Temples: The 1996-97 forecast of Florida temples remained at 2.50 million boxes

(113,000 tons), 16 percent more than last season. Harvest is just
underway with only a few thousand boxes picked. The December surveys did not
indicate a forecast change.

K-Barly Citrus: The 1996-97 K-Early Citrus forecast is 150,000 hoxes
(7,000 tons), unchanged from December but 6 percent less than
last season's 160,000 boxes. K-Early Citrus harvest is complete.

Florida Citrus: Most of Florida's citrus groves were in very goad condition
during December. There were very few rains and thunderstorms;
therefore, many growers used irrigation to maintain good tree and fruit
condition. There were a few days when the temperature dropped into the low 30's
with no resulting damage to citrus. The cool temperatures helped retard new
growth. The last week to ten days of December were very warm with daytime
temperatures reaching into the low 80's, There were no reports of new growth
flushing on young trees. Harvest of early and midseason oranges was very active
with most of this fruit going to the processors. Much seedless grapefruit was
moved on the lower east coast where most of the fresh grapefruit packing houses
are located. Packing of tangerines and tangelos for the Christmas trade was
strong until the last week of the month, Caretakers were busy cutting cover
crops prior to harvest operations. Growers dirt-banked young trees and placed
heaters in groves in colder areas. Harvest of early and midseason oranges
through December was almost 59 million boxes, 10 million boxes less than last
year at the same time. Utilization of Navel oranges was almost 5 million boxes.

Texas Citrus: Harvest moved ahead rapidly during December, especially at
mid-month when cold weather threatened citrus groves.
Temperatures dipped into the mid-twenties for 2-7 hours, not long enough to
damage fruit. The cold temperatures did cause some leaf burn. Also, because so
many early oranges were mature, the cold weather caused quite a bit of fruit
droppage. Droppage increase in grapefruit was not as bad. Dropped fruit was
sent to the juice plant. Quality of grapefruit remained good despite the cold.

California Citrus: Grapefruit maturity was slightly ahead of normal due to
higher than normal temperatures this past fall. Harvest
started in the desert area, and grading was good to excellent with good sizing
reported. Some thrips scar, redscale, and wind scar defects were noted. Lemon
picking was active throughout the state with excellent quality. Some defects
include wind scar, sunburn, and picking injuries. Harvest of the navel orange
crop progressed with approximately one-fourth of the crop picked. Wet weather
during December resulted in some problems with clear rot. Maturity was good
with huge sized fruit. The new crop Valencia oranges matured well with average
set and size reported. Harvest should begin in the desert area by mid February.
Tangerine quality, condition, and color were reported good. Some defects were
flatsides, sunburn, and wind scar; texture was pebbly in the larger sizes.

California Fruits and Nuts: Wet weather during much of December hampered

orchard activities. Conditions permitting, nut and
stone fruit orchards and grape vineyards were pruned. Wind in southern
California blew many avocadoes off trees. Kiwifruit harvest ended in early
December. Strawberry and bareroot nursery stock digging was active.

Hay Stocks on Farms: Stocks of all hay on farms December 1, 1996 totaled

105 million tons, 4 percent below the stocks on farms
December 1, 1995. Stocks decreases occurred in 30 of the 48 contiguous States,
mainly in the northern and western States where 1996 all hay production was also
down. The largest stocks increases occurred in the Atlantic Coast States, the
Central Plain States, and Alabama and Mississippi in the Southeast.

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board
January 1997 20 NASS, USDA


Hay: Stocks on Farms, December 1 and May 1 by State
and United States, 1994-96

1,000 Tons
AL 1,537 1,270 1,489 276 106
AZ 133 265 82 27 28
AR 2,055 1,910 1,850 426 141
CA 1,642 2,250 2,594 327 361
co 2,030 2,390 1,945 447 636
cr 105 78 97 32 11
DE 12 9 il 10 1
FL 490 397 437 132 29
GA 1,170 1,050 924 371 150
ID : 2,263 2,794 2,285 222 660
IL : 1,397 1,979 1,350 540 432
IN : 1,097 1,584 1,131 148 216
TA 4,274 4,079 3,876 751 736
KS : 5,080 4,590 5,600 796 787
KY : 5,292 4,806 4,334 648 492
LA 512 513 502 97 15
ME 243 272 202 61 126
MD 347 265 433 20 55
MA 138 115 95 28 17
MI 3,020 3,166 2,514 1,074 754
MN : 4,895 4,374 4,018 753 694
MS : 1,688 1,368 1,620 206 50
MO : 5,755 6,000 6,159 1,016 955
MT : 3,950 4,931 4,674 772 858
NE : 5,413 4,813 5,063 1,112 1,325
NV : 630 750 752 42 166
NH : 90 82 70 26 16
NIJ : 205 131 92 60 48
NM : 525 600 590 50 40
NY : 2,377 2,069 2,254 594 552
NC : 807 900 970 131 116
ND : 4,285 5,044 4,777 857 1,013
OH : 2,410 2,421 2,074 307 323
OK : 3,500 3,600 4,500 700 500
OR : 1,761 2,310 2,108 85 264
PA : 2,747 2,513 2,613 724 617
RI : 9 6 7 3 1
sc : 332 468 308 130 72
sD : 7,477 8,960 8,530 1,759 3,077
TN : 3,340 3,136 3,049 721 235
TX : 7,610 7,322 6,252 1,606 570
Ur : 1,452 1,481 1,327 245 349
vt : 389 391 330 136 100
VA : 2,108 2,185 2,698 445 257
WA : 1,198 1,410 1,162 139 426
wy : 955 855 895 100 53
WI : 5,000 4,900 4,600 1,441 1,569
wy : 1,581 2,636 1,965 182 734
us 105,296 109,438 105, 208 20,775 20,739

1/ Revised.

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board
January 1997 14 NASS, USDA


Crop

Summary: Production,

United States,

1995-96 and Forecasted 1996-97

Utilized Production

Dec 1, Jan

1,

1997

Crop Year 1/

Citrus Fruits
Oranges
Grapefruit
Lemons 2/
Tangerines
Temples (FL)
Tangelos (FL)
K-Early Citrus (FL)

Oranges

Grapefruit

Lemons 2/
Tangerines

Temples (FL)
Tangelos (FL)
K-Early Citrus (FL)

1995-96

11,723
2,718
992
348

97

110

10,634,930
2,465,730
899,930
315,700
88,000
99,790

1996-97 199€-

1,000 Tons

12,380 12,
3,041 3,

1,015
415
113
171

7

Metric Tons

11,230,950 11,296,
2,758,750 2,779,
920,790 896,
376,480 375,
102,510 102,
155,130 155,
6,350 6,

97

452
064
988
414
113
174

260
610
300
570
510
130
350

1/ Crop year begins with the bloom of the first year and ends with the

completion of harvest the following year.

2/ December 1 forecast carried forward from October 1.

Crop Production
January 1997

Agricultural Statistics Board

NASS, USDA


Report Features

The next "Crop Production" report will be released at 8:30 a.m. ET on
February 12, 1997.

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
Kevin Barnes - Soybeans, Minor Oilseeds (202) 720-7369

Dan Kerestes - Corn (202) 720-9526
Roger Latham - Cotton, Cotton Ginnings (202) 720-5944

Joel Moore - Barley, Hay, Sorghum (202) 690-3234

Greg Preston - Sugar Crops, Weekly Crop Weather, Oats (202) 720-7621
Barbara Rater - Peanuts, Rice, Tobacco (202) 720-7688
Vaughn Siegenthaler - Wheat, Rye (202) 720-8068

Fruit, Vegetable & Special Crops Section

Vince Matthews, Head (202) 720-3843
Arvin Budge - Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes (202) 720-4285
Howard Hill - Cherries, Berries, Prunes, Plums,

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

Linda McMillan - Nuts, Floriculture (202) 720-4215

Dave Mueller - Fresh and Processing Vegetables, Onions (202) 720-2157
Linda Simpson - Noncitrus Fruits, Mint, Dry Beans & Peas,

Mushrooms, Hops (202) 690-0270

Blair Smith - Citrus, Tropical Fruits (202) 720-5412

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

January 1997 21 NASS, USDA



USDA Announces Agricultural Outlook Forum ‘97
February 24 and 25, 1997 |”
Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, D.C.

An era of freer markets under the 1996 Farm Bill has begun. For an expert assessment of the
impact, attend the Outlook Forum. Top speakers will discuss the 1997 farm outlook, ~
Prospects to 2005, risk management, concentration issues, market stability; world food
security, marketing high-valued exports and more. Plan now to attend. For program and
registration details, check Forum home page, call (202) 720-3050 or dial (202) 219-0296 from
| your fax machine and request document 66666. Send e-mail to agforum @oce.usda.gov.

Get news from the Forum. Can't attend? After the Fotum, dovniload speeches from the
Internet. Or, call. 1-800-999-6779 to place an advance order for the printed proceedings
(YCON- 97) or new long term projections to 2005 (WAOB-97-1).

“Ag Forum home page: http://www. usda.gov/oce/waob/agforum.htm

Agricultural
Outlook

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board
January 1997 23 NASS, USDA


American-Pima production is forecast at 533,000 bales, up 45 percent from 1995's
output, and down 8,000 bales from the December forecast. Yield is indicated at
998 pounds per harvested acre, up 162 pounds from last year as a result of
favorable weather during most of the season. However, early season high
temperatures in California and late October rainfall, diminished yield prospects
and quality. California producers increased their seedings 43 percent from the
previous year, to 165,000 acres, and Texas’ acreage increased 3 percent from
1995 to 37,000 acres.

All cotton ginnings totaled 17,684,650 running bales prior to January 1,
compared with 17,011,400 running bales ginned to the same date last year and
18,438,400 running bales in 1994.

Winter Potatoes: Production of winter potatoes in 1997 is forecast at
3.23 million cwt. This is down 1 percent from 1996 but
30 percent above 1995. Area for harvest is estimated at 14,700 acres, up
1 percent from a year ago and 24 percent above two years ago. The average yield
is projected at 219 cwt per acre, 7 cwt lower than last year.

Florida potatoes are mostly planted. Crop conditions are good and harvest
should get underway in January. California’s potato production is expected to
be the same as last year.

Spring Potatoes, 1996 Revised: Production estimates of spring potatoes were
revised up 6 percent from the May 1 forecast to

22.4 million cwt in 1996. This is up 11 percent from a year earlier but

remained 1 percent below 1994. Harvested area totaled 90,000 acres, up

7 percent from a year ago, and the average yield of 249 cwt per acre gained

9 cwt from last year.

Papayas: Hawaii fresh papaya production is estimated at 3.04 million pounds for
December. This was 2 percent higher than November but 13 percent
lower than December 1995.

Weather conditions during December were variable. Showers during the first half
of December kept soil moisture adequate. Cool temperatures slowed growth and
maturity of fruit.

Area in production totaled 3,455 acres. This was 1 percent lower than November
and 9 percent lower than a year ago. Harvested area, totaling 1,475 acres, was
5 percent higher than last month but 39 percent lower than December 1995.

Grapefruit: The January 1 forecast of the 1996-97 U.S. grapefruit crop is a

record large 3.06 million tons, 1 percent larger than last month's
forecast and 13 percent larger than last year. This year's crop surpasses the
previous record of 3.032 million tons in the 1976-77 season.

The Florida all grapefruit forecast is a record large 59.0 million boxes

(2.51 million tons), unchanged from the last forecast but 13 percent more than
last season. The all seedless grapefruit forecast was held at 58.0 million
boxes. The varietal divisions of 26.5 million boxes of white grapefruit and
31.5 million boxes of colored grapefruit were maintained. If attained, the
total seedless will be 13 percent above the 51.3 million boxes recorded last
season and 7 percent above the recorded high of 54.4 million boxes attained in
the 1994-95 season. The colored forecast exceeds the record 1994-95 crop of
28.7 million boxes by 10 percent and last season's by 12 percent. The white

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board
January 1997 18 NASS, USDA


Cottonseed: Production by State and United States, 1994-1996

1994 1995 1996 1/
1,000 Tons

AL 271.0 162.0 290.0
AZ 324.0 334.0 322.0
AR 712.0 580.0 646.0
CA 1,063.0 940.0 1,020.0
FL 33.0 38.0 40.0
GA 516.0 674.0 720.0
KS 5 3 1.3
LA 549.0 499.0 475.0
MS 842.0 727.0 738.0
MO 238.0 221.0 244.0
NM 36.4 33.4 46.0
NC 295.0 282.0 351.0
OK 101.0 56.0 55.0
sc 134.0 132.0 164.0
TN 348.0 292.0 268.0
TX 2,111.0 1,828.0 1,833.0
VA 30.0 50.0 58.0
US 7,603.9 6,848.7 7,271.3
1/ Estimates based on 3-year average lint-seed ratio.

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

January 1997 10 NASS, USDA


Crop Summary: Hay Stocks on Farms, United States, 1994-96

1996

1,000 Tons
May 1 : 22,096 20,775 20,739

December 1 : 105,296 109,438 105,208
Metric Tons

May 1 : 20,045,150 18,846,760 18,814,100

December 1 : 95,522,920 99,280,480 95,443,090
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

January 1997 7 NASS, USDA


Crop Summary: Area Planted, Harvested, Yield, and Production,
United States, 1996-97 (Domestic Units)

Area Planted Area Harvested

Winter Potatoes

Winter Potatoes

Crop Summary: Area Planted, Harvested, Yield, and Production,
United States, 1996-97 (Metric Units)

Area Planted Area Harvested

Winter Potatoes 5,870 5,950 5,870 5,950

Metric Tons

Winter Potatoes 25.29 24.58 148,460 146,280

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board
January 1997 6 NASS, USDA


variety exceeds last season by 14 percent but will not be a record. The
December survey of fruit size indicated that the averages of both white and
colored are surprisingly close to the means of the 28-season historic series.
However, they are far smaller than the extremely large sizes of the past two
seasons. Loss from fruit droppage through late December has been minimal and
well below the average of the past 5 seasons. Movement of all seedless
grapefruit is just about 10.8 million boxes with 7 million going to fresh
markets. The seedy (Duncan) grapefruit forecast was held at 1.0 million boxes
(43,000 tons).

The Florida forecasts are based on objective fruit counts and measurement
surveys in relationship to the harvest patterns and utilization of the past two
seasons. All citrus forecasts project certified utilization including a
preseason allocation of less than two percent for unrecorded usage.
Certifications include only fruit actually shipped in fresh pack or recorded at
a processing plant.

California's crop is forecast at 9.00 million boxes (302,000 tons), up

13 percent from the last forecast in October and 11 percent from last season.
Crop is slightly ahead of normal due to higher than normal temperatures this
past fall. Harvest started in the desert area, and grading was good to
excellent with good sizing reported. some thrips scar, redscale, and wind scar
defects were noted. The Texas grapefruit forecast, at 5.50 million boxes
(220,000 tons), is down 4 percent from December's forecast but up 21 percent
from the 1995-96 season. Utilization reports indicate a slightly smaller crop
than originally forecast. Arizona's grapefruit forecast decreased 9 percent to
1.00 million boxes (34,000 tons), 17 percent less than last year's crop. Citrus
growers continue to take grapefruit acreage out of production. Fruit is of
average size and quality is good.

Lemons: The 1996-97 lemon crop is forecast at 988,000 tons, 3 percent less than
the last forecast in October and slightly less than the 1995-96 crop.

California production in 1996-97 is forecast at 22.0 million boxes (836,000
tons), unchanged from the last forecast but 5 percent more than last year.
Grades throughout the state were fair to good, with quality reported as
excellent. Grade defects are wind scar, sunburn, and picking injuries. The
Arizona lemon crop is expected to be 4.00 million boxes (152,000 tons), down
15 percent from the last forecast and down 22 percent from last year. Growers
continue to take acreage out at a faster pace than the young, nonbearing lemon
trees come into production.

fangelos: Florida's 1996-97 tangelo forecast is 3.80 million boxes

(171,000 tons), unchanged from last month's forecast but 55 percent
more than last season's crop. Harvest is slightly ahead of last year at the
same time with 1.9 million boxes moved through the end of December. Processing
is ahead of the past two seasons.

Tangerines: The 1996-97 U.S. tangerine crop is forecast at a record large

414,000 tons, down slightly from December but 19 percent more than
last season. Last season’s 348,000 tons was the previous record large crop.
Florida's tangerine forecast was continued at 6.00 million boxes (285,000 tons),
33 percent more than 1995-96. Harvest of all Florida tangerines through
December is a little more than 3.5 million boxes, which is considerably ahead of
last year at the same time. Average fruit sizes are still smaller than last
season and accumulated loss from droppage to date is at an historic minimum.
California's tangerine forecast is 2.70 million boxes (101,000 tons), up 4
percent from the last forecast and from last season. Arizona's forecast was
reduced 12 percent from the last forecast in October to 750,000 boxes (28,000
tons), down 25 percent from the 1995-96 crop.

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board
January 1997 19 NASS, USDA


Cotton: Yield and Production by Type, State,
and United States, 1994-96

Upland
AL 3 766 409 723 726.0 492.0 810.0
AZ : 1,203 1,046 1,177 782.0 793.0 770.0
AR 2 877 635 776 1,772.0 1,468.0 1,600.0
CA 3 1,191 953 1,158 2,717.0 2,312.0 2,400.0
FL : 735 472 582 104.1 107.2 120.0
GA 2 843 625 749 1,537.0 1,941.0 2,100.0
KS 3 480 185 408 1.2 1.0 3.4
LA : 815 614 705 1,512.0 1,375.0 1,300.0
MS 3 806 622 807 2,132.0 1,841.0 1,850.0
MO 3 856 544 748 615.0 513.0 600.0
NM : 720 609 794 75.0 71.0 96.0
NC 2 820 479 669 829.0 798.0 990.0
OK 3 349 187 260 247.0 123.0 130.0
sc : B46 528 791 393.0 376.0 465.0
TN : 726 527 610 885.0 724.0 674.0
TX : 458 372 $22 4,915.0 4,460.0 4,350.0
VA : 944 620 753 82.0 137.0 160.0
US 3 705 533 703 19,324.3 17,532.2 18,418.4

Amer-Pima
AZ : 806 720 836 80.4 72.2 73.0
CA 3 1,098 937 1,109 184.8 224.5 380.0
NM : 875 605 686 19.5 18.9 20.0
TX 3 942 756 800 53.0 52.0 60.0
us : 974 836 998 337.7 367.6 533.0

All 2
AL : 766 409 723 726.0 492.0 810.0
AZ : 1,150 1,008 1,137 862.4 865.2 843.0
AR 3 877 635 776 1,772.0 1,468.0 1,600.0
CA : 1,185 951 1,151 2,901.8 2,536.5 2,780.0
FL : 735 472 582 104.21 107.2 120.0
GA 3 843 625 749 1,537.0 1,941.0 2,100.0
KS : 480 185 408 1.2 1.0 3.4
LA : 815 614 705 1,512.0 1,375.0 1,300.0
MS : 806 622 807 2,132.0 1,841.0 1,850.0
MO 3 856 544 748 615.0 513.0 600.0
NM : 747 608 773 94.5 89.9 116.0
Nc : 820 479 669 829.0 798.0 390.0
OK : 349 187 260 247.0 123.0 130.0
sc 3 846 528 791 393.0 376.0 465.0
TN : 726 527 610 885.0 724.0 674.0
TX : 461 375 524 4,968.0 4,512.0 4,410.0
VA : 944 620 753 82.0 137.0 160.0
us 708 537 709 19,662.0 17,899.8 18,951.4

1/ Production ginned and to be ginned.
2/  480-Lb. net weight bales.

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board
January 1997 9 NASS, USDA


Ny National

Crop Sse
Production uspA

Service
Washington, D.C.

Released January 9, 1997, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service
(NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department of Agriculture. For
information on “Crop Production” call at (202) 720-2127, office hours 7:30 a.m.
to 4:00 p.m. ET. For assistance with general agricultural statistics,
information about NASS, its products or services, contact the Agricultural
Statistics Hotline at 1-800-727-9540 or E-mail: NASS@NASS.USDA.GOV. The “Crop
Production” U.S. Summary is available on Autofax, (202) 720-2000, report 1150.
See page 22. Forecasts refer to January 1, 1997. Report features are located
at the end of this report.

Record Large Orange Production

All oranges production for the 1996-97 season is forecast at a record-high
12.5 million tons, up 1 percent from the previous forecast in December and up

6 percent from a year ago. This year’s crop is 5 percent larger than the
previous record of 11.8 million tons set in the 1979-80 season. Florida's
production amounts to 220 million boxes (9.90 million tons), unchanged from
December but 8 percent above last season. Florida’s all orange, early
varieties, and Valencia production forecasts remained unchanged from last month
and are each record large crops. Early and mid-season varieties are expected to
produce 130 million boxes (5.85 million tons), 7 percent above last year. The
Valencia forecast is 90.0 million boxes (4.05 million tons), 10 percent above a
year ago. The California all orange production forecast, at 65.0 million boxes
(2.44 million tons), is up 3 percent from the previous forecast in October but
is 2 percent less than last season. The California Navel orange forecast is
39.0 million boxes (1.46 million tons), up 5 percent from October and up

3 percent from last year's production. The California Valencia forecast is
unchanged at 26.0 million boxes (975,000 tons), 7 percent less than last year.

All cotton production is forecast at 19.0 million bales, up 1 percent from last
month and a 6 percent increase from last year. This is the second largest
production on record. Yield is a record high 709 pounds per harvested acre, up
172 pounds from 1995. Production in Texas increased 150,000 bales from
December, and the Upland cotton yield of 522 pounds per harvested acre is a
record high. Although early season weather caused high abandonment in Texas,
favorable growing conditions in late summer and an open harvest period, resulted
in large numbers of bolls and high boll weights. Georgia's production was
increased 100,000 bales from last month, as yields were better than expected.

Cr Pr 2-2 (1-97)


Citrus Fruits: Utilized Production by Crop, State, and United States,
1995-96 and Forecasted January 1, 1997 1/
Utilized Production Utilized Production
Ton Equivalent

Crop and State

1,000 Boxes 2/

Oranges
Early Mid &
Navel 3/
AZ 400 700 550 15 27 21
CA : 35,000 38,000 39,000 1,313 1,426 1,463
FL : 119,700 121,200 130,000 5,387 5,454 5,850
TX : 950 830 1,300 40 35 55
US : 156,050 160,730 170,850 6,755 6,942 7,389
Valencia :
AZ : 650 950 850 24 36 32
CA : 21,000 28,000 26,000 788 1,051 975
FL : 85,800 82,000 90,000 3,861 3,690 4,050
TX 3 105 110 150 4 4 6
us : 107,555 111,060 117,000 4,677 4,781 5,063
All z
AZ : 1,050 1,650 1,400 39 63 53
CA > 56,000 66,000 65,000 2,101 2,477 2,438
FL : 205,500 203,200 220,000 9,248 9,144 9,900
TX 3 1,055 940 1,450 44 39 61
us : 263,605 271,790 287,850 11,432 11,723 12,452
Temples :
FL : 2,550 2,150 2,500 114 97 113
Grapefruit :
White Seedless :
FL : 25,700 23,200 26,500 1,092 986 1,126
Colored Seedless :
FL : 28,700 28,100 31,500 1,220 1,194 1,339
Other 3
FL 3 1,300 1,050 1,000 55 45 43
All :
AZ : 1,400 1,200 1,000 47 40 34
CA 4/ :
Desert z 3,300 111
Other Areas : 6,000 201
Total : 9,300 8,100 9,000 312 271 302
FL : 55,700 52,350 59,000 2,367 2,225 2,508
TX : 4,650 4,550 5,500 186 182 220
US : 71,050 66,200 74,500 2,912 2,718 3,064
Tangerines 2
AZ : 650 1,000 750 25 38 28
CA 3 2,500 2,600 2,700 94 97 101
FL : 3,550 4,500 6,000 168 213 285
Us : 6,700 8,100 9,450 287 348 414
Lemons :
AZ 2 3,600 5,100 4,000 137 194 152
“CA : 20,000 21,000 22,000 760 798 836
us : 23,600 26,100 26,000 897 992 988
Tangelos

FL 3 3,150 2,450 3,800 142 110 171
K-Early Citrus H

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board
January 1997 12 NASS, USDA


Potatoes: Area Planted, Harvested, Yield, and Production
by Seasonal Group, State, and United States, 1995-97

Seasonal Production
Group

and

1,000 Cwt

Winter
CA 1,300 1,425 1,425
FL 1,173 1,848 1,800
Total 2 14.5 14.7 14.5 14.7 226 219 2,473 3,273 3,225
Spring 1/ :
AL : 2.0 1.9 160 400 304
AZ 3 9.0 9.0 275 1,755 2,475
CA > 20.1 20.1 375 6,230 7,538
FL : 38.0 35.5 219 7,830 7,765
Hastings : 28.5 27.5 230 5,940 6,325
Other FL : 9.5 8.0 180 1,890 1,440
NC 2 17.5 17.0 190 3,053 3,230
TX 3 6.8 6.5 170 925 1,105
Total 2 93.4 90.0 249 20,193 22,417

i/ 1996 revised; 1997 forecast will be published on April 11, 1997.

Papayas: Area and Fresh Production, by Month, Hawaii, 1995-96

Month Fy Total in Crop 2 Harvested

-- 1,000 Pounds --

Nov 3,760 3,500 2,370 1,400 3,775 2,970
Dec 3,790 3,455 2,415 1,475 3,510 3,040
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

January 1997 11 NASS, USDA


Cotton:

1994-96

Area Planted and Harvested by Type,
and United States,

State,

Area Planted

Area Harvested

AL 3 463.
AZ 2 313.
AR : 980.
CA : 1,100.
FL 2 69.
GA 3 885.
KS : 1.
LA : 900.
MS : 1,280,
MO : 352.
NM 3 55.
NC 3 486.
OK : 360.
sc : 225.
TN 2 590.
TX : 5,450.
VA : 42.
us : 13,551.
Amer-Pima
AZ : 48.
CA : 81.
NM z 11.
TX 3 28.
us 3 168.
All :
AL z 463.
AZ : 361.
AR : 980.
CA > 1,181.
FL 69
GA 885
KS 1
LA 300
MS 1,280
MO 352
NM 66
NC 486
OK 360
sc 225
TN 590
TX 5,478
VA 42
us 13,720

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540.0
315.0
1,000.0
1,000.0
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1,350.0
4.5
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1,120.0
390.0
60.0
721.0
290.0
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5,700.0
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14,407.5

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165.0
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258.0

540.0
357.0
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Crop Production
January 1997

455.0 578.
312.0 364.
970.0 1,110.
1,095.0 1,165.
68.0 109.
875.0 1,490.
1.2 2
890.0 1,075.
1,270.0 1,420.
345.0 453.
50.0 56.
485.0 800.
340.0 315.
223.0 342.
585.0 660.
5,150.0 5,750.
41.7 106.
13,155.9 15,795.
47.9 48.
80.8 115.
10.7 15.
27.0 33.
166.4 211.
455.0 578.
359.9 412.
970.0 1,110.
1,175.8 1,280.
68.0 109.
875.0 1,490.
1.2
890.0 1,075.
1,270.0 1,420.
345.0 453.
60.7 71.
485.0 800.
340.0 315.
223.0 342.
585.0 660.
5,177.0 5,783.
41.7 106.
13,322.3 16,006.
Agricultural

Statistics Board
NASS, USDA


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Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board
January 1997 22 NASS, USDA


Crop Summary: Area Planted and Harvested, United States,
1995 and Forecasted January 1, 1997
(Metric Units)

1995 1996
Hectares
All Cotton 6,851,970 5,934,980 6,477,750 5,193,550
Upland 6,765,120 5,830,570 6,392,320 5,089,790
Amer-Pima 3 86,850 104,410 85,430 103,760

Crop Summary: Yield per Hectare and Production, United States,
1995 and Forecasted January 1, 1997
(Metric Units)

Production

ield per Hectare

Dec 1,

Metric Tons

All Cotton 0.60 0.79 3,897,230 4,079,740 4,126,180
Upland 0.60 0.79 3,817,190 3,961,950 4,010,130
Amer-Pima 0.94 1.12 80,040 117,790 116,050

Cottonseed 6,213,040 6,519,390 6,596,410

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

January 1997 4 NASS, USDA



December Weather Summary: Arctic and Pacific air waged battle across the

continental United States. The latter eventually
overspread the Nation, but not before cold air made a serious but short-lived
incursion into the South on December 18-19, delivering in some cases the lowest
temperatures in 6 years. But the Northwest paid a steep price for the Pacific
warmth, enduring flooding triggered by more than 40 inches of precipitation in
the Sierra Nevada and the rapid melting of record snowfall from Washington to
western Montana.

Although monthly temperatures averaged up to 9 degrees F below normal in the
northern Plains, most of the Nation experienced warmer-than-normal conditions.
December-record warmth peppered New England, where departures ranged from +5 to
+11 degrees F.

Location Average (degrees F) Departure Former Record
Caribou, ME 26.2 +11.4 24.0 in 1973
Burlington, VT 32.7 49.7 31.9 in 1982
Portland, ME 34.5 +8.0 33.7 in 1990

The December 18-19 cold outbreak produced lows of 26 degrees F in Tucson, AZ and
29 degrees F in Brownsville, TX, the lowest readings since December 1990. In
coastal Texas, Corpus Christi's reading of 21 degrees F was their lowest since
December 22, 1989. Farther north, patchy snow cover provided some winter wheat
insulation. In Kansas, Goodland's low dipped to -9 degrees F. During a second
outbreak, on December 25-26, lows on the central Plains briefly dipped to near 0
degrees F. Meanwhile in Montana, Glasgow's low plunged to -36 degrees F.

In the Northwest, a 12-week wet spell culminated in major flooding at month's
end. Monthly precipitation ranged from 200 to 400 percent of normal from Oregon
to central California, northeastward inte western Montana. Heavy snow fell
throughout the Northwestern and North Central States, while rain and snow--
specially before mid-December--perpetuated the Northeast's 15-month period of
wetness. In contrast, little or no precipitation fell from the southern Rockies
into the central and southern Plains. As a result, records for both December-
record wetness and dryness were set in various parts of the country:

Location Total (Inches) Former Record (Inches)

Eureka, CA 21.26 (all-time) 19.42 in February 1902

Astoria, OR 20.38 16.57 in 1955

Olympia, WA 15.91 14.32 in 1970

Salem, OR 14.71 12.40 in 1964

Portland, OR 13.35 11.12 in 1968

Philadelphia, PA 8.47 7.37 in 1983

El Paso, TX 0.00 not available

Midland, TX trace not available

Abilene, TX trace not available

Wichita Falls, TX trace not available

Albuquerque, NM trace not available

Alamosa, CO trace trace in 1980 and earlier occasions
Tucson, AZ trace trace in 1981 and eight other times
Dodge City, KS trace trace in 1957, 1889

Oklahoma City, OK trace 0.03 in 1955, 1910, 1908

Kansas City, MO 0.03 not available

Topeka, KS 0.04 0.05 in 1979, 1889

Monthly totals along the west slopes of the Sierra Nevada topped 40 inches in
several locations, including 43.32 inches in the American River basin at Blue
Canyon and 44.67 inches in the Feather River basin at Strawberry Valley.
Precipitation fell heavily in the West until mid-month, then resumed more
intensely than before around December 20. Toward month's end, freezing levels
lifted and arctic air retreated northward, melting massive amounts of snow
throughout the Northwest. Nevertheless, the Sierra Nevada snowpack's water

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board
January 1997 15 NASS, USDA


At month‘s end, saturated fields in the Pacific Northwest were overwhelmed by a
barrage of moisture that caused flooding. The heavy rain followed snow that
caused significant damage and left many farms without electricity. High winds,
combined with the freezing rain, threatened ornamental and fruit trees. The
excessive downpour and potential flooding jeopardized vineyards in parts of
California. Most winter wheat in the Northern States was unharmed by the
frigid, sub-zero temperatures due to the substantial snow cover, but farther
south, fluctuating temperatures and uneven snow cover in the central Great
Plains stressed some exposed winter wheat. The end of December brought a return
of mild weather in Florida, aiding vegetables recovering from the previous
week’s cold snap. Cool nights in Florida’s citrus belt prevented new growth.

Cotton: Upland cotton planted acreage is estimated at 14.4 million acres, down

14 percent from 1995, and harvested acreage, at 12.6 million acres, was
20 percent less than last year. Producers planted 258,000 acres of American-
Pima cotton in 1996, up 20 percent from 1995 and harvested acreage is estimated
at 256,400 acres, a 21 percent increase from last year.

In Texas, harvest was 90 percent complete in late December, as open weather
generally prevailed during the harvest season. Storms in early June provided
some relief from the dry planting conditions in May, but high winds and hail
damaged acreage, forcing producers to replant. Poor growing conditions had
adverse effects on the South Texas crop during the planting season. These
adverse conditions resulted in an abandonment of 30 percent of Texas’ planted
acreage. Texas producers planted 5.70 million acres, down 11 percent from 1995,
and harvested acres, at 4.00 million were down 30 percent. In August and
September, rainfall resulted in the highest boll counts and second highest boll
weights since 1986.

The Delta States (Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee)
lagged behind the average planting pace due to wet soils and because other row
crops were being planted. In mid-May, producers exceeded the 5-year average
pace, and planting was complete in mid-June. Crop development was ahead of
average during the season. Louisiana’s crop suffered from dry conditions during
early summer, and boll counts ranked ninth , but boll weights were second
highest since 1986. Boll weights ranked eighth and sixth in Arkansas and
Mississippi, respectively, but Arkansas’ large boll counts ranked fourth
highest and Mississippi‘s ranked second highest during the past 10 years.
Planted acreage in this region was down 19 percent from 1995 and harvested
acreage was down 18 percent.

Arizona’s planted and harvested acres decreased by 14 percent from 1995, and
California producers decreased acreage 15 percent for both planted and harvested
acreage. Arizona’s acreage was planted well ahead of the average pace, due to
approval of early planting dates in an attempt to lessen any effects of
whitefly. California’s seeding pace was behind average, as low April soil
temperatures and rainfall in mid-April and mid-May slowed activity and also
caused some replantings. California’s boll counts were second lowest and boll
weights were third lowest since 1986.

In the Southeastern States (Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and South
Carolina), cotton acreage was 11 percent less than in 1995, at 2.90 million
acres. The planting pace was slightly behind average in Alabama and Georgia
early in the season, but early May storms followed by a dry period, allowed
producers to exceed the average pace by mid-May. Early June storms in these
two States replenished soil moisture and improved crop condition. Hurricane
Fran entered North Carolina on September 5, flooding some acreage and
deterriorating the condition and yield prospects as it moved across the cotton
producing areas. More storms followed hurricane Fran during the month, which
slowed harvest in most of the region.

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board
January 1997 17 NASS, USDA


Crop Summary: Area Planted and Harvested, United States,
1995 and Forecasted January 1, 1997
(Domestic Units)

Area Planted Area Harvested
CYOP Sw n nnn enn rrr enn nnn nnn ne enn enn c ec ns ce cecesscre=
1995 1996 1995 1996
1,000 Acres
All Cotton : 16,931.4 14,665.5 16,006.7 12,833.4
Upland :  16,716.8 14,407.5 15,795.6 12,577.0
Amer-Pima : 214.6 258.0 211.1 256.4

Crop Summary: Yield per Acre and Production, United States,
1995 and Forecasted January 1, 1997
(Domestic Units)

Dec 1,

All Cotton 1/ Bale: 537 709 17,899.8 18,738.1 18,951.4
Upland 1/ . : 533 703 17,532.2 18,197.1 18,418.4
Amer-Pima 1/ " : 836 998 367.6 541.0 533.0

Cottonseed Ton 6,848.7 7,186.4 7,271.3

1/ Yield in pounds.

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board
January 1997 3 NASS, USDA



Florida frozen concentrated orange juice (FCOJ) yield for the 1996-97 season is
forecast at 1.53 gallons per box at 42.0 degrees Brix, unchanged from December.
The forecast projects the final yield as reported by the Florida Citrus
Processors Association. The final 1995-96 yield for all fruit used in FCOJ was
1.52 gallons per box at 42.0 degrees Brix. Projected average yield for 1996-97
early and midseason varieties is 1.48 gallons per box compared to last season’s
final of 1.45. Valencia yield is projected at 1.62 gallons per box compared to
1.67 last season.

This report was approved on January 9, 1997, by the Acting Secretary of
Agriculture and the National Agricultural Statistics Service's Agricultural
Statistics Board.

Aoitth || tls |

Acting Kecretary of Agricultural Statistics Board
Agriculture Chairperson
Keith J. Collins Rich Allen
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

January 1997 2 NASS, USDA


Citrus Fruit Footnotes

1/ The crop year begins with the bloom of the first year shown and ends with
year harvest is completed.

2/ Net lbs. per box: oranges-AZ & CA-75, FL-90, TX-85; grapefruit-AZ & CA-67,
FL-85, TX-80; lemons-76, tangelos, K-Early Citrus & Temples-90;
tangerines-AZ & CA-75, FL-95.

3/ Navel and miscellaneous varieties in AZ and CA. Early and mid-season
varieties in FL and TX, including small quantities of tangerines in TX.

4/ California Desert and Other Areas Grapefruit forecasts combined to All
Grapefruit beginning in 1995-96.

Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board
January 1997 13 NASS, USDA


equivalent averaged 20 inches (about 160 percent of normal) at year's end.
Meanwhile, snow in Washington totaled a December~record 42.7 inches in Spokane
(breaking their 1964 record of 42.0 inches), and accumulated to an all-time-
record 27 inches in Yakima (eclipsing their December 21, 1964, standard of

22 inches) .

Farther east, near-record snowfall blanketed locations such as Duluth, MN

(41.7 inches) and Marquette, MI (79.8 inches). For the second consecutive
month, snowfall topped 20 inches in Fargo, ND (20.4 inches) and International
Falls, MN (24.7 inches), as frequent white-out conditions continued to plague
the North Central States. Some areas from the eastern Great Lakes to interior
New England also received heavy snow, including Grand Rapids, MI (24.6 inches)
and Worcester, MA (26.8 inches). During the cold outbreak on December 18-19,
snow fell as far south as the Gulf Coast, totaling 2.0 inches in Montgomery, AL.

All but western and northern Alaska shared in the northern Plains' cold.
Fairbanks’ temperature averaged 7 degrees F below normal, resulting in their
coldest December since 1980. Precipitation averaged below normal nearly
statewide. In Hawaii, heavy rain across Maui County late in the month
interrupted an otherwise dry pattern, as the West Coast's impressive moisture
fetch remained just north of the islands.

General Crop Comments: The month started with heavy rains and high winds along

the Pacific Northwest, causing flooding. Wheat
producers in the Northern States were concerned about early snow accumulation
and the lateness of small grain seedings, while producers in the central High
Plains were concerned about the lack of moisture. In the southern Great Plains,
cold, wet weather slowed the cotton harvest, but the moisture improved wheat
conditions. Wet weather in early December across the Southeast slowed field
operations and limited cotton harvest activity. Beneficial rain in Florida
aided plants recovering from recent wind damage, but slowed some vegetable
harvest for the holiday markets. Cool nights and cloudy conditions have helped
citrus trees harden up, with most of the early fruit reported in good condition
and coloring well.

Later in the month, heavy rain continued along the Pacific Coast, causing
flooding and leaving many fields too wet for fieldwork. Significant snowfall
across the upper Great Plains and Great Lakes region provided adequate snow
cover for small grains. Farther south, above-normal temperatures prevailed
across the southern Great Plains, generating vigorous winter wheat growth, and
allowing cotton producers to make good harvest progress. Continued dry weather
in the central High Plains, combined with windy weather, threatened some wheat
fields. Dry weather in Florida furnished ideal harvesting conditions, while low
temperatures and some scattered frost held new growth on citrus in check.

On December 20, low temperatures hit Florida's citrus belt, but windy weather
prevented frost from forming. The cold weather slowed Florida's citrus trees’
rate of growth. Most vegetables in south Florida were undamaged by the cold,
but a hard frost farther north brought an end to harvest activity. Heavy rain
returned to California, causing flooding and disrupting fieldwork. Below-
freezing temperatures in parts of south Texas and Louisiana burned some crops’
leaves and caused sugarcane producers to quickly complete the harvest of frost-
damaged sugarcane. A blizzard across the upper Great Plains and Great Lakes
region threatened livestock but provided adequate snow cover for smal] grains.
Completion of the cotton harvest was delayed by precipitation later in the month
from the Delta to the Tennessee Valley. Patchy snow cover in parts of the
central Great Plains, combined with very low temperatures, threatened some
winter wheat.

Crop Production : Agricultural Statistics Board
January 1997 16 NASS, USDA