Cr Pr 2-2  (3-99)



Crop
Production

National
Agricultural
Statistics
Service




USDA
Washington, D.C.


Released March 11, 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 Down 1 Percent


All oranges production forecast for 1998-99 is 10.2 million tons, down
1 percent from last month and down 27 percent from last year's record large
crop of 13.9 million tons.  Florida's all orange forecast is decreased to
192 million boxes (8.64 million tons), 1 percent lower than the February
forecast and 21 percent lower than the record large 244 million boxes produced
last season.  Early and midseason varieties in Florida are forecast at
114 million boxes (5.13 million tons), down 2 percent from February and down
19 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 1.62 gallons per box at 42.0 degrees Brix, up from February's
forecast of 1.60 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 a record high 1.59 gallons
per box.  Valencias are projected to yield 1.68 gallons per box, up from 1.67
gallons last month but below last season's record high of 1.72.  Average pound
solids are at a record high level for March 1.




This report was approved on March 11, 1999.


                       Acting Secretary of
                           Agriculture
                     August Schumacher, Jr.


                  Agricultural Statistics Board
                           Chairperson
                           Rich Allen


                            Contents
                                                               Page

Crop Comments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

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

Information Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

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

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

Weather Summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12



           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      39.3     15,535    16,860
  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      36.0     30,003    32,139
          :
For Seed  :
  FL      :   19.0      21.0     36.9      39.0        701       819
  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      58.7     31.8      32.7      1,706     1,918
          :
For Sugar :
 and Seed :
  FL      :  440.0     450.0     36.9      39.3     16,236    17,679
  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     951.5     34.7      35.8     31,709    34,057
----------------------------------------------------------------------
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
            :
Jan         :   3,510       3,740      1,735      2,195      2,875      2,980
Feb         :   3,505       3,700      1,740      2,135      2,655      2,870
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




     Citrus Fruits:  Utilized Production by Crop, State, and United States,
                1996-97, 1997-98 and Forecasted March 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   114,000    6,039     6,300     5,130
    TX              :   1,300     1,350     1,300       55        57        55
    US              : 175,900   185,700   134,750    7,609     8,020     5,915
  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   192,000   10,179    10,980     8,640
    TX              :   1,420     1,525     1,440       60        64        61
    US              : 292,620   320,525   232,440   12,677    13,857    10,165
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    29,500    1,334     1,301     1,254
  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    49,000    2,371     2,106     2,083
    TX              :   5,300     4,800     5,400      212       192       216
    US              :  70,200    64,150    63,100    2,888     2,626     2,590
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     4,650      299       247       221
  US                :   9,450     8,200     6,950      418       360       307
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     2,600      178       128       117
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.




        Crop Summary:  Area Planted and Harvested, United States, 1998-99
                               (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                       :  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                     :                            951.5
  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) 3/                  :                              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/  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                   : "   :     35.8                 34,057
  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         2,590
  K-Early Citrus (FL)   : "        :           7              2             4
  Lemons                : "        :         958            935           806
  Oranges               : "        :      12,677         13,857        10,165
  Tangelos (FL)         : "        :         178            128           122
  Tangerines            : "        :         418            360           307
  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                     :                           385,060
  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                          :    2.17                  2,425,770
  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                     :   80.24                 30,895,990
  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         2,349,610
  K-Early Citrus (FL)     :        6,350             1,810             3,630
  Lemons                  :      869,080           848,220           731,190
  Oranges                 :   11,500,380        12,570,860         9,221,530
  Tangelos (FL)           :      161,480           116,120           110,680
  Tangerines              :      379,200           326,590           278,510
  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.




February Weather Summary:  The Nation's precipitation patterns were largely
governed by the ongoing La Nia, featuring exceptionally wet weather in the
Pacific Northwest and dry conditions across much of the South, particularly
along the Gulf Coast and across the Southwest.  Monthly precipitation exceeded
200 percent of normal in much of Washington, Oregon, and Northern California,
but was less than 25 percent of normal in most areas from southern California
to Texas, and in western portions of Kansas and Oklahoma.  Beneficially drier
conditions returned to the Ohio Valley, allowing excess moisture to drain from
soft red winter wheat fields and lowland flooding to subside.  Near-normal
precipitation fell in much of the Corn Belt, including significant late-month
snowfall in western areas.

Monthly temperatures ranged from 6 to 12 degrees F above normal on the Plains,
and were generally 2 to 6 degrees F above normal in the East and the Southwest. 
Colder air overspread the Southeast after mid-month, ending a 5-week stretch of
unusually warm weather, but beneficially slowing fruit tree bud development and
winter grain growth.  Sub-freezing temperatures were reported north of a line
from central Louisiana to northern Florida on February 14-15 and 22-23.  In
contrast, the month ended with a seventh consecutive week of above-normal
temperatures on the Plains, pushing hard red winter wheat out of dormancy as
far north as the central Plains and leaving the crop vulnerable to possible
March cold outbreaks.  Generally below-normal temperatures prevailed along the
West Coast beginning in late January and continuing through February, resulting
in 5 consecutive weeks with below-normal temperatures across northern and
central California.  Monthly temperatures were as much as 5 degrees F below
normal in northern California.



General Crop Comments:  Temperatures averaged above normal across most of the
Nation during February.   Only areas along the Pacific Coast and adjacent areas
of the Rocky Mountains experienced below normal average temperatures.  In the
Pacific Northwest and points as far south as central California, storms
repeatedly pounded coastal areas causing flooding, erosion, and mud slides. 
Farther inland, at higher elevations of the Cascade and Sierra Ranges, 
additional snow accumulations increased the risk of avalanches.  Interior areas
of the Rocky Mountains also received precipitation, but the area from the High
Plains eastward into the northern Corn Belt and Great Lakes Region remained
dry.  Parts of the Corn Belt and adjacent areas of the Great Plains received
beneficial precipitation.  

The southern Plains experienced near-record temperatures early in the month
that spurred small grain development, especially in the Texas High Plains. 
Growers began planting corn in the Coastal Bend to take advantage of available
subsoil moisture supplies.  As the month progressed, corn and sorghum planting
gained momentum until a cold front temporarily deterred planting near
mid-month.  After warmer weather returned,  winter wheat conditions improved in
the southern Plains, but a shortage of soil moisture hindered growth,
especially in Texas.  During the last half of the month, corn, cotton, and
sorghum planting progressed  in central, southern, and coastal parts of the
State with only brief, isolated rain delays.    Strong winds near the end of
the month further depleted moisture supplies in already dry soils, but winter
wheat fields remained green due to mild temperatures.  As the end of the month
approached, more winter wheat fields broke dormancy in the central and southern
Great Plains, Mississippi Delta, and southern Corn Belt due to continued mild
weather.  Some early-planted corn and cotton fields emerged in Texas, despite
dry soils and the brief mid-month cold spell.    

In California, the rain, wet soils, and below-normal temperatures prevailed in
northern areas most of the month.  Field activities were frequently delayed,
but did not hinder growth of small grains, alfalfa, forage crops, and
sugarbeets.   Where conditions were drier, producers applied herbicides,
insecticides, and fertilizers; prepared soils for spring crops; replanted
freeze-damaged sugar beet fields; and finished planting wheat.  In southern
California, citrus growers continued harvest activities.  Despite below-normal
temperatures, almonds and early peach and nectarine varieties began budding.  
Cotton planting began in the Imperial Valley near the end of the month.

In Florida, warm, dry weather aided sugarcane harvest and field preparations
for spring crops.  However, winter grains were stressed by moisture shortages. 
Near mid-month, a frost accompanied by strong winds caused some minor citrus
leaf burn and bloom bud damage.  Crews rapidly harvested the early- and
mid-season orange crop.  Vegetable growth was normal and quality was mostly
good. Citrus groves need rain to sustain growth and healthy bloom bud
development.



Grapefruit:  The forecast of the 1998-99 U.S. grapefruit crop is 2.59 million
tons, 1 percent below both last month's and the previous season's utilized
production.  Florida lowered their March 1 forecast to 49.0 million boxes
(2.08 million tons), a 2 percent change from the previous month.  The white
seedless forecast remained at 19.0 million boxes (808,000 tons), but the
colored seedless forecast is decreased to 29.5 million boxes (1.25 million
tons).  

The objective count surveys on the remaining Florida grapefruit crops were down
only slightly from last month's observations.  However, the route survey
indicated a 1.00 million box reduction.  The estimated movement of the white
seedless is ahead of last season's pace, whereas movement of colored varieties
is lagging.

Florida's seedy (Duncan) grapefruit forecast is continued at 500,000 boxes
(21,000 tons), a record low utilization.  The objective count surveys of the
remaining crop indicated significantly smaller fruit than last season.  Loss
from droppage accelerated.  All seedy grapefruit are certified in processed
form and records are dependent on load tickets.

Grapefruit production in Texas is forecast at 5.40 million boxes
(216,000 tons), up 8 percent from February and up 13 percent from the previous
season.  Growers reported more fruit was available than was previously expected
and quality remains good.  California and Arizona grapefruit forecasts were
carried forward from January 1.



Tangelos:  Florida's tangelo forecast for March 1 decreased to 2.60 million
boxes (117,000 tons), 4 percent less than a month ago and 9 percent less than
last season's utilized production.  The route survey showed 94 percent of the
crop has been harvested and, when compared with estimated certifications, the
reduction in the forecast was warranted.



Tangerines:  The 1998-99 U.S. tangerine crop is forecast at 307,000 tons, up
1 percent from last month but down 15 percent from the previous year's
utilization.  Florida's tangerine forecast was raised to 4.65 million boxes
(221,000 tons), up 1 percent from the February forecast but down 11 percent
from the 1997-98 crop.  Final early tangerine certifications were slightly
higher than last month's forecast.  The Arizona and California tangerine
forecasts were carried forward from January 1.



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 estimated certifications
to date show about half the crop harvested.  Most of the remaining Temple crop
will go into processing.



Florida Citrus:  Most of February was very mild and dry.  During the middle of
the month, near freezing temperatures were recorded over most of the citrus
belt.  No damage or loss was reported.  Above normal temperatures during the
rest of February helped generate an abundance of new growth and bloom buds of
all stages.  Young citrus groves had varying quantities of open bloom at the
end of the month.  Most older groves have very few open bloom flowers.  Harvest
of early and midseason oranges is slowing as supplies are running low.  Picking
crews are now harvesting Valencia oranges for both fresh and process
utilization.  Many processors are now taking packinghouse eliminations and
grove run grapefruit.  Fresh fruit packers are running grapefruit, Temples,
Honey tangerines, and Valencia oranges.  Caretakers have been very active
cutting cover crops, irrigating, fertilizing, spraying, hedging, and topping.



Texas Citrus:  Harvest moved ahead in the Rio Grande Valley during February
with little or no delays.  The early and midseason orange harvest was winding
down and the Valencia orange harvest was underway.  Grapefruit harvest
continued with good quality still reported.  Harvest is nearly two-thirds
complete.



California Citrus:  Citrus growers in the San Joaquin Valley were picking
salvageable fruit from freeze damaged orchards.  Some were picked for fresh
market, but many went for juice. Citrus in southern California was not damaged
by the freeze and picking was very active.  During February, harvest of the new
crop Valencia oranges began in the desert area.



California Fruits and Nuts:  Throughout February, orchard grower activities
included pruning, brush shredding, and dormant spraying.  Many varieties of
almonds, nectarines, apricots, and freestone peaches were blooming.  Fungicides
were applied to prevent blossom rot in stone fruit orchards.  Spraying to
control fungi and anthracnose in almond orchards was also active.  Growth
accelerated on fall planted strawberries.



Papayas:  Hawaii fresh papaya production is estimated at 2.87 million pounds
for February, 4 percent lower than January but 8 percent higher than last
February.  Area devoted to papaya production totaled 3,700 acres, 1 percent
lower than last month but 6 percent higher than a year ago.  Harvested area,
totaling 2,135 acres, was 3 percent lower than January but 23 percent higher
than February 1998.  February weather conditions were a mix of sunshine and
heavy rain over major papaya producing areas.  Rainfall was especially heavy
during the first and third weeks, delaying some farm activities.



Sugarcane:  Production of sugarcane for sugar and seed in 1998 is estimated at
a record high 34.1 million tons, 7 percent above the previous record
established in 1997, and 1 percent above  the February 1 estimate.  Estimated
acres for sugar production remained at 892,800, but acres for sugar and seed
increased by 2,000, to 951,500 due to an increase in acres for seed.  The
estimated yield for sugar and seed production is a record 35.8 tons per acre,
1.1 tons above the 1997 yield of 34.7 tons per acre and 0.3 ton per acre above
the previous estimate.

The increase in yield and production is due to increases in Florida, where the
harvest season is still in progress.  Florida's harvest continued with few
disruptions during February.  However, the milling season will be extended by
as much as a month at some mills due to the size of the crop.




                       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,
    (202) 720-2157
                       Strawberries
       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 April 9,
1999.


The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in
all its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender,
religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital
or family status.  (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)  Persons
with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program
information (braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the USDA's
TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil
Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW,
Washington, D.C., 20250-9410, or call 202-720-5964 (voice or TDD).  USDA is an
equal opportunity provider and employer.


                        ACCESS TO REPORTS!!



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

                          INTERNET ACCESS

All NASS reports are available free of charge on the worldwide Internet.  For
access, connect to the Internet and go to the NASS Home Page at:
http://www.usda.gov/nass/.  Select "Today's Reports" or Publications and then
Reports by Calendar or Publications and then Search, by Title or Subject.

                        E-MAIL SUBSCRIPTION

All NASS reports are available by subscription free of charge direct to your
e-mail address.  Send an e-mail message to: 
usda-reports@usda.mannlib.cornell.edu.  In the body of the message type the
word:  list.


                          AUTOFAX ACCESS

NASSFax service is available for some reports from your fax machine.  Please
call 202-720-2000, using the handset attached to your fax.  Respond to the
voice prompts.  Document 0411 is a list of available reports.
                                
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
                PRINTED REPORTS OR DATA PRODUCTS
                                
 CALL OUR TOLL-FREE ORDER DESK:   800-999-6779 (U.S. and Canada)
Other areas, please call 703-834-0125                FAX:  703-834-0110
(Visa, MasterCard, check, or money order acceptable for payment.) 
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
                                
                           ASSISTANCE

For assistance with general agricultural statistics or further information
about NASS or its products or services, contact the Agricultural Statistics
Hotline at 800-727-9540, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET, or e-mail:
nass@nass.usda.gov.