CROP PRODUCTION, Marsh 1668 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA

CITRUS: The Nation's 1967-68 orange crop is forecast at 124.0 million

woxes, 34 percent below last season's record high crop but 4
percent above average. The slight decline from last month's estimate
results from a further decline in the California Valencia crop, severely
damaged by freezes in mid-December and early January. At the end of
February about half of the total orange crop had been harvested, compared
with 41 percent a year earlier.

Early, Midseason, and Navel varieties are expected to total 68.3
million boxes, down 30 percent from last season but 12 percent above
average, These varieties account for about 55 percent of the total orange
crop. Harvest of Early and Midseason varieties {s nearing completion in
Florida and Texas. Arizona Navel crop was completed in January and more
than half of California's crop had been picked by March 1. In the Central
Valley areas, only about one-fourth to one-third of the crop has been for
fresh market since the freeze. Freeze damage was lighter in Southern Cali-
fornia.

Production of Valencia oranges is expected to total 55.7 million
boxes, 38 percent below last season and 5 percent below average. In
February Valencia prospects improved in Florida because of better moisture
supplies, light droppage and less splitting. By the end of Pebruary,
about 4 percent of the crop had been harvested, compared with 3 percent
a year earlier. Harvest of Valencias is underway in Arizona and Texas.

In California, freeze damage was so general over Central Valley areas that
practically all of the crop will be used for by-products. The Southern
California crop suffered little freeze damage and recent rains have
improved the condition of the crop,

Grapefruit production is forecast at 42.7 million boxes, down 24
percent from last season but 7 percent more than average. Florida's crop
is forecast at 32.5 million boxes, down 25 percent from last season.
About 59 percent of the U. S. crop had been harvested by the end of February,
compared with 48 percent a year earlier. Around 65 percent of the Florida
grapefruit crop had been picked by the end of February and the Texas har-
vest was 86 percent complete. In Arizona, only about 25 percent had been
picked and in California 16 percent of the crop was off the trees,

Lemon production is forecast at 17.2 million boxes, 5 percent below
last season but 9 percent above average. Arizona growers harvested their
largest crop of record by the end of February. California prospects im
proved during February and about 19 percent of the crop has been picked.

Florida experienced an abnormally cool February. Periods of near to
slightly below freezing temperatures occurred during the month. Although
temperatures were not low enough to cause damage to fruit or trees, chill
did retard bloom and new growth. Much needed rain beginning on February 18
brought the citrus areas about two inches, improving tree and fruit con-
dition. By March 1, there was little open bloom, except along portions of
the Indian River and in extreme southern interior counties. Heavy bloom
is expected with the return of a few days of warm weather. Peak bloom is
now expected around mid-March. Harvest was active during February,
totalling 12.5 million boxes of oranges and over 5 million boxes of grape
fruit. Tangerine and tangelo harvests are nearing completion.


Crop Production, March 1968 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA

AVOCADOS 1/
ae production Bf0
State and f= - Heme ee lle epee eeirelieeliendien oor wen or aii
: Average : 3 Indicated =
_ _ Seasonal Group tes ser =
: Tone Tons Tons =
California, ALL : 43,760 74,500 6 -
Fall and Winter 3/ : 5/ 53,700 17,000
Spring and Summer }/ : 20,800 6
Florida : 9,580 5,800 13,600
United States : 53,340 80,300 g

/ Crop year begins with bloom of the year shown and ends with completion of
harvest the following year.

2/ Includes quantities unharvested on account of economic conditions, and excess
cullage of harvested fruit.

3/ Includes “Fuerte” and other fall and winter varieties.
4/ Includes "Hass" and other spring and summer varieties.
5/ Not available. _

6/ First forecast for California "Spring and Sumer” varieties, California "al"
and U. S. to be released as of April 1, 1968.

POTATOES, IRISH

2,0
acres acres Cwt. Cwt. Cwte owt. cwte cwte
Winter: :
Fla. * 88 11.9 1.4 158 180 165 1,366 2,142 1,881
Calif. t_ 12.3. _ 12.8 10.5 223 215, 195, 2,726 2,752 2,048
Total Bis" 7 BUST PLO “Dh ~ "ABB “ATOT T ThogeTM ~ WBok 359257
Early Spring:
Fla.-Hastings <= 25.4 21.6 28.0 159 110 Apr. 10 4,029 2,376 Apr» 10 _
~Other 2. 2.5 2.6 3.3 123 too" 296 260" _
Texas tak _ 3.8 2.6 90 80 200 0K ~
Total +2 B0s2_ — 28.0" 733.9 “150° — TOsT TT TT 525. 29 TET



1967
1968

CROP PRODUCTION, March 1968 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA

exposed plants. In "Cther" Florida areas, although frost damaged some
relatively young plants in the Everglades area, they are expected to
recover, The crop in the centrel areas is in fair to good condition.
Acreage in west Florida was planted in late February, In Texas, about
80 percent of the acreage is "red" and the remainder “white” varieties.
Cold weather has slowed development, Harvest is expected to start about
mid-April,

POULTRY AND EGGS: The Netion's laying flock produced 5,642 million eggs in

February, down 6 percent from the previous month but 4
percent above February 1967. February had one more day this year, accounting
for 3 percent of the increase over the seme month last year, February pro-
duction was 12 percent above the 1962-66 average for the month, The number
of layers during Februery averaged 323.0 million, down 1 percent from a
month earlier but 1 percent above a year earlier. The rate of lay in
February was 17.47 eggs per layer, 3 percent above a year earlier and 6
percent above average,

February egg production was up from a year earlier in each region
except the West North Central where it was down 4 percent. Regional increases
from a year earlier were: in the West 9 percent; South Atlantic, 8 percent;
East North Central, 6 percent; South Central, 5 percent, and North Atlantic,
3 percent.

The number of layers on March 1 totaled 321.7 million compared with
317.0 million a year earlier. Regionally, the number of layers was above
a year earlier as follows: in the South Atlantic and Weat, both 6 percent;
South Central, 2 percent and in the Bast North Central, 1 percent. March 1
Jsyex mambere remained practically the same in the North Atlantic but were
down 6 percent in the West North Central.

The rete of lsy on March 1 averaged 61.0 eggs per 100 layers, about
the same as a year earlier, The rate was 2 percent more than a yeer earlier
in the East North Central and 1 percent in the North Atlantic, The rate was
down 2 percent in the West and 1 percent each in the West North Central and
South Atlantic Regions, but was practically unchanged in the South Central.

HENS AND PULLETS OF IAYING AGE AND EGGS LAID
PER 100 LAYERS, MARCHTM1 .

‘Western

HENS AND PULLETS OF LAYING AGE, MARCH 1
Thou, Thou, Thou. Thou. Thou, Thou. Thou, Thou,

45,293 44,652 52,600 58,818 65,869 48,762 316,014 316,961
45,079 45,118 49,689 62,105 67,188 51,550 320,729 321,711

1962-66(av.): 16,189 16,361 60,900 119,650 56,156 Wh,ligh 303,752 30h, 583

: EGGS LAID FER 100 LAYERS
Number Number Number Number Number Number Number Number

60,2 61.1 63.9 61,1 59.9 61.5 61.3 61,2

1962-66(av.): 58.6 60.7 @2.8 59.8 57.9 61.2 60.2 COB

68_ kf 60.6 _ 62.1 _ _63.3 _ 60.2 60.1 _ 60.2 61.0 61.0


CROP PRODUCTION, March 1968 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA

In California, harvest of Central Valley Navel oranges progressed as
rapidly as salvage operations permitted following the damaging December
freeze. Only a small amount of fruit is suitable for shipping. The
remainder is expected to go into by-products. Harvest in Southern Cali-
fornia is at about half-way and more than 90 percent of the crop is moving
to fresh markets, The Central California Valencia crop also suffered
severe freeze damage. Only an estimated one-fourth of the remaining fruit
will meet shipping grades. The Southern California Valencia crop is
growing well, but sizes are small. Lemon prospects have improved. Har-
vest in the Central Valley is completed. Nearly all of the lemons left
in this area after the December freeze were diverted to by-products.

Picks in Southern California are increasing steadily and peak activity is
expected in May. Desert Valley grapefruit harvest continues normal.
Fruit set is a little below last season, but better sizes are holding up
‘tthe tonnage. Desert Valleys grapefruit have not been freeze damaged this
season. Weather during February generally favored development of grape-
fruit in California's Other Areas.

Harvest of Texas grapefruit was active in February. Fruit continued
to size well because of adequate soil moisture and less fruit per tree.
Grapefruit supplies are expected to continue into April. Light supplies
of Early and Mid-season fresh oranges were available in February and
most remaining tonnage went for processing. Harvest of Valencia oranges
was active during February and will continue through March. Trees are in
generally good condition, despite wetness in some groves. There has been
no severe freeze this season and trees are beginning to bloom.

Harvest of Arizona Navel and Miscellaneous oranges was completed in
January. Valencia orange harvest was about mid-February end is nearing
volume proportions. Grapefruit harvest has been limited by unfavorable
weather, poor market conditions, and small sizes. Recent rains have begun
to improve sizing and quality is high. Lemon harvest was completed in
late February.

AVOCADOS: Production of fall and winter varieties. of avocados in

California is expected to total 17,000 tons, less than one-
third of last year's large crop of 53,700 tons. Fuerte harvest is pro-
gxessing with over 60 percent of the crop harvested. Size and quality of
the fruit is good. Harvest is just beginning on the Hass variety and
volume will be increasing during the next several months.

POEATOES: Production of winter potatoes is estimated at 3,929,000 cwt.,

20 percent lesd than 1967 production and 4 percent below
average. Prospects in Florida were reduced fram a month ago by unfavorable
weather. Harvest continues in the Ft. Myers area. In Dade County, a good
portion of the crop has matured and vines are being killed in preparation
for harvest. Harvest in this county is expected to continue active through
March and into April. In Californie, harvest continues slow in the
southern San Joaquin Valley and in Riverside County. Moderate suppiies
are expected to be available through March.

Early spr potato acreage is placed at 33,900 acres for harvest
in 1968, compared with 28,000 acres harvested last year and the average

of 30,200 acres. In the Hastings area of Florida, covering shielded
most of the crop from possible damage resulting from intermittent cold
in February and early March. Damage has been mainly to burned tops of

-6-



CROP PRODUCTION, Maroh 1968 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA
CITRUS FRUITS 1/

Cro) III III neo er Ore ere oe = wee see oe

Pana  aeccagg ee oe cei ena Eee eae
erage & t Oa s rage § t oal

__ State; 1961-65 + 1966 “3967  s_ _3961-65 2 _ 1966s 3967

ort woe eee ee eee ee

ORANGES

EARLY, MIDSEASON &

NAVEL’ VARTETTES 3/
[oNEED

t

:

t
2 3 13,740 17,400 10,000 525,200 652,000 375,000
Flas, All $ 45,620 78,200 56,400 2,053,000 3,519,000 2,538,000
Temple 1 3,660 55000 4,400 164,600 225,000 198,000
Other $41,960 73,200 52,000 1,888,400 3,294,000 2,340,000
Texas t 655 1,700 1,000 29,454 76,500 45,000
Apize t 4/768 860 4/28,800 32,200 33,800

2

900
Lag 59 660. 5, 5
nett pag - ~~ he ~~ $2 -- -- L---- 20

Varieties t 60,642 98,160 68,300 4,279,700 2,991,800
EEE ~ on ne ee ee en ee enn 8 tn
Calite 3 15,960 20,000 10,000 598,600 750,000 375,000
Fla, t 40,940 66,300 427000 1,842,000 2,984,000 1,890,000
Texas ‘ 297 1,100 900 13,365 49, 500 40,500
afi -~ = HO. Bose. _ 2,800 _ _ _ 462500. _ _ 3144000 _ _ 1954990.
Velonoia $58,437 90, 450 55,700 2,500,465 3,897,500 2,410,500
FEL GRANGES ~~ ~~ eo TET SS Se oe ee ee ee ee ee
Calife % 29,700 37,400 20,000 14113,800 1,402,000 7503000
Plas 4 86,560 144,500 98,400 3,895,000 6,503,000 4, 428,000
Texas ‘ 952 2,800 B 42,819 126,000 85,500
Arize + 4/2,008 3,910 3,700 4/75, 300 146,200 138,800
oe proc ch ne ee
Oranges ¥" 119,279 188,610 "124,000 5,129,579 177,200 5p 402,300
Fane oe ee eee ee ee =
Flee, Ma 1 31,620 43,600 32,500 14343,600 1,853,000 1,381,000
Seedless 1 21,780 30,100 225500 925,400 1,279,000 956,000
Pink 1 8,420 12,500 9,000 357,800 4893000 382,000
White t 13,360 18,600 13,500 567,600 790,000 574,000
Other % 95840 133500 103000 418,200 574,000 425,000
Texas 2 1,814 53600 24800 72,560 224,000 112,000
drize 2 25720 1,680 33000 87,080 53800 963000
Calif., ALL 2 3,764 53000 4,400 122,980 163; 400 143; 500
Desert Valleys : 2,104 25,700 24600 675 340 86,400 835200
vey SBS aoa B80 __ _ 24300 _ 14800 __ 6 __ 77,900. _ 601300.
Grapefruit, t 39,918 55,880 42,700 = 146264220 24294, 200 1,732,500
PRE, ne oh we
Mite ~ — —. 27810 _ -- ae 000 _ _ _122,¢
Eben TT Tat TAB2e8 TT AED TT Tayezs TT Tepehegor TT sassaod ~ = TeeH00e,
i
3. 433 OL 2 22820. 188 B20

TACs

B70. _ M800 _ 14800 _ _ _ 432660_ _ _ 835000. _ 81,000_
2

$3,420 5,600 2,800 162,400 266,000 133,000
+ 8/160 200 200 6/6000 7,500 74500
3,

Golife et 802 600 50 11 3422500 _ 24 400_
etal Heats ~ Is — 3,786 ~~ 7 8,40 ~~ — 3,850 a1 76; i40- = > 296,000 ~ ~ BaSoo-

‘Gcop year Degine with bicom of yer show and ents with Completion oF harvest the Following
year, ‘Inoludes quantities not harvested, or harvested but not utilized on account of economic
conditions, and quantities donated to charity, 2/ Net content per box variess Approximate
averages are as followst Oranges ~ California ami Arizona, 75 1bse3 other States, 90 1b8e3
Grapefruit ~ California Desert Valleys and arizona, 64 1bse; other Californie areas, 67 1bse5
Florida, 85 1bs»93 Texas, 80 lbse3 Lemons, 76-1b303 Linea, 80 1bse3 Tangelos, 90 lbse; and
Tangerines ~ California and Arizona, 75 lbss3 Florida, 95 lbs. 3/ Navel and Miscellaneous
varieties in California and arizona, Marly and Midseason varieties in Florida ani Texase AlL
varieties in Louisiana, Inoluies small quantities of tangerines in Texaa and Louisianae

Inoludes small quantities of tangerines prior to the 1964-65 seasons Sy Production too
Bmall to warrant quantitative estimate, 6/ 1964-65 averages


Release:
March 11, 1968
3:00 P, M, (E.S,T.)

UNITED STATES CROP SUMMARY AS OF MARCH 1, 1968

CITRUS FRUITS 1/

Crop

Oranges secevscsccccccee 188, 610 124,000
Grapefruit 39,918 55, 880 42,700

Lemons ..
ay “Season begins with the bloom of the year shown and ends with the completion
of harvest the following year.

POTATOES, IRISH

Seasonal
group

acres acres acres Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. cwt.
21.0 24.7 21.9 194 198 179 4,092 4,894 3,929
—30.2__ 28.0 _ 33:9 150 105 Apz, 10 4,528 2,940 Apr. 10

Winter ...

E. Spring «|

MILK AND EGG PRODUCTION

EGGS 1/

Average :

_ ot 1962-66 1987 1962-66; 1967 , 1968
Million Million _ ~
pounds pounds Million Million Million
9,847 9,608 5,425 5,908 5,988
9,203 9,249 5,058 5,404 5,642

050

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Statistical Reporting Service Crop Reporting Board
CrPr 2-2 (3-68) Washington, D. C.


UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
STATISTICAL REPORTING SERVICE
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20250

OFFICIAL BUSINESS

POSTAGE AND FEES PAID
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

U.S. GORRUONT ARIUTING OFFICE: 1960 3OL-757 (SRST)



Crop

FEBRUARY EGG PRODUCTION.

and hand during February: _
~ 97 Ls 1968"

: hous. Thous..

: 5,190 5,530

1,740 1, £35

,
oir 316 L
1, 1, 1, 730
22, 385 1308 pee)
9,024 _ _10,282 _ _1,820_
9,959 “2, AMR “Tot
3,3 3,429 ~ 21,
5,718 5,836 1,523
13,454 12,1 if 1,
1132591132 1,
1h, 922 14,268 1,691
3,614 7820 1,568
2,570 2,590 1, 646
ALDOTL _ 13,842 _ 1,604_
66,196 7 “67, NBT 71,6507
952 Laut 2,691
1,00 1,74
308 Boe vee
1,394 1,432 1,613
686 Teh 1, oe
1,157 = 1,168 1,585
1,370 1, 304 1,702
ho ho

SL _ 948 672
HB, 035 ~ 525,005 ~ “ese

Si 3k 332302 vt
ive State totals based on unroppded monthly data.

26
1,757 87
1,728 et
1,752 220
1,749 96
1,711 374
2,812 16h
TB. Took T
1,932 Bt
ve i ah
yy bhk 190
1,728 237
1,723
1,618 ho
1,64b_ Bale
AB L G2 _
L717 16.1
1,821 18
1,711 344
1,566 22
b TL 96
rey

SK

6
ZL

2

Reporting Board, SRS, USDA

Lin L6T_ 5 1968
Mil. Mil.
198
64 62

- aL

26 8
ot
3 "
rr oe
93 1
403 785 858
— 286 _ _ 346 38h
71085 ~ 2,103 7 "2,251 7
55 Ti 112
2
bor 3 13
aby 488 50
6 125 13
he 85 8h
228 466 466

re 33 35
1y 37 36
365 tT T
22 4 45 As
12. 2
aL 33 B
22 9 45

a. 15.
Tol “53 ia” 11,31:



CROP PRONUCTION, March 1968 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA

MILK PRODUCTION: United States milk production for February is estimated at

9,249 million pounds. This is 0.5 percent more than the 9,203
million pounds a year earlier but 4 percent below the 1962-66 average for the
month, The increase over a year earlier was because of the extra day in February
this year, On a daily average basis milk production for the month was down 3
percent from February 1967,

MONTHLY MILK PRODUCTION, FEBRUARY 1968, WITH COMPARISONS

(In millions of pounds)

15 7 89 Ba
V2 128 KO 13h

50 46 :
: 16h 165 166164

137 138 «154 4h
66 6 67 63
80 7% 8 19
50 ks 4g 46
ccd 81 86 81

100 97 105 101

228 235 259 247

2a

8
8

27
113 -107_—«:109——:106
: 13.2 12,0 13,1 12.4
: 64 63 66 64
: ah eh 265
: 41 an nd
56 57 58 OST
: 9.3. 10.0 10.6 10.4
2 138 wa 149) 143
: 67 6. 65 6h
> 621 651 698 666
t 1.70 14h 1.46 1,40
: 10.8 11.6 22,0 14

+ 9,636 9,608
woe 9208 _ 9PM

2/ Extra day in February 1968 added 3,6 percent to monthly output,

CROP REPORTING BOARD

TTS | cae


CROP PRODUCTION, March 1968 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA

planting was 22 percent complete compared with 28 percent a year earlier.
Tobacco seeding had extended into Virginia by March 1. Tobacco seed beds
were in excellent condition in Florida and fair to good in Georgia.
Germination and plant growth has been slow in South Carolina. Harvest of
sugarcane was on schedule in Florida. Open weather permitted harvest of
late corn, cotton, and soybeans.

Cold, wet weather delayed land preparation and planting of spring
crops in Texas. A few fields of cotton, sorghum, and corn were planted
in the southern part of the State. Slightly more than half of the spring
cats had been seeded in Oklahoma by March 4, Seeding of spring oats and
barley were underway in Kansas with 9 percent of the cats planted by March 2,

Farmers in eastern portions of the Corn Belt made good progress in
finishing late corn harvest. By month's end most corn had been harvested.
Other than this, farm work in the Corn Belt and the Northeast was largely
confined to spreading fertilizer and manure, shredding stalks, and seeding
Grasses and legumes,

In the West, farm work wes limited to usual winter chores in the
northern Mountain States. In the Pacific Northwest, spring plowing and
field preparation for sugarbeets, peas, and cereals were beginning the last
of February. Alfalfa, sugarbeets, and safflower generally were in good
condition in California. Some small grain and alfalfa had been cut for
green chop in the Desert area, and the first planting of milo had been made
im the San Joaquin Valley. Land preparation was behind schedule in New
Mexico, delayed by wet soils. Planting of small grains was underway in
Arizona.

in Satisfac: dition

fhe absence of snow cover over much of the country, except extreme
Northern areas and high mountains, permitted increased use of available
grazing in February, However, temperatures continuing below normal in the
eastern two-thirds of the Nation, limited growth of small grains, grasses,
and winter grazing crops. Hay and feed supplies generally were adequate
and livestock were kept in good condition. No unusual losses of newborn
stock were reported.

In the South Atlantic and eastern South Central States, small grains
and winter grazing crops provided limited grazing because of the cold, and
tn some cases, dry soils. Supplemental feed requirements were heavy.
Generally open weather and lack of severe storms favored care and feeding
cf livestock in the North Central States, Below normal temperatures the
last three weeks of the month kept the ground frozen and permitted grazing
of stalk fields and other crop residues.

Condition of pastures and ranges improved in the Western States during
February. ‘Temperatures averaged above normal and ranges were generally
frse of snow except in higher elevations and the extreme northern Plains.
Smi1l grain fields in the Plains States provided only limited grazing
because of wet soils in southern portions and limited growth in central
and northern portions.



CROP PRODUCTION, March 1968 Crop Reporting Boare, SRS, USDA

Precipitation Generally Below Normal

Precipitation during February generally was below normal east of the
Rocky Mountains except in parts of Michigan, Texas, and Florida. Much of
this area received less than half its normal moisture. February precipi-
tation over most of the western third of the Nation was above normal.

In the Central and Northern Plains and much of Iowa, Wisconsin, and
Minnesota, moisture supplies are quite low. Precipitation there has been
generally below normal during the fall and winter. additional moisture
will be needed for crop growth, land preparation, and spring planting.
Moisture supplies generally were adequate in the Southern Plains, eastern
Kansas, in Missouri and across the lower Mississippi Valley. Tofsoils
were drying over much of Kentucky, Tennessee, and the South Atlantic
States following seven weeks of low precipitation.

Much needed moisture was received in the Pacific Northwest the latter
part of February. However, rain is badly needed in the central coast and
south coastal areas in California. Outlook for irrigation water supply
is satisfactory in most major irrigated areas of the West. Although
snowfall accumulation was below average for the first half of the season,
favorable reservoir supplies follow last year’s heavy streamflow. Shert-
ages could develop in some areas if deficient snowfall persists.

Smali Grains Continue Fair to Good

Small grain prospects on slarch 1 were about the same aS a month
earlier. A lack of snow cover and below normal temperatures caused some
concern in northern States, particularly for late seeded fields. Top
dressing was active in all parts of the country when weather permitted.

The Oklahoma Panhandle, eastern Colorado, the western two-thirds of
Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota remained dry as February precipitation
was very light. Early spring moisture will be needed to start growth.
Small grains generally are in good to excellent condition in the Southern
Great Plains. Frequent snows and rain during January and February have
supplied adequate moisture, However, below normal temperatures and snow
cover in February delayed growth and development.

Small grains in the- Pacific Northwest responded well to much needed
moisture received the latter part of February. Some eroded fields were
being reseeded as were fields with irregular stands because of earlier
dry weather, Subsoil moisture was still short in the dryland wheat area
of North Central Oregon. In the Corn Belt, winter wheat is in fair to
good condition, Cold weather during February slowed growth and develop~
ment of small grains in the South atlantic Region and in eastern South
Central States, Topsoils are dry throughout much of this area.

Cold weather Slows Land Preparation in Ssuth

Cold weather restricted farm work in the South Atlantic and eastern
South Central States during February and topsoils were dry at the end of
the month over much of the area. Land preparation generally lagged
behind usual pace. In iississippi, land preparation for spring

-3-


CROP PRODUCTION, March 1968 Crop Reporting Board, SRS, USDA
GENERAL CROP REPORT AS OF MARCH 1, 1968

Cold, dry weather during February over the eastern two-thirds of the country
slowed growth of winter grains and delayed lend preparation, according to the
Crop Reporting Board, Prospects for small grains continued fair to good, although
precipitation was again light over the dry Central and Northern Plains. Topsoils
were drying in the South Atlantic Region and portions of the South Central.

Production of winter fresh vegetables is expected to be 9 percent less than
last year and 2 percent below average. Prospective planted acreage for green
peas and tomatoes plus acreage of winter spinach planted for processing is forecast
6 percent more than lest year and 18 percent above average. Winter potato output
is expected to be 20 percent less than last year, but early spring acreage is 21
percent above a year earlier. The Nation's 1967-68 citrus crop is expected to be
30 percent less than last year.

Livestock generally were in good condition but many areas resorted to heavy
supplemental feeding. February milk production was up slightly from a year earlier
but 4 percent below average for the month. Eeg production in February was 4 per-
cent more than a year earlier. Both milk and egg production comparisons are
affected by the extra day in February this year.

Citrus Crop Below Last Season

The Nation's 1967-68 citrus crop is expected to be 30 percent smaller than
last year, but 6 percent larger than the 5-year average. By the end of February,
50 percent of the orange crop and 59 percent of the grapefruit crop had been
harvested, compared with last season's 41 percent for oranges and 48 percent for

grapefruit.

In California, above normal temperatures during February advanced development
of deciduous fruit and nut trees. Almonds and early varieties of peaches and plums
neared the full bloom stage. Perlette grapes are beginning to leaf out in the
Coachella Valley.

February Cold In The Bast

February was a cold month in the eastern two-thirds of the Nation, but
temperatures averaged above normal in the West.

The especially cold winter over much of the East showed up in the South
Atlantic and eastern South Central States, where weekly average temperatures have
been below normal, every week except one, since Christmas. During February,
temperatures averaged as much as 8° to 9? below usual in some eastern States.
Florida suffered its coldest February in a decade, Frosts occurred February 25, 28,
and March 2 in the Everglades slowing growth and causing some damage to tender
vegetables. Freezing temperatures pushed as far south as the Gulf Coast each week.

The North Atlantic and most North Central States also were colder then usual
during February. Lack of adequate snow cover, and several periods of unusually
cold weather since Christmas, have helped to increase frost depth in Minnesota and
Wisconsin.

In sharp contrast to the East, the West generally has enjoyed well above
normal temperatures the past 6 weeks.

~2-