The Ocala evening star., 1921-11-16
CONDITION OF THE CROPS
ASSOCIATED Press,

Gainesville, Nov. 15.-Damage to
the citrus crop by the tropical storm
of last month was not as heavy as
feared, according to the federal bu-
reau of crop estimates here in its re-
port on crop conditions in Florida,
ard a special inquiry to determine
the actual damage and loss now is
under way with the expectation that
special report will be issued within
the next few days.
Harvesting conditions for staple
crops have been excellent, the bureau
declares, and this phase of farm work
is well advanced. Production of corn
cowpeas, peanuts and rice shows in
creases over last year but dry weather
late in the growing season has re-
suited in light yields of most of the
other crops.
Severe damage 20 the citrus crop
resulted from the storm along the
west coast north and south of Tampa
the bureau states, amounting in some
localities to fifty per cent or more Ot
the crop on the trees. Many groves
it declares, even in that section, sus-
tanned only small percentage of loss
and in other parts of the state the
loss ranges from five per cent down
to nothing.
The condition on Nov. for orange:
was placed at "a per cent of norma
as compared with 81 per cent a month
ago and 80 per cent year ago. Tn.
grapefruit crop was 78 per cent Of
normal as compared with 81 per cent
Oct. 1 and 7s per cent a year ago
September production estimates Of
s,2OO,O00 boxes of oranges and 5,400,
900 boxes of grapefruit will be reduc
ed slightly as a result Of the storm
it was stated.
Production of corn win be arounC
IL 10000 bushels as compared witt
0,530,0 900 last year. Yields are run
ming slightly heavier than last yea
i with 81 per cent of the crop in mer
charitable quality, somewhat less thar
the usual percentage.
The acreage, of peanuts harveste'
for grain is smaller than last year bu
with heavier yields production vii
run to about the same.
The average farmer planted les
rice than usual this year but larg
commercial acreages have resulted il
an increase for the state with produc
tion fully Is per cent heavier thai
last year.
Cotton acreage was cut heavily bu
with somewhat better yields with pro
duction estimated at 10000 bales a
compared with 1890 bales las
year.
| Production of hay was reduced b,
dry weather as well as a slight cut i
acreage and the state will have abou
j 121 900 tons compared with ZOO
tons last year.
Yield of tobacco is estimated a
900 pounds per acre as compared wit
100 pounds last year, and on slight
ly increased acreage production WI
be around 3,960,000 pounds agains
4, $40, 900 pounds last year.
Early indications point to about tn
same harvested acreage Of velve
beans as for last year with slightl.
lighter yields.
Making of sugarcane syrup had be
gun but because of dry weather light
er yields are in prospect. The SINAI
acreage of sorghum for syrup felt tn
effect of dry weather and yields aver
aged around 120 gaallons as compar
ed with 142 gallons last year.
Reports from growers Indicate tha
6S per cent of a full crop Of pecan
has been produced this season Las
year production was only 30 per cen
; of a full crop. The quality is some
what lower than usual because Of
large percentage of pops or psTtt
filled nuts. The crop has been har
vested earlier than usual this seasoI
and is moving to satisfactory mar
kets from most sections of the belt.