Cr Pr 2-2  (2-99)



Crop
Production

National
Agricultural
Statistics
Service




USDA
Washington, D.C.


Released February 10, 1999, 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 Up 2 Percent


All oranges production forecast for 1998-99 is 10.3 million tons, up 2 percent
from last month but down 26 percent from last year's record large crop of
13.9 million tons.  Florida's all orange forecast is increased to 194 million
boxes (8.73 million tons), 2 percent higher than the January 1 forecast but
20 percent lower than the record large 244 million boxes produced last season. 
Early and midseason varieties in Florida are forecast at 116 million boxes
(5.22 million tons), up 4 percent from January but down 17 percent from a year
ago.  Florida's Valencia forecast remains unchanged at 78.0 million boxes
(3.51 million tons), 25 percent below last season's 104.0 million boxes. 
California's all orange production forecast of 38.0 million boxes (1.43 million
tons) is carried forward from January and is 49 percent less than last season. 
The Navel orange forecast is 19.0 million boxes (712,500 tons), down 57 percent
from last year and the Valencia forecast is 19.0 million boxes (712,500 tons),
37 percent less than a year ago.


Florida frozen concentrated orange juice (FCOJ) yield for the 1998-99 season is
forecast at a record high 1.60 gallons per box at 42.0 degrees Brix, up from
January's forecast of 1.57 gallons per box.  The forecast projects the final
yield as reported by the Florida Citrus Processors Association.  Projected
average yield for early and midseason varieties is increased to 1.56 gallons
per box, also a record high.  Valencias are projected to yield 1.67 gallons per
box, unchanged from January and below last season's record high of 1.72. 
Average pound solids of midseason samples remaining to be harvested are at
record levels.  Recovery rates at processing plants are also very high.




This report was approved on February 10, 1999.


                          Secretary of
                           Agriculture
                          Dan Glickman


                  Agricultural Statistics Board
                           Chairperson
                           Rich Allen


                            Contents
                                                               Page

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

Crop Comments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Fruit, Citrus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Information Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

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

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

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



           Sugarcane:  Area Harvested, Yield, and Production
               by Use, State, and United States, 1997-98
----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Use   :  Area Harvested   :     Yield 1/      :   Production 1/
    and   :-----------------------------------------------------------
   State  :  1997   :  1998   :  1997   :  1998   :  1997   :  1998
----------------------------------------------------------------------
          :    1,000 Acres       ---- Tons ----     -- 1,000 Tons --
          :
For Sugar :
  FL      :  421.0     429.0     36.9      38.7     15,535    16,602
  HI 2/   :   32.0      31.8     91.4      85.5      2,925     2,719
  LA 2/   :  380.0     400.0     28.2      29.0     10,716    11,600
  TX 2/   :   27.3      32.0     30.3      30.0        827       960
          :
  US      :  860.3     892.8     34.9      35.7     30,003    31,881
          :
For Seed  :
  FL      :   19.0      19.0     36.9      38.8        701       737
  HI 2/   :    2.2       2.2     38.2      31.4         84        69
  LA 2/   :   30.0      35.0     28.2      29.0        846     1,015
  TX 2/   :    2.5       0.5     30.0      30.0         75        15
          :
  US      :   53.7      56.7     31.8      32.4      1,706     1,836
          :
For Sugar :
 and Seed :
  FL      :  440.0     448.0     36.9      38.7     16,236    17,339
  HI 2/   :   34.2      34.0     88.0      82.0      3,009     2,788
  LA 2/   :  410.0     435.0     28.2      29.0     11,562    12,615
  TX 2/   :   29.8      32.5     30.3      30.0        902       975
          :
  US      :  914.0     949.5     34.7      35.5     31,709    33,717
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Net tons.
2/  Current estimates carried forward from earlier forecast.




         Papayas:  Area and Fresh Production, by Month, Hawaii, 1998-99
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            :                    Area                     :  Fresh Production
            :-------------------------------------------------------------------
    Month   :     Total in Crop     :      Harvested      :          :
            :---------------------------------------------:   1998   :   1999
            :   1998    :   1999    :   1998   :   1999   :          :
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            :   ---------------- Acres ----------------        1,000 Pounds
            :
Dec         :   3,735                  2,185                 3,235
Jan         :   3,510       3,740      1,735      2,195      2,875      2,980
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




     Citrus Fruits:  Utilized Production by Crop, State, and United States,
               1996-97, 1997-98 and Forecasted February 1, 1999 1/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    :     Utilized Production     :     Utilized Production
                    :            Boxes            :       Ton Equivalent
   Crop and State   :-----------------------------------------------------------
                    : 1996-97 : 1997-98 : 1998-99 : 1996-97 : 1997-98 : 1998-99
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    : ------ 1,000 Boxes 2/ -----   ------- 1,000 Tons -------
Oranges             :
  Early Mid &       :
   Navel 3/         :
    AZ 4/           :     400       350       450       15        13        17
    CA 4/           :  40,000    44,000    19,000    1,500     1,650       713
    FL              : 134,200   140,000   116,000    6,039     6,300     5,220
    TX              :   1,300     1,350     1,300       55        57        55
    US              : 175,900   185,700   136,750    7,609     8,020     6,005
  Valencia          :
    AZ 4/           :     600       650       550       23        25        21
    CA 4/           :  24,000    30,000    19,000      900     1,125       713
    FL              :  92,000   104,000    78,000    4,140     4,680     3,510
    TX              :     120       175       140        5         7         6
    US              : 116,720   134,825    97,690    5,068     5,837     4,250
   All              :
    AZ 4/           :   1,000     1,000     1,000       38        38        38
    CA 4/           :  64,000    74,000    38,000    2,400     2,775     1,426
    FL              : 226,200   244,000   194,000   10,179    10,980     8,730
    TX              :   1,420     1,525     1,440       60        64        61
    US              : 292,620   320,525   234,440   12,677    13,857    10,255
Temples             :
  FL                :   2,400     2,250     2,000      108       101        90
Grapefruit          :
  White Seedless    :
    FL 5/           :  23,500    18,300    19,000      999       777       808
  Colored Seedless  :
    FL 6/           :  31,400    30,600    30,500    1,334     1,301     1,296
  Other             :
    FL              :     900       650       500       38        28        21
  All               :
    AZ 4/           :     900       800       700       30        27        23
    CA 4/           :   8,200     9,000     8,000      275       301       268
    FL 5/ 6/        :  55,800    49,550    50,000    2,371     2,106     2,125
    TX              :   5,300     4,800     5,000      212       192       200
    US              :  70,200    64,150    63,700    2,888     2,626     2,616
Tangerines          :
  AZ 4/ 7/          :     550       600       700       21        23        26
  CA 4/ 7/          :   2,600     2,400     1,600       98        90        60
  FL                :   6,300     5,200     4,600      299       247       219
  US                :   9,450     8,200     6,900      418       360       305
Lemons 4/           :
  AZ                :   2,600     2,600     3,200       99        99       122
  CA                :  22,600    22,000    18,000      859       836       684
  US                :  25,200    24,600    21,200      958       935       806
Tangelos            :
  FL                :   3,950     2,850     2,700      178       128       122
K-Early Citrus      :
  FL                :     150        40        80        7         2         4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 3,000,000 boxes in 1996-97 and 5,000,000 boxes
in 1997-98.  6/  Excludes Colored Seedless economic abandonment of 3,000,000
boxes in 1996-97 and 1,000,000 boxes in 1997-98.  7/  Includes tangelos and
tangors.




           California Nut Crops:  Bearing Acreage, Yield, Production,
               Price, and Value by Crop, 1996-97 and Revised 1998
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              :        Bearing Acreage         :       Yield per Acre 1/
     Crop     :-----------------------------------------------------------------
              :   1996   :   1997   :   1998   :   1996   :   1997   :   1998
              :-----------------------------------------------------------------
              : ----------- Acres -----------     --------- Tons 2/ ---------
              :
Walnuts       :
 (English)    : 192,000    193,000    193,000      1.08       1.39       1.18
              :
              : ----------- Acres -----------     -------- Pounds 3/ --------
              :
Pistachios    :  64,300     65,400     65,900     1,630      2,750      2,850
              :
              : ----------- Acres -----------     -------- Pounds 3/ --------
              :
Almonds       : 428,000    442,000    454,000     1,190      1,720      1,150
              :-----------------------------------------------------------------
              :           Production           :         Price per Unit
              :-----------------------------------------------------------------
              :   1996   :   1997   :   1998   :   1996   :   1997   :   1998
              :-----------------------------------------------------------------
              : ---------- Tons 2/ ----------     ----- Dollars per Ton -----
              :
Walnuts       :
 (English) 4/ : 208,000    269,000    227,000     1,580      1,430
              :
              : ------ 1,000 Pounds 2/ ------      ---- Dollars per Pound ---
              :
Pistachios    : 105,000    180,000    188,000      1.16       1.13       0.99
              :
              : ------ 1,000 Pounds 3/ ------      ---- Dollars per Pound ---
              :
Almonds 5/    : 510,000    759,000    520,000      2.08       1.56       1.80

              :-----------------------------------------------------------------
              :                  Value of Utilized Production
              :-----------------------------------------------------------------
              :        1996         :        1997         :        1998
              :-----------------------------------------------------------------
              :                          1,000 Dollars
              :
Walnuts       :
 (English) 4/ :        328,640               384,670
              :
Pistachios    :        121,800               203,400              186,120
              :
Almonds 5/    :      1,018,368             1,160,640              898,200
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Yield based on utilized production.
2/  In-shell basis.
3/  Shelled basis.
4/  Price and value estimates for 1998 will be published on July 7, 1999.
5/  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:  1996
    - 20.4 million pounds, 1997 - 15.0 million pounds, 1998 - 21.0 million
    pounds.




      Crop Summary:  Area Planted and Harvested, United States, 1998-99 1/
                               (Domestic Units) 1/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                :     Area Planted      :    Area Harvested
              Crop              :-----------------------------------------------
                                :   1998    :   1999    :   1998    :   1999
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                :                  1,000 Acres
                                :
Grains & Hay                    :
  Barley                        :  6,340.0                 5,867.0
  Corn for Grain 2/             : 80,187.0                72,604.0
  Corn for Silage               :                          5,919.0
  Hay, All                      :                         60,016.0
    Alfalfa                     :                         23,642.0
    All Other                   :                         36,374.0
  Oats                          :  4,902.0                 2,765.0
  Rice                          :  3,345.0                 3,317.0
  Rye                           :  1,571.0     1,590.0       418.0
  Sorghum for Grain 2/          :  9,626.0                 7,723.0
  Sorghum for Silage            :                            305.0
  Wheat, All                    : 65,871.0                59,002.0
    Winter                      : 46,449.0    43,354.0    40,126.0
    Durum                       :  3,805.0                 3,728.0
    Other Spring                : 15,617.0                15,148.0
                                :
Oilseeds                        :
  Canola                        :  1,127.0                 1,092.0
  Cottonseed                    :
  Flaxseed                      :    336.0                   329.0
  Mustard Seed                  :     98.9                    95.6
  Peanuts 3/                    :  1,511.0                 1,465.5
  Rapeseed                      :      4.8                     4.7
  Safflower                     :    303.0                   285.0
  Soybeans for Beans            : 72,375.0                70,811.0
  Sunflower                     :  3,553.0                 3,476.0
                                :
Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops   :
  Cotton, All                   : 13,417.9                10,722.5
    Upland                      : 13,088.0                10,486.0
    Amer-Pima                   :    329.9                   236.5
  Sugarbeets                    :  1,497.9                 1,451.6
  Sugarcane                     :                            949.5
  Tobacco                       :                            726.9
                                :
Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils       :
  Austrian Winter Peas          :      9.0                     7.4
  Dry Edible Beans              :  2,010.1                 1,913.9
  Dry Edible Peas               :    323.4                   309.1
  Lentils                       :    162.0                   158.5
  Wrinkled Seed Peas            :
                                :
Potatoes & Misc.                :
  Coffee (HI)                   :                              6.1
  Ginger Root (HI)              :                              0.4
  Hops                          :                             36.6
  Peppermint Oil                :                            124.0
  Potatoes, All                 :  1,423.4                 1,394.4
    Winter                      :     15.5        17.0        15.0      16.7
    Spring                      :     93.0                    90.6
    Summer                      :     73.7                    68.8
    Fall                        :  1,241.2                 1,220.0
  Spearmint Oil                 :                             27.4
  Sweet Potatoes                :     86.8                    83.8
  Taro (HI) 4/                  :                              0.5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or
from previous reports.  Current year estimates are for the full 1999 crop year.
2/  Area planted for all purposes.  3/  1998 area planted revised.  4/  Acreage
is total acres in crop, not harvested acreage.




           Crop Summary:  Yield and Production, United States, 1998-99
                               (Domestic Units) 1/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              :     :        Yield        :     Production
             Crop             :Unit :-------------------------------------------
                              :     :   1998   :   1999   :   1998   :   1999
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              :     :                      ------ 1,000 -----
                              :     :
Grains & Hay                  :     :
  Barley                      : Bu  :     60.1                352,445
  Corn for Grain              : "   :    134.4              9,761,085
  Corn for Silage             : Ton :     16.0                 94,525
  Hay, All                    : "   :     2.52                151,338
    Alfalfa                   : "   :     3.47                 82,010
    All Other                 : "   :     1.91                 69,328
  Oats                        : Bu  :     60.4                167,122
  Rice 2/                     : Cwt :    5,669                188,051
  Rye                         : Bu  :     28.2                 11,795
  Sorghum for Grain           : "   :     67.3                519,933
  Sorghum for Silage          : Ton :     11.4                  3,487
  Wheat, All                  : Bu  :     43.2              2,550,383
    Winter                    : "   :     46.9              1,880,605
    Durum                     : "   :     37.8                141,069
    Other Spring              : "   :     34.9                528,709
                              :     :
Oilseeds                      :     :
  Canola                      : Lb  :    1,455              1,588,620
  Cottonseed                  : Ton :                           5,182
  Flaxseed                    : Bu  :     20.4                  6,708
  Mustard Seed                : Lb  :      855                 81,750
  Peanuts                     : "   :    2,683              3,931,275
  Rapeseed                    : "   :    1,353                  6,360
  Safflower                   : "   :    1,446                412,085
  Soybeans for Beans          : Bu  :     38.9              2,756,794
  Sunflower                   : Lb  :    1,509              5,246,701
                              :     :
Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops :     :
  Cotton, All 2/              : Bale:      618               13,796.2
    Upland 2/                 : "   :      612               13,366.2
    Amer-Pima 2/              : "   :      873                  430.0
  Sugarbeets                  : Ton :     22.5                 32,660
  Sugarcane                   : "   :     35.5                 33,717
  Tobacco                     : Lb  :    2,104              1,529,647
                              :     :
Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils     :     :
  Austrian Winter Peas 2/     : Cwt :    1,405                    104
  Dry Edible Beans 2/         : "   :    1,611                 30,828
  Dry Edible Peas 2/          : "   :    1,920                  5,934
  Lentils 2/                  : "   :    1,223                  1,938
  Wrinkled Seed Peas          : "   :                             674
                              :     :
Potatoes & Misc.              :     :
  Coffee (HI)                 : Lb  :    1,480                  9,000
  Ginger Root (HI)            : "   :   50,000                 18,000
  Hops                        : "   :    1,625                 59,548
  Peppermint Oil              : "   :       78                  9,727
  Potatoes, All               : Cwt :      343                477,754
    Winter                    : "   :      199      185         2,980    3,084
    Spring                    : "   :      233                 21,137
    Summer                    : "   :      280                 19,269
    Fall                      : "   :      356                434,368
  Spearmint Oil               : Lb  :      109                  2,987
  Sweet Potatoes              : Cwt :      142                 11,887
  Taro (HI) 3/                : Lb  :                           6,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or
from previous reports.  Current year estimates are for the full 1999 crop year.
2/  Yield in pounds.  3/  Yield is not estimated.




               Fruits and Nuts Production, United States, 1997-99
                               (Domestic Units) 1/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        :          :                 Production
          Crop          :   Unit   :--------------------------------------------
                        :          :     1997     :     1998     :     1999
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        :          :                   1,000
                        :          :
Citrus 2/               :          :
  Grapefruit            : Ton      :       2,888          2,626         2,616
  K-Early Citrus (FL)   : "        :           7              2             4
  Lemons                : "        :         958            935           806
  Oranges               : "        :      12,677         13,857        10,255
  Tangelos (FL)         : "        :         178            128           122
  Tangerines            : "        :         418            360           305
  Temples (FL)          : "        :         108            101            90
                        :          :
Non-Citrus              :          :
  Apples                : 1,000 Lbs:    10,323.8       10,943.6
  Apricots              : Ton      :       139.2          118.3
  Bananas (HI)          : Lb       :    13,700.0       20,000.0
  Grapes                : Ton      :     7,290.9        5,595.6
  Olives (CA)           : "        :       104.0           90.0
  Papayas (HI)          : Lb       :    38,800.0       39,000.0
  Peaches               : 1,000 Lbs:     2,624.6        2,425.8
  Pears                 : Ton      :     1,042.5          926.2
  Prunes, Dried (CA)    : "        :       214.0          108.0
  Prunes & Plums (Ex CA): "        :        25.5           25.6
                        :          :
Nuts & Misc.            :          :
  Almonds (CA)          : Lb       :     759,000        520,000
  Hazelnuts             : Ton      :        47.0           15.5
  Pecans                : Lb       :     335,000        155,050
  Pistachios (CA)       : "        :     180,000        188,000
  Walnuts (CA)          : Ton      :       269.0          227.0
  Maple Syrup           : Gal      :       1,298          1,159
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or
    from previous reports.  Current year estimates are for the full 1999 crop
    year.
2/  Production years are 1996-97, 1997-98, and 1998-99.




        Crop Summary:  Area Planted and Harvested, United States, 1998-99
                                (Metric Units) 1/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                :     Area Planted      :    Area Harvested
              Crop              :-----------------------------------------------
                                :   1998    :   1999    :   1998    :   1999
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                :                   Hectares
                                :
Grains & Hay                    :
  Barley                        : 2,565,730               2,374,320
  Corn for Grain 2/             :32,450,880              29,382,110
  Corn for Silage               :                         2,395,360
  Hay, All 3/                   :                        24,287,880
    Alfalfa                     :                         9,567,680
    All Other                   :                        14,720,190
  Oats                          : 1,983,790               1,118,970
  Rice                          : 1,353,690               1,342,360
  Rye                           :   635,770     643,460     169,160
  Sorghum for Grain 2/          : 3,895,550               3,125,420
  Sorghum for Silage            :                           123,430
  Wheat, All 3/                 :26,657,330              23,877,520
    Winter                      :18,797,450  17,544,930  16,238,590
    Durum                       : 1,539,850               1,508,680
    Other Spring                : 6,320,040               6,130,240
                                :
Oilseeds                        :
  Canola                        :   456,090                 441,920
  Cottonseed                    :
  Flaxseed                      :   135,980                 133,140
  Mustard Seed                  :    40,020                  38,690
  Peanuts                       :
  Rapeseed                      :     1,940                   1,900
  Safflower                     :   122,620                 115,340
  Soybeans for Beans            :29,289,440              28,656,500
  Sunflower                     : 1,437,860               1,406,700
                                :
Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops   :
  Cotton, All 3/                : 5,430,090               4,339,290
    Upland                      : 5,296,580               4,243,580
    Amer-Pima                   :   133,510                  95,710
  Sugarbeets                    :   606,190                 587,450
  Sugarcane                     :                           384,250
  Tobacco                       :                           294,170
                                :
Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils       :
  Austrian Winter Peas          :     3,640                   2,990
  Dry Edible Beans              :   813,470                 774,540
  Dry Edible Peas               :   130,880                 125,090
  Lentils                       :    65,560                  64,140
  Wrinkled Seed Peas            :
                                :
Potatoes & Misc.                :
  Coffee (HI)                   :                             2,470
  Ginger Root (HI)              :                               150
  Hops                          :                            14,830
  Peppermint Oil                :                            50,180
  Potatoes, All 3/              :   576,040                 564,300
    Winter                      :     6,270       6,880       6,070     6,760
    Spring                      :    37,640                  36,660
    Summer                      :    29,830                  27,840
    Fall                        :   502,300                 493,720
  Spearmint Oil                 :                            11,090
  Sweet Potatoes                :    35,130                  33,910
  Taro (HI) 4/                  :                               200
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or
from previous reports.  Current year estimates are for the full 1999 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 Summary:  Yield and Production, United States, 1998-99
                                (Metric Units) 1/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                :         Yield         :      Production
              Crop              :-----------------------------------------------
                                :   1998    :   1999    :   1998    :   1999
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                :                  Metric Tons
                                :
Grains & Hay                    :
  Barley                        :    3.23                  7,673,580
  Corn for Grain                :    8.44                247,942,980
  Corn for Silage               :   35.80                 85,751,640
  Hay, All 2/                   :    5.65                137,291,520
    Alfalfa                     :    7.78                 74,398,220
    All Other                   :    4.27                 62,893,300
  Oats                          :    2.12                    801,180
  Rice                          :    6.35                  8,529,850
  Rye                           :    1.77                    299,610
  Sorghum for Grain             :    4.23                 13,206,910
  Sorghum for Silage            :   25.63                  3,163,350
  Wheat, All 2/                 :    2.91                 69,410,050
    Winter                      :    3.15                 51,181,680
    Durum                       :    2.54                  3,839,270
    Other Spring                :    2.35                 14,389,100
                                :
Oilseeds                        :
  Canola                        :    1.63                    720,590
  Cottonseed                    :                          4,700,670
  Flaxseed                      :    1.28                    170,390
  Mustard Seed                  :    0.96                     37,080
  Peanuts                       :    3.01                  1,783,200
  Rapeseed                      :    1.52                      2,880
  Safflower                     :    1.62                    186,920
  Soybeans for Beans            :    2.62                 75,027,640
  Sunflower                     :    1.69                  2,379,860
                                :
Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops   :
  Cotton, All 2/                :    0.69                  3,003,770
    Upland                      :    0.69                  2,910,150
    Amer-Pima                   :    0.98                     93,620
  Sugarbeets                    :   50.44                 29,628,650
  Sugarcane                     :   79.60                 30,587,550
  Tobacco                       :    2.36                    693,840
                                :
Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils       :
  Austrian Winter Peas          :    1.58                      4,720
  Dry Edible Beans              :    1.81                  1,398,330
  Dry Edible Peas               :    2.15                    269,160
  Lentils                       :    1.37                     87,910
  Wrinkled Seed Peas            :                             30,570
                                :
Potatoes & Misc.                :
  Coffee (HI)                   :    1.65                      4,080
  Ginger Root (HI)              :   56.04                      8,160
  Hops                          :    1.82                     27,010
  Peppermint Oil                :    0.09                      4,410
  Potatoes, All 2/              :   38.40                 21,670,560
    Winter                      :   22.27       20.70        135,170   139,890
    Spring                      :   26.15                    958,760
    Summer                      :   31.39                    874,030
    Fall                        :   39.91                 19,702,600
  Spearmint Oil                 :    0.12                      1,350
  Sweet Potatoes                :   15.90                    539,190
  Taro (HI) 3/                  :                              2,720
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or
from previous reports.  Current year estimates are for the full 1999 crop year.
2/  Production may not add due to rounding.  3/ Yield is not estimated.




               Fruits and Nuts Production, United States, 1997-99
                                (Metric Units) 1/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          :                     Production
           Crop           :-----------------------------------------------------
                          :      1997       :      1998       :      1999
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          :                     Metric tons
                          :
Citrus 2/                 :
  Grapefruit              :    2,619,950         2,382,270         2,373,200
  K-Early Citrus (FL)     :        6,350             1,810             3,630
  Lemons                  :      869,080           848,220           731,190
  Oranges                 :   11,500,380        12,570,860         9,303,180
  Tangelos (FL)           :      161,480           116,120           110,680
  Tangerines              :      379,200           326,590           276,690
  Temples (FL)            :       97,980            91,630            81,650
                          :
Non-Citrus                :
  Apples                  :    4,682,800         4,963,930
  Apricots                :      126,310           107,320
  Bananas (HI)            :        6,210             9,070
  Grapes                  :    6,614,190         5,076,200
  Olives (CA)             :       94,350            81,650
  Papayas (HI)            :       17,600            17,690
  Peaches                 :    1,190,500         1,100,320
  Pears                   :      945,740           840,270
  Prunes, Dried (CA)      :      194,140            97,980
  Prunes & Plums (Ex CA)  :       23,130            23,220
                          :
Nuts & Misc.              :
  Almonds (CA)            :      344,280           235,870
  Hazelnuts               :       42,640            14,060
  Pecans                  :      151,950            70,330
  Pistachios (CA)         :       81,650            85,280
  Walnuts (CA)            :      244,030           205,930
  Maple Syrup             :        6,490             5,790
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or
    from previous reports.  Current year estimates are for the full 1999 crop
    year.
2/  Production years are 1996-97, 1997-98, and 1998-99.



                                
                                
                                
                     January Weather Summary
                                
A very cold pattern east of the Rockies yielded to coast-to-coast warmth.  Cold
air clung most stubbornly across the Upper Midwestern and Great Lakes States,
where snowfall from an early-month blizzard and subsequent storms helped to
suppress temperatures.  Most of the eastern Corn Belt's snow melted after
mid-month under an assault of warmth and heavy rain, causing lowland flooding
and leaving soft red winter wheat fields wet and susceptible to heaving soils. 
Farther east, numerous storms delivered soaking rains to the Mid- and Southern
Atlantic States, improving topsoil moisture and significantly easing long-term
drought. Late-month rain in Peninsular Florida reduced irrigation requirements
for winter vegetables and citrus groves.  Locally excessive rainfall occurred,
however, from the Ohio Valley southward to the Delta, resulting in muddy fields
and flooding along creeks and rivers.  Meanwhile on the Plains, snow cover
melted in northern areas but was replenished by month's end.  Topsoils became
very dry across portions of the central Plains, especially in Nebraska and
northeastern Colorado, increasing the risk of wind erosion.  From Kansas into
Texas, however, a late-month storm produced widespread precipitation (rain,
freezing rain, sleet, and snow), benefiting hard red winter wheat but stressing
livestock and disrupting transportation.  In the West, a brief southward shift
in the storm track provided much-needed valley rains and mountain snows to
California and the Southwest, and allowed beneficially dry weather to reach
areas west of the Cascades.

Monthly temperatures averaged near normal in California and the upper Midwest,
but were above normal elsewhere.  Departures reached +10 degrees F in the Rocky
Mountain region and +8 degrees F in the Southeast.  January precipitation
topped 4 inches in and west of the Cascades and Sierra Nevada, and in most
areas east of a line from eastern Texas to Lake Michigan.  From the lower Ohio
Valley southward to the central Gulf Coast States, extremely wet conditions
(more than 8 inches of rain) were accompanied by several severe thunderstorm
outbreaks.  Monthly precipitation was significantly below normal only in the
Southwest, southern Texas, and a small area centered on Nebraska.



General Crop Comments:  The month began with frigid temperatures across most of
the eastern half of the United States.  Blizzard conditions developed as the
cold air pushed through the central Corn Belt and Great Lakes Region.  Most
wheat fields in the northern Plains and eastern Corn Belt were protected from
the sub-zero temperatures and wind chills by snow.  Below-normal temperatures
extended to the Gulf Coast, with sub-freezing temperature readings in Texas and
as far south as central Florida.  Peach orchards in the Southeast, in need of
additional chill hours, welcomed the cold weather, but tomatoes suffered minor
leaf burn in Florida.  In lowland citrus groves, some fruit was partially
frozen and some new foliage was frost bitten, but damage statewide was minimal. 
Sugarcane and orange harvest continued unhindered.  In Texas, the cold weather
temporarily halted growth of small grains.

As the month progressed, seasonally mild weather remained entrenched over the
Rocky Mountains and extended eastward into the Great Plains, Corn Belt, and
Southeast.  Despite the beneficial warm weather, growth of small grains was
limited in the southern Plains due to excessive dryness.  In Florida, warm
weather promoted development of citrus bloom buds and open bloom flowers and
aided vegetable growth.  Dry weather forced citrus growers in sandy and
well-drained areas to irrigate groves to maintain tree conditions.  

During the month, a series of storms formed along the western Gulf Coast and
delivered a mixture of rain, sleet, and freezing rain to the lower Mississippi
Valley, Southeast, Ohio Valley, and Atlantic Coast States.  Icing caused power
outages in parts of the Southeast and middle Atlantic Coast States, and
tornados ripped through parts of the lower Mississippi Valley.  Later, rain and
melting snow caused isolated flooding in parts of the middle and northern
Atlantic Coast States.  Despite the severe weather,  most areas welcomed the
precipitation as soil moisture levels improved.  

In the Western United States, temperatures averaged above normal in most areas
and well above normal through most of the Rocky Mountains.  The snow pack
continued to accumulate in the northern Rocky Mountains, but heavy rains and
mild temperatures melted snow in the Pacific Northwest.  The combination of
heavy rain and snow melt caused flooding in low-lying areas along streams. 
High pressure temporarily forced storms to the north of the Pacific Northwest
coastal areas, allowing soils to dry and streams to recede from their banks,
but the system weakened and the rainy pattern resumed.

Below-normal temperatures persisted in California's valleys, hindering growth
of small grains, winter forages, vegetable crops, and emerging sugar beets. 
Excessive dryness during the first half of the month and excessive dampness
during the second half also hindered growth.  A brief early-month warm spell
allowed citrus growers in the San Joaquin Valley to salvage some fruit from
their orchards, but most of the navel orange crop that remained unharvested as
the month began was damaged or destroyed.  Picking of mature fruit continued in
southern California.  In vineyards and non-citrus fruit orchards, growers kept
busy with pruning, weeding, and fertilizing chores until late- month rains
hindered their efforts.



Sugarcane:  Production for sugar and seed in 1998 is estimated at a record high
33.7 million tons, 6 percent above the previous record established in 1997 but
unchanged from the previous estimate.  Estimated acres for sugar production
remained at 892,800 and acres for sugar and seed remained at 949,500.  The
estimated yield for sugar and seed production is unchanged at a record 35.5
tons per acre, 0.8 ton above the 1997 yield of 34.7 tons per acre.

Drought hindered vegetative development in the western Gulf Coast sugarcane
producing states during the summer months.  Growth accelerated when late summer
rains ended the drought and continued as warm weather extended the growing
season.  The late season growth spurt, combined with expanded use of higher
yielding varieties and utilization of better harvesting equipment, resulted in
records for both yield and production in Louisiana.  The yield and production
were also both record high in Florida.  Damage due to Tropical Storm Mitch was
minimal, but harvest was delayed and mills were forced to shut down operations
for several days.  Warm, dry weather aided harvest efforts during the month;
however, mills expect to be open until early April due to earlier delays.



Temples:  Florida's Temple forecast of 2.00 million boxes (90,000 tons) is
unchanged from the previous forecast.  If realized, it will be the smallest
non-freeze utilization since the 1954-55 season.  The route survey indicated
only 21 percent of rows harvested due to lagging maturity.  Average fruit size
is close to the smallest in the eight-season series.  Loss from droppage has
been a record low through late January.



Grapefruit:  The forecast of the 1998-99 U.S. grapefruit crop remained
unchanged at 2.63 million tons,  slightly above last season but down 9 percent
from the 1996-97 season.  The February 1 Florida grapefruit crop is forecast at
50.0 million boxes (2.13 million tons), the same as the January 1 forecast but
up 1 percent from a year ago.  The white seedless forecast is increased to
19.0 million boxes (808,000 tons) and the colored seedless forecast is
decreased to 30.5 million boxes (1.30 million tons).  

Economic conditions favoring additional use of white seedless grapefruit have
improved this season, more than anticipated at the beginning of the season. 
Average fruit size of the unharvested colored varieties is less than originally
projected, possibly a result of more selective spot picking than in recent
seasons.  Loss from droppage is more than originally projected.  

Florida's seedy (Duncan) grapefruit forecast is continued at 500,000 boxes
(21,000 tons), a record low utilization.  Average fruit sizes are smaller, but
loss from droppage is less than originally projected.  All seedy grapefruit are
certified in processed form and records are dependent on load tickets.

Grapefruit production in Texas is forecast at 5.00 million boxes
(200,000 tons), unchanged from January 1 but up 4 percent from the previous
season.  Quality remains good.  California and Arizona grapefruit forecasts
were carried forward from January 1.



Tangerines:  The 1998-99 U.S. tangerine crop is forecast at 305,000 tons, up
2 percent from last month, but down 15 percent from the previous year's
utilization.  Florida's tangerine forecast is raised to 4.60 million boxes
(219,000 tons), up 2 percent from the January 1 forecast but down 12 percent
from the 1997-98 crop.  Lagging maturity has limited the amount picked compared
to  the previous two seasons.  Average fruit size is above the eight-season
mean, but is smaller than last season.  Loss from droppage is higher than last
season.  The Arizona and California tangerine forecasts were carried forward
from January 1.



Tangelos:  Florida's tangelo forecast for February 1 increased to 2.70 million
boxes (122,000 tons), 8 percent more than a month ago, but 5 percent less than
last season's utilized production.  Maturity levels are allowing later volume
harvest.



Florida citrus:  Temperatures during January were above normal in all areas of
Florida's citrus belt.  There were some days when the upper 80's were recorded. 
Rainfall was near average across the citrus producing areas, but some citrus
counties received above normal moisture for January.  During one mid-January
tropical storm, Palm Beach County recorded more than 5 inches of precipitation. 
Due to the dry conditions that prevailed at the time, most of the abundant
moisture was absorbed by the soil.  The warm tropical weather caused the citrus
trees to push out pin-head bloom buds which are very vulnerable to frost or
freezing weather.  There is very little open bloom showing at this time. 
Harvesting crews have been very active during the month, moving all types of
early and midseason fruit to both the processors and the fresh fruit packing
houses.



Texas Citrus:  Harvest moved ahead during January with early and midseason
oranges more than three fourths complete and grapefruit surpassing the halfway
mark.  Demand remained high for oranges.  The quality of oranges and grapefruit
remained good.  Hardly any rainfall fell in the citrus growing areas and
producers continued to irrigate.



California Citrus:  After the late December freeze in the San Joaquin Valley,
citrus growers in early January adopted a "wait and see" attitude for their
crop prospects.  By the end of the month, some navel oranges were picked for
fresh use but many had to go to juice.  Lemons in the freeze area were
virtually all lost, but the grapefruit survived.  Valencia oranges are still
green with picking not scheduled until spring.  Citrus growers in southern
California did not suffer freeze damage and were active picking their fruit. 



Papayas:  Hawaii fresh papaya output is estimated at 2.98 million pounds for
January, 8 percent lower than December but 4 percent higher than January 1998. 
Area devoted to papaya production totaled 3,740 acres in January, relatively
unchanged from December but 7 percent higher than a year ago.  Harvested area,
totaling 2,195 acres, was slightly higher than last month and 27 percent higher
than last January.  

January weather conditions were a mix of rain, gusty winds, and sunshine. 
Spraying for disease control was slowed at times due to the wet and windy
conditions.  Seasonally cool temperatures  slowed fruit maturation.



California Fruits and Nuts:  During January, growers were busy with normal
winter cultural activities such as weed control, fertilizing, dormant spraying,
pruning, and shredding brush.  By the end of the month, fruit buds in almond
trees were swelling as bloom neared.



Walnuts: The 1998 California walnut production estimate has been revised to
227,000 tons (in-shell basis).  This is up 3 percent from the January estimate
but down 16 percent from the 1997 crop.  Estimates for the 1998 price and value
will be published July 7, 1999.



Almonds: California almond production is unchanged from the January estimate of
520 million meat pounds.  Production is down 31 percent from the record 1997
crop.  The average price, at $1.80 per pound (shelled basis), is a 24 cent
improvement over the 1997 average.  Value of utilized production came to 898
million dollars, 23 percent below the 1997 total.



Pistachios: The California pistachio crop set a record for the second
consecutive year.  The 1998 production of 188 million pounds(in-shell basis)
was unchanged from the January estimate but 4 percent larger than 1997.  The
average in-shell price fell to 99 cents per pound, compared to $1.13 for 1997. 
Total value of utilized production amounted to 186 million dollars, down 8
percent from the year earlier.




                       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
       Charles Van Lahr, Acting Head                (202) 720-5446
       Jerry Ramirez - Soybeans, Minor Oilseeds     (202) 720-7369
       Rhonda Brandt - Corn                         (202) 720-9526
       Herman Ellison - Peanuts, Rice, Barley       (202) 720-7688
       Vacant - Hay, Sorghum                        (202) 690-3234
       Roger Latham - Cotton, Cotton Ginnings       (202) 720-5944
       Mark E. Miller - Oats, Sugar Crops, 
       Weekly Crop Weather                          (202) 720-7621
       Vaughn Siegenthaler - Wheat, Rye             (202) 720-8068

    Fruit, Vegetable & Special Crops Section
       Dean Groskurth, Head                         (202) 720-3843
       Arvin Budge - Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes       (202) 720-4285
       Dave DeWalt - Citrus, Tropical Fruits        (202) 720-5412
       Howard Hill - Cherries, Berries, Prunes,
       Plums, Cranberries, Grapes, Maple Syrup      (202) 720-7235
       Dave Ranek - Nuts, Floriculture              (202) 720-4215
       Jeffrey Kissel - Noncitrus Fruits, Mint, 
       Dry Beans & Peas, Mushrooms                  (202) 690-0270
       Biz Wallingsford - Fresh and Processing
       Vegetables, Onions, Strawberries             (202) 720-2157
       Vacant - Apples, Tobacco                     (202) 720-4288
       Harry Nishimoto - Hops                       (360) 902-1940


The next "Crop Production" report will be released at 8:30 a.m. ET on March 11,
1999.


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