Cr Pr 2-2 (2-00) a

Washington, D.C.

Crop

Production

Released February 11, 2000, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department

of Agriculture. For information on "Crop Production" call (202) 720-2127, office hours 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET.

U.S. Orange Production Unchanged

All oranges production forecast for 1999-00 remains at 12.5 million tons, up 26 percent from last season. 

Florida's all orange forecast is 219 million boxes (9.86 million tons), 18 percent higher than the 186 million

boxes (8.36 million tons) utilized last season. Early and midseason varieties in Florida are forecast at

127 million boxes (5.72 million tons), 13 percent higher than last season. Fruit size has continued slightly

above average and loss from droppage remains well below average. Florida’s Valencia forecast of

92.0 million boxes (4.14 million tons) is 25 percent higher than last season’s final utilization. Fruit size is

above average and growth continues at a rate slightly above average. Loss from droppage remains well below

average and is lower than any of the previous nine seasons.

Texas orange production is forecast at 1.60 million boxes (68,000 tons), up 12 percent from last season. 

California’s all orange production forecast of 67.0 million boxes (2.51 million tons) is carried forward from

January and is 76 percent higher than last season’s freeze-damaged crop. The Arizona orange forecast, also

carried forward from January, is 1.05 million boxes (40,000 tons), down 9 percent from last season’s final

utilization.

Florida frozen concentrated orange juice (FCOJ) yield for the 1999-00 season is 1.54 gallons per box of

42.0 degree Brix concentrate, down from January’s projected yield of 1.57 gallons. The early and midseason

portion is projected at 1.48 gallons per box, down from 1.50 last month. The Valencia portion is projected at

1.64 gallons per box, down from 1.68 last month. The final all orange yield for last season as reported by the

Florida Citrus Processors Association was a record high 1.63 gallons per box. Last season’s early and

midseason yield was 1.58 and the Valencia portion was 1.75, both record highs.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

February 2000 2 NASS, USDA

This report was approved on February 11, 2000.

Acting Secretary of

Agriculture

Richard E. Rominger

Agricultural Statistics Board

Chairperson

Frederic A. Vogel
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

February 2000 3 NASS, USDA

Contents

Page

California Nut Crops ....................................................................6

Citrus ................................................................................5

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

Information Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

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

Pecans ................................................................................7

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

Weather Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

February 2000 4 NASS, USDA

Sugarcane: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production

by Use, State, and United States, 1998-99

Use

and

State

Area Harvested Yield 1 Production 1

1998 1999 1998 1999 1998 1999

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

For Sugar

 FL

 HI 2

 LA 2

 TX 2

 US

For Seed

 FL

 HI 2

 LA 2

 TX 2

 US

For Sugar

 and Seed

 FL

 HI 2

 LA 2

 TX 2

 US

426.0

30.3

400.0

32.0

888.3

21.0

2.2

35.0

0.6

58.8

447.0

32.5

435.0

32.6

947.1

443.0

32.7

435.0

28.7

939.4

17.0

2.3

30.0

2.5

51.8

460.0

35.0

465.0

31.2

991.2

40.1

90.0

29.7

32.9

36.9

40.1

32.4

29.7

18.3

33.4

40.1

86.1

29.7

32.6

36.6

35.5

87.6

33.0

34.0

36.1

39.0

32.9

33.0

27.6

34.7

35.6

84.0

33.0

33.5

36.0

17,083

2,727

11,880

1,053

32,743

842

71

1,040

11

1,964

17,925

2,798

12,920

1,064

34,707

15,727

2,865

14,355

976

33,923

663

76

990

69

1,798

16,390

2,941

15,345

1,045

35,721 1 Net tons. 2 Current estimates carried forward from earlier forecast.

Papayas: Area and Fresh Production, by Month, Hawaii, 1999-00

Month

Area Fresh Production

Total in Crop Harvested 1999 2000

1999 2000 1999 2000

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

Dec

Jan

3,230

3,740 3,285

1,625

2,190 1,670

3,345

2,975 3,345
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

February 2000 5 NASS, USDA

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

1997-98, 1998-99 and Forecasted February 1, 2000 1

Crop and State

Utilized Production

Boxes

Utilized Production

Ton Equivalent

1997-98 1998-99 1999-00 1997-98 1998-99 1999-00

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

Oranges

 Early Mid &

 Navel 3

 AZ 4

 CA 4

 FL

 TX

 US

 Valencia

 AZ 4

 CA 4

 FL

 TX

 US

 All

 AZ 4

 CA 4

 FL

 TX

 US

Temples

 FL

Grapefruit

 White Seedless

 FL 5

 Colored Seedless

 FL 6

 Other

 FL

 All

 AZ 4

 CA 4

 FL 5 6

 TX

 US

Tangerines

 AZ 4 7

 CA 4 7

 FL

 US

Lemons 4

 AZ

 CA

 US

Tangelos

 FL

K-Early Citrus

 FL

350

44,000

140,000

1,350

185,700

650

25,000

104,000

175

129,825

1,000

69,000

244,000

1,525

315,525

2,250

18,300

30,600

650

800

8,000

49,550

4,800

63,150

600

2,400

5,200

8,200

2,600

21,000

23,600

2,850

40

550

21,000

112,000

1,250

134,800

600

17,000

73,700

180

91,480

1,150

38,000

185,700

1,430

226,280

1,800

17,800

28,700

550

750

7,500

47,050

6,100

61,400

950

1,500

4,950

7,400

3,450

16,200

19,650

2,550

80

600

40,000

127,000

1,300

168,900

450

27,000

92,000

300

119,750

1,050

67,000

219,000

1,600

288,650

2,100

18,500

27,000

500

800

8,000

46,000

5,500

60,300

1,100

2,300

6,600

10,000

3,100

21,000

24,100

2,600

100

13

1,650

6,300

57

8,020

25

938

4,680

7

5,650

38

2,588

10,980

64

13,670

101

777

1,301

28

27

268

2,106

192

2,593

23

90

247

360

99

798

897

128

2

21

787

5,040

53

5,901

22

638

3,317

8

3,985

43

1,425

8,357

61

9,886

81

757

1,220

23

25

251

2,000

244

2,520

36

56

235

327

131

616

747

115

4

23

1,500

5,715

55

7,293

17

1,013

4,140

13

5,183

40

2,513

9,855

68

12,476

95

786

1,148

21

27

268

1,955

220

2,470

41

86

314

441

118

798

916

117

5 1

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

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

& Temples-90; tangerines-AZ & CA-75, FL-95. 3

 Navel and miscellaneous varieties in AZ and CA. Early (including Navel) and

midseason varieties in FL and TX. Small quantities of tangerines in TX. 4

 Estimates for current year carried forward from earlier

forecast. 5

 Excludes White Seedless economic abandonment of 5,000,000 boxes in 1997-98. 6 Excludes Colored Seedless

economic abandonment of 1,000,000 boxes in 1997-98. 7

 Includes tangelos and tangors.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

February 2000 6 NASS, USDA

California Nut Crops: Bearing Acreage, Yield, Production,

Price, and Value by Crop, 1997-98 and Revised 1999

Crop Bearing Acreage Yield per Acre 1

1997 1998 1999 1997 1998 1999

Acres Acres Acres Tons 2 Tons 2 Tons 2

Walnuts

 (English) 193,000 193,000 193,000 1.39 1.18 1.47

Acres Acres Acres Pounds 3 Pounds 3 Pounds 3

Pistachios 4 65,400 68,000 71,000 2,750 2,760 1,730

Acres Acres Acres Pounds 3 Pounds 3 Pounds 3

Almonds 442,000 460,000 480,000 1,720 1,130 1,730

Production Price per Unit

1997 1998 1999 1997 1998 1999

Tons 2 Tons 2 Tons 2 Dollars per Ton Dollars per Ton Dollars per Ton

Walnuts

 (English) 5 269,000 227,000 283,000 1,430 1,050

1,000 Pounds 2 1,000 Pounds 2 1,000 Pounds 2 Dollars per Pound Dollars per Pound Dollars per Pound

Pistachios 180,000 188,000 123,000 1.13 1.03 1.31

1,000 Pounds 3 1,000 Pounds 3 1,000 Pounds 3 Dollars per Pound Dollars per Pound Dollars per Pound

Almonds 6 759,000 520,000 830,000 1.56 1.41 0.85

Value of Utilized Production

1997 1998 1999

1,000 Dollars 1,000 Dollars 1,000 Dollars

Walnuts

 (English) 5

Pistachios

Almonds 6

384,670

203,400

1,160,640

238,350

193,640

703,590

161,130

677,280 1 Yield based on utilized production. 2 In-shell basis. 3 Shelled basis. 4 Revised 1998 acreage. 5 Price and value estimates for 1999 will be published on July 7, 2000. 6 Price and value estimates are based on the edible portion of the crop only. Included in production are inedible quantities of no

value as follows: 1997 - 15.0 million pounds, 1998 - 21.0 million pounds, 1999 - 33.2 million pounds.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

February 2000 7 NASS, USDA

Pecans: Utilized Production by Variety, State,

and United States, 1997-99

Crop and State

Utilized Production

1997 1998 1999

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

7,000

18,500

1,200

3,000

600

77,000

2,000

2,600

45,000

900

3,000

2,100

40,000

202,900

6,000

2,300

1,200

23,000

4,200

10,000

1,400

600

32,000

1,400

50,000

132,100

13,000

18,500

3,500

3,000

1,800

100,000

4,200

12,000

4,000

45,000

1,500

35,000

3,500

90,000

335,000

3,500

13,000

300

1,700

200

35,000

3,000

800

32,000

1,500

200

800

20,000

112,000

1,500

250

1,100

5,000

50

13,000

400

1,000

1,800

300

10,000

34,400

5,000

13,000

550

1,700

1,300

40,000

50

16,000

1,200

32,000

2,500

2,000

1,100

30,000

146,400

8,000

21,700

760

2,400

1,500

80,000

4,000

3,000

50,000

1,000

4,000

800

55,000

232,160

5,000

3,040

1,400

10,000

3,500

14,000

1,000

300

41,000

300

30,000

109,540

13,000

21,700

3,800

2,400

2,900

90,000

3,500

18,000

4,000

50,000

1,300

45,000

1,100

85,000

341,700 1 Budded, grafted, or topworked varieties.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

February 2000 8 NASS, USDA

Crop Summary: Area Planted and Harvested, United States, 1999-00

(Domestic Units) 1

Crop

Area Planted Area Harvested

1999 2000 1999 2000

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

Grains & Hay

 Barley

 Corn for Grain 2

 Corn for Silage

 Hay, All

 Alfalfa

 All Other

 Oats

 Proso Millet

 Rice

 Rye

 Sorghum for Grain 2

 Sorghum for Silage

 Wheat, All

 Winter

 Durum

 Other Spring

Oilseeds

 Canola

 Cottonseed

 Flaxseed

 Mustard Seed

 Peanuts

 Rapeseed

 Safflower

 Soybeans for Beans

 Sunflower

Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops

 Cotton, All

 Upland

 Amer-Pima

 Sugarbeets

 Sugarcane

 Tobacco

Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils

 Austrian Winter Peas

 Dry Edible Beans

 Dry Edible Peas

 Lentils

 Wrinkled Seed Peas

Potatoes & Misc.

 Coffee (HI)

 Ginger Root (HI)

 Hops

 Peppermint Oil

 Potatoes, All

 Winter

 Spring

 Summer

 Fall

 Spearmint Oil

 Sweet Potatoes

 Taro (HI) 3

5,223.0

77,431.0

4,670.0

600.0

3,581.0

1,582.0

9,288.0

62,814.0

43,431.0

4,035.0

15,348.0

1,076.0

387.0

60.8

1,533.0

4.6

275.0

73,780.0

3,553.0

14,855.0

14,565.0

290.0

1,562.7

6.1

2,023.0

281.6

182.0

1,377.0

18.1

86.8

69.1

1,203.0

93.3

42,916.0

18.2

4,758.0

70,537.0

6,062.0

63,160.0

23,985.0

39,175.0

2,453.0

540.0

3,562.0

383.0

8,544.0

320.0

53,909.0

35,572.0

3,569.0

14,768.0

1,044.0

382.0

58.8

1,427.5

4.4

262.0

72,476.0

3,441.0

13,381.0

13,093.0

288.0

1,527.1

991.2

644.3

4.4

1,877.0

263.6

174.5

6.4

0.4

34.3

106.3

1,332.6

17.8

84.5

64.2

1,166.1

24.4

82.9

0.5

18.0

1

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

full 2000 crop year. 2

 Area planted for all purposes. 3 Area is total acres in crop, not harvested acreage.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

February 2000 9 NASS, USDA

Crop Summary: Yield and Production, United States, 1999-00

(Domestic Units) 1

Crop Unit

Yield Production

1999 2000 1999 2000

1,000 1,000

Grains & Hay

 Barley

 Corn for Grain

 Corn for Silage

 Hay, All

 Alfalfa

 All Other

 Oats

 Proso Millet

 Rice 2

 Rye

 Sorghum for Grain

 Sorghum for Silage

 Wheat, All

 Winter

 Durum

 Other Spring

Oilseeds

 Canola

 Cottonseed 3

 Flaxseed

 Mustard Seed

 Peanuts

 Rapeseed

 Safflower

 Soybeans for Beans

 Sunflower

Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops

 Cotton, All 2

 Upland 2

 Amer-Pima 2

 Sugarbeets

 Sugarcane

 Tobacco

Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils

 Austrian Winter Peas 2

 Dry Edible Beans 2

 Dry Edible Peas 2

 Lentils 2

 Wrinkled Seed Peas

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

59.2

133.8

15.9

2.52

3.50

1.92

59.6

33.2

5,908

28.7

69.7

11.6

42.7

47.8

27.8

34.1

1,306

20.6

816

2,711

1,155

1,545

36.5

1,262

608

596

1,159

21.8

36.0

1,980

1,364

1,770

1,908

1,368

1,640

46,000

1,881

71

359

229

300

298

369

101

145

256

281,853

9,437,337

96,169

159,077

83,924

75,153

146,218

17,910

210,458

10,993

595,166

3,716

2,302,443

1,699,989

99,322

503,132

1,363,680

6,422

7,880

48,010

3,870,200

5,080

404,715

2,642,908

4,341,862

16,952.9

16,257.4

695.5

33,319

35,721

1,275,438

60

33,230

5,030

2,387

658

10,500

16,100

64,456

7,537

478,398

4,070

25,327

19,154

429,847

2,454

11,980

6,800

4,600

1

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

full 2000 crop year. 2

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

February 2000 10 NASS, USDA

Fruits and Nuts Production, United States, 1998-00

(Domestic Units) 1

Crop Unit

Production

1998 1999 2000

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

"

"

"

"

"

"

1,000 Lbs

Ton

Lb

Ton

"

Lb

1,000 Lbs

Ton

"

"

Lb

Ton

Lb

"

Ton

Gal

2,593

2

897

13,670

128

360

101

11,648.4

118.5

21,000.0

5,820.0

90.0

39,900.0

2,401.3

955.1

108.0

25.6

520,000

15.5

146,400

188,000

227.0

1,159

2,520

4

747

9,886

115

327

81

10,741.3

90.8

25,000.0

6,169.4

145.0

42,000.0

2,521.4

981.6

178.0

22.9

830,000

38.0

341,700

123,000

283.0

1,180

2,470

5

916

12,476

117

441

95

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

full 2000 crop year. 2 Production years are 1997-98, 1998-99, and 1999-00.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

February 2000 11 NASS, USDA

Crop Summary: Area Planted and Harvested, United States, 1999-00

(Metric Units) 1

Crop

Area Planted Area Harvested

1999 2000 1999 2000

Hectares Hectares Hectares Hectares

Grains & Hay

 Barley

 Corn for Grain 2

 Corn for Silage

 Hay, All 3

 Alfalfa

 All Other

 Oats

 Proso Millet

 Rice

 Rye

 Sorghum for Grain 2

 Sorghum for Silage

 Wheat, All 3

 Winter

 Durum

 Other Spring

Oilseeds

 Canola

 Cottonseed

 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

2,113,700

31,335,550

1,889,900

242,810

1,449,190

640,220

3,758,760

25,420,200

17,576,090

1,632,920

6,211,180

435,450

156,620

24,610

620,390

1,860

111,290

29,858,030

1,437,860

6,011,670

5,894,310

117,360

632,410

2,470

818,690

113,960

73,650

557,260

7,320

35,130

27,960

486,840

37,760

17,367,680

7,370

1,925,520

28,545,620

2,453,230

25,560,220

9,706,490

15,853,730

992,700

218,530

1,441,510

155,000

3,457,670

129,500

21,816,430

14,395,630

1,444,340

5,976,460

422,500

154,590

23,800

577,690

1,780

106,030

29,330,310

1,392,540

5,415,160

5,298,610

116,550

618,000

401,130

260,720

1,780

759,600

106,680

70,620

2,590

140

13,860

43,020

539,290

7,200

34,200

25,980

471,910

9,870

33,550

200

7,280

1

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

full 2000 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

February 2000 12 NASS, USDA

Crop Summary: Yield and Production, United States, 1999-00

(Metric Units) 1

Crop

Yield Production

1999 2000 1999 2000

Metric Tons Metric Tons Metric Tons Metric Tons

Grains & Hay

 Barley

 Corn for Grain

 Corn for Silage

 Hay, All 2

 Alfalfa

 All Other

 Oats

 Proso Millet

 Rice

 Rye

 Sorghum for Grain

 Sorghum for Silage

 Wheat, All 2

 Winter

 Durum

 Other Spring

Oilseeds

 Canola

 Cottonseed 3

 Flaxseed

 Mustard Seed

 Peanuts

 Rapeseed

 Safflower

 Soybeans for Beans

 Sunflower

Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops

 Cotton, All 2

 Upland

 Amer-Pima

 Sugarbeets

 Sugarcane

 Tobacco

Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils

 Austrian Winter Peas

 Dry Edible Beans

 Dry Edible Peas

 Lentils

 Wrinkled Seed Peas

Potatoes & Misc.

 Coffee (HI)

 Ginger Root (HI)

 Hops

 Peppermint Oil

 Potatoes, All 2

 Winter

 Spring

 Summer

 Fall

 Spearmint Oil

 Sweet Potatoes

 Taro (HI) 3

3.19

8.40

35.56

5.65

7.84

4.30

2.14

1.86

6.62

1.80

4.37

26.03

2.87

3.21

1.87

2.29

1.46

1.29

0.92

3.04

1.29

1.73

2.45

1.41

0.68

0.67

1.30

48.91

80.79

2.22

1.53

1.98

2.14

1.53

1.84

51.56

2.11

0.08

40.24

25.63

33.59

33.44

41.32

0.11

16.20

28.64

6,136,620

239,719,400

87,243,050

144,312,230

76,134,570

68,177,650

2,122,350

406,190

9,546,210

279,240

15,117,910

3,371,100

62,662,230

46,266,120

2,703,100

13,693,010

618,550

5,826,300

200,160

21,780

1,755,490

2,300

183,580

71,928,170

1,969,440

3,691,060

3,539,630

151,430

30,226,490

32,405,550

578,530

2,720

1,507,290

228,160

108,270

29,850

4,760

7,300

29,240

3,420

21,699,770

184,610

1,148,810

868,810

19,497,530

1,110

543,400

3,080

208,650

1

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

full 2000 crop year. 2

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

February 2000 13 NASS, USDA

Fruits and Nuts Production, United States, 1998-00

(Metric Units) 1

Crop

Production

1998 1999 2000

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

2,352,330

1,810

813,740

12,401,220

116,120

326,590

91,630

5,283,630

107,500

9,530

5,279,770

81,650

18,100

1,089,210

866,490

97,980

23,220

235,870

14,060

66,410

85,280

205,930

5,790

2,286,110

3,630

677,670

8,968,430

104,330

296,650

73,480

4,872,170

82,370

11,340

5,596,810

131,540

19,050

1,143,690

890,450

161,480

20,770

376,480

34,470

154,990

55,790

256,730

5,900

2,240,750

4,540

830,980

11,318,040

106,140

400,070

86,180

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

full 2000 crop year. 2 Production years are 1997-98, 1998-99, and 1999-00.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

February 2000 14 NASS, USDA

January Weather Summary

A month that began remarkably mild turned increasingly cold and stormy across the Midwest, South, and

East. Due to early-month warmth, however, temperatures averaged 2 to 6 degrees F above normal in the

Mississippi Valley and were within 2 degrees F of normal along the East Coast. Nevertheless, a late-month

cold snap dropped temperatures to near the freezing mark on January 27 as far south as Florida’s northern

citrus and cool-season vegetable areas. In contrast, January ended with 3 weeks of warm weather across

California and the Intermountain West, propelling monthly temperatures as much as 10 degrees F above

normal in the latter region.

Beneficial precipitation fell in several areas during January, easing long-term drought in the Ohio Valley,

Southeast, and portions of the upper Midwest. In the West, a southward shift in the storm trajectory delivered

much-needed precipitation to areas from northern and central California to the central Rockies. The moisture

favored dryland crops and eased irrigation requirements in California’s Central Valley, and significantly

improved high-elevation Sierra Nevada snow packs. Farther south, however, areas from southern California

to western Texas remained extremely dry for a fourth consecutive month, resulting in further declines in

range, pasture, and dryland crop conditions. Unfavorably dry conditions also persisted throughout most of the

Plains, western Corn Belt, and lower Mississippi Valley, raising concerns about a lack of moisture for winter

grains and the availability of moisture during the upcoming planting season.

General Crop Comments: Dry weather and above-normal temperatures prevailed across most of the Nation

as the new year began. The western Corn Belt and Great Plains remained dry with temperatures averaging

well above normal throughout the month, but most of the East experienced cold weather with a mixture of

wintery precipitation, especially after mid-month.

The hard red winter wheat crop lacked snow cover across most of the Great Plains, but winterkill was

minimal due to above-normal temperatures. However, the warm weather also promoted insect activity in the

central and southern Plains and reduced the quality of piled sugarbeets in the northern Plains. Record-high

temperatures near mid-month stimulated winter wheat growth where moisture was available in the southern

Great Plains, lower Mississippi Valley, and Southeast. In Texas, germination and emergence of wheat and

oats was boosted by mid-month precipitation. However, spotty wheat stands and seedling death continued in

parts of the central and southern Plains due to dry soils. Early-month field activities rapidly progressed in

California, including seeding of wheat, barley, and oats. However, dry soils forced some growers to irrigate

wheat fields to germinate seeds. 

A series of winter storms provided beneficial moisture from mixed precipitation in the Ohio Valley,

Appalachains, Piedmont, and parts of the Southeast and Atlantic Coastal Plains. A blast of cold, arctic air

pushed southward through the Great Lakes region and into the eastern Corn Belt and Atlantic Coast States

shortly after mid-month. Snow covered most wheat fields in the eastern Corn Belt and protected plants from

sub-zero temperatures and dangerous wind chills. Persistent storms continued in the Pacific Northwest,

dumping unneeded rain along the coast and heavy snow in the Cascade and interior Rocky Mountain ranges.

Some precipitation extended into dry areas of northern and central California after mid-month, halting

fieldwork, but stimulating forage growth and aiding germination and emergence of small grains. In central

and southern parts of the State, irrigation continued in vineyards and orchards due to moisture shortages. Dry

weather aided grapefruit and lemon picking, which was active in southern California. In the San Joaquin

Valley, the navel orange harvest gained momentum, alfalfa seeding continued, and corn planting began. 

In Florida, topsoil moisture remained short throughout the State, and citrus growers continued to irrigate daily

to maintain good tree and fruit condition. New growth and bloom buds formed on young well-cared-for trees

in the southern part of the State. Early and midseason fruit had good color, and Valencias were beginning to

color in some early bloom groves. Harvest of oranges for processing was very active due to nearly ideal

weather. Sugarcane grinding and planting were also active. Temperatures briefly dipped below freezing as

far south as central Florida late in the month, as a cold front passed through the State. However, damage to

crops was minimal due to the short duration of sub-freezing temperatures.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

February 2000 15 NASS, USDA

Sugarcane: Production is estimated at a record high 35.7 million tons, 3 percent above the previous record

of 34.7 million tons set last year. Harvested acres is estimated at a record high 991,200 acres for sugar and

seed, 5 percent more than the 1998 final harvested acres. The record high acreage is due to a 30,000 acre

expansion in Louisiana and a 13,000 acre increase in Florida. Yield is estimated at 36.0 tons per acre, slightly

below the 1998 yield of 36.6 tons. Louisiana’s estimated yield, at 33.0 tons per acre is a record high, 3.3 tons

above the previous record high set in 1998. Grinding was active in Florida, as the sugarcane harvest

progressed with few delays.

Temples: Florida’s 1999-00 Temple forecast remains at 2.10 million boxes (94,500 tons), 17 percent higher

than the 1.80 million boxes recorded last season. Harvest is in its early stages. The crop has lagged in

maturity and, as usual, has more later blooms than most citrus. Fruit size and droppage are both well below

average.

Grapefruit: The forecast of the 1999-00 grapefruit crop for the United States is continued at 2.47 million

tons and is down 2 percent from last season. The Florida grapefruit forecast remains at 46.0 million

boxes(1.96 million tons). The white seedless forecast, at 18.5 million boxes (786,000 tons), is unchanged

from last month but up 4 percent from last year. The colored seedless utilization is expected at 27.0 million

boxes (1.15 million tons), also unchanged, but 6 percent less than the 1998-99 season. Fruit size is below

average for both white and colored seedless grapefruit. Normal droppage has occurred on the white seedless,

but slightly above normal droppage has occurred on the colored seedless. The irregular bloom this season

may be affecting both the average size and drop at this point of the season. The seedy grapefruit crop is

expected to total 500,000 boxes (21,000 tons), unchanged from the previous forecast but 9 percent below last

season. Seedy fruit size is slightly above average, but loss from droppage is well below average. Final

utilization is dependent on load tickets at the processing plant since this variety is only recorded as processed

use. 

The February 1 forecast of Texas grapefruit is unchanged at 5.50 million boxes (220,000 tons) and is down

10 percent from last season. The California and Arizona forecasts are carried forward from earlier forecasts.

Tangerines: The 1999-00 U.S. tangerine crop forecast is unchanged at a record large 441,000 tons, up

35 percent from the freeze-damaged crop last season. Florida’s tangerine forecast remains at 6.60 million

boxes (314,000 tons), 33 percent larger than last season. Harvest of the early tangerines, Robinson and

Fallglo varieties, is complete. Harvest of Sunburst and Dancy varieties is rapidly declining. The cooler

weather has aided in holding quality. The Honey tangerine harvest is underway. The Honey crop has more

“off bloom” than normal and more spot picking has occurred. The loss from droppage has been very low and

fruit size is smaller than average. The California and Arizona tangerine forecasts are carried forward from

earlier forecasts.

Tangelos: The 1999-00 tangelo forecast from Florida is decreased to 2.60 million boxes (117,000 tons),

7 percent lower than last month but 2 percent higher than last season’s final utilization. The reduction is

based on the Row Count Survey conducted at the end of January. Harvest is almost two-thirds complete.

K-Early Citrus: The K-Early Citrus Fruit forecast for 1999-00 is now 100,000 boxes (4,500 tons),

10,000 more boxes than last month and 20,000 more boxes than the final utilization last season. Processed

use has continued to trickle in at a few thousand boxes in recent weeks.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

February 2000 16 NASS, USDA

Florida Citrus: During January there were a wide variety of weather conditions. There were days when the

temperatures were in the seventies followed by a period of overcast with drizzle and temperatures in the low

sixties. In late January, temperatures dropped below freezing for a few hours but not low enough or long

enough to do significant damage to citrus fruit or to foliage. There were a few low land cold pockets that had

some outer foliage burned by the cold temperatures. Harvest of early and midseason oranges was very active

during the month with most of the fruit going to the processors. Most processing plants were running

24 hours a day in order to utilize the seven to nine million boxes harvested each week. Most fresh fruit

packinghouses were filling orders with early and midseason oranges, grapefruit, Temples, tangerines and

tangelos. Caretakers were cutting cover crops prior to harvesting and for fire protection. Growers started

fertilizing toward the end of the month. Hedging and topping were reported in all areas.

Texas Citrus: January weather conditions in the Rio Grande Valley have been cooler than normal but not as

cold as it has been in Central and North Texas. Just over half of the grapefruit crop and 80 percent of the

early, midseason orange crop have been harvested.

California Citrus: Picking of citrus crops was delayed in the San Joaquin Valley due to numerous rainy

days during January. Harvests of lemons, grapefruit, tangerines, and navel oranges were active in southern

California. Approximately one third of the navel orange crop had been picked by February 1. Growers were

concerned with puff and crease. The Valencia orange crop was maturing well with picking expected to begin

in the desert area soon.

Papayas: Hawaii fresh papaya output is estimated at 3.35 million pounds for January, unchanged from

December but 12 percent higher than a year ago. Area in crop totaled 3,285 acres for January, 2 percent

higher than December but 12 percent lower than January 1999. Harvested area totaled 1,670 acres, 3 percent

higher than last month but 24 percent lower than a year ago. January weather conditions were variable with a

mix of rain, cloudy skies, and some sunshine. Seasonally cool temperatures slowed fruit maturation.

California Non-Citrus Fruits and Nuts: During January, fruit and nut growers were pruning and removing

trees, and planting cover crops when weather permitted. Above average rainfall alleviated the dry conditions

of the orchards. Land was fumigated in preparation for new plantings of fruit and nut trees. Grape growers

were pruning vines, tying canes, and spraying or cultivating for weed control.

Almonds: California almond production for 1999 is estimated at a record 830 million pounds, up 60 percent

from 1998’s crop. The new record is 9 percent over the previous record of 759 million pounds set in 1997. 

Bearing acreage in 1999 was estimated at 480,000, 4 percent above 1998. The average price was $0.85 per

pound (shelled basis), off sharply from 1998's average of $1.41. Value of utilized production came to

677 million dollars, off 4 percent from 1998.

Pecans: The February revised estimate for 1999 pecan production is 342 million pounds, up 5 percent from

the preliminary January estimate. This compares to last year’s 146 million pounds. Pecans, known for their

alternate bearing pattern, were expected to yield a large 1999 crop. This is the first year a February revised

estimate has been made, part of a program change to more adequately cover a harvest which stretches from

the Southeast to the Southwest. Improved varieties are expected to account for 232 million pounds of the

total while native and seedling varieties are projected to make up the difference of 110 million pounds.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

February 2000 17 NASS, USDA

The increase in estimated production is seen in the Western states where harvest was still underway when the

January preliminary estimate was made. Oklahoma production increased 10 million pounds. Nine million

pounds of the increase are allotted to a large native crop. The Texas crop also increased 5 million pounds, all

on the native side. Continuing strong prices and good quality encouraged more producers to harvest native

groves.

Arizona pecan production is now measured at 21.7 million pounds, up 11 percent from the January estimate. 

This is primarily due to growers being able to get a better idea of crop size now that harvest is almost

completed.

Walnuts: California walnut production for 1999 is estimated at a record 283,000 tons, up 25 percent from

the 1998 crop. The new record is 5 percent over the previous high of 269,000 tons set in 1997. Bearing

acreage in 1999 was estimated at 193,000, unchanged for the third year. Estimates for the 1999 price and

value will be published July 7, 2000.

Pistachios: Pistachio production for 1999 is estimated at 123 million pounds. This is down 35 percent from

last year’s 188 million pounds. Bearing acreage in 1999 was estimated at 71,000, up from 1998's revised

68,000 acres. Average in-shell price was $1.31 per pound, up from 1998's average of $1.03. Total value of

utilized production amounted to 161 million dollars, off 17 percent from 1998.
Crop Production Agricultural Statistics Board

February 2000 18 NASS, USDA

Information 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

Brad Parks, Head (202) 720-2127

Rhonda Brandt - Corn, Proso Millet (202) 720-9526

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

Lance Honig - Wheat, Rye (202) 720-8068

Jay V. Johnson - Cotton, Cotton Ginnings (202) 720-5944

Roy Karkosh - Hay, Sorghum, Barley (202) 690-3234

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

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

Fruit, Vegetable & Special Crops Section

Jim Smith, Head (202) 720-2127

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

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

Debbie Flippin - Fresh and Processing Vegetables (202) 720-3250

Steve Gunn - Apples, Cherries, Cranberries, Prunes, Plums (202) 720-4488

Jeffrey Kissel - Noncitrus Fruits, Mint, Dry Beans & Peas,

Mushrooms (202) 690-0270

Keith Lacy - Berries, Grapes, Maple Syrup, Tobacco (202) 720-7235

Kim Ritchie - Hops (360) 902-1940

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

Biz Wallingsford - Fresh and Processing Vegetables, Onions,

 Strawberries (202) 720-2157

The next "Crop Production" report will be released at 8:30 a.m. ET on March 10, 2000.
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February 24-25, 2000 • Arlington, Virginia

• Commodity Outlook, 2000 and Beyond

• Coming to Terms with Biotechnology

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