Areas from California into the Southwest were especially dry, although spring fieldwork advanced 

with few delays. Dry weather was less favorable on the High Plains, where winter wheat continued to suffer from the 

effects of poor autumn establishment and below-normal precipitation thereafter. By month’s end, USDA rated nearly 

half of the Texas winter wheat in very poor to poor condition, along with nearly one-third of the crop in Colorado and 

approximately one-fifth of the wheat in Kansas and Oklahoma. In Texas, there was a remarkable contrast between 

drought (western and southern areas) and wetness (central and northeastern locations). Elsewhere, generally drier-thannormal weather prevailed in the upper Midwest and from the central Gulf coast region to the middle and southern 

Atlantic Coast. However, late-month snow provided beneficial moisture in parts of the upper Midwest, while 

Southeastern rainfall was sufficient to promote summer crop emergence and the development of pastures and winter 

grains. 

Wintry conditions refused to let go from the upper Midwest into northern New England, where temperatures averaged 

at least 5 degrees F below normal in many locations and where deep snow still covered the ground by month’s end. In 

Caribou, Maine, for example, March began and ended with a snow depth of 30 inches, with the depth peaking at 

36 inches on March 21. Meanwhile, chilly conditions also prevailed across the Northwest and Intermountain West, 

especially during the mid- to late-month period. In the Northwest, cold, occasionally snowy conditions slowed 

fieldwork and limited the development of winter grains and fruit crops. Cold air also surged into the Southeast, 

culminating in generally light freezes on March 25-26. Nevertheless, Southeastern producers monitored the effects of 

the cold snap on blooming peaches, boot-stage winter wheat, and emerging summer crops, such as corn. In contrast, 

warmer-than-normal conditions were most prevalent across the High Plains, the Southwest, and the Mid-Atlantic 

coastal plain. 

March Agricultural Summary 

Early in the month, California small grain producers were applying herbicides, Arizona small grains were emerging, 

and seeding of spring barley in Colorado was at the pace of last year, but behind normal. By March 17, herbicide 

applications in California were winding down, Arizona small grain emergence was nearly complete, and wet weather in 

Florida was impacting small grain condition in some areas. In Oklahoma, winter wheat jointing was behind last year by 

20 points, rye jointing was ahead of the normal pace by 6 points, and oat planting was nearly complete. By March 24, 

Kansas wheat had entered the jointing stage, behind the pace of last year and normal. By month’s end, winter wheat in 

Oklahoma had made rapid developmental progress with half of the crop in the jointing stage. Small grain condition in 

Texas was rated mostly fair to poor, but had improved slightly in some areas. 

In California, sugarbeet producers were fertilizing, irrigating, cultivating, and applying chemicals early in the month. 

Seedbed preparations were ongoing for most row crops in Oklahoma, and in Texas, sugarcane harvest and cotton 

planting were underway. Rain delayed corn planting in some areas. Louisiana sugarcane producers were destroying 

old stubble and applying herbicides while rice planting preparations were ongoing. By March 17, row crop seedbed 

preparations were underway in many States, while cotton and corn planting had begun in Arizona, Louisiana, and 

Texas. Wet weather in Louisiana led to planting delays. By March 17, corn planting progress was behind last year’s 

pace by 41 points. During the week of March 24, moderate precipitation delayed fieldwork in the Pacific Northwest 

and across a band stretching from central Texas to Ohio. By month’s end, row crop field preparations were underway 

in most southern areas. California sugarbeet planting was ongoing, and in Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana, producers 

were planting corn. In Louisiana, rice planting progress was well ahead of last year and normal. Texas sugarcane 

producers were applying herbicides. 

Vegetable harvest and packing continued in Arizona, California, Florida, and Texas throughout the month. Planting of 

summer vegetables was evident early in the month in Texas, and by March 24, was gaining momentum in Arizona, 

California, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. By month’s end, frost damage was being assessed by many Georgia 

vegetable producers. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2008 14 NASS, USDA 

Texas producers were planting melons and Louisiana producers were harvesting and marketing strawberries early in the 

month. In California, grape buds were swelling and vineyard pruning was complete by March 10, while stone fruit 

bloom was evident in some areas. By mid-month, almond trees in California were nearly at full bloom. Spring 

strawberries were also blooming in California, while blueberry bushes were being planted and grape buds were 

breaking open. Louisiana strawberry harvest continued. By month’s end, orchards and vineyards in California were 

being treated for weeds and insects. 

Crop Comments

Grapefruit: The forecast of the 2007-08 U.S. grapefruit crop is 1.47 million tons, down 1 percent from the March 1 

forecast and 10 percent lower than the previous season. Florida's grapefruit production is forecast at 24.5 million boxes 

(1.04 million tons), unchanged from the March forecast but 10 percent below last season. The all white grapefruit 

forecast is 7.50 million boxes (319,000 tons), the same as March’s forecast but 19 percent below last season’s final 

utilization. Florida’s colored grapefruit forecast, at 17.0 million boxes (723,000 tons), is unchanged from the March 

forecast but 5 percent below the 2006-07 final utilization. Nearly 75 percent of the rows observed this month in the row 

count survey were harvested with highest harvest percents noted in the southern and western areas of the State. Over 

85 percent of the survey rows were located in the Indian River District, where 75 percent of the rows were harvested. 

The Texas grapefruit forecast, at 6.40 million boxes (256,000 tons), is 3 percent lower than the January 1 forecast and 

10 percent less than the previous season. Grapefruit harvest was nearly complete and the groves looked good. 

California’s grapefruit production forecast is 5.00 million boxes (168,000 tons), unchanged from January’s forecast but 

9 percent lower than last season. Desert Rio Reds and Pummelo varieties were being picked in the State. Arizona’s 

grapefruit production forecast is 150,000 boxes (5,000 tons), unchanged from the January 1 forecast but 50 percent 

higher than the 2006-07 final utilization. 

Tangerines: The U.S. tangerine crop is forecast at 434,000 tons, unchanged from the March forecast but 20 percent 

higher than the final utilization in 2006-07. Florida's tangerine crop is forecast at 4.80 million boxes (228,000 tons), 

unchanged from March’s forecast but 4 percent higher than the 2006-07 utilization of 4.60 million boxes. Harvest of 

early tangerines is final at 2.60 million boxes and the later maturing Honey tangerine forecast remains at 2.20 million 

boxes. Honey tangerine harvest progressed rapidly through March and 56 percent of the rows surveyed were harvested. 

California’s tangerine forecast is 5.10 million boxes (191,000 tons), unchanged from the January 1 forecast but 

46 percent higher than 2006-07. W. Murcott and Minneola tangerine harvests were complete or nearly complete in the 

desert area, while picking of these varieties was ongoing in other parts of the State. Pixie, Royal, and Honey mandarin 

harvests remain strong. Arizona’s tangerine forecast, at 400,000 boxes (15,000 tons), is unchanged from the previous 

forecast but 33 percent higher than last season. 

Lemons: The forecast for the 2007-08 U.S. lemon crop is 703,000 tons, unchanged from the January 1 forecast but 

down 12 percent from 2006-07. California’s forecast is 17.0 million boxes (646,000 tons), unchanged from the 

previous forecast but 8 percent lower than last season. Harvest in the desert area was complete while picking in the 

Central Valley was light. Harvest was increasing on the south coast but inventories remained tight. The forecast for 

Arizona is 1.50 million boxes (57,000 tons), unchanged from January’s forecast but 40 percent lower than last season. 

Tangelos: Florida’s tangelo forecast is 1.50 million boxes (68,000 tons), unchanged from the March 1 forecast but 

20 percent above the 2006-07 final utilized production. Nearly all fruit picked were being processed. 

Florida Citrus: Warm afternoons and beneficial rainfalls over the past month contributed to new growth and helped 

bring out a uniform, prolific bloom in citrus groves. Fertilizer was applied with irrigation to assist in the process. Trees 

in well-cared for groves were reported as healthy and in excellent condition. Some growers were hedging and topping 

trees after harvest to maintain a tree surface conducive to large size fruit for next season. Weekly harvest of 

early-midseason oranges began dropping quickly at the beginning of the month and by the end of the month was nearly 

over. Weekly grapefruit harvest amounts have been over one million boxes, with about one-third of these fresh and 

two-thirds processed. Tangelo harvest was almost over for the season. Honey tangerine harvest continued steadily all 

month and was expected to last through April. Other grove activity included mowing and pesticide spraying. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2008 15 NASS, USDA 

Arizona Citrus: The citrus season was winding down in Arizona. Lemon and tangerine harvests were nearly 

complete across the State. There was some wind scar reported this season. Valencia orange sizes were small this year. 

Grapefruit harvest was ongoing with reports of good sizes. 

Texas Citrus: Many operations reported that the citrus crop was smaller than expected. The freeze in December may 

have slightly affected production. Grapefruit was mostly harvested and the groves were doing well. 

California Citrus: Harvest was difficult in citrus groves in the beginning of the month due to excess moisture, but 

picked up speed as groves dried. Citrus growers irrigated, applied foliar nutrients, and treated groves to control fungus, 

insects, and weeds. Growers harvested tangerines, lemons, grapefruit, and Valencia and navel oranges. Rind puff and 

fruit drop were noted in orange groves due to the continued warm weather. 

California Noncitrus Fruits and Nuts: Apples, grapes, pears, pomegranates, persimmons, and stone fruit began 

blooming and leafing out. Grape growers continued to irrigate, cultivate, tie vines, and apply treatments for weeds, 

diseases, and insects. Spring strawberries and blueberries started blooming and blueberry growers continued to plant 

new blueberry bushes. Kiwifruit pruning was completed and new kiwifruit vines were being planted. Groves and 

orchards benefitted from warm weather conditions, which were excellent for pollination. Olive growers were finishing 

maintenance in their groves for the new season. Almond orchards bloomed throughout March and ended the month in 

the petal fall stage. Warm weather also reduced the threat of disease in the Sacramento Valley. Walnut and pistachio 

orchards began blooming and leafing out. 

Winter Potatoes: Production for 2008 is estimated at 2.64 million cwt, 4 percent below the January forecast but 

7 percent above last year. Area harvested in California was 11,000 acres, unchanged from January but down 4 percent 

from a year ago. The average yield of 240 cwt per acre is down 10 cwt from January but 25 cwt above 2007. Demand 

for winter potatoes remained strong as harvest wound down. 

Spring Potatoes: Spring production for 2008 is forecast at 19.9 million cwt, down 4 percent from 2007 but 1 percent 

above 2006. Area for harvest is forecast at 67,200 acres, down 5 percent from last year. The average yield is forecast 

at 297 cwt per acre, 3 cwt above 2007. 

Florida’s production is forecast at 8.09 million cwt, 4 percent above 2007. Florida’s winter potatoes were combined 

with spring potatoes in 2007. Mild temperatures and adequate rainfall in Florida during January aided crop 

development. California spring production is forecast at 5.52 million cwt, down 10 percent from last year. Growers 

reported favorable growing conditions and expect to begin harvest by late April. Although yields have increased, 

harvested acres are expected to be 14 percent below last year. North Carolina’s potato crop is forecast at 2.80 million 

cwt, up 4 percent from last year. Crop condition was rated at 65 percent good to excellent with 82 percent of the crop 

planted as of March 30. Production in Texas is forecast at 2.47 million cwt, down 16 percent from 2007. Acreage was 

down due to labor shortages and increases in operating costs. Arizona growers expect production to total 1.05 million 

cwt, down 6 percent from last year. 

Summer Potatoes: The final estimate of 2007 summer potato crop production is 17.0 million cwt, up 1 percent from 

the preliminary estimate in the January Crop Production 2007 Summary but down 6 percent from the 2006 crop. 

Harvested area covered 51,300 acres, up 2 percent from the 2007 preliminary estimate but down 5 percent from 2006. 

The average yield of 332 cwt per acre is down 3 cwt from the 2007 preliminary estimate and 5 cwt below the 2006 

crop. 

Papayas: Hawaii fresh papaya production is estimated at 2.70 million pounds for February 2008, down 6 percent from 

January but 34 percent higher than the comparable month a year ago. Total area in crop for February is estimated at 

2,040 acres, down slightly from last month but 6 percent more than February 2007. Harvested area totaled 1,430 acres, 

up 13 percent from last month and 23 percent higher than February 2007. Orchards experienced wet weather in early 

February. Wind and water damage weakened older trees, allowing disease to set in. Young orchards coming into 

maturity more than offset older fields taken out of production. Young plantings made favorable progress as sunny, 

drier conditions returned toward the end of the month.
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2008 16 NASS, USDA 

Reliability of April 1 Orange Forecast

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

accounts for nearly 75 percent of the U.S. production. Bearing tree numbers are determined at the start of the season 

based on a fruit tree census conducted every other year, combined with ongoing review based on administrative data or 

special surveys. From mid-July to mid-September, the number of fruit per tree is determined. In September and 

subsequent months, fruit size measurement and fruit droppage surveys are conducted, which, when combined with the 

previous components, are used to develop the current forecast of production. Arizona, California, and Texas conduct 

grower and packer surveys on a quarterly basis in October, January, April, and July. California also conducts objective 

measurement surveys in September for navel oranges and in March for Valencia oranges. 

Estimating Procedures: State level objective yield estimates for Florida oranges were reviewed for errors, 

reasonableness, and consistency with historical estimates. Reports from growers and packers in Arizona, California, 

and Texas were also used for setting estimates. These 4 States submit their analyses of the current situation to the 

Agricultural Statistics Board (ASB). The ASB uses the survey data and the State analyses to prepare the published 

April 1 forecast. 

Revision Policy: The April 1 production forecasts will not be revised. A new forecast will be made each month 

throughout the growing season. End-of-season estimates will be published in the Citrus Fruits Summary released in 

September. The production estimates are based on all data available at the end of the marketing season, including 

information from marketing orders, shipments, and processor records. Allowances are made for recorded local 

utilization and home use. 

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

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

forecast and the final estimate is expressed as a percentage of the final estimate. The average of squared percentage 

deviations for the latest 20-year period is computed. The square root of the average becomes statistically the "Root 

Mean Square Error." Probability statements can be made concerning expected differences in the current forecast 

relative to the final end-of-season estimate, assuming that factors affecting this year's forecast are not different from 

those influencing recent years. 

The "Root Mean Square Error" for the April 1 orange production forecast is 2.2 percent. However, if you exclude the 

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

1.6 percent. This means that chances are 2 out of 3 that the current orange production forecast will not be above or 

below the final estimates by more than 2.2 percent, or 1.6 percent, excluding abnormal seasons. Chances are 

9 out of 10 (90 percent confidence level) that the difference will not exceed 3.8 percent, or 2.8 percent, excluding 

abnormal seasons. 

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

168,000 tons (162,000 tons, excluding abnormal seasons), ranging from 7,000 tons to 508,000 tons (7,000 tons to 

368,000 tons, excluding abnormal seasons). The April 1 forecast for oranges has been below the final estimate 9 times 

and above 11 times (below 7 times and above 8 times, excluding abnormal seasons). The difference does not imply that 

the April 1 forecast this year is likely to understate or overstate final production. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2008 17 NASS, USDA 

Information Contacts 

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

contact for additional information. 

Jeff Geuder, Chief ................................................................................................................... (202) 720-2127 

 Field Crops Section 

 Greg Thessen, Head .................................................................................... (202) 720-2127 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Dawn Keen - Crop Weather, Barley, Sugar Crops ..................................... (202) 720-7621 

 Fruits, Vegetables & Special Crops Section 

 Lance Honig, 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 

 Faye Propsom - Citrus, Tropical Fruits ......................................................(202) 720-5412 

 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 

 Mike Jacobsen - Apples, Apricots, Cherries, Cranberries, 

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

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

 Faye Propsom - Dry Beans, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes ............................... (202) 720-5412 
 

 

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