Cr Pr 2-2 (9-98)

Crop

Production

National

Agricultural

Statistics

Service

USDA

Washington, D.C.

Released September 11, 1998, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department of Agriculture. For

information on “Crop Production” call #STAT# (202) 720-2127, office hours 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET.

Corn production up 2 percent

Soybeans up 3 percent

All Cotton down 5 percent

Corn grain production is forecast at 9.74 billion bushels, up 2 percent from last month and up 4 percent from 1997.

Based on September 1 conditions, yields are expected to average 132.0 bushels per acre, up 2.0 bushels from last

month and up 5 bushels from a year ago. If realized, this would be the second largest production and the second

highest yield on record. Acreage for harvest is estimated at 73.8 million acres, unchanged from last month and

virtually unchanged from 1997.

All cotton production is forecast at 13.6 million bales, down 5 percent from last month and down 28 percent from

1997. Yield is expected to average 614 pounds per harvested acre, down 66 pounds from last year. Hot and dry

conditions continued during the month in most of the cotton belt, which lowered yield potential. Arkansas’

production was lowered 210,000 bales from August, and both California and Texas were lowered 100,000 bales. 

Upland harvested acres were lowered 95,000 from last month, 45,000 acres in California and 50,000 acres in

Georgia.

Soybean production is forecast at a record high 2.91 billion bushels, up 3 percent from August 1, and up 7 percent

from last year’s record of 2.73 billion bushels. The yield forecast, at 40.6 bushels per acre, increased 1.1 bushels from

last month and is 1.6 bushels above the 1997 final yield. If realized, this will be the second highest yield on record. 

The record yield of 41.4 bushels was set in 1994. Acreage for harvest is estimated at a record 71.6 million acres,

unchanged from August 1 but up 2 percent from 1997.

All wheat production is placed at 2.56 billion bushels, up 1 percent from the August forecast and 2 percent from

1997. The U.S. yield is forecast at 43.3 bushels per acre. This is up 0.3 bushels from last month and is a new record

high yield.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 2 NASS, USDA

Other spring wheat production is forecast at 519 million bushels, up 2 percent from last month, but down 7 percent

from last season. The final forecast of U.S. average yield is 34.9 bushels per acre. This is 0.7 bushels per acre better

than a month ago. There were no area changes. Hard Red Spring production is up 2 percent from August at 467

million bushels. White Spring production is down about 2 percent. Minnesota growers have harvested a better

yielding crop than previously expected. Both the Montana and North Dakota crops are nearing harvest completion.

The South Dakota harvest is finished.

Durum wheat production is forecast at 132 million bushels, up 4 percent from last month and 53 percent more than

in 1997. This is the biggest Durum crop since 1982. The U.S. yield is now forecast at 36.8 bushels per acre, up 1.6

from last month and second only to the record high set in 1992. As of September 6, 83 percent of North Dakota’s

crop was harvested. This is about 3 weeks ahead of average.

California Navel Oranges: Production for 1998-99 is forecast at 34.0 million boxes, down 23 percent from last

season’s production of 44.0 million boxes. This initial forecast of the 1998-99 season is based on an objective

measurement survey conducted in the California Central Valley. Fruit set and size are considerably less than last

season. Crop development was delayed by the wet, cool spring.

This report was approved on September 11, 1998.

Acting Secretary of

Agriculture

August Schumacher, Jr.

Agricultural Statistics Board

Chairperson

Rich Allen
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 3 NASS, USDA

Contents

Page

Tables Narratives

Report Highlights ........................................................ -- 1

Corn for Grain ............................................................ 4 34

Corn Chart .............................................................. 5 --

Sorghum for Grain ........................................................ 5 35

Barley .................................................................. 6 35

Wheat, All ............................................................... 7 --

Wheat, Durum ............................................................ 8 35

Wheat, Other Spring ....................................................... 8 35

Wheat, by Class .......................................................... 9 --

Rice .................................................................... 9 35

Soybeans for Beans ....................................................... 10 36

Peanuts ................................................................ 11 36

Cottonseed ............................................................. 11 --

Cotton ................................................................. 12 37

Potatoes ............................................................... 13 38

Tobacco ............................................................... 15 38

Oranges ................................................................ 18 --

Sugarbeets .............................................................. 18 39

Sugarcane .............................................................. 19 39

Papayas ................................................................ 19 39

Nuts .................................................................. 19 40

Crop Summary (Domestic Units)

Area Planted and Harvested ............................................. 21 --

Yield and Production .................................................. 22 --

Fruits and Nuts Production (Domestic Units) ................................... 23 --

Crop Summary (Metric Units)

Area Planted and Harvested ............................................. 24 --

Yield and Production .................................................. 25 --

Fruits and Nuts Production (Metric Units) ...................................... 26 --

Corn for Grain Plant Population per Acre ...................................... 27 --

Spring Wheat Head Population per Square Foot ................................. 28 --

Soybeans Pods With Beans per 18 Square Feet .................................. 29 --

Cotton Cumulative Boll Counts ............................................. 30 --

Crop Moisture Maps ...................................................... -- 31

August Weather Summary .................................................. -- 33

General Crop Comments ................................................... -- 34

Reliability .............................................................. -- 42

Contacts ............................................................... -- 44
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 4 NASS, USDA

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

and United States, 1997 and Forecasted September 1, 1998

State

Area Harvested Yield Production

1997 1998 1997

1998

1997 1998

Aug 1 Sep 1

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

AL

AZ 1

AR 1

CA

CO

CT 2

DE

FL 1

GA

ID 1

IL

IN

IA

KS

KY

LA 1

ME 2

MD

MA 2

MI

MN

MS 1

MO

MT 1

NE

NH 2

NJ 1

NM 1

NY

NC

ND

OH

OK 1

OR 1

PA

RI 2

SC

SD

TN

TX

UT 1

VT 2

VA

WA 1

WV 1

WI

WY 1

US

265

50

175

260

1,030

144

80

500

40

11,050

5,850

12,000

2,700

1,170

490

415

2,250

6,450

470

2,870

14

8,725

93

85

650

870

605

3,450

190

22

985

335

3,400

650

1,800

23

325

95

37

3,050

57

73,720

290

25

210

255

1,070

144

55

400

50

10,400

5,650

12,400

2,850

1,250

650

420

2,000

6,750

515

2,700

15

8,550

98

75

700

780

825

3,200

240

28

1,050

275

3,850

690

1,850

24

360

95

40

2,900

60

73,789

87.0

170.0

125.0

170.0

146.0

110.0

80.0

110.0

155.0

129.0

123.0

138.0

143.0

103.0

117.0

90.0

117.0

133.0

107.0

116.0

135.0

132.0

108.0

175.0

116.0

89.0

99.0

134.0

140.0

195.0

99.0

97.0

98.0

102.0

138.0

135.0

93.0

190.0

95.0

132.0

135.0

127.0

65.0

170.0

115.0

160.0

142.0

100.0

60.0

90.0

160.0

143.0

136.0

143.0

143.0

125.0

80.0

105.0

104.0

135.0

80.0

121.0

130.0

141.0

124.0

170.0

110.0

75.0

93.0

140.0

120.0

180.0

108.0

45.0

100.0

105.0

95.0

133.0

95.0

185.0

105.0

125.0

124.0

130.0

60.0

170.0

115.0

160.0

140.0

100.0

60.0

88.0

160.0

145.0

139.0

143.0

143.0

125.0

80.0

100.0

102.0

141.0

80.0

121.0

130.0

145.0

124.0

170.0

114.0

70.0

98.0

143.0

120.0

180.0

105.0

40.0

106.0

105.0

95.0

133.0

90.0

185.0

105.0

130.0

124.0

132.0

23,055

8,500

21,875

44,200

150,380

15,840

6,400

55,000

6,200

1,425,450

719,550

1,656,000

386,100

120,510

57,330

37,350

263,250

857,850

50,290

332,920

1,890

1,151,700

10,044

14,875

75,400

77,430

59,895

462,300

26,600

4,290

97,515

32,495

333,200

66,300

248,400

3,105

30,225

18,050

3,515

402,600

7,695

9,365,574

17,400

4,250

24,150

40,800

149,800

14,400

3,300

35,200

8,000

1,508,000

785,350

1,773,200

407,550

156,250

52,000

42,000

204,000

951,750

41,200

326,700

1,950

1,239,750

12,152

12,750

79,800

54,600

80,850

457,600

28,800

5,040

110,250

11,000

408,100

72,450

175,750

3,192

32,400

17,575

4,200

377,000

7,440

9,737,949

1 Estimates for current year carried forward from an earlier forecast.

2 Not estimated.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 5 NASS, USDA

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

and United States, 1997 and Forecasted September 1, 1998

State

Area Harvested Yield Production

1997 1998 1997

1998

1997 1998

Aug 1 Sep 1

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

AL 1

AR

CO

GA 1

IL

KS

KY 1

LA

MS

MO

NE

NM

NC 1

OK

SC 1

SD

TN 1

TX

US

8

150

140

40

155

3,500

12

98

33

440

750

235

11

490

4

160

15

3,150

9,391

6

130

150

30

145

3,300

17

100

28

340

700

80

14

350

3

125

20

2,300

7,838

50.0

74.0

40.0

40.0

91.0

78.0

75.0

77.0

75.0

93.0

82.0

44.0

50.0

50.0

40.0

71.0

80.0

59.0

69.5

40.0

67.0

48.0

37.0

88.0

77.0

83.0

65.0

75.0

85.0

95.0

65.0

60.0

50.0

35.0

65.0

75.0

46.0

67.4

40.0

62.0

48.0

37.0

88.0

77.0

83.0

65.0

65.0

85.0

98.0

60.0

60.0

50.0

35.0

65.0

75.0

46.0

67.5

400

11,100

5,600

1,600

14,105

273,000

900

7,546

2,475

40,920

61,500

10,340

550

24,500

160

11,360

1,200

185,850

653,106

240

8,060

7,200

1,110

12,760

254,100

1,411

6,500

1,820

28,900

68,600

4,800

840

17,500

105

8,125

1,500

105,800

529,371

1 Estimates for current year carried forward from an earlier forecast.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 6 NASS, USDA

Barley: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by State

and United States, 1997 and Forecasted September 1, 1998

State

Area Harvested Yield Production

1997 1998 1997

1998

1997 1998

Aug 1 Sep 1

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

AZ 1

CA 1

CO

DE 1

ID

KS 1

KY 1

MD 1

MI 1

MN

MT

NE 1

NV 1

NJ 1

NC 1

ND

OK 1

OR

PA 1

SC 1

SD

TX 1

UT

VA 1

WA

WI

WY

US

67

180

90

35

760

8

14

50

24

540

1,200

8

4

4

20

2,250

8

120

75

3

130

5

95

65

490

65

115

6,425

53

140

85

30

760

9

8

48

28

450

1,300

8

4

4

20

1,930

5

140

75

1

125

5

85

75

520

65

105

6,078

102.0

55.0

112.0

89.0

79.0

40.0

75.0

80.0

60.0

51.0

53.0

51.0

105.0

75.0

70.0

45.0

42.0

69.0

68.0

60.0

38.0

47.0

86.0

85.0

76.0

55.0

80.0

58.3

120.0

60.0

108.0

67.0

80.0

45.0

63.0

62.0

52.0

57.0

52.0

46.0

95.0

52.0

63.0

55.0

45.0

77.0

68.0

52.0

50.0

35.0

89.0

64.0

65.0

52.0

82.0

61.6

120.0

60.0

108.0

67.0

78.0

45.0

63.0

62.0

52.0

57.0

52.0

46.0

95.0

52.0

63.0

55.0

45.0

77.0

68.0

52.0

47.0

35.0

87.0

64.0

65.0

52.0

82.0

61.3

6,834

9,900

10,080

3,115

60,040

320

1,050

4,000

1,440

27,540

63,600

408

420

300

1,400

101,250

336

8,280

5,100

180

4,940

235

8,170

5,525

37,240

3,575

9,200

374,478

6,360

8,400

9,180

2,010

59,280

405

504

2,976

1,456

25,650

67,600

368

380

208

1,260

106,150

225

10,780

5,100

52

5,875

175

7,395

4,800

33,800

3,380

8,610

372,379

1 Estimates for current year carried forward from an earlier forecast.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 7 NASS, USDA

All Wheat: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by State

and United States, 1997 and Forecasted September 1, 1998

State

Area Harvested Yield Production

1997 1998 1997

1998

1997 1998

Aug 1 Sep 1

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

AL 1

AZ 1

AR 1

CA 1

CO 1

DE 1

FL 1

GA 1

ID

IL 1

IN 1

IA 1

KS 1

KY 1

LA 1

MD 1

MI 1

MN

MS 1

MO 1

MT

NE 1

NV 1

NJ 1

NM 1

NY 1

NC 1

ND

OH 1

OK 1

OR 1

PA 1

SC 1

SD

TN 1

TX 1

UT 1

VA 1

WA

WV 1

WI 1

WY 1

US

100

98

820

544

2,900

73

15

360

1,440

1,150

660

27

11,000

530

115

215

540

2,465

175

1,040

5,930

1,900

16

34

285

135

670

11,025

1,090

5,400

970

175

300

3,469

370

4,100

189

250

2,595

9

142

256

63,577

90

152

900

545

2,798

73

13

240

1,290

1,200

650

38

10,100

550

90

215

570

1,780

140

1,230

5,190

1,830

14

45

265

135

680

9,465

1,160

5,400

905

190

240

3,289

370

4,000

177

240

2,565

9

142

236

59,211

42.0

89.5

48.0

80.3

32.7

73.0

39.0

44.0

79.2

61.0

58.0

42.0

46.0

54.0

37.0

68.0

62.0

32.0

43.0

55.0

31.3

37.0

98.4

60.0

35.0

56.0

52.0

24.3

63.0

33.0

65.4

52.0

50.0

28.6

45.0

29.0

48.5

68.0

64.8

54.0

56.9

32.3

39.7

45.0

99.5

51.0

77.8

39.6

57.0

41.0

43.0

80.8

48.0

58.0

40.0

49.0

44.0

45.0

55.0

56.0

36.8

44.0

46.0

31.3

46.0

100.0

48.0

28.0

54.0

42.0

30.4

64.0

38.0

67.8

53.0

32.0

36.7

41.0

36.0

50.8

50.0

63.6

55.0

54.1

30.0

43.0

45.0

99.5

51.0

77.8

39.6

57.0

41.0

43.0

80.0

48.0

58.0

40.0

49.0

44.0

45.0

55.0

56.0

39.7

44.0

46.0

31.3

46.0

100.0

48.0

28.0

54.0

42.0

31.7

64.0

38.0

67.8

53.0

32.0

36.7

41.0

36.0

50.8

50.0

63.4

55.0

54.1

30.0

43.3

4,200

8,775

39,360

43,680

94,700

5,329

585

15,840

114,060

70,150

38,280

1,134

506,000

28,620

4,255

14,620

33,480

78,890

7,525

57,200

185,630

70,300

1,575

2,040

9,975

7,560

34,840

267,695

68,670

178,200

63,430

9,100

15,000

99,213

16,650

118,900

9,174

17,000

168,080

486

8,075

8,276

2,526,552

4,050

15,120

45,900

42,425

110,898

4,161

533

10,320

103,180

57,600

37,700

1,520

494,900

24,200

4,050

11,825

31,920

70,635

6,160

56,580

162,690

84,180

1,400

2,160

7,420

7,290

28,560

300,080

74,240

205,200

61,395

10,070

7,680

120,754

15,170

144,000

8,985

12,000

162,555

495

7,677

7,091

2,564,769

1 Estimates for current year carried forward from an earlier forecast.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 8 NASS, USDA

Durum Wheat: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by State

and United States, 1997 and Forecasted September 1, 1998

State

Area Harvested Yield Production

1997 1998 1997

1998

1997 1998

Aug 1 Sep 1

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

AZ 1

CA 1

MN

MT

ND

SD

US

89

144

5

280

2,570

19

3,107

144

175

5

440

2,800

19

3,583

90.0

95.0

34.0

26.0

22.0

27.0

27.7

100.0

105.0

35.0

26.0

29.0

24.0

35.2

100.0

105.0

37.0

26.0

31.0

26.0

36.8

8,010

13,680

170

7,280

56,540

513

86,193

14,400

18,375

185

11,440

86,800

494

131,694

1 Estimates for current year carried forward from an earlier forecast.

Other Spring Wheat: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by State

and United States, 1997 and Forecasted September 1, 1998

State

Area Harvested Yield Production

1997 1998 1997

1998

1997 1998

Aug 1 Sep 1

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

CO 1

ID

MN

MT

NV 1

ND

OR 1

SD

UT 1

WA

WI 1

WY 1

US

50

570

2,400

4,200

5

8,400

130

2,400

29

445

7

21

18,657

48

520

1,720

3,500

8

6,600

115

1,850

27

465

7

11

14,871

70.0

78.0

32.0

29.0

95.0

25.0

55.0

28.0

46.0

54.0

35.0

36.0

29.9

76.0

79.0

37.0

30.0

100.0

31.0

53.0

32.0

55.0

48.0

36.0

31.0

34.2

76.0

77.0

40.0

30.0

100.0

32.0

53.0

32.0

55.0

47.0

36.0

31.0

34.9

3,500

44,460

76,800

121,800

475

210,000

7,150

67,200

1,334

24,030

245

756

557,750

3,648

40,040

68,800

105,000

800

211,200

6,095

59,200

1,485

21,855

252

341

518,716

1 Estimates for current year carried forward from an earlier forecast.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 9 NASS, USDA

Wheat: Production by Class, United States, 1996-97

and Forecasted September 1, 1998 1

Year

Winter Spring

Hard Total

Red

Soft

Red White HardRed White Durum

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

1996

1997

1998

761,412

1,120,891

1,200,027

422,019

483,890

448,664

293,627

277,828

265,668

630,866

500,643

466,993

61,119

57,107

51,723

116,090

86,193

131,694

2,285,133

2,526,552

2,564,769

1 Wheat class estimates are based on varietal acreage survey data available for all wheat producing States. Unless unusual situations

dictate, the previous end-of-season class percentages are used throughout the forecast season.

Rice: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by State

and United States, 1997 and Forecasted September 1, 1998

State

Area Harvested Yield Production

1997 1998 1997

1998

1997 1998

Aug 1 Sep 1

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

AR

CA

LA

MS

MO 1

TX

US

1,370

510

548

238

109

259

3,034

1,525

478

588

218

124

254

3,187

5,650

8,300

4,630

5,800

5,300

5,500

5,896

5,500

7,700

4,200

5,400

5,100

5,600

5,576

5,600

7,800

4,450

5,400

5,100

5,600

5,685

77,370

42,341

25,364

13,804

5,777

14,240

178,896

85,400

37,284

26,166

11,772

6,324

14,224

181,170

1 Estimates for current year carried forward from an earlier forecast.

Rice: Production by Class, United States,

1996-97 and Forecasted September 1, 1998

Year Long Grain Medium Grain Short Grain All

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

1996

1997

1998 1

113,351

121,647

132,934

56,901

55,833

46,597

1,069

1,416

1,639

171,321

178,896

181,170

1

Indicated September 1, 1998, rice class estimates are based on a five-year average of class percentages. The class percentages are

adjusted as data become available through the growing season.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 10 NASS, USDA

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

and United States, 1997 and Forecasted September 1, 1998

State

Area Harvested Yield Production

1997 1998 1997

1998

1997 1998

Aug 1 Sep 1

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

AL

AR

DE

FL 1

GA

IL

IN

IA

KS

KY

LA

MD

MI

MN

MS

MO

NE

NJ 1

NY 2

NC

ND

OH

OK 1

PA 1

SC

SD

TN

TX

VA

WI

US

385

3,550

219

38

410

9,950

5,400

10,400

2,400

1,280

1,350

525

1,890

6,700

2,070

4,850

3,450

132

1,330

1,190

4,490

320

365

610

3,450

1,280

400

490

960

69,884

320

3,350

215

35

290

10,650

5,600

10,450

2,500

1,230

1,100

460

1,890

6,900

1,950

5,100

3,750

118

97

1,425

1,690

4,490

380

390

540

3,550

1,200

370

480

1,050

71,570

25.0

30.5

29.0

26.0

21.0

43.0

44.0

46.5

37.0

34.5

29.0

28.0

38.5

39.0

31.0

36.5

41.0

30.0

29.0

29.0

44.0

30.0

39.0

22.0

35.0

34.0

28.0

23.0

44.0

39.0

25.0

28.0

29.0

23.0

20.0

45.0

45.0

47.0

38.0

36.0

22.0

29.0

36.0

39.0

27.0

38.0

45.0

30.0

37.0

27.0

27.0

44.0

23.0

40.0

19.0

36.0

35.0

25.0

25.0

42.0

39.5

25.0

28.0

26.0

23.0

22.0

48.0

45.0

50.0

36.0

35.0

22.0

26.0

36.0

40.0

27.0

38.0

49.0

30.0

37.0

26.0

27.0

44.0

23.0

40.0

19.0

38.0

35.0

25.0

22.0

44.0

40.6

9,625

108,275

6,351

988

8,610

427,850

237,600

483,600

88,800

44,160

39,150

14,700

72,765

261,300

64,170

177,025

141,450

3,960

38,570

34,510

197,560

9,600

14,235

13,420

120,750

43,520

11,200

11,270

42,240

2,727,254

8,000

93,800

5,590

805

6,380

511,200

252,000

522,500

90,000

43,050

24,200

11,960

68,040

276,000

52,650

193,800

183,750

3,540

3,589

37,050

45,630

197,560

8,740

15,600

10,260

134,900

42,000

9,250

10,560

46,200

2,908,604

1 Estimates for current year carried forward from an earlier forecast.

2 NY included beginning with the 1998 crop year.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 11 NASS, USDA

Peanuts: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by State

and United States, 1997 and Forecasted September 1, 1998

State

Area Harvested Yield Production 1

1997 1998 1997

1998

1997 1998

Aug 1 Sep 1

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

AL

FL

GA

NM

NC

OK

SC

TX 2

VA

US

193.0

84.0

519.0

17.3

121.0

77.0

10.5

315.0

74.0

1,410.8

196.0

81.0

533.0

20.0

125.0

75.0

10.5

360.0

75.0

1,475.5

1,930

2,715

2,570

2,700

2,720

2,400

2,900

2,610

2,560

2,507

1,900

2,400

2,450

2,300

2,950

2,200

2,200

2,600

2,670

2,442

2,000

2,400

2,500

2,500

2,850

2,200

2,100

2,550

2,650

2,459

372,490

228,060

1,333,830

46,710

329,120

184,800

30,450

822,150

189,440

3,537,050

392,000

194,400

1,332,500

50,000

356,250

165,000

22,050

918,000

198,750

3,628,950

1 Estimates comprised of quota and non-quota peanuts.

2 Texas 1998 planted area revised to 370,000 acres and U.S. to 1,503,000 acres.

Cottonseed: Production, United States,

1996-97 and Forecasted September 1, 1998

State

Production

1996 1997 1998 1

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

US 7,143.5 6,934.6 5,085.0

1 Based on a 3-year average lint-seed ratio.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 12 NASS, USDA

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

and United States, 1997 and Forecasted September 1, 1998

Type

and

State

Area Harvested Yield Production 1

1997 1998 1997

1998

1997 1998

Aug 1 Sep 1

1,000 Acres 1,000 Acres Pounds Pounds Pounds 1,000 Bales 21,000 Bales 2

Upland

 AL

 AZ

 AR

 CA

 FL 3

 GA

 KS 3

 LA

 MS

 MO

 NM 3

 NC

 OK

 SC

 TN

 TX

 VA 3

 US

Amer-Pima

 AZ

 CA

 NM

 TX

 US

All

 AL

 AZ

 AR

 CA

 FL 3

 GA

 KS 3

 LA

 MS

 MO

 NM

 NC

 OK

 SC

 TN

 TX

 VA 3

 US

442.0

324.0

940.0

875.0

99.0

1,425.0

10.0

625.0

970.0

375.0

66.0

665.0

190.0

285.0

480.0

5,150.0

100.0

13,021.0

22.0

184.0

11.0

32.0

249.0

442.0

346.0

940.0

1,059.0

99.0

1,425.0

10.0

625.0

970.0

375.0

77.0

665.0

190.0

285.0

480.0

5,182.0

100.0

13,270.0

455.0

249.0

855.0

650.0

80.0

1,300.0

14.0

540.0

915.0

330.0

59.0

695.0

100.0

280.0

445.0

3,300.0

91.0

10,358.0

15.0

184.0

10.5

37.0

246.5

455.0

264.0

855.0

834.0

80.0

1,300.0

14.0

540.0

915.0

330.0

69.5

695.0

100.0

280.0

445.0

3,337.0

91.0

10,604.5

597

1,255

859

1,202

577

646

418

757

901

723

676

671

462

691

662

479

659

673

912

1,141

641

815

1,056

597

1,233

859

1,191

577

646

418

757

901

723

671

671

462

691

662

481

659

680

550

1,214

764

1,001

498

569

501

711

813

727

781

640

528

550

636

451

770

634

886

939

686

843

911

550

1,198

764

988

498

569

501

711

813

727

767

640

528

550

636

455

770

640

600

1,157

646

997

498

572

501

640

787

625

781

640

480

540

593

436

770

607

832

939

731

778

900

600

1,138

646

984

498

572

501

640

787

625

774

640

480

540

593

440

770

614

550.0

847.0

1,683.0

2,191.0

119.1

1,919.0

8.7

986.0

1,821.0

565.0

93.0

930.0

183.0

410.0

662.0

5,140.0

137.2

18,245.0

41.8

437.2

14.7

54.3

548.0

550.0

888.8

1,683.0

2,628.2

119.1

1,919.0

8.7

986.0

1,821.0

565.0

107.7

930.0

183.0

410.0

662.0

5,194.3

137.2

18,793.0

569.0

600.0

1,150.0

1,350.0

83.0

1,550.0

14.6

720.0

1,500.0

430.0

96.0

927.0

100.0

315.0

550.0

3,000.0

146.0

13,100.6

26.0

360.0

16.0

60.0

462.0

569.0

626.0

1,150.0

1,710.0

83.0

1,550.0

14.6

720.0

1,500.0

430.0

112.0

927.0

100.0

315.0

550.0

3,060.0

146.0

13,562.6

1 Production ginned and to be ginned. 

2

480-Lb. net weight bales.

3 Estimates for current year carried forward from previous forecast.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 13 NASS, USDA

Potatoes: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by Seasonal

Group, State, and United States, 1996-98

Seasonal

Group and

State

Area Harvested Yield Production

1997 1998 1997 1998 1996 1997 1998

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

Winter 1

 CA

 FL

 Total

Spring 1

 AL

 AZ

 CA

 FL

 Hastings

 Other FL

 NC

 TX

 Total

Summer 2

 AL

 CA

 CO

 DE

 IL

 IA 1

 MD 1

 MO

 NE

 NJ

 NM

 NC 1

 TX

 VA

 Total

6.6

8.8

15.4

1.5

6.2

20.7

33.3

24.5

8.8

16.5

8.0

86.2

5.9

5.9

7.6

4.2

4.6

1.3

3.4

5.8

4.3

2.2

4.3

1.2

7.7

7.5

65.9

7.0

8.0

15.0

1.7

8.2

18.9

34.5

24.5

10.0

17.0

9.5

89.8

5.5

6.1

8.2

4.7

5.6

1.1

4.6

8.5

4.4

2.2

3.9

1.1

7.4

7.5

70.8

240

175

203

175

275

400

199

210

170

200

195

252

150

360

340

230

325

210

280

255

390

270

320

100

245

195

271

220

180

199

165

235

335

178

190

150

185

170

217

130

370

350

240

290

190

260

225

365

230

280

95

380

200

276

1,425

1,848

3,273

304

2,475

7,538

7,765

6,325

1,440

3,230

1,105

22,417

1,005

2,088

3,381

1,248

1,650

315

559

1,633

1,485

663

1,404

108

2,280

1,688

19,507

1,584

1,540

3,124

263

1,705

8,280

6,641

5,145

1,496

3,300

1,560

21,749

885

2,124

2,584

966

1,495

273

952

1,479

1,677

594

1,376

120

1,887

1,463

17,875

1,540

1,440

2,980

281

1,927

6,332

6,155

4,655

1,500

3,145

1,615

19,455

715

2,257

2,870

1,128

1,624

209

1,196

1,913

1,606

506

1,092

105

2,812

1,500

19,533

See footnotes at end of table. --continued
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 14 NASS, USDA

Potatoes: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by Seasonal

Group, State, and United States, 1996-98 (continued)

Seasonal

Group and

State

Area Harvested Yield Production

1997 1998 1997 1998 1996 1997 1998

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

Fall 1 2 3

 CA

 CO

 ID

 10 SW Co

 Other ID

 IN

 ME

 MA

 MI

 MN

 MT

 NE

 NV

 NM

 NY

 ND

 OH

 OR

 Malheur

 Other OR

 PA

 RI

 SD

 UT

 WA

 WI

 WY

 Total

US

10.5

76.9

398.0

27.0

371.0

4.9

71.0

2.8

47.5

73.0

10.4

19.3

6.9

6.3

28.0

105.0

5.0

53.5

10.9

42.6

14.5

0.8

4.2

3.1

152.0

83.5

0.5

1,177.6

1,345.1

10.3

75.6

403.0

27.0

376.0

4.9

62.0

2.7

48.5

77.0

10.6

20.0

6.9

6.2

29.5

125.0

4.8

55.4

11.9

43.5

14.5

0.7

4.6

2.7

152.0

81.0

0.5

1,198.4

1,374.0

400

325

353

470

344

270

270

270

300

280

320

390

430

420

275

205

235

508

440

525

220

270

250

295

580

355

280

359

346

4,600

29,175

142,800

11,900

130,900

1,352

21,175

676

13,800

24,600

3,213

4,402

3,160

2,560

7,980

28,820

1,275

30,124

5,320

24,804

4,208

192

1,344

1,176

94,990

31,590

224

453,436

498,633

4,200

24,993

140,314

12,690

127,624

1,323

19,170

756

14,250

20,440

3,328

7,527

2,967

2,646

7,700

21,525

1,175

27,161

4,796

22,365

3,190

216

1,050

915

88,160

29,643

140

422,789

465,537

1 Estimates for current year carried forward from earlier forecast.

2

1997 revised.

3 Estimates for 1998 yield and production for fall potatoes will be published November 10, 1998.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 15 NASS, USDA

Potatoes: Area Planted by Seasonal Group,

State, and United States, 1997-98

Seasonal

Group and

State

1997 1998

Seasonal

Group and

State

1997 1998

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

Winter 1

 CA

 FL

 Total

Spring 1

 AL

 AZ

 CA

 FL

 Hastings

 Other FL

 NC

 TX

 Total

Summer 2

 AL

 CA

 CO

 DE

 IL

 IA 1

 MD 1

 MO

 NE

 NJ

 NM

 NC 1

 TX

 VA

 Total

6.6

9.0

15.6

1.6

6.2

20.7

34.5

25.5

9.0

17.0

8.3

88.3

6.0

5.9

7.8

4.3

4.8

1.3

3.4

6.4

4.4

2.2

4.4

1.2

8.5

8.0

68.6

7.0

8.5

15.5

1.8

8.2

18.9

36.8

26.5

10.3

17.5

10.0

93.2

5.6

6.2

8.4

4.7

5.8

1.2

4.6

9.1

4.5

2.2

4.3

1.1

8.2

8.5

74.4

Fall 1 2

 CA

 CO

 ID

 10 SW Co

 Other ID

 IN

 ME

 MA

 MI

 MN

 MT

 NE

 NV

 NM

 NY

 ND

 OH

 OR

 Malheur Co

 Other OR

 PA

 RI

 SD

 UT

 WA

 WI

 WY

 Total

US

10.5

77.0

400.0

27.0

373.0

5.3

71.0

2.8

48.0

77.0

10.4

19.6

7.0

6.3

28.5

125.0

5.3

54.5

11.0

43.5

15.0

0.8

4.5

3.1

152.0

84.0

0.5

1,208.1

1,380.6

10.3

75.8

405.0

27.0

378.0

5.3

63.0

2.7

50.0

82.0

10.6

20.2

7.0

6.2

30.0

130.0

5.0

56.0

12.0

44.0

15.0

0.7

5.0

2.7

152.0

83.0

0.5

1,218.0

1,401.1

1 Estimates for current year carried forward from earlier forecast.

2

1997 revised.

Tobacco: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by State

and United States, 1996-97 and Forecasted September 1, 1998

State

Area Harvested Yield Production

1997 1998 1997 1998 1996 1997 1998

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

CT 1

FL

GA

IN

KY

MD

MA 1

MO 1

NC

OH

PA

SC

TN

VA

WV 1

WI

US

2,270

7,300

43,000

8,900

230,500

8,000

1,200

3,000

317,400

11,400

7,600

54,000

59,480

53,080

1,800

2,550

811,480

2,620

6,500

42,000

8,500

236,400

7,500

1,215

2,800

264,600

9,800

7,200

45,000

63,580

47,680

1,800

2,300

749,495

1,586

2,610

2,075

2,100

2,162

1,500

1,731

2,345

2,304

1,956

2,021

2,340

1,922

2,215

1,700

2,231

2,201

1,647

2,300

2,000

2,100

2,176

1,450

1,507

2,300

1,953

1,910

1,955

2,100

1,980

2,152

1,500

2,052

2,048

3,795

20,100

113,620

14,972

395,542

10,000

1,212

6,021

585,542

12,640

15,464

117,810

109,888

103,543

2,040

5,162

1,517,351

3,600

19,053

89,225

18,690

498,328

12,000

2,077

7,035

731,419

22,300

15,360

126,360

114,292

117,576

3,060

5,690

1,786,065

4,315

14,950

84,000

17,850

514,330

10,875

1,831

6,440

516,880

18,718

14,076

94,500

125,868

102,604

2,700

4,720

1,534,657

1 Estimates for current year carried forward from an earlier forecast.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 16 NASS, USDA

Tobacco: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by Class, Type,

State, and United States, 1997 and Forecasted September 1, 1998

Class and Type

Area Harvested Yield Production

1997 1998 1997 1998 1997 1998

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

Class 1, Flue-cured

 Type 11, Old Belts

 NC

 VA

 US

 Type 12, Eastern NC

 Belt

 NC

 Type 13, NC Border &

 SC Belt

 NC

 SC

 US

 Type 14, GA-FL Belt

 FL

 GA

 US

 Total 11-14

Class 2, Fire-cured

 Type 21, VA Belt

 VA

 Type 22, Eastern

 District

 KY

 TN

 US

 Type 23, Western

 District

 KY

 TN

 US

 Total 21-23

Class 3, Air-cured

 Class 3A, Light

 Air-cured

 Type 31, Burley

 IN

 KY

 MO 1

 NC

 OH

 TN

 VA

 WV 1

 US

 Type 32, Southern MD

 Belt

 MD

 PA

 US

 Total 31-32

90,000

41,000

131,000

179,000

40,000

54,000

94,000

7,300

43,000

50,300

454,300

1,200

3,750

7,400

11,150

3,600

600

4,200

16,550

8,900

220,000

3,000

8,400

11,400

51,000

10,800

1,800

315,300

8,000

3,000

11,000

326,300

74,000

35,000

109,000

150,000

32,000

45,000

77,000

6,500

42,000

48,500

384,500

1,600

3,800

7,400

11,200

3,700

600

4,300

17,100

8,500

225,000

2,800

8,600

9,800

55,000

11,000

1,800

322,500

7,500

2,700

10,200

332,700

2,025

2,315

2,116

2,445

2,455

2,340

2,389

2,610

2,075

2,153

2,306

1,640

2,560

2,480

2,507

2,970

2,750

2,939

2,554

2,100

2,140

2,345

1,585

1,960

1,830

1,905

1,700

2,059

1,500

1,900

1,609

2,044

1,900

2,200

1,996

2,000

1,900

2,100

2,017

2,300

2,000

2,040

2,007

1,500

2,500

2,500

2,500

3,100

2,750

3,051

2,545

2,100

2,150

2,300

1,800

1,910

1,900

2,100

1,500

2,085

1,450

1,880

1,564

2,069

182,250

94,915

277,165

437,655

98,200

126,360

224,560

19,053

89,225

108,278

1,047,658

1,968

9,600

18,352

27,952

10,692

1,650

12,342

42,262

18,690

470,800

7,035

13,314

22,300

93,330

20,574

3,060

649,103

12,000

5,700

17,700

666,803

140,600

77,000

217,600

300,000

60,800

94,500

155,300

14,950

84,000

98,950

771,850

2,400

9,500

18,500

28,000

11,470

1,650

13,120

43,520

17,850

483,750

6,440

15,480

18,718

104,500

23,100

2,700

672,538

10,875

5,076

15,951

688,489

--continued
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 17 NASS, USDA

Tobacco: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by Class, Type, State,

and United States, 1997 and Forecasted September 1, 1998 (continued)

Class and Type

Area Harvested Yield Production

1997 1998 1997 1998 1997 1998

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

Class 3, Air-cured

Class 3B, Dark

 Air-cured

 Type 35, One Sucker

 Belt

 KY

 TN

 US

 Type 36, Green River

 Belt

 KY

 Type 37, VA Sun-cured

 Belt

 VA

 Total 35-37

Class 4, Cigar Filler

 Type 41, PA Seedleaf

 PA

Class 5, Cigar Binder

 Class 5A, CT Valley

 Binder

 Type 51, CT Valley

 Broadleaf

 CT 1

 MA 1

 US

 Class 5B, WI Binder

 Type 54, Southern WI

 WI

 Type 55, Northern WI

 WI

 Total 54-55

 Total 51-55

Class 6, Cigar Wrapper

 Type 61, CT Valley

 Shade-grown

 CT 1

 MA 1

 US

All Cigar Types

 Total 41-61

All Tobacco

2,050

480

2,530

1,100

80

3,710

4,600

1,230

780

2,010

1,800

750

2,550

4,560

1,040

420

1,460

10,620

811,480

2,500

580

3,080

1,400

80

4,560

4,500

1,325

875

2,200

1,600

700

2,300

4,500

1,295

340

1,635

10,635

749,495

2,290

2,000

2,235

2,310

1,488

2,241

2,100

1,730

1,850

1,777

2,330

1,995

2,231

2,031

1,415

1,510

1,442

1,980

2,201

2,500

2,100

2,425

2,400

1,300

2,397

2,000

1,800

1,665

1,746

2,250

1,600

2,052

1,903

1,490

1,100

1,409

1,868

2,048

4,695

960

5,655

2,541

119

8,315

9,660

2,128

1,443

3,571

4,194

1,496

5,690

9,261

1,472

634

2,106

21,027

1,786,065

6,250

1,218

7,468

3,360

104

10,932

9,000

2,385

1,457

3,842

3,600

1,120

4,720

8,562

1,930

374

2,304

19,866

1,534,657

1 Estimates for current year carried forward from an earlier forecast.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 18 NASS, USDA

Oranges: Utilized Production by State and United States,

1996-97, 1997-98 and Forecasted September 1, 1998 1 2 3

Crop and State

Utilized Production

Boxes

Utilized Production

Ton Equivalent

1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99

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

Early Mid &

 Navel 4

 AZ

 CA

 FL

 TX

 US

Valencia

 AZ

 CA

 FL

 TX

 US

All

 AZ

 CA

 FL

 TX

 US

400

40,000

134,200

1,300

175,900

600

24,000

92,000

120

116,720

1,000

64,000

226,200

1,420

292,620

350

44,000

140,000

1,350

185,700

650

30,000

104,000

175

134,825

1,000

74,000

244,000

1,525

320,525

34,000

15

1,500

6,039

55

7,609

23

900

4,140

5

5,068

38

2,400

10,179

60

12,677

13

1,650

6,300

57

8,020

25

1,125

4,680

7

5,837

38

2,775

10,980

64

13,857

1,275

1

1996-97 and 1997-98 revised. Revised grapefruit and other citrus fruit totals will be released September 23, 1998, in “Citrus Fruits,

1998 Summary”.

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

3 Net lbs. per box: AZ & CA-75, FL-90, TX-85.

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

tangerines in TX.

Sugarbeets: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by State and

United States, 1996-97 and Forecasted September 1, 1998 1

State

Area Harvested Yield Production

1997 1998 1997 1998 1996 1997 1998

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

CA

CO

ID

MI

MN

MT 2

NE

NM

ND 2

OH

OR

TX

WA

WY

US

99.0

66.4

197.0

160.0

446.0

58.3

60.3

1.6

227.5

0.9

17.4

15.0

18.0

60.9

1,428.3

100.0

59.8

203.0

174.0

462.0

63.0

45.9

240.0

1.0

17.5

36.3

53.0

1,455.5

30.0

19.7

26.4

19.0

18.5

21.0

16.8

30.6

18.5

19.0

28.4

18.0

33.1

20.4

20.9

29.0

21.7

25.3

18.0

19.4

21.6

19.5

19.7

18.0

24.4

33.5

20.0

21.4

2,419

1,032

4,563

1,963

7,971

1,300

913

27

4,213

86

416

242

461

1,074

26,680

2,970

1,308

5,210

3,040

8,251

1,224

1,013

49

4,205

17

494

270

595

1,240

29,886

2,900

1,298

5,136

3,132

8,963

1,361

895

4,728

18

427

1,216

1,060

31,134

1 Relates to year of intended harvest except for overwintered spring planted beets in CA.

2 Planted acres for MT and ND revised to 64,300 and 245,000 acres, respectively.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 19 NASS, USDA

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

by State and United States, 1996-97 and Forecasted September 1, 1998

State

Area Harvested Yield 1 Production 1

1997 1998 1997 1998 1996 1997 1998

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

FL

HI

LA

TX

US

440.0

34.2

410.0

29.8

914.0

448.0

34.0

420.0

37.0

939.0

36.9

88.0

28.2

30.3

34.7

36.0

82.0

27.0

27.5

33.3

14,498

3,639

10,323

1,002

29,462

16,236

3,009

11,562

902

31,709

16,128

2,788

11,340

1,018

31,274

1 Net tons.

Papayas: Area and Fresh Production, by Month, Hawaii, 1997-98

Month

Area Fresh Production

Total in Crop Harvested

1997 1998

1997 1998 1997 1998

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

Jul

Aug

5,280

5,350

3,665

3,645

2,325

2,350

2,450

2,400

2,845

2,705

3,005

2,740

Nuts: Utilized Production, In-shell Basis, by Crop and State,

1996-97 and Forecasted September 1, 1998

Crop and State

Utilized Production

1996 1997 1998

Tons Tons Tons

Hazelnuts

 OR

 WA

 Total

Walnuts

 CA

18,400

100

18,500

208,000

46,850

150

47,000

269,000

16,450

50

16,500

220,000

1,000 Pounds

Pistachios

 CA 105,000 180,000 195,000
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 20 NASS, USDA

Pecans: Utilized Production by Crop, State, and United States,

1996-97 and Forecasted September 1, 1998

Crop and State

Utilized Production

1996 1997 1998

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

Improved Varieties 1

 AL

 AZ

 AR

 CA

 FL

 GA

 LA

 MS

 NM

 NC

 OK

 SC

 TX

 US

Native & Seedling

 AL

 AR

 FL

 GA

 KS

 LA

 MS

 NC

 OK

 SC

 TX

 US

All Pecans

 AL

 AZ

 AR

 CA

 FL

 GA

 KS

 LA

 MS

 NM

 NC

 OK

 SC

 TX

 US

9,000

17,000

800

1,300

500

86,000

2,000

1,300

22,000

425

500

1,800

30,000

172,625

5,000

400

1,400

14,000

200

14,000

1,300

375

1,500

700

10,000

48,875

14,000

17,000

1,200

1,300

1,900

100,000

200

16,000

2,600

22,000

800

2,000

2,500

40,000

221,500

7,000

17,500

1,600

2,500

600

81,000

2,000

2,600

43,000

900

3,000

2,600

40,000

204,300

6,000

3,000

1,200

24,000

4,200

10,000

1,400

600

32,000

1,400

50,000

133,800

13,000

17,500

4,600

2,500

1,800

105,000

4,200

12,000

4,000

43,000

1,500

35,000

4,000

90,000

338,100

6,000

17,500

500

1,600

600

50,000

2,000

1,800

28,000

1,400

1,500

500

30,000

141,400

4,000

200

900

10,000

200

8,000

700

1,100

8,500

200

10,000

43,800

10,000

17,500

700

1,600

1,500

60,000

200

10,000

2,500

28,000

2,500

10,000

700

40,000

185,200

1 Budded, grafted, or topworked varieties.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 21 NASS, USDA

Crop Summary: Area Planted and Harvested, United States, 1997-98 1

(Domestic Units) 1

Crop

Area Planted Area Harvested

1997 1998 1997 1998

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

 Rice

 Rye

 Sorghum for Grain 2

 Sorghum for Silage

 Wheat, All

 Winter

 Durum

 Other Spring

Oilseeds

 Canola

 Cottonseed

 Flaxseed

 Mustard Seed

 Peanuts 3

 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

Potatoes & Misc.

 Coffee (HI)

 Ginger Root (HI)

 Hops

 Peppermint Oil

 Potatoes, All

 Winter

 Spring

 Summer

 Fall

 Spearmint Oil

 Sweet Potatoes

 Taro (HI) 4

6,910.0

80,227.0

5,169.0

3,056.0

1,433.0

10,108.0

70,989.0

48,342.0

3,250.0

19,397.0

728.0

146.0

74.4

1,431.0

1.7

249.0

70,850.0

2,949.0

13,808.0

13,558.0

250.0

1,459.3

8.1

1,851.8

293.6

181.0

1,380.6

15.6

88.3

68.6

1,208.1

86.7

6,446.0

80,798.0

4,992.0

3,215.0

1,586.0

9,726.0

65,799.0

46,850.0

3,700.0

15,249.0

1,133.0

335.0

124.0

1,503.0

2.0

296.0

72,690.0

3,420.0

12,865.5

12,552.0

313.5

1,495.2

2,024.0

1,401.1

15.5

93.2

74.4

1,218.0

86.1

6,425.0

73,720.0

5,758.0

60,815.0

23,673.0

37,142.0

2,911.0

3,034.0

341.0

9,391.0

310.0

63,577.0

41,813.0

3,107.0

18,657.0

698.0

135.0

72.8

1,410.8

1.5

235.0

69,884.0

2,852.0

13,270.0

13,021.0

249.0

1,428.3

914.0

811.5

7.6

1,720.2

276.6

172.0

5.6

0.3

43.3

136.3

1,345.1

15.4

86.2

65.9

1,177.6

24.5

83.3

0.5

6,078.0

73,789.0

59,819.0

23,437.0

36,382.0

2,936.0

3,187.0

428.0

7,838.0

59,211.0

40,757.0

3,583.0

14,871.0

1,087.0

322.0

121.0

1,475.5

1.9

282.0

71,570.0

3,307.0

10,604.5

10,358.0

246.5

1,455.5

939.0

749.5

1,903.9

0.4

36.6

1,374.0

15.0

89.8

70.8

1,198.4

83.2

1

 Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 1998

crop year. 2 Area planted for all purposes. 3 1998 area planted revised. 4 Acreage is total acres in crop, not harvested acreage.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 22 NASS, USDA

Crop Summary: Yield and Production, United States, 1997-98

(Domestic Units) 1

Crop Unit

Yield Production

1997 1998 1997 1998

1,000 1,000

Grains & Hay

 Barley

 Corn for Grain

 Corn for Silage

 Hay, All

 Alfalfa

 All Other

 Oats

 Rice 2

 Rye

 Sorghum for Grain

 Sorghum for Silage

 Wheat, All

 Winter

 Durum

 Other Spring

Oilseeds

 Canola

 Cottonseed

 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

Potatoes & Misc.

 Coffee (HI)

 Ginger Root (HI)

 Hops

 Peppermint Oil

 Potatoes, All

 Winter

 Spring

 Summer

 Fall

 Spearmint Oil

 Sweet Potatoes

 Taro (HI) 3

Bu

“

Ton

“

“

“

Bu

Cwt

Bu

“

Ton

Bu

“

“

“

Lb

Ton

Bu

Lb

“

“

“

Bu

Lb

Bale

“

“

Ton

“

Lb

Cwt

“

“

“

“

Lb

“

“

“

Cwt

“

“

“

“

Lb

Cwt

Lb

58.3

127.0

16.0

2.50

3.35

1.96

60.5

5,896

26.1

69.5

12.5

39.7

45.0

27.7

29.9

1,310

16.1

816

2,507

1,300

1,830

39.0

1,320

680

673

1,056

20.9

34.7

2,201

1,513

1,695

2,103

1,390

1,680

44,000

1,729

75

346

203

252

271

359

98

162

61.3

132.0

2.48

3.43

1.87

60.4

5,685

67.5

43.3

47.0

36.8

34.9

2,459

40.6

614.0

607

900

21.4

33.3

2,048

1,570

50,000

1,799

199

217

276

374,478

9,365,574

91,903

152,120

79,242

72,878

176,104

178,896

8,912

653,106

3,885

2,526,552

1,882,609

86,193

557,750

914,385

6,935

2,171

59,405

3,537,050

1,950

430,050

2,727,254

3,763,428

18,793.0

18,245.0

548.0

29,886

31,709

1,786,065

115

29,156

5,816

2,391

682

9,400

12,100

74,872.1

10,256

465,537

3,124

21,749

17,875

422,789

2,403

13,512

5,500

372,379

9,737,949

148,287

80,290

67,997

177,211

181,170

529,371

2,564,769

1,914,359

131,694

518,716

5,085

3,628,950

2,908,604

13,562.6

13,100.6

462.0

31,134

31,274

1,534,657

29,886

18,000

65,913.0

2,980

19,455

19,533

1

 Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 1998

crop year. 2 Yield in pounds. 3 Yield is not estimated.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 23 NASS, USDA

Fruits and Nuts Production, United States, 1996-98

(Domestic Units) 1

Crop Unit

Production

1996 1997 1998

1,000 1,000 1,000

Citrus 2

 Grapefruit

 K-Early Citrus (FL)

 Lemons

 Oranges

 Tangelos (FL)

 Tangerines

 Temples (FL)

Non-Citrus

 Apples

 Apricots

 Bananas (HI)

 Grapes

 Olives (CA)

 Papayas (HI)

 Peaches

 Pears

 Prunes, Dried (CA)

 Prunes & Plums (Ex CA)

Nuts & Misc.

 Almonds (CA)

 Hazelnuts

 Pecans

 Pistachios (CA)

 Walnuts (CA)

 Maple Syrup

Ton

“

“

“

“

“

“

Lb

Ton

Lb

Ton

“

Lb

“

Ton

“

“

Lb

Ton

Lb

“

Ton

Gal

2,718

7

992

11,426

110

349

97

10,392.0

79.3

13,000.0

5,554.3

166.0

41,800.0

2,116.3

820.8

223.0

20.0

510,000

18.5

221,500

105,000

208.0

1,567

2,888

7

859

12,677

178

418

108

10,386.1

138.0

13,700.0

7,282.4

104.0

38,800.0

2,651.1

1,044.1

214.0

29.0

757,000

47.0

338,100

180,000

269.0

1,298

2,626

2

935

13,857

128

360

101

11,321.9

130.2

6,232.9

95.0

2,420.0

918.3

170.0

28.3

540,000

16.5

185,200

195,000

220.0

1,159

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

1998 crop year.

2 Production years are 1995-96, 1996-97, and 1997-98.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 24 NASS, USDA

Crop Summary: Area Planted and Harvested, United States, 1997-98

(Metric Units) 1

Crop

Area Planted Area Harvested

1997 1998 1997 1998

Hectares Hectares Hectares Hectares

Grains & Hay

 Barley

 Corn for Grain 2

 Corn for Silage

 Hay, All 3

 Alfalfa

 All Other

 Oats

 Rice

 Rye

 Sorghum for Grain 2

 Sorghum for Silage

 Wheat, All 3

 Winter

 Durum

 Other Spring

Oilseeds

 Canola

 Cottonseed

 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

Potatoes & Misc.

 Coffee (HI)

 Ginger Root (HI)

 Hops

 Peppermint Oil

 Potatoes, All 3

 Winter

 Spring

 Summer

 Fall

 Spearmint Oil

 Sweet Potatoes

 Taro (HI) 4

2,796,410

32,467,060

2,091,840

1,236,730

579,920

4,090,610

28,728,540

19,563,520

1,315,240

7,849,770

294,610

59,080

30,110

579,110

690

100,770

28,672,290

1,193,430

5,587,960

5,486,790

101,170

590,560

3,280

749,400

118,820

73,250

558,720

6,310

35,730

27,760

488,910

35,090

2,608,630

32,698,140

2,020,210

1,301,080

641,840

3,936,010

26,628,200

18,959,730

1,497,350

6,171,120

458,510

135,570

50,180

608,250

810

119,790

29,416,920

1,384,040

5,206,540

5,079,670

126,870

605,090

819,090

567,010

6,270

37,720

30,110

492,910

34,840

2,600,130

29,833,750

2,330,210

24,611,220

9,580,230

15,031,000

1,178,050

1,227,830

138,000

3,800,440

125,450

25,728,980

16,921,300

1,257,370

7,550,300

282,470

54,630

29,460

570,940

610

95,100

28,281,360

1,154,180

5,370,240

5,269,470

100,770

578,020

369,890

328,400

3,080

696,150

111,940

69,610

2,270

110

17,520

55,160

544,350

6,230

34,880

26,670

476,560

9,910

33,710

180

2,459,710

29,861,670

9,484,720

14,723,430

1,188,170

1,289,750

173,210

3,171,960

23,962,100

16,493,950

1,450,000

6,018,140

439,900

130,310

48,970

597,120

770

114,120

28,963,660

1,338,310

4,291,540

4,191,780

99,760

589,030

380,000

303,310

770,490

150

14,830

556,040

6,070

36,340

28,650

484,980

33,670

1

 Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 1998

crop year. 2 Area planted for all purposes. 3 Total may not add due to rounding. 4 Area is total hectares in crop, not harvested hectares.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 25 NASS, USDA

Crop Summary: Yield and Production, United States, 1997-98

(Metric Units) 1

Crop

Yield Production

1997 1998 1997 1998

Metric Tons Metric Tons Metric Tons Metric Tons

Grains & Hay

 Barley

 Corn for Grain

 Corn for Silage

 Hay, All 2

 Alfalfa

 All Other

 Oats

 Rice

 Rye

 Sorghum for Grain

 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 & 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

Potatoes & Misc.

 Coffee (HI)

 Ginger Root (HI)

 Hops

 Peppermint Oil

 Potatoes, All 2

 Winter

 Spring

 Summer

 Fall

 Spearmint Oil

 Sweet Potatoes

 Taro (HI) 3

3.14

7.97

35.78

5.61

7.50

4.40

2.17

6.61

1.64

4.37

28.09

2.67

3.03

1.87

2.01

1.47

1.01

0.91

2.81

1.46

2.05

2.62

1.48

0.76

0.75

1.18

46.91

77.77

2.47

1.70

1.90

2.36

1.56

1.88

49.32

1.94

0.08

38.79

22.74

28.28

30.40

40.24

0.11

18.18

3.30

8.28

5.56

7.68

4.19

2.16

6.37

4.24

2.91

3.16

2.47

2.35

2.76

2.73

0.69

0.68

1.01

47.95

74.66

2.30

1.76

56.04

2.02

22.27

24.28

30.92

8,153,300

237,896,540

83,373,000

138,000,940

71,887,130

66,113,810

2,556,140

8,114,590

226,380

16,589,660

3,524,410

68,761,480

51,236,220

2,345,790

15,179,470

414,760

6,290,960

55,150

26,950

1,604,380

880

195,070

74,223,690

1,707,060

4,091,690

3,972,380

119,310

27,112,120

28,765,920

810,150

5,220

1,322,490

263,810

108,450

30,940

4,260

5,490

33,960

4,650

21,116,400

141,700

986,520

810,800

19,177,390

1,090

612,890

2,490

8,107,600

247,355,300

134,523,700

72,837,860

61,685,840

2,572,210

8,217,730

13,446,640

69,801,570

52,100,310

3,584,120

14,117,140

4,613,030

1,646,060

79,159,230

2,952,910

2,852,320

100,590

28,244,290

28,371,300

696,110

1,355,610

8,160

29,900

135,170

882,460

886,000

1

 Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 1998

crop year. 2 Production may not add due to rounding. 3 Yield is not estimated.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 26 NASS, USDA

Fruits and Nuts Production, United States, 1996-98

(Metric Units) 1

Crop

Production

1996 1997 1998

Metric tons Metric tons Metric tons

Citrus 2

 Grapefruit

 K-Early Citrus (FL)

 Lemons

 Oranges

 Tangelos (FL)

 Tangerines

 Temples (FL)

Non-Citrus

 Apples

 Apricots

 Bananas (HI)

 Grapes

 Olives (CA)

 Papayas (HI)

 Peaches

 Pears

 Prunes, Dried (CA)

 Prunes & Plums (Ex CA)

Nuts & Misc.

 Almonds (CA)

 Hazelnuts

 Pecans

 Pistachios (CA)

 Walnuts (CA)

 Maple Syrup

2,465,730

6,350

899,930

10,365,490

99,790

316,610

88,000

4,710

71,940

5,900

5,038,780

150,590

18,960

960

744,570

202,300

18,140

231,330

16,780

100,470

47,630

188,690

7,830

2,619,950

6,350

779,270

11,500,380

161,480

379,200

97,980

4,710

125,190

6,210

6,606,480

94,350

17,600

1,200

947,190

194,140

26,310

343,370

42,640

153,360

81,650

244,030

6,490

2,382,270

1,810

848,220

12,570,860

116,120

326,590

91,630

5,140

118,120

5,654,350

86,180

1,100

833,100

154,220

25,670

244,940

14,970

84,010

88,450

199,580

5,790

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

1998 crop year.

2 Production years are 1995-96, 1996-97, and 1997-98.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 27 NASS, USDA

Corn for Grain: Plant Population

The National Agricultural Statistics Service is conducting objective yield surveys in 7 corn producing states during

1998. Randomly selected plots in corn for grain fields are visited monthly from August through harvest to obtain

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

Corn for Grain: Plant Population per Acre,

Selected States, 1994-98

State Month 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998

Number Number Number Number Number

IL

IN

IA

MN

NE

OH

WI

Sep

Nov

Sep

Nov

Sep

Nov

Sep

Nov

Sep

Nov

Sep

Nov

Sep

Nov

23,300

23,200

22,800

22,850

24,000

23,950

26,100

26,000

21,900

21,700

22,800

22,900

24,100

23,600

24,000

23,650

23,900

24,000

24,800

24,650

26,400

26,350

22,600

22,500

23,400

23,300

24,600

24,000

24,350

24,200

23,550

23,500

25,000

24,950

26,500

26,600

22,750

22,700

23,100

22,750

24,800

24,900

25,000

24,900

23,700

23,800

25,700

25,500

26,300

26,600

22,850

22,850

23,450

23,500

24,750

24,800

25,550

24,350

25,700

27,750

23,350

25,350

26,600
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 28 NASS, USDA

All Spring Wheat: Head Population

The National Agricultural Statistics Service is conducting objective yield surveys in three spring wheat producing

states during 1998. Randomly selected plots in wheat fields are visited monthly from August through harvest to

obtain specific counts and measurements. Data in this table are actual field counts from this survey. The final number

of heads is determined when the plots are harvested at maturity. These data will be published in January.

All Spring Wheat: Heads per Square Foot,

Selected States, 1994-98

Crop and State Month 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998

Number Number Number Number Number

Other Spring

 MN

 MT

 ND

Durum

 ND

Sep

Final

Sep

Final

Sep

Final

Sep

Final

44.3

43.9

27.3

27.3

39.4

39.4

25.9

25.7

45.6

45.6

30.4

30.4

39.5

39.5

24.8

24.8

41.6

41.6

25.2

25.1

36.0

36.1

24.7

24.7

47.7

47.8

25.8

25.8

37.8

37.7

22.8

22.8

45.8

29.5

38.5

27.5
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 29 NASS, USDA

Soybeans: Pods with Beans

The National Agricultural Statistics Service is conducting objective yield surveys in 8 soybean producing States

during 1998. Randomly selected plots of soybeans fields are visited monthly from August through harvest to obtain

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

Soybeans: Pods with Beans per 18 Square Feet,

Selected States, 1994-98 1

State Month 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998

Number Number Number Number Number

AR

IL

IN

IA

MN

MO

NE

OH

Sep 2

Nov

Final

Sep

Nov

Final

Sep

Nov

Final

Sep

Nov

Final

Sep

Nov

Final

Sep

Nov

Final

Sep

Nov

Final

Sep

Nov

Final

1,782

1,673

1,745

1,639

1,636

1,850

1,574

1,570

1,887

1,820

1,820

1,678

1,496

1,496

1,470

1,643

1,659

1,676

1,826

1,826

1,950

1,643

1,643

1,755

1,609

1,816

1,764

1,764

1,755

1,677

1,677

1,739

1,611

1,616

1,613

1,501

1,501

895

1,462

1,469

1,404

1,420

1,420

1,790

1,647

1,650

1,521

1,481

1,505

1,573

1,581

1,416

1,470

1,457

1,654

1,463

1,463

1,543

1,487

1,487

1,491

1,688

1,655

1,715

1,514

1,514

1,452

1,378

1,383

2,098

1,956

1,828

1,708

1,708

1,622

1,532

1,532

1,894

1,458

1,461

1,585

1,506

1,506

1,539

1,591

1,650

1,716

1,345

1,342

1,711

1,485

1,467

2,087

1,883

1,914

1,598

1,847

1,849

1,887

1 Based on pod counts in plots selected for objective yield samples.

2 Not available due to plant immaturity.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 30 NASS, USDA

Cotton: Cumulative Boll Counts

The National Agricultural Statistics Service is conducting objective yield surveys in 5 cotton producing states during

1998. Randomly selected plots of cotton fields are visited monthly from August through harvest to obtain specific

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

Cotton: Cumulative Boll Counts, September 1994-98, and

November and Final, 1994-97 1

State Month 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998

Number Number Number Number Number

AR

CA

LA

MS

TX

Sep

Nov

Final

Sep

Nov

Final

Sep

Nov

Final

Sep

Nov

Final

Sep

Nov

Final

1,019

813

812

828

805

806

808

747

748

864

761

760

515

484

486

850

689

689

751

682

680

679

615

615

682

607

607

423

409

415

857

741

741

707

748

744

665

607

607

816

731

729

383

498

498

975

810

811

701

697

697

639

643

643

908

835

833

500

468

458

637

755

694

835

498

1

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

bolls, and burrs, per 40 feet of row. In November, excludes small bolls.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 31 NASS, USDA

Crop Moisture

Depicts short term (up to about 4 weeks) abnormal dryness or wetness affecting Agriculture, responds rapidly, can

change considerably week to week, and indicates normal conditions at the beginning and end of the growing season.

Uses...applicable in measuring the short term, week-to-week, status of dryness or wetness affecting warm season

crops and field operations.

Limitations...may not be applicable to germination and shallow rooted crops which are unable to extract the deep or

subsoil moisture from a 5-foot profile, or for cool season crops growing when temperatures are averaging below about

55 degrees fahrenheit. It is not generally indicative of the long term (months, years) drought or wet spells which are

depicted by the drought severity index.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 32 NASS, USDA

Drought Severity

Drought severity index (Palmer): Depicts prolonged (months, years) abnormal dryness or wetness; responds slowly;

changes little from week to week; and reflects long term moisture runoff, recharge, and deep percolation, as well as

evaportranspiration.

Uses...applicable in measuring disruptive effects of prolonged dryness or wetness on water sensitive economies;

designating disaster areas of drought or wetness and reflecting the general long-term status of water supplies in

aquifers, reservoirs, and streams.

Limitations...is not generally indicative of short-term (few weeks) status of drought or wetness such as frequently

affects crops and field operations (this is indicated by the crop moisture index).
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 33 NASS, USDA

August Weather Summary: After a quiet Atlantic hurricane season through mid-August, Tropical Storm Charley

and Hurricane Bonnie left imprints on southern Texas and the eastern Mid-Atlantic region, respectively. Away from

Charley's influence, however, drought stretched into a sixth month across parts of the South-Central States,

particularly in parts of northern Texas and southern Oklahoma. Pockets of short-term dryness also began to develop

as far north as Kansas. Frequent rains and moderate temperatures aided filling corn and soybeans across the

Midwest, but unfavorably dry weather prevailed in parts of the Mid-Atlantic region for a second consecutive month. 

Locally heavy rainfall soaked portions of the northern Plains and upper Midwest, but hot, dry weather dominated the

West.

Monthly temperatures ranged from 2 to 5 degrees F above normal in the northern Plains and Northwest, and were

generally 1 to 4 degrees F above normal in the drought-stricken portions of the South Central States. Temperatures

were within 2 degrees F of normal throughout the Midwest and Southeast, but as much as 5 degrees F above normal

in California and the Southwest.

Bonnie became a hurricane on the morning of August 22 and neared the North Carolina coast 4 days later. After

stalling near Cape Fear, Bonnie drifted inland just northeast of Wilmington, NC on August 27. Sustained winds were

115 mph prior to landfall. After weakening to tropical-storm force, Bonnie re-emerged over the Atlantic near Kitty

Hawk, NC, briefly regaining hurricane intensity (75 mph winds) and battering southeastern Virginia. Storm-total

rainfall topped 10 inches in a small area near Bonnie's landfall, including 11.31 inches in Jacksonville, NC.

Tropical Storm Charley formed on August 21, reaching the Texas coast near Port Aransas the next morning. 

Sustained winds briefly reached 60 mph just prior to landfall. Heavy rainfall spread westward through southern

Texas for the next several days. On August 23, nearly a year's worth of rain (17.03 inches, or 93 percent of their

normal annual total) saturated Del Rio, TX, causing extensive flooding, en route to a monthly total of 20.93 inches. 

As a result, Del Rio's records for single-day (8.79 inches on June 13, 1935), August (6.10 inches in 1971), and

monthly precipitation (15.79 inches in September 1964) were shattered. Ironically, Del Rio's rainfall during the first

81⁄2 month of 1998 was just 2.89 inches, or 27 percent of normal, and was accompanied by 69 days of 100-degree

heat, breaking their 1951 record by 1 day.

Despite the flooding in southern Texas, Charley's rains eased long-term drought. Monthly totals of 7.78 inches (306

percent of normal) in San Antonio and 4.06 inches (123 percent) in Corpus Christi accounted for 42 and 37 percent of

year-to-date rainfalls, respectively. Nevertheless, hot weather early in the month propelled San Antonio to a recordsetting 36th day of triple-digit heat this year, eclipsing their 1948 standard by 3 days. Corpus Christi, TX posted a

record-setting 41 consecutive days (July 5 - August 14) with highs at or above 95 degrees F. A northern Texas heat

wave temporarily broke on August 4, ending 29-day streaks of 100-degree weather in Dallas-Ft. Worth and Waco. 

By month's end, however, the total number of days this year with highs at or above 100 degrees F reached 51 in

Dallas-Ft. Worth and 58 in Waco, approaching 1980 records (69 and 63 days, respectively).

The summer (June-August) of 1998 was the hottest on record in Brownsville (87.0 degrees F), breaking their 1980

record. In Florida, Tampa also marked their hottest summer (84.2 degrees F), breaking a record that had stood since

1887. It was the second-hottest summer in locations such as Shreveport, LA (behind 1881) and Dallas-Ft. Worth

(behind 1980). Between June 16 and August 31, a 77-day span, Dallas-Ft. Worth's highs averaged 100.0 degrees F,

while their rainfall totaled 0.46 inches. In addition, their April-August rainfall totaled 5.84 inches (37 percent of

normal), second only to a 3.42-inch total during the same period in 1934.

In contrast, pockets of persistent wetness farther north left Burlington, VT with their wettest summer on record (24.77

inches, breaking an 1892 mark), and provided Omaha, NE with their second-wettest summer (21.33 inches; 2.77

inches below the 1993 standard). During August, however, dryness persisted or developed in a few areas of the East

and lower Midwest. August rainfall was the lowest on record in Lexington, KY (0.29 inches, or 7 percent of normal),

and at Virginia's Dulles Airport (0.45 inches; 11 percent).

August featured about 300 daily-record highs nationwide, nearly half of which occurred across the West and

Southeast during the final 10 days of the month. In California, August high-temperature records were tied or broken

in Paso Robles (114 degrees F on August 3) and downtown Sacramento (111 degrees F on August 4). Sacramento's

highs reached triple digits on 16 days during the month, breaking an August 1996 record. August averagetemperature records were established at locations such as downtown Sacramento (80.7 degrees F) and Reno, NV

(74.9 degrees F). 

Drier-than-normal weather accompanied the heat throughout the West. In Montana, Butte experienced below-normal

monthly precipitation (0.53 inches, or 40 percent of normal) for the first time this year. Several sites in the Northwest

that typically collect more than 1 inch of rain during August, including Olympia, WA, Portland, OR, and Eugene,

OR, received no measurable rainfall during the month. On the northern Plains, however, August-record rainfall (9.29

inches, or 540 percent of normal) soaked Bismarck, ND, 4.64 inches of which fell in a 24-hour period on August

21-22. Earlier in the month, more than 8 inches of rain pelted parts of southeastern Wisconsin on August 6-7.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 34 NASS, USDA

Late in the month, heat re-intensified across the West and the Southeast. On August 27-29, highs reached

100 degrees F in Jackson, MS for the first time on 3 consecutive days since 1990. On the 31st, maxima soared to

113 degrees F in Indio, CA and 100 degrees F in Augusta, GA.

General Crop Comments: Mild temperatures and ample rainfall early in the month promoted rapid corn and

soybean development in many parts of the Corn Belt. Varying temperature and precipitation patterns limited insect

populations and disease outbreaks. However, uneven growth and yellowing due to nitrogen deficiency, while limited

to areas with excessive rainfall, became more evident as the month progressed. Flooding plagued low-lying fields

along the lower Ohio River Valley and Missouri Bootheel during the first half of the month. Heat and excessive

dryness stressed corn and soybeans in parts of the Great Lakes region for most of the month. 

Virtually all cotton fields in the southern Great Plains and Southeast had progressed into the boll setting stage by midmonth, with bolls opening more than 1 week ahead of the average pace. Many areas, from the Mississippi Delta

through the Southeast, battled rising insect populations, worm infestations, and boll rot. Scattered rains throughout

the month relieved drought conditions in many areas of the southern Plains, Mississippi Delta, and Southeast, but the

relief came too late for early maturing crops. Later planted cotton, peanut, and sorghum fields benefited from the

rains, but were still under stress from excessive dryness as the month ended. Along the western Gulf Coast, cotton

and rice harvest activities were periodically hindered by rain, but, by the end of the month, harvest was nearly

complete for both crops.

The winter wheat harvest was nearly complete, with only fields in the northern Great Plains and Pacific Northwest

remaining unharvested as the month began. Spring wheat and barley harvest accelerated, as scattered early-month

rains had little impact on the harvest pace. By mid-month, the spring wheat and barley crops were well over

50 percent harvested, nearly triple the normal pace in Minnesota and North Dakota. The rapid harvest pace continued

through the end of the month, with many areas finishing 2 or 3 weeks early. The oat harvest was more than half

complete as the month began, continued ahead of normal as the month progressed, and finished well before the end of

the month in most areas of the Corn Belt.

Above-normal temperatures in California promoted crop development and improved conditions, but cotton and rice

development continued to lag well behind normal. As the month ended, cotton bolls were just beginning to open

compared to the normal pace of 36 percent. 

Corn: Acreage harvested and to be harvested for grain is forecast at 73.8 million acres, unchanged from last month

and virtually unchanged from 1997. The September 1 Corn Objective Yield data indicate a record level stalk count

for the seven objective yield States (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, and Wisconsin). The

September forecasted ears per acre are the highest on record, and if realized, would exceed the previous record final

ears per acre set in 1997. Ear measurements from the sample plots indicate a length slightly greater than last year and

the average. As of August 30, 65 percent of the acreage was reported dented in the 17 major States. This compares

with 39 percent last year and 40 percent for the 5 year average. Corn rated in the good to excellent condition totaled

69 percent compared to 62 percent for a year ago.

In Iowa, forecasted stalk populations are at record levels and ear populations are equal to record levels when

compared to final counts. Ear length is slightly above the average but equal to 1997. Seventy-one percent of the corn

was dented as of August 30, compared to 39 percent in 1997 and the average of 34 percent. Corn condition was 69

percent good to excellent.

Forecasted stalk and ear counts are at a record high level for Illinois when compared to final levels. Ear length is

above both last year and average. Sixty-three percent of the corn was dented, compared to 50 percent last year and 47

percent for the average. Sixty-five percent of the corn was rated in good to excellent condition.

Nebraska and Ohio stalk and ear counts from objective yield data indicate record high levels. Ear length in both

States is the same as 1997 but above average. Corn dented was well ahead of the average in both Nebraska and Ohio.

Corn dented in Nebraska was 71 percent by August 30, compared to 38 percent for 1997 and the average of 39

percent. Ohio corn was 41 percent dented, compared to 16 percent for last year and the average of 31 percent. In

Nebraska 85 percent of the corn crop was rated in good to excellent condition. In Ohio, the crop rated 70 percent in

those two categories.

In Minnesota, forecasted stalk and ear counts are at record levels. Ear length is above both last year and the average. 

The corn dented in Minnesota was at 74 percent, compared to 22 percent for last year and the average of 24 percent. 

The majority (75 percent) of corn in Minnesota was rated in good to excellent condition.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 35 NASS, USDA

Forecasted stalk and ear counts in Indiana and Wisconsin are at record levels. Ear length is less than both last year

and the average in Wisconsin. In Indiana, ear length is above both last year and the average. Fifty-eight percent of the

corn in Indiana was dented, compared to 34 percent in 1997 and the average of 40 percent. In Wisconsin, 49 percent

of the corn was dented compared, to 7 percent in 1997 and the average of 21 percent. The majority (63 percent) of

corn in Indiana was rated in good to excellent condition. In Wisconsin 71 percent of the corn was rated in good to

excellent condition.

Sorghum for Grain: Production is forecast at 529 million bushels, 770 thousand bushels above the August forecast

but 19 percent below the 1997 total. Area harvested and to be harvested was unchanged from August at 7.84 million

acres, down 17 percent from the previous year. The forecasted yield, at 67.5 bushels per acre, was up 0.1 bushels

from last month but 2 bushels per acre below 1997.

From the August report, Nebraska is the only State forecasting a higher yield, up 3 bushels to 98 bushels per acre. 

Arkansas and New Mexico yield forecasts are down 5 bushels at 62 and 60 bushels per acre, respectively. 

Mississippi, at 65 bushels per acre, is down 10 bushels from the previous forecast. All other States remained

unchanged from the August forecast. As of the week ending September 6, the 12 major States reported 81 percent of

the crop is coloring and 37 percent is mature. These are well ahead of the 5-year averages of 65 percent and

30 percent, respectively.

Barley: Barley production for 1998 is forecast at 372 million bushels, down slightly from both August 1998 and the

1997 final production. Yields are expected to average 61.3 bushels per acre, a decrease of 0.3 bushels from August

but still 3.0 bushels higher than last year. Area harvested and to be harvested, at 6.08 million acres, remained

unchanged from August but is 5 percent below the 6.43 million acres harvested in 1997.

Yield remained unchanged from August in eight of the eleven September forecast States but declined in Idaho, South

Dakota, and Utah. Favorable weather during August pushed harvest progress ahead of normal in most of the major

producing States. As of August 30, 91 percent of the crop had been harvested, compared with 64 percent normally

harvested at this time. Harvest was winding down in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Washington.

Durum Wheat: Grain area is unchanged from the last forecast at 3.58 million acres. Yield prospects improved in

Minnesota and South Dakota. The North Dakota Durum crop developed ahead of the 5-year average throughout

August; harvest was 56 percent complete on August 30. Average harvest progress is 25 percent. North Dakota’s

Durum objective yield survey head count forecast is well above average. The forecast head weight is improved from a

month ago, but still lower than average.

Other Spring Wheat: Harvested area for 1998 is unchanged from last month at 14.9 million acres, down 20 percent

from last year. As of August 30, harvest was progressing well ahead of average in all major producing states.

Idaho harvested yields are a bit lower than were expected last month. Washington’s average yield is also down; light

test weights have been reported. Objective Yield survey data again shows plant populations at above average levels

in Minnesota, Montana, and North Dakota. Head weight forecasts are up from August in all states.

Rice: Rice production is forecast at 181 million cwt, up 2 percent from August 1 and 1 percent above 1997. This

production level, if realized, would be the third highest production on record. Area for harvest is expected to total

3.19 million acres, unchanged from August 1 and 5 percent above last year. Yields are expected to average

5,685 pounds per acre, up 109 pounds from August 1 but down 211 pounds from 1997. Yield prospects in

Mississippi, Missouri, and Texas remained unchanged from a month ago.

The Arkansas harvest was on schedule, while Texas was 22 percent ahead of the 5-year average. California harvest

has not begun. The crop development in California was delayed slightly due to cold wet spring weather. Harvest is

expected to begin two to three weeks later than normal. As of August 30, Arkansas crop development was slightly

behind normal and was rated 61 percent good to excellent. The Louisiana harvest was 77 percent complete, and
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 36 NASS, USDA

yields are better than earlier expectations. The crop condition in Mississippi and Texas rated mostly good to fair.

Soybeans: Growers expect to harvest 71.6 million acres of soybeans, up 2 percent from 1997 and unchanged from

the August 1998 forecast.

As of September 1, the soybeans crop was rated mostly in fair to excellent condition. Conditions in the Corn Belt

States during August varied from district to district, but were generally more favorable during the two first weeks of

August when soil moisture supplies were more plentiful. Drier conditions were more prevalent the last two weeks of

August, but many areas did get beneficial showers and storms. Some signs of isolated disease problems such as

sudden death syndrome, brown stem rot and white mold were reported in areas of the Eastern Corn Belt. In many of

the Southern and Mid-Atlantic states the crop was not doing as well as hot and dry conditions have persisted for

much of the growing season. 

Hot sunny weather in many states helped to advance the crop maturity. As of September 7, 98 percent of the

soybeans crop had already set pods, 1 percentage point ahead of 1997, and 2 points ahead of the 5-year average. The

percent of soybeans dropping leaves, at 13 percent, was 7 points ahead of the previous year and 5 points ahead of the

average.

Pod counts from the September objective yield survey were the highest on record in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and

Nebraska. Pod counts were also higher than the previous year in Indiana, Minnesota, and Ohio, but were not at

record levels.

Peanuts: Production is forecast at 3.63 billion pounds, up 4 percent from the August 1 forecast and up 3 percent

from last year's crop. Area for harvest is expected to total 1.48 million acres, up 4 percent from August and 5 percent

above 1997. Texas was the only state to adjust their harvested acreage from the August report, increasing their

expectations by 50,000 acres. U.S. yields are expected to average 2,459 pounds, up 17 pounds from last month but

down 48 pounds from 1997.

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

1.94 billion pounds, up 2 percent from last month but down 1 percent last year. Yields in the four-State area are

expected to average 2,366 pounds per acre, up 56 pounds from August 1 but 70 pounds below 1997. Yield prospects

in Alabama were 100 pounds higher than last month. Early harvest is underway and the crop was in mostly fair to

good condition by the end of August. The Georgia crop outlook improved some compared with last month. Showers

and lower temperatures during August aided crop development. The peanut yield in Florida was unchanged from last

month with 9 percent of the crop harvested by August 30.

The Virginia-North Carolina production is forecast at 555 million pounds, 2 percent below last month but 7 percent

above last year’s crop. Yield per harvested acre in the region, at 2,775 pounds, is 116 pounds above last year’s final

average. Yield prospects in North Carolina decreased from last month due to the heavy rains from Hurricane Bonnie. 

On August 30, the Virginia-North Carolina crop was rated in mostly good to fair condition.

Southwest crop production (New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas) is expected to total 1.13 billion pounds, up

11 percent from last month and 8 percent above 1997. Yields in the tri-state area are expected to average

2,490 pounds, 21 pounds below last month and 84 pounds per acre below 1997. New Mexico outlook improved

from the previous month forecast with no disease problems reported. Yield prospects in Oklahoma remained

unchanged from last month, with crop maturity running ahead of normal. As of August 30, digging had begun in

Texas on the earliest fields, with crop conditions rated mostly good to fair.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 37 NASS, USDA

Cotton: Upland cotton harvested acreage, at 10.4 million acres, is down 95,000 acres from last month and down 20

percent from last year. Harvested acreage was reduced 50,000 acres in Georgia and 45,000 acres in California. 

American-Pima harvested acreage is up 2,000 acres from August, at 246,500 acres, but down 1 percent from 1997.

Texas cotton condition showed very little improvement during the month, as a result of high temperatures. Rainfall

had limited benefit on the non-irrigated acreage, and these fields remained stressed from lack of moisture. The rains

interrupted harvest in Central Texas, while the Blackland harvest continued. Harvest neared completion in the

Coastal Bend, Upper Coast, and Rio Grande. At the end of August, 18 percent of Texas’ acreage was harvested

compared to the 5-year average of 13 percent. Approximately one-half of the acreage was rated in poor or very poor

condition, 17 percent was rated good, and 3 percent was rated excellent. In late August, boll set was complete and

boll opening was 37 percent complete compared to the average of 25 percent. Because the irrigated acreage

represents such a large percentage of the area for harvest in Texas this year, the objective yield survey data indicate

Texas’ large boll counts are the highest during the past 10 years. Small bolls and squares rank tenth and eighth,

respectively, for the same period. In Oklahoma, the crop’s potential decreased during the month. On August 30, 62

percent of the acreage was rated in fair or good condition, and 31 percent was rated poor or very poor.

The Delta States (Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee) rated their cotton in mostly fair to

good condition on August 30. Louisiana had 30 percent of their acreage in poor or very poor condition and Missouri

showed 35 percent in these same two categories. Missouri’s acreage received heavy rains during early August and

then dry conditions began, with mild temperatures, which lowered yield potential. The Tennessee crop had high

insect infestations and rainfall made chemical applications difficult. Arkansas and Louisiana producers applied

chemicals because of increasing insect pressure and boll rot was also reported. Boll set was complete in early August

in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Missouri, several points ahead of the 5-year average pace. The boll set in Arkansas

and Tennessee was complete in mid-August, about equal to the average. Boll opening was ahead of average in all

States. Arkansas was 32 percent open, 12 points ahead of normal, and Louisiana had bolls opened on 79 percent of

the acreage, compared to the normal progress of 46 percent. Mississippi had 73 percent of their acreage showing

open bolls, 29 points ahead of average. Most States showed decreases in crop condition during August, although the

largest decline occurred in Louisiana and Missouri. On August 30, Arkansas showed 16 percent of their acreage in

very poor or poor condition, 38 percent was fair, and 38 percent was in good condition. Mississippi rated 12 percent

of their crop as poor to very poor, 37 percent fair, and 43 percent excellent on August 30. On this same date,

Louisiana’s cotton showed 35 percent fair, 30 percent good, and 5 percent in excellent condition. Data from cotton

objective yield plots show Arkansas has the second lowest count of large bolls and squares since 1989 and count of

small bolls are the lowest. Louisiana ranks fifth in large boll counts during the previous 10 years, the number of

small bolls is the fourth lowest, and square counts are the highest since 1989. Mississippi’s large boll count is the

second highest in the past 10 years and small bolls and squares rank eighth and fifth, respectively. 

Arizona’s crop was subject to late planting, extremely high temperatures, and above normal rainfall during the season. 

On August 30, 47 percent of the acreage was in fair condition, 22 percent in good condition, and 12 percent was rated

excellent. On this same date, 38 percent of the acreage was showing open bolls which is one-half of the normal

amount. Cotton development in California was also behind the average pace. In early August, boll set was onefourth the normal development, and on August 23, it was one-half the normal pace. One percent of the acreage

showed open bolls on August 30, which was 35 points behind the 5-year average. Some improvement in condition

was shown during the month but, at month’s end, 60 percent of the acreage was rated fair and 40 percent was rated in

good condition. California producers continued to spray for aphids, lygus, mites, worms, and whitefly during the

month. In early August, growth regulators were applied. Some early planted California fields received the final

irrigation. Objective yield survey counts for California indicate the lowest count of large bolls during the past 10

years, while small bolls and square counts rank first and second, respectively, during the same time period.

In the Southeastern States (Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina), the crop’s condition was mostly

in fair to good condition. In late August, only Georgia’s boll set was complete. Alabama’s acreage was 99 percent

complete, North Carolina showed 94 percent complete, and South Carolina’s boll set was at 96 percent. All States in

the region were ahead of the normal boll opening progress. Alabama was 38 percent open, 20 points ahead of

normal, and Georgia, at 37 percent open, was 6 points ahead of the average. North and South Carolina showed open

bolls at 25 percent and 31 percent, respectively. Hurricane Bonnie entered North Carolina on August 26, with

extreme winds and torrential rainfall, and covered approximately one-half of the cotton acreage in the State. The two

largest producing counties were on the western edge of the storm and weren’t heavily affected. On August 30, onefourth of North Carolina’s acreage was in fair condition, 65 percent good, and 6 percent excellent. Alabama rated 34

percent of the crop in fair condition, 42 percent good, 13 percent very poor, and 9 percent poor. Yield potential in

Alabama improved during the month due to recent rains. Sixty percent of the Georgia acreage was in fair or good

condition on this same date, 13 percent was very poor, and one-fourth was poor. South Carolina showed one-third of

the cotton in good condition and 38 percent as fair.

The American-Pima production forecast, at 462,000 bales, is down 16 percent from 1997's output, and down 2,000

bales from August. The U.S. yield is indicated at 900 pounds per harvested acre, down 156 pounds from last year. 

California’s production was unchanged from the August forecast. Producers applied growth regulators during the
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 38 NASS, USDA

month to accelerate boll growth. High temperatures during August caused some boll shedding. Growers in western

Fresno County have been treating for lygus and some fields have shown poor boll retention. Arizona’s harvested area

was increased 2,000 acres, to 15,000 acres. Texas’ production was lowered 5,000 bales from last month, while

production in Arizona and New Mexico was increased 2,000 bales and 1,000 bales, respectively.

Ginnings totaled 523,950 running bales prior to September 1, compared with 358,700 running bales ginned to the

same date last year and 342,400 running bales in 1996.

Summer Potatoes: The September forecast of 1998 summer potato production is 19.5 million cwt, 9 percent above

a year ago and 1 percent above the July 1 forecast. Harvest area is estimated at 70,800 acres, 7 percent above last

year but 3 percent below two years ago. The average yield of 276 is 5 cwt above last year and 15 cwt above 1996. 

Yields are above last year in the Del-Mar-Va Peninsula, Texas, Colorado, and California. Colorado and Texas yields

are record high, and California growers tied a record high. Colorado fields suffered some hail damage in Weld

County. Yields are up from last year in Delaware, southern New Jersey, and Virginia, but the crop is short of yields

produced two and three years ago. Most areas got off to a late start and were then hit by hot, dry weather during the

summer. 

Harvest is finished in most States. Sizes are down and yields are lower than last year in the Midwest, New Jersey,

New Mexico, and eastern Gulf region. Some acres were abandoned in New Mexico, Missouri, and Virginia.

Fall Potatoes, 1997 Final: Production of 1997 fall potatoes is finalized at 423 million cwt, down 7 percent from the

record large crop of 1996 but 5 percent above 1995 production. Farmers harvested 1.18 million acres of fall potatoes

in 1997, down 6 percent from 1996 and 2 percent less than 1995. The average yield was 359 cwt per acre, down 5

cwt from 1996 but 25 cwt above 1995. Compared with annual estimates made last January, larger crops were

registered in Idaho, Washington, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island; smaller crops were seen in Colorado

and New York.

All Potatoes, 1997: Final production of potatoes from all four seasons in 1997 totaled 466 million cwt, down

7 percent from a year earlier but 5 percent above 1995. Area harvested is estimated at 1.35 million acres, down

6 percent from 1996 and 2 percent below 1995. Yield, averaging 346 cwt per acre, dropped 4 cwt from a year ago

but was 24 cwt higher than two years ago. In 1997, all seasonal groups decreased in production from the previous

year: Winter dropped 5 percent; spring slipped 3 percent; summer fell 8 percent; and fall potatoes lost 7 percent.

Tobacco: U.S. all tobacco production for 1998 is forecast at 1.53 billion pounds, down 2 percent from the August 1

forecast and 14 percent below 1997 production. Harvested acres are expected to be 749,495 acres, down 8 percent

from last year. Yields for 1998 are estimated to average 2,048 pounds per acre, down 55 pounds from last month and

153 pounds below the average for 1997.

Flue-cured production is expected to total 772 million pounds, down 4 percent from August 1 and 26 percent below

last year’s output. Flue-cured growers plan to harvest 384,500 acres, 15 percent below last year. Flue-cured tobacco

accounts for 51 percent of this year’s total tobacco acreage. Flue-cured yields are expected to average 2,007 pounds

per acre, down 78 pounds from August and 299 pounds below last year.

North Carolina’s flue-cured crop prospects declined from August 1 due to adverse weather conditions. The Piedmont

area continues to suffer drought-like conditions, while the Eastern and Border Belt regions endured Hurricane Bonnie.

Burley production is expected to total 673 million pounds, 4 percent above the 1997 production. Yield is expected to

average 2,085 pounds per acre, 34 pounds below the August 1 forecast but 26 pounds above the average for 1997. 

Burley tobacco growers expect to harvest 322,500 acres, 2 percent above last year. Kentucky, with 72 percent of the

1998 burley production, expects to produce 3 percent more than a year ago.

Kentucky’s Burley tobacco is doing very well this year, even with the dry weather. Blue mold damage has been held

to a minimum by the drier weather in August. As of August 30, 42 percent of the burley crop had been cut compared

to 21 percent last year.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 39 NASS, USDA

Florida Citrus: Weather in Florida's citrus producing areas was mostly normal during August. There were frequent

rains and thunderstorms, along with hot and humid conditions. Rainfall amounts were average depending on

location. The ideal weather has produced an abundance of new growth on trees of all ages in the citrus belt. New

crop fruit responded well during the month and made good progress. There are still some groves that have received

very little production care during the spring and early summer. These groves have trees with yellowing foliage and

fruit of varying sizes and quantities. Caretakers have been very active maintaining cover crops, spraying, fertilizing,

and removing dead, sick, and unthrifty trees.

California Citrus: Valencia orange picking was slow due to normal competition in the marketplace from stone fruits

during August. Approximately two-thirds of the crop has been picked. Harvests of grapefruit and South Coast

lemons were active. The new crop navel oranges were maturing well but with much smaller fruit size than last season.

Sugarbeets: Planted acres were updated from the August crop report in Montana and North Dakota. Acres to be

harvested in the 12 sugarbeet-producing states were forecasted at just under 1.46 million acres, 27,200 acres above

1997 but 5,300 acres below the previous forecast. Heavy rains drowned several thousand acres in the southern Red

River Valley of North Dakota and Minnesota and accounts for most of the increase in abandonment.

Production is forecasted at 31.1 million tons, 4 percent above the 1997 final production estimate, but slightly below

the August 1 forecast. If realized, production would be the second largest on record. Dry weather and above normal

temperatures have stressed the sugarbeet crop in Michigan and North Dakota, although early taproot development in

Michigan partially offset the effects of the dry summer. Adequate moisture and cooler nighttime temperatures have

been beneficial to the Colorado crop. In California, a cold, wet spring delayed planting and early crop development,

which eventually delayed the beginning of the harvest season by nearly 4 weeks.

Sugarcane: U.S. sugarcane production for sugar and seed in 1998 is expected to total 31.3 million tons, down

1 percent from 1997, but 1 percent above the August 1 estimate. The expected area for harvest, at 939,000 acres, is

up 5,000 acres from the previous estimate and nearly 3 percent above last year. The forecasted yield, at 33.3 tons per

acre, is 0.2 tons above the August estimate, but 1.4 tons below 1997.

Rain improved crop prospects in Florida and mills were making preparations for beginning operations. Dry weather

allowed harvest to begin early in Hawaii. Stands were good in Louisiana, but yields were expected to fall below 1997

due to the summer drought. In Texas, water supplies improved with recent rains, but additional rains will be needed

to maintain yield prospects.

Papayas: Hawaii fresh papaya production is estimated at 2.74 million pounds for August, 9 percent lower than July

but 1 percent higher than a year ago. Area devoted to papayas totaled 3,645 acres in August, less than 1 percent

lower than July but 32 percent lower than a year ago. Area harvested, totaling 2,400 acres, was 2 percent lower than

last month but 2 percent higher than August 1997.

August weather conditions were a mix of sunshine and showers. Soil moisture was considered adequate in areas

dependent on rainfall.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 40 NASS, USDA

California Fruits and Nuts: Crop harvesting dominated growers’ activities during August. Picking grapes for fresh

use in the Coachella Valley was completed early in the month. The harvest of fresh use grapes in the San Joaquin

Valley was active throughout August. Major varieties picked included Flame Seedless, Red Globe, and Thompson

Seedless. Mildew, berry cracking, and premature bunch rot caused by heat and humidity were concerns to growers. 

By the end of the month, Thompson Seedless grapes were harvested for wine use and dried for raisins. Other wine

type variety grapes were also harvested in late August. 

San Joaquin Valley stone fruit growers were picking nectarines, plums, and freestone peaches. Wind scarring, hail

marks, and split pits were concerns for growers. The fig and clingstone peach harvests were active. Bartlett pear

picking was active in the Sacramento-San Joaquin area and Lake and Mendocino counties throughout August. Asian

pear picking was also active in the San Joaquin Valley. Gala and Granny Smith apples were picked. The almond

harvest began in mid-August. Walnut growers whitewashed their trees for sunburn protection. Strawberry growers in

the San Joaquin Valley were setting plants for the fall season.

Hazelnuts: Hazelnut production in Oregon and Washington is forecast at 16,500 tons for 1998. This would be

65 percent smaller than last year’s record crop and 11 percent less than the 1996 production. Oregon is expected to

account for 16,450 tons and Washington the remaining 50 tons.

Crop progress is about normal. The small production expectations result from several factors. First, trees need to

recover from the record large 1997 crop. In addition, winter ice storms caused considerable damage to limbs, leading

to pruning of fruiting wood. Some growers reported that many catkins fell off the trees in December. In the spring,

cool, wet weather caused a light flower bloom and hindered pollen movement. 

The results of the hazelnut objective yield survey showed the number of nuts sampled per orchard was down

72 percent from last year and 12 percent from 1996. The percentage of good nuts was slightly higher than a year

earlier and about two percentage points higher than 1996. The average dry weight of the good nuts was the highest

since 1994, while the average size was the same as 1996. Brown stained nuts amounted to 2.7 percent of the sample,

about 0.5 percentage point below last year and slightly higher than 1996.

Walnuts: The 1998 California walnut production is forecast at 220,000 tons, down 18 percent from 1997's

production of 269,000 tons. This is 14 percent below the July forecast of 255,000. The July forecast was based upon

subjective information provided by growers. The September forecast is based upon the Walnut Objective

Measurement Survey conducted August 3 through August 29, 1998.

Survey data indicated an average nut set of 1,407, down 20 percent from last year’s average of 1,753. The Hartley

nut set was down 35 percent; Serr, up 4 percent; Franquette, down 30 percent; and Chandler, down 17 percent from

1997. Percent of sound kernels in-shell was 94.4 percent statewide. In-shell weight per nut was 21.4 grams, while

the average in-shell suture measurement was 31.9 millimeters. The average length in-shell was 39.5 millimeters.

Due to a very wet spring, the crop is about three weeks behind normal. Mid-season varieties are expected to be about

average, while late variety production is expected to be lower than last year. Levels of sunburn are expected to be

higher than last year.

Pistachios: California pistachio production is forecast at a record 195 million pounds. The new record would be 8

percent above last year’s record production. This forecast is based upon an objective measurement survey completed

August 27, 1998. Production has become more stable as Pioneer Gold rootstock has replaced the older Atlantica

rootstock. The Pioneer Gold generally bears heavy on even years and the Atlantica on odd years.

The estimated average number of clusters per tree was 895. The estimated total number of filled nuts per tree was

9,542 as compared with 8,326 in 1997. The average number of nuts per cluster, including both filled and blank, was

13.8 nuts per cluster. The percent of nuts filled was 77.2 percent. The average in-hull weight per nut including

blanks was 2.86 grams, compared to 2.78 grams last year. The in-hull cross suture measurement was 15.05

millimeters, compared to 14.92 millimeters in 1997. Average kernel weight in 1998 was 0.828 grams. The average

suture was 10.31 millimeters, the average cross suture was 9.51 millimeters, and the kernel length was 16.48

millimeters.

Due to the later than usual spring, the crop is approximately two to three weeks behind normal.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 41 NASS, USDA

Pecans: The September 1 forecast for pecan production is 185 million pounds (in-shell basis), down 45 percent from

last year’s 338 million pound crop. Improved varieties are expected to account for 141 million pounds, 76 percent of

the total. Native varieties, at 44 million pounds, are 67 percent below the large 1997 crop.

Arizona, whose entire crop is made up of improved varieties, is forecast at 17.5 million pounds, the same as last year. 

Many growers reported heavy wind damage to blossoms and pollinization, as well as freeze damage. However, an

increase in acreage is expected to counter the reduced Arizona yield. North Carolina, at 2.5 million pounds, is the

only state forecasting a larger production for 1998. 

Texas is forecast at 40 million pounds, down 56 percent or 50 million pounds from 1997. Most of the Texas

production drop is expected in the native and seedling varieties, which produced a large crop last year. The extremely

dry conditions during critical development has impacted the Texas crop. The Georgia pecan crop is expected to total

60 million pounds, down 43 percent from a year earlier. Dry conditions last fall produced a light nut set for the 1998

crop. Production expectations have been further reduced by excessive nut drop due to June and July dry conditions.

The Oklahoma pecan crop, which comes primarily from native trees, is forecast at 10 million pounds, down

25 million from last year. The cyclical nature of native pecans, combined with dry weather conditions, points to the

lower number. Virtually all states reported that lack of moisture will be the main reason for smaller crops.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 42 NASS, USDA

Reliability of September 1 Crop Production Forecasts

Survey Procedures: Objective yield and farm operator surveys were conducted between August 25 and September 3

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

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

Randomly selected plots were revisited to make current counts. The items counted within the selected plots depend

on the crop and the maturity of that crop. In all cases, number of plants are recorded along with other measurements

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

with similar data from previous years to develop a projected biological yield. The five-year average harvesting loss is

subtracted to obtain a net yield. The plots are revisited each month until crop maturity when the fruit is harvested and

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

harvesting loss.

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

Approximately 15,000 producers were interviewed during the survey period and asked questions about probable

yield.

Estimating Procedures: National and State level objective yield and grower reported survey estimates were

reviewed for errors, reasonableness, and consistency with historical estimates. The survey data were also reviewed

considering weather patterns and crop progress compared to previous month and previous years. Each State

Statistical Office submits their analysis of the current situation to the Agricultural Statistics Board (ASB). The ASB

uses the survey data and the State analysis to prepare the published September 1 forecast.

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

month throughout the growing season. At the end of the marketing year administrative records and a balance sheet

are utilized using carryover stocks, production, exports, processing, feeding, and ending stocks. Revisions are then

made if data relationships warrant changes. Harvested acres may be revised any time a production forecast is made if

there is strong evidence that the intended harvested area has changed since the last estimate.

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

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

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

percentage deviations for the 1978-1997 20-year period is computed. The square root of the average becomes

statistically the "Root Mean Square Error." Probability statements can be made concerning expected differences in

the current forecast relative to the final end-of-season estimate, assuming that factors affecting this year's forecast are

not different from those influencing recent years. For example, the "Root Mean Square Error" for the September 1

corn for grain production forecast is 5.8 percent. This means that chances are 2 out of 3 that the current production

forecast will not be above or below the final estimate by more than 5.8 percent. Chances are 9 out of 10 (90 percent

confidence level) that the difference will not exceed 10.0 percent.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 43 NASS, USDA

Also, shown in the following table is a 10-year record for selected crops of the differences between the September 1

forecast and the final estimates. Using corn again as an example, changes between the September 1 forecast and the

final estimate during the past 10 years have averaged 453 million bushels, ranging from 98 million to 893 million

bushels. The September 1 forecast has been below the final estimate 7 times and above 3 times. This does not imply

that the September 1 corn forecast this year is likely to understate or overstate final production. For most crops, the

number of years the forecasts have been below or above the final estimate is about equally distributed.

Reliability of September 1 Crop Production Forecasts

Crop Unit

Root Mean

Square Error

Confidence

Interval

10-Year Record of

Differences Between Forecast

and Final Estimate

95

Percent

90

Percent

Quantity Years

Average Smallest Largest Below

Final

Above

Final

Million Million Million Number Number

Corn For Grain

Sorghum for Grain

Barley

All Wheat

 Durum

 Other Spring

Rice

Soybeans for Beans

Cotton

Bu

Bu

Bu

Bu

Bu

Bu

Cwt

Bu

Bales

5.8

7.3

3.5

1.4

5.7

3.6

4.3

5.2

6.0

10.0

12.7

6.2

2.5

9.9

6.3

7.3

9.0

10.4

453

43

12

32

5

18

6

96

825

98

1

3

2

1

1

0

19

84

893

115

38

97

12

62

16

201

2,366

7

6

5

3

3

4

5

7

6

3

4

5

7

7

6

5

3

4
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 44 NASS, USDA

Contacts

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

contact for additional information.

C. Ray Halley, Chief (202) 720-2127

Field Crops Section

Bill Dowdy, Head (202) 720-3843

Jerry Ramirez - Soybeans, Minor Oilseeds (202) 720-7369

Rhonda Brandt - Corn (202) 720-7621

Herman Ellison - Peanuts, Rice, Barley (202) 720-7688

Doug Hartwig - Hay, Sorghum (202) 720-8843

Roger Latham - Cotton, Cotton Ginnings (202) 720-5944

Mark E. Miller - Oats, Sugar Crops, Weekly Crop Weather (202) 720-7621

Vaughn Siegenthaler - Wheat, Rye (202) 720-8068

Fruit, Vegetable & Special Crops Section

Dean Groskurth, Head (202) 720-3843

Arvin Budge - Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes (202) 720-4285

Dave DeWalt - Citrus, Tropical Fruits (202) 720-5412

Howard Hill - Cherries, Berries, Prunes, Plums,

Cranberries, Grapes, Maple Syrup (202) 720-7235

Dave Ranek - Nuts, Floriculture (202) 720-4215

Linda Simpson - Noncitrus Fruits, Mint, Dry Beans & Peas,

Mushrooms (202) 690-0270

Biz Wallingsford - Fresh and Processing Vegetables, Onions (202) 720-2157

Debbie Williams - Apples, Strawberries, Tobacco (202) 720-4288

Harry Nishimoto - Hops (360) 902-1940

The next “Crop Production” report will be released at 8:30 a.m. ET on October 9, 1998.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 45 NASS, USDA

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs on the basis of race, color,

national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all

prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of

program information (braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice

and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th

and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C., 20250-9410, or call 202-720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal

opportunity provider and employer.

ACCESS TO REPORTS!!

For your convenience, there are several ways to obtain NASS reports, data products, and services:

INTERNET ACCESS

All NASS reports are available free of charge on the worldwide Internet. For access, connect to the Internet and go to the

NASS Home Page at: http://www.usda.gov/nass/. Select “Today’s Reports” or Publications and then Reports by Calendar or

Publications and then Search, by Title or Subject.

E-MAIL SUBSCRIPTION

All NASS reports are available by subscription free of charge direct to your e-mail address. Send an e-mail message to: 

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AUTOFAX ACCESS

NASSFax service is available for some reports from your fax machine. Please call 202-720-2000, using the handset attached

to your fax. Respond to the voice prompts. Document 0411 is a list of available reports.

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PRINTED REPORTS OR DATA PRODUCTS

CALL OUR TOLL-FREE ORDER DESK: 800-999-6779 (U.S. and Canada)

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ASSISTANCE

For assistance with general agricultural statistics or further information about NASS or its products or services, contact the

Agricultural Statistics Hotline at 800-727-9540, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET, or e-mail: nass@nass.usda.gov.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

September 1998 46 NASS, USDA

USDA to Hold Public Forum

October 19, 1998

Holiday Inn Mart Plaza

Chicago, Illinois

The National Agricultural Statistics Service will be organizing an

open forum for Data Users. The purpose will be to provide updates

on pending changes in the USDA statistical and information

programs, and to seek comments and input from data users. Other

agencies to be represented will include the Agricultural Marketing

Service, the Economic Research Service, the Foreign Agricultural

Service, and the World Agricultural Outlook Board.

For registration details, see the NASS home page at

http://www.usda.gov/nass/ or contact Fred Vogel (NASS) at 

(202) 720-3896 or at fvogel@nass.usda.gov