They expect to harvest 53,000 acres, up 4 percent from a year earlier. Nationally, acreage for summer harvest is forecast at 55,800 acres, up 3 percent from last year and 7 percent greater than 1997. California growers affected by frost had to replant some fields, which will cause an overall harvest delay of about two weeks. Nationally, fresh market acreage for summer harvest is forecast at 41,300 acres, up 15 percent from last year and 13 percent greater than 1997. Harvest in California's San Joaquin Valley was delayed about 10 days due to cool spring temperatures.
White flies are abundant in the valley and growers have been treating fields.
Summer acreage for harvest is forecast at 69,000 acres, up 6 percent from 1998, but down slightly from 1997. Alabama acreage will likely be affected by dry weather. Conditions in Texas are favorable for a good crop. The crop was produced on 37,500 acres, averaging 295 cwt. per acre. California growers experienced more variability in temperature than normal.