Crop Production 

ISSN: 1936-3737

Released April 10, 2012, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department of 

Agriculture (USDA).

Orange Production Down 1 Percent from March

The United States all orange forecast for the 2011-2012 season is 8.91 million tons, down 1 percent from the previous 

forecast but virtually unchanged from the revised 2010-2011 final utilization. The Florida all orange forecast, at 

145 million boxes (6.53 million tons), is down 1 percent from the March forecast but up 3 percent from last season’s 

revised final utilization. Early, midseason, and Navel varieties in Florida are forecast at 74.0 million boxes (3.33 million 

tons), unchanged from the March forecast but up 5 percent from last season. The Florida Valencia orange forecast, at 

71.0 million boxes (3.20 million tons), is down 3 percent from the March forecast but up 1 percent from the revised 

2010-2011 crop. Sizes for Valencia oranges in Florida are expected to be slightly smaller than average and fruit droppage 

is expected to be well above average.

The California all orange forecast is 58.0 million boxes (2.32 million tons), unchanged from the previous forecast but 

down 7 percent from last season’s revised final utilization. The California Navel orange forecast is 44.0 million boxes 

(1.76 million tons), unchanged from the March forecast but down 8 percent from last season. The California Valencia 

orange forecast is 14.0 million boxes (560,000 tons), unchanged from the previous forecast but down 3 percent from last 

season’s revised final utilization. Harvest of Navel oranges continued during March, while Valencia orange harvest began. 

The Texas orange forecast, at 1.39 million boxes (60,000 tons), is down 15 percent from the previous forecast and down 

29 percent from last season’s final utilization.

Florida frozen concentrated orange juice (FCOJ) yield forecast for the 2011-2012 season is 1.62 gallons per box at 

42.0 degrees Brix, down 1 percent from the March forecast but up 2 percent from last season’s final yield of 1.59 gallons 

per box. The early-midseason portion is 1.56 gallons per box, up 3 percent from last season’s yield. The Valencia portion 

is projected at 1.72 gallons per box, 4 percent higher than last year’s final yield of 1.66 gallons per box. All projections of 

yield assume the processing relationships this season will be similar to those of the past several seasons.
2 Crop Production (April 2012)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

This report was approved on April 10, 2012.

Acting Secretary of

Agriculture

Karis T. Gutter

Agricultural Statistics Board

Chairperson

Hubert Hamer
Crop Production (April 2012) 3

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Contents

Utilized Production of Citrus Fruits by Crop – States and United States: 2010-2011 and Forecasted 

April 1, 2012 ........................................................................................................................................................................... 4

Potato Area Planted, Harvested, Yield, and Production by Seasonal Group – States and United States: 2011 and 

Forecasted April 1, 2012......................................................................................................................................................... 5

Crop Area Planted and Harvested – United States: 2011 and 2012 (Domestic Units) ........................................................... 6

Crop Yield and Production – United States: 2011 and 2012 (Domestic Units)...................................................................... 7

Crop Area Planted and Harvested – United States: 2011 and 2012 (Metric Units)................................................................ 8

Crop Yield and Production – United States: 2011 and 2012 (Metric Units) .......................................................................... 9

Fruits and Nuts Production – United States: 2011 and 2012 (Domestic Units).................................................................... 10

Fruits and Nuts Production – United States: 2011 and 2012 (Metric Units) ........................................................................ 11

Percent of Normal Precipitation............................................................................................................................................ 12

Departure from Normal Temperature ................................................................................................................................... 12

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

March Agricultural Summary ............................................................................................................................................... 13

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

Statistical Methodology ........................................................................................................................................................ 16

Information Contacts ............................................................................................................................................................ 17
4 Crop Production (April 2012)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Utilized Production of Citrus Fruits by Crop – States and United States: 2010-2011 and

Forecasted April 1, 2012

[The crop year begins with the bloom of the first year shown and ends with the completion of harvest the following year]

Crop and State

Utilized production boxes 1 Utilized production ton equivalent

2010-2011 2011-2012 2010-2011 2011-2012

(1,000 boxes) (1,000 boxes) (1,000 tons) (1,000 tons)

Oranges

Early, mid, and Navel 2

 California ...........................................

 Florida ...............................................

 Texas ................................................

 United States ....................................

Valencia

 California ...........................................

 Florida ...............................................

 Texas ................................................

 United States ....................................

All

 California ...........................................

 Florida ...............................................

 Texas ................................................

 United States ....................................

Grapefruit

White

 Florida ...............................................

Colored

 Florida ...............................................

All

 California ...........................................

 Florida ...............................................

 Texas ................................................

 United States ....................................

Tangerines and mandarins

Arizona 3...............................................

California 3............................................

Florida ...................................................

United States ........................................

Lemons

Arizona .................................................

California ..............................................

United States ........................................

Tangelos

Florida ...................................................

48,000

70,300

1,700

120,000

14,500

70,200

249

84,949

62,500

140,500

1,949

204,949

5,850

13,900

4,300

19,750

6,300

30,350

300

9,900

4,650

14,850

2,500

20,500

23,000

1,150

44,000

74,000

1,165

119,165

14,000

71,000

224

85,224

58,000

145,000

1,389

204,389

5,300

13,500

3,400

18,800

5,292

27,492

200

9,800

4,300

14,300

800

19,500

20,300

1,150

1,920

3,164

72

5,156

580

3,159

11

3,750

2,500

6,323

83

8,906

249

591

172

840

252

1,264

12

396

221

629

100

820

920

52

1,760

3,330

50

5,140

560

3,195

10

3,765

2,320

6,525

60

8,905

225

574

136

799

212

1,147

8

392

204

604

32

780

812

52

1 Net pounds per box: oranges in California-80, Florida-90, Texas-85; grapefruit in California-80, Florida-85, Texas-80; tangerines and mandarins in 

Arizona and California-80, Florida-95; lemons-80; tangelos-90.

2 Navel and miscellaneous varieties in California. Early (including Navel) and midseason varieties in Florida and Texas. Small quantities of tangerines 

in Texas and Temples in Florida.

3

Includes tangelos and tangors.
Crop Production (April 2012) 5

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Potato Area Planted, Harvested, Yield, and Production by Seasonal Group – States and United States: 

2011 and Forecasted April 1, 2012

[Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

Seasonal group

and State

Area planted Area harvested Yield per acre Production

2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012

(1,000 acres) (1,000 acres) (1,000 acres) (1,000 acres) (cwt) (cwt) (1,000 cwt) (1,000 cwt)

Spring

Arizona ...............................

California ............................

Florida ................................

 Hastings area .................

 Other areas .....................

North Carolina ....................

Texas .................................

United States ......................

Summer 

Colorado .............................

Delaware ............................

Illinois .................................

Kansas ...............................

Maryland .............................

Missouri ..............................

New Jersey .........................

Texas .................................

Virginia ...............................

United States ......................

3.8

28.1

36.4

23.4

13.0

17.0

8.0

93.3

4.5

1.6

7.0

5.5

2.2

8.3

2.0

11.1

6.0

48.2

3.5

30.0

36.9

23.6

13.3

18.0

9.8

98.2

3.8

28.0

35.6

23.1

12.5

16.5

7.6

91.5

4.4

1.6

6.8

5.3

2.2

7.1

1.8

10.9

5.9

46.0

3.5

30.0

36.3

23.3

13.0

17.0

8.8

95.6

280

390

256

270

230

170

220

279

370

250

330

280

300

170

190

350

200

282

300

385

260

260

260

190

220

285

1,064

10,920

9,112

6,237

2,875

2,805

1,672

25,573

1,628

400

2,244

1,484

660

1,207

342

3,815

1,180

12,960

1,050

11,550

9,438

6,058

3,380

3,230

1,936

27,204
6 Crop Production (April 2012)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Crop Area Planted and Harvested – United States: 2011 and 2012 (Domestic Units)

[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2012 crop year. 

Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

Crop

Area planted Area harvested

2011 2012 2011 2012

(1,000 acres) (1,000 acres) (1,000 acres) (1,000 acres)

Grains and hay

Barley .................................................................................

Corn for grain 1....................................................................

Corn for silage ....................................................................

Hay, all ................................................................................

 Alfalfa ..............................................................................

 All other ...........................................................................

Oats ....................................................................................

Proso millet .........................................................................

Rice ....................................................................................

Rye .....................................................................................

Sorghum for grain 1.............................................................

Sorghum for silage ..............................................................

Wheat, all ............................................................................

 Winter .............................................................................

 Durum .............................................................................

 Other spring ....................................................................

Oilseeds

Canola ................................................................................

Cottonseed .........................................................................

Flaxseed .............................................................................

Mustard seed ......................................................................

Peanuts ..............................................................................

Rapeseed ...........................................................................

Safflower .............................................................................

Soybeans for beans ............................................................

Sunflower ............................................................................

Cotton, tobacco, and sugar crops

Cotton, all ...........................................................................

 Upland ............................................................................

 American Pima ................................................................

Sugarbeets .........................................................................

Sugarcane ..........................................................................

Tobacco ..............................................................................

Dry beans, peas, and lentils

Austrian winter peas ...........................................................

Dry edible beans .................................................................

Dry edible peas ...................................................................

Lentils .................................................................................

Wrinkled seed peas ............................................................

Potatoes and miscellaneous

Coffee (Hawaii) ...................................................................

Hops ...................................................................................

Peppermint oil .....................................................................

Potatoes, all ........................................................................

 Spring .............................................................................

 Summer ..........................................................................

 Fall ..................................................................................

Spearmint oil .......................................................................

Sweet potatoes ...................................................................

Taro (Hawaii) 2....................................................................

2,559

91,921

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

2,496

370

2,689

1,266

5,481

(NA)

54,409

40,646

1,369

12,394

1,071.5

(X)

178

23.2

1,140.6

1.5

130.7

74,976

1,543.0

14,732.4

14,426.0

306.4

1,232.8

(NA)

(NA)

18.0

1,205.9

362.0

428.0

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

1,098.9

93.3

48.2

957.4

(NA)

134.2

(NA)

3,333

95,864

(NA)

2,863

2,561

5,950

55,908

41,709

2,223

11,976

1,557.2

(X)

289

1,422.0

73,902

1,808.0

13,155.0

12,885.0

270.0

1,241.3

(NA)

21.0

1,669.9

619.0

518.0

98.2

133.4

2,239

83,981

5,928

55,633

19,213

36,420

939

338

2,618

242

3,929

224

45,705

32,314

1,312

12,079

1,043.0

(X)

173

21.8

1,097.6

1.3

127.3

73,636

1,457.8

9,747.9

9,444.0

303.9

1,213.1

874.0

324.8

12.3

1,155.9

342.8

411.0

(NA)

6.3

29.8

74.0

1,076.7

91.5

46.0

939.2

17.3

130.3

0.5

57,348

318.0

95.6

(NA) Not available.

(X) Not applicable.

1 Area planted for all purposes.

2 Area is total acres in crop, not harvested acres.
Crop Production (April 2012) 7

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Crop Yield and Production – United States: 2011 and 2012 (Domestic Units)

[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2012 crop year.

Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

Crop

Yield per acre Production

2011 2012 2011 2012

(1,000) (1,000)

Grains and hay

Barley ................................................................................... bushels

Corn for grain ........................................................................ bushels

Corn for silage ............................................................................tons

Hay, all .......................................................................................tons

 Alfalfa .....................................................................................tons

 All other ..................................................................................tons

Oats ...................................................................................... bushels

Proso millet ........................................................................... bushels

Rice 1........................................................................................... cwt

Rye ....................................................................................... bushels

Sorghum for grain ................................................................. bushels

Sorghum for silage ......................................................................tons

Wheat, all ............................................................................. bushels

 Winter ............................................................................... bushels

 Durum ............................................................................... bushels

 Other spring ...................................................................... bushels

Oilseeds

Canola ...................................................................................pounds

Cottonseed .................................................................................tons

Flaxseed ............................................................................... bushels

Mustard seed .........................................................................pounds

Peanuts .................................................................................pounds

Rapeseed ..............................................................................pounds

Safflower ...............................................................................pounds

Soybeans for beans .............................................................. bushels

Sunflower ..............................................................................pounds

Cotton, tobacco, and sugar crops

Cotton, all 1............................................................................... bales

 Upland 1................................................................................ bales

 American Pima 1................................................................... bales

Sugarbeets .................................................................................tons

Sugarcane ..................................................................................tons

Tobacco .................................................................................pounds

Dry beans, peas, and lentils

Austrian winter peas 1.................................................................. cwt

Dry edible beans 1....................................................................... cwt

Dry edible peas 1......................................................................... cwt

Lentils 1........................................................................................ cwt

Wrinkled seed peas ..................................................................... cwt

Potatoes and miscellaneous

Coffee (Hawaii) ......................................................................pounds

Hops ......................................................................................pounds

Peppermint oil ........................................................................pounds

Potatoes, all ................................................................................. cwt

 Spring ...................................................................................... cwt

 Summer ................................................................................... cwt

 Fall .......................................................................................... cwt

Spearmint oil .........................................................................pounds

Sweet potatoes ............................................................................ cwt

Taro (Hawaii) .........................................................................pounds

69.6

147.2

18.4

2.36

3.40

1.81

57.1

27.1

7,067

26.1

54.6

10.3

43.7

46.2

38.5

37.7

1,475

(X)

16.1

718

3,313

2,177

1,333

41.5

1,398

772

754

1,336

23.7

33.5

1,850

1,463

1,716

1,641

1,151

(NA)

1,320

2,175

89

397

279

282

414

132

208

(NA)

285

155,780

12,358,412

108,926

131,144

65,332

65,812

53,649

9,149

185,009

6,326

214,443

2,298

1,999,347

1,493,677

50,482

455,188

1,538,010

5,267.0

2,791

15,644

3,636,320

2,830

169,671

3,056,032

2,038,275

15,673.7

14,828.0

845.7

28,789

29,307

601,029

180

19,833

5,625

4,732

509

8,300

64,781.6

6,570

427,406

25,573

12,960

388,873

2,286

27,041

4,100

27,204

(NA) Not available.

(X) Not applicable.

1 Yield in pounds.
8 Crop Production (April 2012)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Crop Area Planted and Harvested – United States: 2011 and 2012 (Metric Units)

[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2012 crop year. 

Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

Crop

Area planted Area harvested

2011 2012 2011 2012

(hectares) (hectares) (hectares) (hectares)

Grains and hay

Barley .................................................................................

Corn for grain 1....................................................................

Corn for silage ....................................................................

Hay, all 2.............................................................................

 Alfalfa ..............................................................................

 All other ...........................................................................

Oats ....................................................................................

Proso millet .........................................................................

Rice ....................................................................................

Rye .....................................................................................

Sorghum for grain 1.............................................................

Sorghum for silage ..............................................................

Wheat, all 2.........................................................................

 Winter .............................................................................

 Durum .............................................................................

 Other spring ....................................................................

Oilseeds

Canola ................................................................................

Cottonseed .........................................................................

Flaxseed .............................................................................

Mustard seed ......................................................................

Peanuts ..............................................................................

Rapeseed ...........................................................................

Safflower .............................................................................

Soybeans for beans ............................................................

Sunflower ............................................................................

Cotton, tobacco, and sugar crops

Cotton, all 2.........................................................................

 Upland ............................................................................

 American Pima ................................................................

Sugarbeets .........................................................................

Sugarcane ..........................................................................

Tobacco ..............................................................................

Dry beans, peas, and lentils

Austrian winter peas ...........................................................

Dry edible beans .................................................................

Dry edible peas ...................................................................

Lentils .................................................................................

Wrinkled seed peas ............................................................

Potatoes and miscellaneous

Coffee (Hawaii) ...................................................................

Hops ...................................................................................

Peppermint oil .....................................................................

Potatoes, all 2......................................................................

 Spring .............................................................................

 Summer ..........................................................................

 Fall ..................................................................................

Spearmint oil .......................................................................

Sweet potatoes ...................................................................

Taro (Hawaii) 3....................................................................

1,035,600

37,199,510

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

1,010,110

149,740

1,088,210

512,340

2,218,110

(NA)

22,018,780

16,449,030

554,020

5,015,730

433,630

(X)

72,030

9,390

461,590

610

52,890

30,342,040

624,440

5,962,050

5,838,060

124,000

498,900

(NA)

(NA)

7,280

488,020

146,500

173,210

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

(NA)

444,710

37,760

19,510

387,450

(NA)

54,310

(NA)

1,348,830

38,795,200

(NA)

1,158,630

1,036,410

2,407,910

22,625,410

16,879,220

899,630

4,846,570

630,180

(X)

116,960

575,470

29,907,400

731,680

5,323,700

5,214,430

109,270

502,340

(NA)

8,500

675,790

250,500

209,630

39,740

53,990

906,100

33,986,270

2,399,000

22,514,120

7,775,310

14,738,810

380,000

136,790

1,059,480

97,930

1,590,030

90,650

18,496,360

13,077,150

530,950

4,888,250

422,090

(X)

70,010

8,820

444,190

530

51,520

29,799,750

589,960

3,944,880

3,821,890

122,990

490,930

353,700

131,460

4,980

467,780

138,730

166,330

(NA)

2,550

12,050

29,950

435,730

37,030

18,620

380,080

7,000

52,730

200

23,208,160

128,670

38,690

(NA) Not available.

(X) Not applicable.

1 Area planted for all purposes.

2

Total may not add due to rounding.

3 Area is total hectares in crop, not harvested hectares.
Crop Production (April 2012) 9

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Crop Yield and Production – United States: 2011 and 2012 (Metric Units)

[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2012 crop year. 

Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

Crop

Yield per hectare Production

2011 2012 2011 2012

(metric tons) (metric tons) (metric tons) (metric tons)

Grains and hay

Barley .................................................................................

Corn for grain ......................................................................

Corn for silage ....................................................................

Hay, all 1.............................................................................

 Alfalfa .............................................................................

 All other ..........................................................................

Oats ....................................................................................

Proso millet .........................................................................

Rice ....................................................................................

Rye .....................................................................................

Sorghum for grain ...............................................................

Sorghum for silage ..............................................................

Wheat, all 1.........................................................................

 Winter .............................................................................

 Durum .............................................................................

 Other spring ....................................................................

Oilseeds

Canola ................................................................................

Cottonseed .........................................................................

Flaxseed .............................................................................

Mustard seed ......................................................................

Peanuts ..............................................................................

Rapeseed ...........................................................................

Safflower ............................................................................

Soybeans for beans ............................................................

Sunflower ...........................................................................

Cotton, tobacco, and sugar crops

Cotton, all 1.........................................................................

 Upland ............................................................................

 American Pima ...............................................................

Sugarbeets .........................................................................

Sugarcane ..........................................................................

Tobacco ..............................................................................

Dry beans, peas, and lentils

Austrian winter peas ...........................................................

Dry edible beans .................................................................

Dry edible peas ...................................................................

Lentils .................................................................................

Wrinkled seed peas ............................................................

Potatoes and miscellaneous

Coffee (Hawaii) ...................................................................

Hops ...................................................................................

Peppermint oil .....................................................................

Potatoes, all 1.....................................................................

 Spring .............................................................................

 Summer ..........................................................................

 Fall .................................................................................

Spearmint oil ......................................................................

Sweet potatoes ...................................................................

Taro (Hawaii) ......................................................................

3.74

9.24

41.19

5.28

7.62

4.05

2.05

1.52

7.92

1.64

3.43

23.00

2.94

3.11

2.59

2.53

1.65

(X)

1.01

0.80

3.71

2.44

1.49

2.79

1.57

0.87

0.84

1.50

53.20

75.17

2.07

1.64

1.92

1.84

1.29

(NA)

1.48

2.44

0.10

44.49

31.33

31.58

46.41

0.15

23.26

(NA)

31.89

3,391,710

313,918,120

98,816,000

118,971,840

59,268,190

59,703,640

778,710

207,500

8,391,870

160,690

5,447,100

2,084,710

54,413,310

40,651,230

1,373,890

12,388,190

697,630

4,778,140

70,890

7,100

1,649,410

1,280

76,960

83,171,560

924,550

3,412,550

3,228,420

184,130

26,116,940

26,586,860

272,620

8,160

899,610

255,150

214,640

23,090

3,760

29,380

2,980

19,386,810

1,159,970

587,860

17,638,980

1,040

1,226,560

1,860

1,233,950

(NA) Not available.

(X) Not applicable.

1 Production may not add due to rounding.
10 Crop Production (April 2012)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Fruits and Nuts Production – United States: 2011 and 2012 (Domestic Units)

[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2012 crop year, 

except citrus which is for the 2011-2012 season. Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

Crop

Production

2011 2012

(1,000) (1,000)

Citrus 1

Grapefruit ..............................................................tons

Lemons .................................................................tons

Oranges ................................................................tons

Tangelos (Florida) .................................................tons

Tangerines and mandarins ....................................tons

Noncitrus

Apples ................................................... 1,000 pounds

Apricots .................................................................tons

Bananas (Hawaii) .............................................pounds

Grapes ..................................................................tons

Olives (California) .................................................tons

Papayas (Hawaii) .............................................pounds

Peaches ................................................................tons

Pears ....................................................................tons

Prunes, dried (California) ......................................tons

Prunes and plums (excludes California) ................tons

Nuts and miscellaneous

Almonds, shelled (California) ...........................pounds

Hazelnuts, in-shell (Oregon) ..................................tons

Pecans, in-shell ................................................pounds

Walnuts, in-shell (California) .................................tons

Maple syrup ..................................................... gallons

1,264

920

8,906

52

629

9,429.9

66.7

7,231.3

71.2

1,062.5

940.7

130.0

12.9

1,950,000

39

271,400

461

2,794

1,147

812

8,905

52

604

1 Production years are 2010-2011 and 2011-2012.
Crop Production (April 2012) 11

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Fruits and Nuts Production – United States: 2011 and 2012 (Metric Units)

[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2012 crop year, 

except citrus which is for the 2011-2012 season. Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

Crop

Production

2011 2012

(metric tons) (metric tons)

Citrus 1

Grapefruit .......................................................................................................

Lemons ..........................................................................................................

Oranges ..........................................................................................................

Tangelos (Florida) ..........................................................................................

Tangerines and mandarins .............................................................................

Noncitrus

Apples ............................................................................................................

Apricots ..........................................................................................................

Bananas (Hawaii) ...........................................................................................

Grapes ...........................................................................................................

Olives (California) ...........................................................................................

Papayas (Hawaii) ...........................................................................................

Peaches .........................................................................................................

Pears ..............................................................................................................

Prunes, dried (California) ................................................................................

Prunes and plums (excludes California) ..........................................................

Nuts and miscellaneous

Almonds, shelled (California) ..........................................................................

Hazelnuts, in-shell (Oregon) ...........................................................................

Pecans, in-shell ..............................................................................................

Walnuts, in-shell (California) ...........................................................................

Maple syrup ....................................................................................................

1,146,680

834,610

8,079,390

47,170

570,620

4,277,330

60,460

6,560,130

64,590

963,920

853,410

117,930

11,700

884,510

35,380

123,100

418,210

13,970

1,040,540

736,630

8,078,480

47,170

547,940

1 Production years are 2010-2011 and 2011-2012.
12 Crop Production (April 2012)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service
Crop Production (April 2012) 13

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

March Weather Summary

The contiguous United States experienced its warmest March, breaking a record set more than a century ago - in 1910. 

High temperatures were especially dominant east of the Rockies, where every State experienced top-ten warmth for 

March. In fact, record-setting March warmth affected 25 States from the Plains to the East Coast, including all of the 

Midwest. Monthly temperatures averaged at least 15 degrees Fahrenheit above normal at numerous Midwestern locations, 

while below-normal readings were mostly confined to the Pacific Coast States.

Although the Nation as a whole noted its wettest March since 1998, little or no precipitation fell in a broad area stretching

from the Southwest to eastern Montana and the western Dakotas. Unusually dry weather also prevailed in the Northeast 

and across Florida’s peninsula. In the latter region, producers utilized irrigation to limit drought stress on blooming citrus 

and other crops.

In contrast, March storminess approximately doubled the water content of the high-elevation Sierra Nevada snow pack, 

slightly improving California’s water-supply prospects. The middle third of the West, from California to Colorado, had a 

temporary buffer from developing drought in the form of abundant reservoir supplies. Farther north, areas from the Pacific 

Northwest to the northern Rockies had both abundant high-elevation snow packs and near- to above-average reservoir 

levels.

East of the Rockies, winter wheat and fruit crops developed several weeks ahead of the normal place, leaving many 

commodities vulnerable to spring freezes. By March 26-27, the first of several cool snaps arrived in the lower Great Lakes 

region and the Northeastern States, forcing producers to monitor fruit crops for signs of freeze injury. Meanwhile, unusual 

warmth persisted through month’s end from the Plains into the Southeast.

Elsewhere, March wetness continued to chip away at long-term drought across the south-central United States, while 

showers provided some beneficial moisture in the Southeast. However, drought-related concerns persisted in several 

areas, including the southern High Plains and the lower Southeast.

March Agricultural Summary

March delivered warmer than normal temperatures to areas from the Rocky Mountains to the Atlantic Coast, while 

near-normal recordings prevailed in the Great Basin and along the Pacific Coast. Most notably, average temperatures 

pushed the mercury to more than 12 degrees above normal throughout the Great Lakes region, as well as much of the 

Corn Belt and northern Great Plains, promoting an earlier than normal start to spring fieldwork. Storm systems brought 

above average precipitation to the Pacific Northwest, Texas, and much of the Delta during the month. Conversely, 

moisture accumulation was significantly below normal in the Southwest and Rocky Mountains.

Row crop producers in many States were working their fields as March began, cultivating, applying herbicides and 

fertilizer, and pre-irrigating before planting this year’s crops. In portions of the South, corn, cotton, and sorghum were 

planted early in the month. Rice producers in California were draining fields mid-month, while growers in Texas and parts 

of the Delta were seeding their fields. Sugarcane growers in Florida and Texas remained busy throughout the month 

wrapping up the harvest of the 2011 crop. By April 1, corn planting was active in half of the 18 major estimating States, 

with 3 percent of the Nation’s crop in the ground, slightly ahead of both last year and the 5-year average. However, 

despite the opportunity to plant early, producers in some locations remained hesitant out of concern of a spring freeze.

Warmer than normal temperatures coupled with adequate soil moisture throughout the month provided favorable growing 

conditions for developing small grain crops in many areas. Winter wheat fields in portions of the southern United States 

were jointing and heading ahead of the normal pace. Conversely, winter wheat in the High Plains and Trans-Pecos regions 

of Texas struggled developmentally due to continued dry weather and high winds. Late-month storm systems brought 

beneficial rain to portions of the central and southern Great Plains, boosting soil moisture levels and improving crop 

conditions in several major growing regions. However, isolated areas received more than 5 inches of rainfall which led to 

lowland flooding and increased prevalence of powdery mildew and rust in some fields.
14 Crop Production (April 2012)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Vegetable growers spent the month harvesting their remaining winter crops, while readying fields and planting spring 

crops. Watermelons were planted in northern Florida mid-month. Above average temperatures prompted early blooming 

and budding in a variety of tree fruit, nut, and grape crops, leaving growers concerned about a possible spring freeze. By 

month’s end, pea-sized fruit were evident on Valencia trees in Florida.

Crop Comments

Grapefruit: The 2011-2012 United States grapefruit crop is forecast at 1.15 million tons, up 2 percent from the previous 

forecast but down 9 percent from last season’s revised final utilization. The route survey conducted April 2-3 in Florida 

showed 97 percent of the white grapefruit rows and 92 percent of the colored grapefruit rows were harvested. California 

growers have reported favorable growing conditions this year.

Tangerines and mandarins: The United States tangerine and mandarin crop is forecast at 604,000 tons, down 3 percent 

from the previous forecast and down 4 percent from the 2010-2011 crop. In Florida, the row count survey showed that 

98 percent of Honey tangerines were harvested. Arizona citrus groves are still recovering from last year’s freeze. Growers 

in California’s San Joaquin Valley continued to harvest mandarins during March.

Lemons: The forecast for the 2011-2012 United States lemon crop is 812,000 tons, up slightly from the January 1 forecast 

but down 12 percent from the previous season’s revised final utilization. Arizona’s lemon crop is up 14 percent from the 

January 1 forecast but down 68 percent from last season due to damage from a major freeze in February 2011. Harvest 

continued in California’s southern coastal region as well as the San Joaquin Valley.

Tangelos: Florida’s tangelo forecast is 1.15 million boxes (52,000 tons), unchanged from both the previous forecast and 

last season’s final utilization. Florida’s row count survey showed that nearly all of the rows were harvested.

Florida citrus: In the citrus growing areas, weather stations reported temperatures ranging from highs in the 80s to lows 

in the 40s. Drought conditions persisted throughout the citrus region despite receiving generally light rainfall during 

March. Harvest of early oranges (Navels and Hamlins), Honey tangerines, and tangelos was nearly complete. Harvest was 

underway for grapefruit and Valencia oranges. Widespread citrus bloom was heavy with all varieties showing varying 

stages of bloom. Grove work included irrigation, young tree care, and limited hedging and topping.

Arizona citrus: Groves are still recovering after a devastating freeze last year. The lemon crop was hit the hardest with 

tangerines also feeling the effects of the cold weather. The weather this spring has been more favorable as the trees begin 

to bloom.

Texas citrus: Weather conditions have improved in the citrus growing region from last years’ extremely dry conditions. 

Some areas reported freezing temperatures in early February.

California citrus: Harvest of Navel oranges, tangerines, tangelos, and lemons continued. Harvested fruit was packed for 

export. Harvest of late variety Navel oranges and Valencia oranges began. Cara Cara orange harvest came to an end.

Seedless tangerine groves were netted in preparation for the coming bloom.

California noncitrus fruits and nuts: During March, stone fruit and cherry bloom was underway with most growers 

applying bloom sprays to control fungus. Bees were moved out of almond orchards and into fruit orchards. Pruning of 

grape and kiwifruit vineyards finished while spraying, irrigating, fertilizing, and repair work continued. Kiwifruit 

continued to be exported. Pomegranate orchards were pruned. Blueberries were blooming. Strawberry growers prepared 

their fields for spring production. Apple bloom was underway with trees leafing out. Olive groves were pruned. Almond 

bloom was complete, with trees leafing out while nuts began to form. Some areas in the Central Valley experienced

freezing temperatures during March. Walnuts were beginning to leaf out with early varieties in bloom. Pistachios were 

breaking bud. Walnuts, almonds, and pistachios continued to be exported.

Spring potatoes: Production for 2012 is forecast at 27.2 million cwt, up 6 percent from 2011. Planted acreage is forecast 

at 98,200 acres, a 5 percent increase from 2011. Area for harvest is forecast at 95,600 acres, up 4 percent from the 

previous year. The average yield forecast, at 285 cwt per acre, is up 6 cwt from the previous year.
Crop Production (April 2012) 15

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

In California, planting was underway and growers were reporting expectations of an average crop year. In North Carolina 

and Texas growers reported good crop conditions, although Texas growers indicated high insect pressure. 

Summer potatoes: Production in 2011 totaled 13.0 million cwt, unchanged from the previous estimate but fractionally 

below the previous year’s production. Harvested area covered 46,000 acres, unchanged from the previous estimate but 

14 percent more than in 2010. Average yield, at 282 cwt per acre, was 39 cwt below the previous season.
16 Crop Production (April 2012)

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Statistical Methodology

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

for about 73 percent of the United States 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. 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 California and Texas were 

also used for setting estimates. These three 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 1.6 percent. However, if you exclude the 

three abnormal production seasons (one freeze season and two hurricane seasons), the “Root Mean Square Error” is 1.7 

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 1.6 percent, or 1.7 percent excluding abnormal seasons. Chances are 9 out of 10 (90 percent 

confidence level) that the difference will not exceed 2.7 percent, or 2.9 percent, excluding abnormal seasons.

Changes between the April 1 orange forecast and the final estimates during the past 20 years have averaged 135,000 tons 

(145,000 tons, excluding abnormal seasons), ranging from 1,000 tons to 368,000 tons regardless of exclusions. The 

April 1 forecast for oranges has been below the final estimate 8 times and above 12 times (below 6 times and above 

11 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 (April 2012) 17

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Information Contacts

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

for additional information. E-mail inquiries may be sent to nass@nass.usda.gov

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

Jacqueline Moore, Head, Field Crops Section...................................................................................... (202) 720-2127

 Suzanne Avilla – Peanuts, Rice ....................................................................................................... (202) 720-7688

 Bryan Durham – Oats, Rye, Wheat.................................................................................................. (202) 720-8068

 Steve Maliszewski – Cotton, Cotton Ginnings, Sorghum................................................................ (202) 720-5944

 Anthony Prillaman – Corn, Flaxseed, Proso Millet ......................................................................... (202) 720-9526

 Julie Schmidt – Crop Weather, Barley, Hay.................................................................................... (202) 720-7621

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

Jorge Garcia-Pratts, Head, Fruits, Vegetables and Special Crops Section............................................ (202) 720-2127

 Debbie Flippin – Fresh and Processing Vegetables, Onions, Strawberries..................................... (202) 720-2157

 Fred Granja – Apples, Apricots, Cherries, Plums, Prunes, Tobacco .............................................. (202) 720-4288

 Chris Hawthorn – Citrus, Coffee, Grapes, Sugar Crops, Tropical Fruits ........................................ (202) 720-5412

 Dave Losh – Hops............................................................................................................................ (360) 709-2400 

 Dan Norris – Austrian Winter Peas, Dry Edible Peas, Lentils, Mint,

 Mushrooms, Peaches, Pears, Wrinkled Seed Peas, Dry Beans .................................................. (202) 720-3250

 Daphne Schauber – Berries, Cranberries, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes .............................................. (202) 720-4285

 Erika White – Floriculture, Maple Syrup, Nursery, Tree Nuts ....................................................... (202) 720-4215
Access to NASS Reports

For your convenience, you may access NASS reports and products the following ways:

 All reports are available electronically, at no cost, on the NASS web site: http://www.nass.usda.gov

 Both national and state specific reports are available via a free e-mail subscription. To set-up this free 

subscription, visit http://www.nass.usda.gov and in the “Follow NASS” box under “Receive reports by Email,” 

click on “National” or “State” to select the reports you would like to receive. 

 Printed reports may be purchased from the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) by calling toll-free 

(800) 999-6779, or (703) 605-6220 if calling from outside the United States or Canada. Accepted methods of 

payment are Visa, MasterCard, check, or money order. 

For more information on NASS surveys and reports, call the NASS Agricultural Statistics Hotline at (800) 727-9540, 

7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET, or e-mail: nass@nass.usda.gov. 

 

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