FERTILIZER USE ON COTTON ACREAGE, SELECTED STATES, 1972

7 7 7 a r “Rate per acre 1___ Acres fertilized 37
1 Actes :Bields : Acres receiving : receiving 2/ _:At-or :After: At of
State : harv. : in t t : 2 i
of isurvey ON P9057 RON ast Ka0
how, No- Percent = Pounds —
Mo. 410 68 100 1009 91 «63,1 $1.3 56.046 38 16
NOG. 172 61-100 100 100 ©= «100 66.0 «57.3 BA 26 0 74
S.C. : 340 92 100 99°97 99 94.6 76.5 201.58 2 90
Ga. 430 95 100 200-100 98 «81.5 59.8 91,342 3 $5
Tenn. : 485 80 95 9594 95 68.5 61.0 63.6 76 0 24
Ala, : 580 117-100 10098 98 89.4 72,977.33 2 35
Miss. : 1,622 . 357 100 10048 4791S 63.7 64.789 12 29
Ark. : 1,410 276 = 100 9972 70 62.4 44.2 54.175 10 15
la. : 670 96 98 98 70 70 72.5 $3.8 $6.1 73 18 9
Okla, ; 510 106 46 4600 «42 3532.2 37.6 26.196 4 i)
Texas : 5,150 650 51 S136 1 82.5 44.2 18.9 Al 1B 6
N. Mex.: 130 54 68 6163 9 69.2 69.4 30.6 33. 31 16
Ariz, 2707 82 B2 49 4 116.9 $6.6 38.712 55 33
48.7 38 27 35

Calif. : 860 227 92 92 43 12 121.3 70,3

7 From 1972 Annual Crop Summary, SRS, USDA,

2/ To convert to the elements P and K,P20¢ is converted to P by dividing by 2.29137; K,0 is converted
to K by dividing by 1.20459,

3/ Percentages apply to acres receiving fertilizer, not to total acres harvested.

CROP PRODUCTION, February 1973 14 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA



FLORIDA FROZEN CONCENTRATED ORANGE JUICE YIELD: Florida's February 1, maturity and juice yield
tests suggest .a yield of 1.32 gallons of 45°
Brix frozen concentrated orange juice per box in the 1972-73 season. This compares with 1.33
gallons last month and last season's final of 1,2857 gallons per box. Indicated yield can
differ somewhat from the final realized due to weather and decisions within the citrus industry.

GRAPEFRUIT: The 1972-73 grapefruit production is expected to fill 63.2 million boxes, unchanged

from the January 1 estimate. Production falls slightly short of last season's
output, but 4 percent above the 1970-71 crop. Changes in production between February forecasts
and final production have averaged 2.0 million boxes over the past 8 seasons--ranging from 0.5
to 4,3 million boxes. Harvest was about 35 percent complete by February 1.

Production in Florida is forecast at 45.0 million boxes, the same as last month, 4 per-
cent less than harvested last season, but 5 percent larger than the 1970-71 crop. Changes in the
Florida production between February 1 forecasts and final production have averaged 1.6 million
boxes over the past 8 seasons--ranging from 0.1 to 4.1 million boxes. Harvest is in full swing,
but volume trails last year!s. By February 1, about 39 percent of the crop had been harvested.
Trees are in excellent, condition. Soil moisture supplies are adequate to excess because rain-
fall was above average for January. Freezes threatened twice during January, but no fruit
damage was reported.

The Texas crop, forecast at 10.4 million boxes, is unchanged from last month, but 1.2
million boxes more than last season. Trees are in good condition and moisture conditions are
adequate. Harvest was active during January when weather permitted. Freezing temperatures on
January 10 and 11 caused no fruit damage and little or no tree damage.

Arizona's grapefruit production at 2.6 million boxes remains unchanged from January.
Estimated production is 60,000 boxes more than last season. During January, harvest neared
full volume in the Yuma area but was limited in the Salt River Valley, Quality has been very
good but sizes are somewhat small.

California's production is placed at 5.2 million boxes, unchanged from last month but
100,000 boxes more than last season, Harvest of the Desert Valleys grapefruit was active
during January, but total movement is slightly behind last year. Fruit is in excellent con-
dition and large sized. The fruit has good flavor and color. The "other areas" crop suffered
some light damage from the December freeze. Fruit development of the "other areas" crop has
been normal and harvest is expected to begin in early March.

LEMONS: Lemon prospects in California and Arizona, at 20.5 million boxes, remain the same as
last month, but are 23 percent higher than last season's output. Strong winds on
January 1 in California's South Coast areas and cold weather on the nights of January 5 and 6
caused damage to the crop. The winds caused scarring and lowered the grade on some fruit. The
latest frost damage was light and generally limited to small outside fruit that should be picked
in late summer or early fall. January rains are expected to increase fruit size. Current sup-
plies are from the southern California district and are expected to increase. The fruit is
large with excellent color and quality. In the San Joaquin Valley, most fruit is picked, and
was used for processing. In Arizona, harvest is nearly complete. Quality was very good.
Some unprotected trees received freeze damage.

CROP PRODUCTION, February 1973 s Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA


Irish Potatoes: Harvest loss by type of potato, 1/ 1972 crop

State : Round Reds : Round Whites Russets : All types

Hundredweight per acre

Maine : 27 24 26

Minnesota : 28 29 31 29
North Dakota : 21 32 2/ 2s
Idaho : 35 35
Washington : 2/ 54 52
Oregon : ~ 41 41

1/7” Potatoes left in the field at time of harvest.
2/ Insufficient sample size for reliable estimate.

Irish Potatoes: Average number of hills per acre, by type, 1972 crop 1/

Round Reds 3 Round Whites z Russets
State :Number of :Av. No. Hills:Number of:Av. No. Hills:Number of:Av. No. Hills
i. samples : per acre: samples : per acre =: samples : per acre
Maine : 105 16,146 43 9,321
Minnesota : 39 9,228 81 9,271 20 9,121
North Dakota 3 70 9,304 55 8,950 6 8,907
Idaho : 243 13,597
Washington t S 14,431 123 15,066
Oregon A 93 13,171

17 Average number of hills per acre based on sample plots selected for objective
yield measurements.

CROP PRODUCTION, February 1973 10 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA


CITRUS FRUITS, PRODUCTION 1/

t ? INDICATED + INDICATED
CROP AND STATE 1970-71, 1971-72 “Yg7 73, 1970-72, (1971-72 1972-75
: 1,000 BOXES 2/ EQUIVALENT TONS
ORANGES :
EARLY, MIDSEASON & 3
NAVEL VARIETIES: 3/ :
CALIFORNIA : 17,900 22,300 21,000 671,000 836,000 788,000
FLORIDA 3 82,100 68 ,800 91,000 3,695 ,000 3,096,000 4,095,000
TEXAS : 4,000 3,800 4,500 180,000 171,000 203,000
ARIZONA : 760 900 2,100 28,500 33,800 41,300
TOTAL ABOVE VARIETIES : 104,760 95,800 117,600 4,574,500 4,136,800 5,127,300
VALENCIAS: :
CALIFORNIA : 19,600 21,000 21,000 735,000 788 ,000 788,000
FLORIDA : 60,200 68,200 77,000 2,709,000 3,069,000 3,465,000
TEXAS : 2,200 2,000 2,300 99,000 90,000 104,000
ARIZONA : 2,800 4,000 4,000 105 006 150,000 150,000
TOTAL VALENCIAS : 84,800 95,200 104,300 3,648,000 4,097,000 4,507,000
ALL ORANGES: :
CALIFORNIA : 37,500 43,300 42,000 1,406,000 1,624,000 1,576,000
FLORIDA : 142,300 137,000 168,000 6,404,000 6,165,000 7,560,000
TEXAS : 6,200 5,800 6,800 279,000 261,000 307,000
ARIZONA : 3,560 4,900 5,100 133,500 183,800 191,300
U. S., ALL ORANGES > 189,560 191,000 221,900 8,222,500 8,233,800 9,634,300
GRAPEFRUIT: :
FLORIDA, ALL : 42,900 47,000 45,000 1,824,000 1,998,000 1,914,000
SEEDLESS : 31,100 36,100 34,000 1,322,000 1,535,000 1,446,000
PINK : 10,900 12,300 11,000 463,000 523,000 468,000
WHITE : 20,200 23,800 23,000 859,000 1,012,000 978 ,000
OTHER : 11,800 10,900 21,000 502,000 463,000 468,000
‘TEXAS : 10,100 9,200 10,400 404,000 368,000 416,000
ARIZONA : 2,520 2,540 2,600 80,600 81,300 83,200
CALIFORNIA, ALL : 5,040 5,100 5,200 163,600 165,700 169,700
DESERT VALLEYS : 3,260 3,200 3,000 104,000 102,000 96,000
OTHER AREAS : 1,780 1,900 2,200 59,600 63,700 73,700
U. S., ALL GRAPEFRUIT =: 60,560 63,840 63,200 2,472,200 2,613,000 2,582,900
LEMONS: :
CALIFORNIA : 13,300 13,600 15,500 505,000 517,000 589,000
ARIZONA : 3,150 3,080 5,000 120,000 117,000 190,000
U.S. LEMONS 3 16,450 16,680 20,500 625,000 634,000 779,000
‘TANGELOS: :
FLORIDA : 2,700 3,900 3,800 122,000 176,000 171,000
TANGERINES: 3
FLORIDA : 3,700 3,200 2,900 176,000 152,000 138,000
ARIZONA : 390 $70 700 14,600 21,400 26,300
CALIFORNIA 3 1,140 600 700 42,800 22,500 26,300
TOTAL TANGERINES : 5,230 4,370 4,300 233,400 195,900 190,600
TEMPLES: :
FLORIDA : 5,000 5,300 5,000 225 ,000 239,000 225,000

1/ THE CROP YEAR BEGINS WITH THE BLOOM OF THE FIRST YEAR SHOWN AND ENDS WITH. COMPLETION OF HARVEST
THE FOLLOWING YEAR. 2/ NET CONTENT OF BOX VARIES.
CALIFORNIA AND ARIZONA, '75 LBS.; FLORIDA AND OTHER STATES, 90 LBS.; GRAPEFRUIT-CALIFORNIA, DESERT
VALLEYS, AND ARIZONA, 64 L8S.; OTHER CALIFORNIA AREAS, 67 LBS.; FLORIDA &§ LBS, AND TEXAS 80 LBS.;
LEMONS - 76 LBS.; TANGELOS - 90 LBS.; TANGERINES - CALIFORNIA AND ARIZONA, 7S LBS.; FLORIDA, 95 LBS.;

AND TEMPLES - 90 LBS.

CROP PRODUCTION, FEBRUARY 1973

APPROXIMATE AVERAGES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

3/ NAVEL AND MISCELLANEOUS VARIETIES IN CALIFORNIA AND ARIZONA.
MIDSEASON VARIETIES IN FLORIDA AND TEXAS, INCLUDING SMALL QUANTITIES OF TANGERINES IN TEXAS.

ORANGES -

EARLY AND

CROP REPORTING BOARD, SRS, USDA


TANGELOS: Florida production remains at 3.8 million boxes, 100,000 boxes less than last season's
output. Harvest is running considerably behind last season,

TANGERINES: The tangerine crop, now estimated at 4.3 million boxes, up 300,000 boxes from
January 1, stands at 70,000 boxes less than last season. All the increase from
last month is in Florida where volume has exceeded earlier forecasts. Harvest is nearing com-
pletion. In California, harvest is making good progress. Most of the volume is from southern
California because few tangerines from the central valley were moved during January.

TEMPLES: Florida crop prospects remain at 5.0 million boxes, 300,000 boxes less than last
season's output. Harvest is underway with a little more than one-fifth of the crop
picked by February 1.

POTATOES: Winter crop production is estimated at 2,539,000 cwt., slightly less than forecast
a month ago, and compares with 1972 production of 2,327,000 cwt., and the 1971 crop
of 3,088,000 cwt.

The Florida crop is estimated at 1,436,000 cwt., 6 percent larger than the 1972 production,
1,358,000 cwt., but 6 percent smaller than the 1971 outturn, 1,526,000 cwt. Increasing sup-
plies of red potatoes are currently expected from Martin County and the Fort Myers area with
the south Dade County harvest becoming active after mid-February. The white potato crop has
made satisfactory growth in the Ft. Myers-Naples and Dade County areas. Harvesting of the
Everglades crop is complete.

For California, the winter crop is estimated at 1,103,000 cwt., unchanged from last month,
14 percent more than the 1972 crop of 969,000, put 29 percent less than the 197} production of
1,562,000 cwt, Digging was at the half-way mark by February 1 in Kern and Riverside Counties
on a good crop, but rains in the central San Joaquin counties slowed harvesting.

IRISH POTATOES 1973 CROP

: Yield per : Producti

Seasonal Acreage A harvested acre t uction

group and Harvested : For ?: ? : : : A
State To71 > «9723 harvest : 1971 1972: 1973 : 1971 : 1972: 1973

i z i 1973: z 3 3 : 2

: 1,000 acres Cwt. T,000 cwt.

WINTER: 3

Florida H 10.9 9.7 8.7 140 140 165 1,526 1,358 1,436
California Te 5.7 4.9 220 170 225 1,562 969 1,103
Total 18.0 15.4 13.6 172 151 187 3,088 2,327 2,539

CROP REPORTING BOARD

i RS, USDA
CROP PRODUCTION, February 1973 6 Crop Reporting Board, SRS


Irish Potatoes: Percentage of net weight by size groups, 1972 crop 1/

Type? Fa ba 7: a"
and :Under 1's": under under : under : under : under and : Total
State t 17/8": 2" tuts itt gts over :
? “Percent
Round Red:
Minnesota : 1 3 3 10 18 61 4 100
North Dakota: 1 3 3 9 1s 59 10 100
Round White :
Maine : 2 3 3 10 16 58 8 100
Minnesota : 0 1 3 8 15 61 12 100
North Dakota: 0 1 2 6 11 62 18 100
Washington : 2 5 2 17 19 34 2 100
: Tyan. tT 7782" or “26 ozs 8 ore 10 oe! 12 02414 o7,?
Russets ‘UMdeT + under? wnder :4 0z.-+: under } under? under ‘under * and : Total
2 Vy" ty 77gn:2" or sunder. : g 92,719 oz. 12 oz.* 14 ox over *
H : 24 of, :6 oz, 3. : : H :
: Percent
Maine 1 8 7 40 17 12 6 3 6 100
Minnesota :; 1 9 11 20 21 38 0 0 0 100
North Dakota: 2 9 11 16 7 a4 1 0 0 200
Idaho : 2 8 5 27 1% «12 9 7 12 ~~ 100
Washington : 1 5 3 26 19 16 10 8 2 100
Oregon : 6 5 26 19 #15 10 8 1 100

* Less than 4 percent.

1/ Percentages shown adjusted to allow for harvesting loss,

CROP PRODUCTION, February 1973 9 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA


crop production

(— Release: )

February 9, 1973
3:00 P.M. EST

HIGHLIGHTS OF U. S. CROP REPORT AS OF FEBRUARY 1, 1973

Citrus production rose slightly last month and stands 12 percent above last
season. An Increase in Florida tangerines accounted for al! of January's
change.

Orange production, forecast at 221.9 million boxes, remains unchanged from
January 1, but 30.9 million boxes (16 percent) above last season. By
February 1, about 25 percent of the oranges had been harvested.

Grapefruit production is placed at 63.2 million boxes, unchanged from January re
but slightly (640,000 boxes) below the 1971-72 crop. About 35 percent of
the crop had been harvested by February 1.

Lemon production at 20.5 million boxes stays the same as last month, but 23
percent (3.8 million boxes) more than last season. Harvest is nearly
complete in Arizona.

Winter potato production for 1973 is forecast at 2.5 million cwt., slightly less
than estimated a month ago, but 9 percent (0.2 million cwt.) more than
the 1972 crop, 2.3 million cwt.

Winter wheat was in satisfactory condition, although snow cover was limited.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
STATISTICAL REPORTING SERVICE CROP REPORTING BOARD
CrPr 2-2 (2-73) WASHINGTON, D.C. 20250 , yy,



FERTILIZER USE ON CORN ACREAGE HARVESTED FOR GRAIN, SELECTED STATES, 1972

Fields:

Acres receiving

Rate per acre

7_Acres fertilized 3/7

Acres : receiving 2/ At OF ? after + At OF
State : harv. : in : ‘Any z : po t before: seeding? before
: Vv : survey? fort, N : P20. : K20 N P20s, : K,0 ise only * § ane
+ Thou, No. Percent “Pounds — Percent e
Pa. $00 118 97 97 97 96 83.8 66.4 $5.8 95 0 5
Ohio + 3,100 152 97 97 97 97 102.4 80.7 80.7 66 a 33
Ind. + 4,894 185 100 100 100 99 125.7. 75.4 108.6 48 oO 52
Ill. + 9,155 224 97 96 91 91 128.4 73.8 79.7 60 5 3s
Mich, 22,722 91-100 100 100 98 88.4 72.2 68.7 52 1 48
Wis. 2 2,143 154 98 98 97 97 79.1 61.2 78.3 68 OY) 32
Minn. + 4,899 146 90 90 88 86 92.5 66.4 60.2 80 S is
Towa 310,450 208 94 94 90 86 110.0 60.3 56.4 77 1 22
Mo. + 2,500 160 98 98 84 84 115.8 60.3 63.8 68 8 24
S. Dak, : 2,388 102 4s 45 37 20 52.6 29.3 19.8 72 13 1s
Nebr. : $,170 169 93 92 69 50 139.4 39.9 18.1 53 13 34
Kans. : 1,250 134 97 97 81 66 1462.6 44.5 24,3 82 3 is
Del. : 179 74 96 96 95 9s 100.3. 65.5 73.6 $2 0 48
Md. : 443 88 100 100 98 100 92.4 83.4 95.6 72 1 28
Va. : $02 100 99 99 97 96 113.6 73.1 94.4 44 7 49
N.C. 21,350 144-100 100 100 100 181.7 $9.6 74.6 8 2 90
Ga. + 1,490 9S 99 99 99 ALS 4,5 51.6 74.2 14 4 82
Ky. : 968 119 98 98 93 9 124.8 86.4 81.1 59 3 38
Colo. 405 118 98 98 75 4 165.8 80.0 51.0 28 10 62

1/ From 1972 Annual Crop Summary, SRS, USDA.

2/ To'convert to the elements P afd K, P20, is converted to P by dividing by 2.29137; Kz0 is converted
to K by dividing by 1.20459.

3/ Percentages apply to acres receiving fertilizer, not to total acres harvested for grain.

CROP PRODUCTION, February 1973

12

Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA


FERTILIZER USED ON SELECTED CROPS IN SELECTED STATES 1972

(Corn for Grain, Cotton, Soybeans for Beans, Wheat)

Data on fertilizer used on acreages of corn and wheat for grain, soy-
beans for beans and cotton in 1972 are presented in the following tables.
The information was obtained when interviewing farm operators for Objective
Yield Surveys conducted by the Statistical Reporting Service and are not
official estimates of total fertilizer use. The sample fields for Objective
Yield Surveys were selected on the basis of acreage of the various crops.

The samples are relatively small in some States and the data are sub-
ject to sampling fluctuation. Sampling errors were computed for the rates
per acre of nitrogen, phosphorous and potash applied to each crop in the
major producing States. For all States combined, the relative standard
errors in 1972 were less than 2 percent for cotton and corn, less than 4 per-
cent for winter wheat and 3 to 8 percent for soybeans.

The data of percentage of harvested acres fertilized, application rate
of fertilizer nutrients and time of application were collected by interview
in the specified States in the summer and fall of 1972. No attempt has been
made to convert the data into total nutrients used or total acreage affected.
For reference purposes, the total harvested acreage for each crop as published
in the 1972 SRS Annual Crop Summary is shown for the selected States.

Number of sample fields for each State is shown in the second column of
the table for each crop. Data for wheat include reports on Winter, Durum
and Other Spring Wheat where produced. The nutrients applied were reported
in terms of N, P205 and Kj0 and are shown as such. Factors for converting
P20, and Kz0 to actual elements of P and K are given in the table footnotes.

The data in the last three columns of each table show the time of .
application of fertilizer. These percentages represent the percent of acres
fertilized (1) at or before seeding only, (2) after seeding only, or (3) both
at or before seeding and after seeding.

CROP PRODUCTION, February 1973 uu Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA



POTATOES: OBJECTIVE YIELD RESULTS, 1972 SURVEY

Surveys using objective sampling methods were conducted by the Statistical
Reporting Service in six major potato producing States during 1972.

Potato fields were selected on a random basis using a scientifically designed
procedure, Sample data were obtained from these fields both before and after har-
vest, Enumerators obtained data on both planted and harvested acres, varieties
grown and plant counts. From each sample field, 6 hills were dug for size, grade
and weight determinations. Additional samples were taken to determine quantities
remaining in the field after harvest.

The sample data and averages presented here from the objective yield surveys
are not official estimates of the Crop Reporting Board, but are intended to provide
current information about the crop.

Irish Potatoes: Percentage of net weight by Grade; U. S. No. 1 (1 7/8" min.),
No. 2 (1 1/2" minimum), and other, by type, 1972 1/

Round Reds Round Whites t Russets

State = yo. 1 + No. 2 * Other ‘No.1 ‘No. 2 } Other ‘No. 1°No. 2 ‘Other
Maine : 86 2/ 14 79 9 12
Minnesota > 93 6 1 89 10 1 82 16 2
North Dakota : 93 6 1 89 10 1 75 16 9
Idaho 1/ : 71 Ig 10
Washington 1/: 72 21 7 63 30 7
Oregon 1/ : 60 30 10

17 Based on grading to U. S. Standards for table stock of potatoes dug from
objective yield sample plots, adjusted for harvesting loss, Idaho, Washington and
Oregon have a 2", or 4 oz., minimum standard under the Marketing Orders. Percentages
for the 2", 4 oz., minimum for No. 1's are as follows for Russets: Idaho, 68 percent;
Washington, 60 percent; Oregon, 57 percent.

2/ Included with other.

CROP PRODUCTION, February 1973 8 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA


growth can provide more adequate cover. Kansas wheat showed some greening in January but made:
little growth, Late sown wheat in west central and southwestern Oklahi i i

a joma has also attained little
growth. Fall seeded grains in Texas were set back in early and mid-January by freezing weather
but recovered some later in the month. The Colorado crop remained mostly dormant as little or
no growth has occurred since early November.

In Montana and the Pacific Northwest, unusually cold temperatures in early January gave
way to well above normal temperatures later in the month. Most of the eastern half of Montana
averaged 15 or more degrees above norma] the latter part of January and the first few days of
February, Some winter wheat fields in Washington were reseeded during January.

Soil moisture in the eastern half of the Nation remained in adequate to surplus supply and
fall seeded grains were in fair to good condition in early February. The crops got off to a
late start last fall but winter weather to date has been favorable. However, top dressing of
fertilizer has been limited by wet fields.

ORANGES: The Nation's 1972-73 orange crop, as of February 1, is forecast at 221.9 million

boxes, unchanged from the forecast of a month earlier, and 16 percent above 1971-72
crop. Over the past 8 seasons, the February 1 orange forecasts have differed from final pro-~
duction an average of 7.0 million boxes, ranging from 1,0 to 18.3 million boxes. Navels, early
and midseason varieties make up 117.6 million boxes of the total while Valencias account for
104.3 million boxes. By February 1, about one-fourth of the oranges had been harvested.

Prospective production in Florida, at 168.0 million boxes, remains the same as last month,
and stands 23 percent above the 1971-72 crop. In the past 8 seasons, the February 1 forecasts
have differed from final production an average of 6.1 million boxes~-ranging from 1.0 to 17.7
million boxes. The large difference of+17.7 million boxes occurred during the 1970-71 season
when a late January freeze seriously affected the final outturn of the crop. Of the 168.0 mil-
lion boxes estimated, 91,0 million boxes are early and .midseason varieties, while Valencias
account for 77.0 million boxes. Quantity harvested to date of the early and midseason crop-is
slightly ahead of last season. Trees and fruit remain in excellent condition. Soil moisture
is adequate in all areas with some areas reporting an excess. January rainfall was above normal
in most areas'and came at almost weekly intervals. There were two freeze threats during the
month but no fruit damage was reported. Some mowing and discing prior to harvest was accom
plished but normal grove care activities were limited due to inclement weather.

California's orange production is placed at 42.0 million boxes, unchanged from January 1.
This is 3 percent below last season but 12 percent more than the 1970-71 season. Temperatures
during January were generally below normal except for the third week of January. Most of the
producing districts received some rainfall during the month. Harvesting of Navel oranges con-
tinues, but diversion to processing remains heavy in San Joaquin Valley due to the December
freeze. Harvest in the San Joaquin Valley is slower than normal and growers are picking
selectively. Sizes in this area are mich larger than normal. In the southern areas the fruit
has little damage and sizes are normal. Valencia harvest has begun in the desert areas;
however, much of the fruit is moving to processors due to freeze damage. Harvest in the other
areas should get underway during March,

Production of Texas oranges is set at 6.8 million boxes, unchanged from January 1, but
1.0 million more than were harvested during the 1971-72 season. Picking of the early and mid-
season crop was delayed by cold weather during January. This crop was about three-fourths
harvested by February-1. Picking of Valencias is underway, but volume is light. Orange trees
are in good condition and moisture conditions are adequate. Freezing temperatures on January 10
and 11 caused no fruit damage and little or no damage to trees.

Arizona’s 1972-73 crop is forecast at 5.1 million boxes, the same as on January 1, but
200,000 boxes more than last season, Harvest of the navel crop is nearly complete, Picking
of Valencia oranges is just getting underway and should reach volume proportions during March.
Damage from earlier freezing temperatures varies from light to moderately heavy in unprotected
groves, Mostly, this will result in a shift from fresh to processing.

CROP PRODUCTION, February 1973 4 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA




CROP REPORT SUMMARY AS OF FEBRUARY 1, 1973

Intense cold gripped the Nation until mid-January, but warmer than average temperatures pre-
dominated after mid-month over the northern United States, More than average amounts of pre-
cipitation fell on the central Great Plains and South Atlantic States. Much of the Nation's
wheat crop had greened by late January. Farmers were still harvesting soybeans, corn, sorghum
grain, and cotton when conditions allowed them in the fields. Good progress was made in many
States during the month. Frosts in Florida did little damage to vegetable crops and resulted in
improved color of citrus crops. Texas vegetable and fruit growers also experienced frosts, but
no major crop damage occurred.

January~-Mostly Warm and Dry in the North, Cold and Wet in the South

The intense cold which covered the Nation for the first two weeks of January was replaced by
warmer weather which predominated over the northern States for the rest of the month. January
temperatures were warmer than average from the Pacific Northwest to New England. In the central
and eastern portions of the Nation, temperatures were above average. Temperatures over most of
Montana and North Dakota were 6°- 9° above average which caused the snow cover to disappear from
most small grain fields. The below average temperatures covered virtually all of the southern part
of the United States, except the lower part of Florida; ranging from only a slight departure to an
intensely cold area located over the western slope region of the Central Rocky Mountains. Temper-
atures over most of the southern Great Plains were about 4° below average. Florida experienced
frosts during early January and at mid-month, but only minor crop damage occurred. Frosts at
mid-month in Texas caused little or no damage to citrus trees and no damage to the fruit.

Above average amounts Of precipitation fell over most of the country west of the Mississippi
River except for an area north of a line from southern Minnesota to northern California, The
South Atlantic States also had above average precipitation in the form of snow, sleet, freezing
rain, and drizzle with much of it falling early in the month. It was drier than usual over the
rest of the Nation. Montana and North Dakota received less than one-half of normal precipitation.

Harvest of Corn and Soybeans Nearing Completion, Cotton Lagging

Corn and soybean farmers in the North Central region took advantage of frozen ficlds early
in the month to make good progress in winding up the harvest of these crops, but mild,
ground-thawing temperatures during the last half of January returned fields to mud and made har-
vest very difficult, At month's end harvest of both corn and soybeans in the North Central States
was about 95 percent complete. In the south, soybean harvest continued to lag and was nearing the
90 percent mark, About 10 to 15 percent of the cotton acreage in Texas remained to be harvested
late in the month. Numerous fields in Oklahoma, and the Delta States were still unharvested.
The cotton harvest was virtually complete in the western States by month's end, Sorghum grain har-
vest still lagged in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Colorado due to snow, rain and muddy fields.

Supplies of hay were generally ample although localshortages developed in the upper North Central
and North Atlantic States,

Fall Seeded Grains Progressing Satisfactorily

Winter wheat greened the latter part of January as far north as South Dakota due to
above normal temperatures and adequate soil moisture. Snow cover melted rapidly in the last
two weeks of January and by early February, the most important winter wheat growing areas were
without a protective cover. The chief exceptions were western portions of Cotorado and
Montana where the crop was still under snow. However, the Qctober-January precipitation in
Montana and the Pacific Northwest was below normal.

Soil moisture supplies in the Great Plains were adequate to surplus around February 1,
Ground cover was only fair in many areas. The crop has wintered well to date but is still
vulnerable to wind damage this spring if top soils become dry and high winds come before spring

CROP PRODUCTION, February 1973 3 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA


CITRUS FRUITS PRODUCTION 1/

Indicated 1972-73

Crop 1970-71 : 1971-72 Jan. 1 Feb. 1
1,000 boxes
Oranges 189,560 191,000 221,900 221,900
Grapefruit 60,560 63,840 63,200 63,200
Lemons 16,450 16,680 20,500 20,500

1/ Season begins with bloom of the first year shown and ends with the completion

of harvest the following year.

IRISH POTATOES

Acreage :Yield per harv. acre: Production
Seasonal Harvested For =: 3 :Indi- : : :Ind. 1973
group : harvest : 1971 : 1972:cated : 1971 : 1972:Jan. : Feb:
1971) 1972 1973 : 3 21973 : y il sol
1,000 acres Cwt. 1,000 cwt.
Winter 18.0 15.4 13.6 172. «151 187 3,088 2,327 2,555 2,539
APPROVED: CROP REPORTING BOARD:
J. W. Kirkbride, Acting Chairman,
M. L. Koehn, Secretary,
Lane J R. L. Freie, J. E. Mullin,
rm D. J. Fedewa, L. P. Garrett,
ACTING SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE R. R. Hancock, J. R. Standley.
CROP PRODUCTION, February 1973 2 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA


FERTILIZER USE ON WHEAT ACREAGE HARVESTED FOR GRAIN, SELECTED STATES, 1972

: 3 Vi : Rate per acre t_____ Acres fertilized 3/
Acres :Fields ;___Roves receiving : receiving 2/ RC or At or
State : harv. : in Pany ¢ 7 : 3 2 : tbefore ° seeding’ before
: isurvey + tN 2P905 KO: N:P X20 :seeding: 28 after
BM paves ifort, Nas pee Sony: OMY seeding
: Thou. No. Percent Pounds Percent
Ohio 1,029 82 98 98 98 (98 43.3 58.7 53.8 55 1 4a
Ind. 826 68 97 97 % «97 53.0 57.1 52.0 38 9 53
mn. 1,200 73 95 93 8677 55.9 71,7 55.5 46 15 39
Mich. 535 65 92 91 920 9 35.9 59.6 49.7 72 0 28
Minn. 1,498 44 96 96 96 59 $7.5 38.3 21.2 93 0 7
Mo. 925 92 91 21 6564 78.2 37.8 41.4 43 30 27
N. Dak, : 7,507 237 72 68 70 7 17.8 26.1 14.3 99 1 0
S. Dak, : 1,878 124 31 31 28 5 28.1 19,2 6.1 92 8 0
Nebr. : 2,556 117 46 45 19 1 40.1 43.5 6.0 72 28 0
Kans. : 9,400 261 60 60 40 6 $1.1 35.5 14,5 6S 6 29
Okla. : 3,900 153 63 63 40 9 48.5 36,2 11.2 87 9 34
Texas : 2,000 116 46 46 24 4 82.3 37.3 16.0 78 2 20
Mont. =: 3,704 192 4g 43 45 2 14.9 22.3 3.0 97 1 2
Idaho: 958 123 2 n 3 1 60.1 46.1 9.8 58 23 19
Colo. : 2,146 M3 10 10 6 9 61.4 9.0 9.0 300 9 9
Wash, : 2,602 133 92 92 6 0 63,2 32.1 9.0 19 4 7
Oreg. 879 70 39 a9 9 0 46.0 38.1 9.0 83 24 13
: FERTILIZER USE ON SOYBEAN ACREAGE HARVESTED FOR BEANS, SELECTED STATES, 1972
: 3,030 127 54 47 53 54 «121,9 37.8 47.0 96 3 1
1 3,703 122 48 42 47 48 10,9 40.6 51,2 98 0 2
: 7,490 ua7 22 1 18 22,0«121.9 47,4 63.1 97 3 °
1 3,325 M1 cu) 13 w 12 20.2 44,2 61.9 100 0 0
: 6,050 142 14 9 13 iu 11.3 35.7 34.7 95 5 Qo
: 4,000 133 27 23 27 27° «16.5 36.7 42.6 97 3 0
: 746 55 22 16 22 1613.8 34.4 22.0 100 0 0
: 875 44 a 14 sv 9 443 46.3 30.5 83 t) 17
: 1,10 78 67 65 67 67 «13.1 34.4 $5.4 96 4 0
2 1,125 82 85 65 84 840 «17.9 45.8 771 96 3 1
: 1,242 82 54 42 54 5415.0 44.0 46.0 98 2 0
: 2,475 140 34 15 33 3127.0 54.3 53.4 98 2 0
: 4,020 161 39 14 35 3813.9 4.7 48,4 94 6 Q
11,667 104 28 14 28 2814.8 53.8 $2.5 100 a 0

1/ From 1972 Annual Crop Summary, SRS, USDA.
2/ To convert to the elements P and K, P20s is converted to P by dividing by 2.29137; Ko0 is converted
to K by dividing by 1.20459,

3/ Percentages apply to acres receiving fertilizer, not to total acres harvested,

CROP PRODUCTION, February 1973 13 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA