Cr Pr 2-2 (3-08) 

Washington, D.C.

Crop 

Production

Released March 11, 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 February 

The U.S. all orange forecast for the 2007-08 season is 10.0 million tons, up 1 percent from the February 1 forecast and 

32 percent higher than the 2006-07 final utilization of 7.59 million tons. Florida’s all orange forecast, at 167 million 

boxes (7.52 million tons), is up 1 percent from the previous forecast and 29 percent higher than last season’s final 

utilization of 129 million boxes. Early, midseason, and navel varieties in Florida are forecast at 82.0 million boxes 

(3.69 million tons), up 1 percent from February 1 and 25 percent above last season. 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. 

Average fruit size for Valencia oranges remains small and is still expected to be smaller at harvest than any of the last 

eight non-hurricane seasons. Although the drop rate increased over the past month, it remained below average. 

The California Valencia forecast is 16.0 million boxes (600,000 tons), up 7 percent from the previous forecast and 

45 percent above 2006-07. This brings California’s all orange forecast to 64.0 million boxes, up 2 percent from the 

January 1 forecast and 42 percent higher than last season. Harvest of Valencia oranges has begun and the crop looks 

good. The average fruit set per tree is higher than most years, while the fruit size is smaller than average. 

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

42.0 degrees Brix, up from 1.62 last month, but down from last season’s final yield of 1.65 gallons per box. The earlymid portion remains at 1.53 gallons per box, 2 percent below last season’s final of 1.56 gallons per box. The Valencia 

portion increased to 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 

March 2008 2 NASS, USDA 

This report was approved on March 11, 2008. 

Secretary of 

Agriculture 

Edward T. Schafer 

Agricultural Statistics Board 

Acting Chairperson 

Jeffrey K. Geuder 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

March 2008 3 NASS, USDA 

Contents

Page

Noncitrus Fruits & Tree Nuts

Papayas.......................................................................................................................................................................... 4 

Citrus Fruits

Grapefruit...................................................................................................................................................................... 5 

Lemons.......................................................................................................................................................................... 5 

Oranges ......................................................................................................................................................................... 5 

Tangelos........................................................................................................................................................................ 5 

Tangerines..................................................................................................................................................................... 5 

Temples......................................................................................................................................................................... 5 

Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops 

Sugarcane...................................................................................................................................................................... 4 

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 

March 2008 4 NASS, USDA 

Sugarcane: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production 

by Use, State, and United States, 2006-2007 

Area Harvested Yield 1

 Production 1 Use 

and 

State 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 

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

For Sugar 

 FL 

 HI 2

 LA 2

 TX 2

 US 

For Seed 

 FL 

 HI 2

 LA 2

 TX 2

 US 

For Sugar 

 and Seed 

 FL 

 HI 2

 LA 2

 TX 2

 US 

382.0 

20.4 

405.0 

39.2 

846.6 

18.0 

1.6 

30.0 

1.5 

51.1 

400.0 

22.0 

435.0 

40.7 

897.7 

378.0 

20.2 

390.0 

43.5 

831.7 

18.0 

2.3 

30.0 

1.5 

51.8 

396.0 

22.5 

420.0 

45.0 

883.5 

35.8 

79.1 

27.3 

41.2 

33.0 

37.2 

32.0 

27.3 

41.0 

31.4 

35.9 

75.7 

27.3 

41.2 

32.9 

36.8 

84.5 

30.0 

41.0 

35.0 

39.4 

30.7 

30.0 

37.0 

33.5 

36.9 

79.0 

30.0 

40.9 

34.9 

13,676 

1,614 

11,057 

1,615 

27,962 

670 

51 

819 

62 

1,602 

14,346 

1,665 

11,876 

1,677 

29,564 

13,910 

1,707 

11,700 

1,784 

29,101 

709 

71 

900 

56 

1,736 

14,619 

1,778 

12,600 

1,840 

30,837 

1

 Net tons. 

2

 Estimates are carried forward from the "Crop Production 2007 Summary." 

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 

Dec 

Jan 

2,050 

2,330 2,045 

1,255 

1,400 1,260 

2,805 

2,465 2,880 

1

 Utilized fresh production. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

March 2008 5 NASS, USDA 

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

2005-06, 2006-07 and Forecasted March 1, 2008 1

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 2 1,000 Boxes 2 1,000 Boxes 2 1,000 Tons 1,000 Tons 1,000 Tons 

Oranges 

 Early, Mid & 

 Navel 3

 AZ 4

 CA 4

 FL 5

 TX 4

 US 

 Valencia 

 AZ 4

 CA 

 FL 

 TX 4

 US 

 All 

 AZ 4

 CA 

 FL 

 TX 4

 US 

Temples 5

 FL 

Grapefruit 

 White 

 FL 

 Colored 

 FL 

 All 

 AZ 4

 CA 4

 FL 

 TX 4

 US 

Tangerines 

 AZ 4 6

 CA 4 6

 FL 

 US 

Lemons 4

 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 

34,000 

65,600 

1,600 

101,400 

100 

11,000 

63,400 

380 

74,880 

300 

45,000 

129,000 

1,980 

176,280 

9,300 

17,900 

100 

4,000 

27,200 

7,100 

38,400 

300 

2,900 

4,600 

7,800 

2,500 

16,000 

18,500 

1,250 

250 

48,000 

82,000 

1,400 

131,650 

100 

16,000 

85,000 

385 

101,485 

350 

64,000 

167,000 

1,785 

233,135 

7,500 

17,000 

150 

5,000 

24,500 

6,600 

36,250 

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 

1,275 

2,952 

68 

4,303 

4 

413 

2,853 

16 

3,286 

12 

1,688 

5,805 

84 

7,589 

395 

761 

3 

134 

1,156 

284 

1,577 

11 

109 

219 

339 

95 

608 

703 

56 

9 

1,800 

3,690 

60 

5,559 

4 

600 

3,825 

16 

4,445 

13 

2,400 

7,515 

76 

10,004 

319 

723 

5 

168 

1,042 

264 

1,479 

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

 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. 3

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

in TX. 4

 Estimates for current year carried forward from previous forecast. 

5

 Temples included in early and midseason orange varieties beginning with 2007-08 season. 6

 Includes tangelos and tangors. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

March 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 

46,610.0 

11.0 

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 

1,129.0 

11.5 

70.4 

50.4 

996.7 

19.6 

97.5 

0.4 

11.0 

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 

March 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 

335 

410 

121 

189 

250 

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 

449,156 

2,473 

20,694 

16,907 

409,082 

2,379 

18,452 

4,000 

2,750 

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 

March 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 

1,577 

703 

7,589 

56 

339 

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 

1,479 

703 

10,004 

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 

March 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 

18,862,600 

4,450 

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 

456,900 

4,650 

28,490 

20,400 

403,350 

7,930 

39,460 

150 

4,450 

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. 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 

March 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 

44.59 

24.10 

32.95 

37.60 

46.00 

0.14 

21.21 

28.02 

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 

20,373,370 

112,170 

938,660 

766,890 

18,555,650 

1,080 

836,970 

1,810 

124,740 

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 

March 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 

1,430,630 

637,750 

6,884,620 

50,800 

307,540 

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 

1,341,730 

637,750 

9,075,480 

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 

March 2008 12 NASS, USDA 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

March 2008 13 NASS, USDA 

February Weather Summary

Multiple storms dumped heavy precipitation from the southeastern Plains into the Northeast, including a broad swath of 

the Midwest. As a result, periodic flooding returned to the central and eastern Corn Belt, while record-setting snowfall 

blanketed areas from Iowa into New England. Farther south, rain continued to ease or eradicate drought, especially 

across southern Georgia and northern Florida. Some of the Southern rainfall was accompanied by strong 

thunderstorms, including a February 5-6 tornado swarm that was the nation=s deadliest outbreak since May 1985. 

However, heavy showers largely bypassed several areas, including the central portion of Florida=s peninsula and much 

of the interior Southeast, leaving long-term rainfall deficits intact. Meanwhile, mostly dry weather prevailed across the 

nation=s mid-section, excluding the aforementioned heavy precipitation on the southeastern Plains. In fact, intensifying 

drought across central, southern, and western Texas contributed to a major rash of wildfires that peaked in intensity 

during a high-wind event on February 25. By month=s end, the percentage of winter wheat rated very poor to poor 

included 21 percent in Kansas, 23 percent in Oklahoma, and 63 percent in Texas. As spring approached, dryness was 

also a concern on parts of the northern High Plains. Elsewhere, significant Western precipitation was mostly confined 

to interior portions of the region. Nevertheless, enough snow fell to add 9 inches of water equivalency (from 20 to 

29 inches) to the Sierra Nevada snow pack. Overall, Western water supply prospects for the spring and summer were 

superior to this time last year, when the average water content of the Sierra Nevada snow pack stood at just 17 inches. 

The coldest February weather in more than a decade gripped much of the northern Plains and the upper Midwest, where 

monthly temperatures generally averaged 5 to 10 degrees F below normal. Colder-than-normal weather also prevailed 

across much of the remainder of the Plains and Midwest, except for near-normal temperatures on the High Plains and 

southern Plains. In contrast, warmer-than-normal conditions covered much of the South, particularly in southern Texas 

and the southern Atlantic States. In fact, monthly temperatures averaged at least 5 degrees F above normal in Deep 

South Texas. Elsewhere, Western temperatures were variable, generally ranging from somewhat below normal across 

the Intermountain region to slightly above normal in parts of the Northwest. 

February Agricultural Summary 

By midmonth, spring corn planting preparations were underway in Texas. However, rainfall in the Blacklands and 

south central Texas regions delayed field activity. During February, sugarcane harvest was ongoing in Texas and 

Florida, and sugarbeets were growing well in California, as producers fertilized, irrigated, and cultivated fields. During 

the first half of the month, potato planting was ongoing in south Texas and neared completion in central Florida, while 

potato harvest continued in both California and southern Florida. In early February, cotton fieldwork on the Texas 

High Plains continued, and harvest neared completion on the southern Low Plains. By February 15, Texas cotton 

producers were preparing for planting along the Upper Coast, while harvest in the Low Plains neared completion. A 

week later, producers in the Panhandle were preparing their fields for planting, while in the Lower Valley planting was 

underway. By February 22, sorghum planting was underway in Texas. By the end of the month, growers in the Texas 

Low Plains and Trans-Pecos regions were preparing fields and planting continued in the Lower Valley. 

Early in the month, small grain planting continued in Arizona but progress was behind last year and normal. In 

California, rains promoted growth of oat, barley, winter forage, and wheat crops. In Texas, the lack of moisture 

continued to negatively impact small grains. By February 15, half of Arizona’s alfalfa crop had been harvested. By 

February 22, Arizona producers nearly completed the planting of small grain acreage behind the pace of last year and 

the 5-year average pace. Durum wheat and barley acreage was 65 percent or more emerged by this date. In Texas, 

showers in the Blacklands and the Panhandle were beneficial for small grain development. Georgia producers were top 

dressing small grains, fertilizing pastures, and spraying for weeds. The Florida panhandle received heavy rains leaving 

wheat fields soaked. By month’s end, herbicide applications were ongoing in California small grain fields and alfalfa 

was growing well across the State as weevil spraying continued. In Texas, irrigation continued on many wheat and oat 

fields with showers in eastern Texas providing only limited relief to small grains. Frequent showers in Georgia during 

the month were beneficial for crops and pastures, although in some areas, wet soil conditions hampered applications of 

nitrogen on small grain fields. 

Early in the month, almond producers in California were clearing downed trees from January’s damaging winds, while 

new planting of almond trees was evident in some areas. By mid-month, almond buds were swelling, pruning 

continued in nut groves, and dormant sprays were applied. By February 29, almond groves were blooming and 

progressing well in California’s Sacramento Valley. Warm weather conditions were excellent for pollination and 

reduced disease threat. Texas pecan growers were pruning trees early in the month. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

March 2008 14 NASS, USDA 

In California, field preparation for new vineyards started early in the month and was nearly complete by month’s end. 

In existing vineyards, irrigation, cultivation, and chemical treatments were ongoing and growers were tying vines. 

Some blueberry bush planting was evident in California and Georgia. In Florida, strawberry harvest began and fields 

were prepared for watermelon planting. Harvesting, packing, and shipping continued for a multitude of vegetables and 

herbs during the month of February in Arizona, California, Florida, and Texas. 

Sugarcane: Production of sugarcane for sugar and seed in 2007 is 30.8 million tons, of which 29.1 million tons are for 

sugar and 1.74 million tons are for seed. Total production for sugar and seed is down fractionally from February but 

4 percent above the 2006 production. Sugarcane growers intend to harvest 883,500 acres for sugar and seed during the 

2007 crop year, unchanged from last month but 2 percent less than last year. If realized, this will be the smallest area 

harvested for sugar and seed since 1990. Yield is forecast at 34.9 tons per acre, the same as the last forecast but up 

2.0 tons from last year. 

The yield in Florida for sugar and seed, at 36.9 tons per acre, is down 0.1 ton from last month but up 1.0 ton from last 

year. Harvest continued in the Lake Okeechobee area in Florida and wetland sugarcane harvest was progressing at a 

steady pace throughout the month of February. Estimates for Hawaii, Louisiana, and Texas are carried forward from 

January. 

Papayas: Hawaii fresh papaya production is estimated at 2.88 million pounds for January 2008, up 3 percent from 

December and 17 percent higher than the comparable month a year ago. Total area in crop for January is estimated at 

2,045 acres, down slightly from last month and 12 percent less than January 2007. Harvested area totaled 1,260 acres, 

virtually unchanged from last month but down 10 percent from January 2007. January weather was mostly dry with 

continuous trade winds. Warm daytime temperatures were beneficial for crop progress and fruit development. 

However, at the end of the month, drenching rains caused some minor flooding and damage to roads and young 

plantings. Orchard maintenance was delayed due to wet conditions. 

Grapefruit: The forecast of the 2007-08 U.S. grapefruit crop is 1.48 million tons, unchanged from the February 1 

forecast but 6 percent lower than the previous season. Florida's grapefruit production is forecast at 24.5 million boxes 

(1.04 million tons), unchanged from the February forecast but 10 percent below last season. 

The Florida all white grapefruit forecast is 7.50 million boxes (319,000 tons), the same as February’s forecast but 

19 percent below last season’s final utilization. Although the previous data were considered final, an additional 

monthly size and drop survey was conducted in February. Very little growth occurred in white grapefruit and the 

average volume was the smallest on record for February. The droppage rate for white grapefruit continued slightly 

above the maximum of recent non-hurricane years. The Florida colored grapefruit forecast, at 17.0 million boxes 

(723,000 tons), is unchanged from the February forecast but 5 percent below the 2006-07 final utilization. Average 

fruit sizes were the smallest on record in a series dating back to 1968. The average drop rate slowed in February and 

ended slightly below average. Arizona, California, and Texas grapefruit production forecasts are carried forward from 

the January forecast. 

Tangelos: Florida’s tangelo forecast is 1.50 million boxes (68,000 tons), up 15 percent from the February 1 forecast 

and 20 percent above the 2006-07 final utilized production. Nearly 93 percent of the rows included in the monthly 

route survey have been harvested. 

Tangerines: The U.S. tangerine crop is forecast at 434,000 tons, unchanged from the February forecast but 28 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 February’s forecast but 4 percent higher than the 2006-07 utilization of 4.60 million boxes. Harvest of 

Fallglo, an early tangerine, was completed and Sunburst, another early tangerine, was nearly completed. The current 

volume for the later maturing Honey tangerines was the smallest on record since 1996, excluding the hurricane seasons. 

Arizona and California tangerine production forecasts are carried forward from January. 

Florida Citrus: The citrus crop escaped serious damage from several cold fronts that passed through the State during 

February. Temperatures dropped to the lower 30s across the citrus producing region on several mornings with the 

lowest temperatures reported in Ona and several upper interior regions. By the end of the month, daily highs were in 

the mid 80s in all areas. Weekly harvest amounts of early-mid oranges were in the mid 5 million boxes range most of 

the month with harvest expected to be nearly complete by mid-March. Grapefruit harvest stayed under a million boxes 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

March 2008 15 NASS, USDA 

per week until late in the month when processing harvest increased. Navel orange and Sunburst tangerine harvest was 

nearly complete and crews were transitioning to harvest of Temple oranges and Honey tangerines. With frequent 

irrigation and timely rainfall, trees and fruit were reported in good condition. Aggressive production practices, scouting 

techniques, and removal of abandoned groves were being used to control greening. Grove care included irrigating, 

mowing, pesticide spraying, fertilizing, and hedging and topping. 

California Citrus: Citrus harvest was delayed due to wet conditions during the first week of February. Severe storms 

containing hail brought damage to some citrus groves. Warm weather later in the month increased rind puff and fruit 

drop in navel orange groves. 

California Noncitrus Fruits and Nuts: At the beginning of February, excessive rainfall delayed orchard and vineyard 

activities and caused damage in some strawberry fields in the south. By mid-month, activities resumed and vineyard 

pruning was mostly complete by the end of the month. New blueberry bushes were planted during February. Cherry 

blocks were budding throughout the month. Early nectarine varieties began to bloom in Tulare County. Dormant 

sprays and pre-emergent herbicides were applied to some stone fruit orchards as weather permitted. Almond, pistachio, 

and walnut groves were being pruned, with dormant sprays still being applied in some areas. Almond trees were 

budding throughout February and blooming had begun in some groves by the end of the month.
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

March 2008 16 NASS, USDA 

Reliability of March 1 Orange Forecast

Survey Procedures: The orange objective yield survey for the March 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 are combined with the 

previous components 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 

March 1 forecast. 

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

Error," a statistical measure based on past performance, is computed. The deviation between the March 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 March 1 orange production forecast is 2.5 percent. However, if you exclude the 

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

1.9 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 2.5 percent, or 1.9 percent excluding abnormal seasons. Chances are 9 out of 10 

(90 percent confidence level) that the difference will not exceed 4.3 percent, or 3.3 percent when excluding abnormal 

seasons. 

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

206,000 tons (191,000 tons, excluding abnormal seasons), ranging from 8,000 tons to 520,000 tons (3,000 tons to 

503,000 tons, excluding abnormal seasons). The March 1 forecast for oranges has been below the final estimate 8 times 

and above 12 times (below 6 times and above 9 times, excluding abnormal seasons). The difference does not imply that 

the March 1 forecasts this year are likely to understate or overstate final production. 
 

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board 

March 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 

 Lance Honig - Dry Beans, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes .................................. (202) 720-2127 
 

 

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