HDR1012000110010312960830CROP PRODUCTION HIGHLIGHTS & SUMMARY NOTICE: Beginning with the April 1996 Crop Production Report on CIDS (Computer Information Delivery Service), Crop Production Reports will be found under the one title "Crop Production" instead of the current three titles of Crop Production Highlights and Summary, Crop Production State Tables, and Crop Production Narrative. The Crop Production will have three subdivisions which will be Highlights and Summary, State Tables, and Narrative. Further breakdown of the files will be discontinued. Thank you for allowing us to further automate our preparation of this report. Released March 12, 1996, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department of Agriculture. For information on "Crop Production" call at (202) 720-2127, office hours 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET. For assistance with general agricultural statistics, information about NASS, its products or services, contact the NASS Information Hotline at 1-800-727-9540 or E-mail: NASS@NASS.USDA.GOV. Forecasts refer to March 1, 1996. Orange Production Down 2 Percent All orange production is forecast at 11.7 million tons, down 2 percent from last month but 1 percent above last season. This forecast reflects the effects of three periods of below freezing temperatures in Florida (December 25, 1995; January 9, 1996; and February 5, 1996). Florida's forecast is 202 million boxes (9.09 million tons), down 2 percent from February's forecast and also down 2 percent from last season. Early and mid-season varieties were reduced to 122 million boxes (5.49 million tons), still a record high but 3 percent below last month. The Valencia forecast remains at 80.0 million boxes (3.60 million tons), down 7 percent from a year ago. Florida frozen concentrated orange juice (FCOJ) yield for the 1995-96 season is forecast at 1.48 gallons per box at 42.0 degrees Brix, up from 1.47 in February. The final early and mid-season varieties yield is 1.45 gallons per box, up from last month's 1.44 gallons per box and from last year's 1.44 gallons per box. The Valencia crop is expected to yield 1.55 gallons per box, unchanged from last month but down from 1.58 gallons per box a year ago. The final 1994-95 yield for all fruit used in FCOJ was 1.50 gallons per box at 42.0 degrees Brix. The forecast projects the final yield as reported by the Florida Citrus Processors Association. Cr Pr 2-2 (3-96) Crop Summary: Production, United States, 1995 and Forecasted March 1, 1996 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ : Utilized Production :---------------------------------------------------- Crop : : Feb 1, : Mar 1, : 1995 : 1996 : 1996 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Crop Year : 1994-95 1995-96 1995-96 : : 1,000 Tons Citrus Fruits 1/ : Oranges : 11,616 11,918 11,735 Grapefruit : 2,912 2,763 2,643 Lemons 2/ : 916 1,026 1,026 Tangerines : 275 329 327 Temples (FL) : 114 99 99 Tangelos (FL) : 142 117 110 K-Early Citrus (FL) : 5 7 7 : : Metric Tons : Oranges : 10,537,860 10,811,830 10,645,810 Grapefruit : 2,641,720 2,506,550 2,397,690 Lemons 2/ : 830,980 930,770 930,770 Tangerines : 249,480 298,460 296,650 Temples (FL) : 103,420 89,810 89,810 Tangelos (FL) : 128,820 106,140 99,790 K-Early Citrus (FL) : 4,540 6,350 6,350 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1/ Crop year begins with the bloom of the first year and ends with the completion of harvest the following year. 2/ Estimates for current month carried forward from earlier forecast. This report was approved on March 12, 1996, by the Secretary of Agriculture and the National Agricultural Statistics Service's Agricultural Statistics Board. Secretary of Agricultural Statistics Board Agriculture Chairperson Dan Glickman Rich Allen Crop Summary: Area Planted and Harvested, United States, 1994-95 (Domestic Units) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ : Area Planted : Area Harvested Crop :---------------------------------------------------- : 1994 : 1995 : 1994 : 1995 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ : 1,000 Acres Sugarcane for : Sugar and Seed : 936.8 937.3 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Crop Summary: Yield per Acre and Production, United States, 1994-95 (Domestic Units) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Yield per Acre : Production Crop and Unit :--------------------------------------------------- : 1994 : 1995 : 1994 : 1995 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- : ----- Tons ------- ----- 1,000 Tons ----- : Sugarcane for : Sugar and Seed : 33.0 33.0 30,929 30,944 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Crop Summary: Area Planted and Harvested, United States, 1994-95 (Metric Units) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ : Area Planted : Area Harvested Crop :------------------------------------------------------- : 1994 : 1995 : 1994 : 1995 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ : Hectares Sugarcane for : Sugar and Seed : 379,110 379,320 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Crop Summary: Yield per Hectare and Production, United States, 1994-95 (Metric Units) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ : Yield per Hectare : Production Crop :---------------------------------------------------- : 1994 : 1995 : 1994 : 1995 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ : Metric Tons : Sugarcane for : Sugar and Seed : 74.01 74.01 28,058,320 28,071,920 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ HDR1012000110110312960830CROP PRODUCTION STATE TABLES NOTICE: Beginning with the April 1996 Crop Production Report on CIDS (Computer Information Delivery Service), Crop Production Reports will be found under the one title "Crop Production" instead of the current three titles of Crop Production Highlights and Summary, Crop Production State Tables, and Crop Production Narrative. The Crop Production will have three subdivisions which will be Highlights and Summary, State Tables, and Narrative. Further breakdown of the files will be discontinued. Thank you for allowing us to further automate our preparation of this report. Citrus Fruits: Utilized Production by Crop, State, and United States, 1994-95 and Forecasted March 1, 1996 1/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Utilized Production : Utilized Production : Boxes : Ton Equivalent Crop and State :----------------------------------------------------------- : 1993-94 : 1994-95 : 1995-96 : 1993-94 : 1994-95 : 1995-96 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : ------ 1,000 Boxes 2/ ----- ------- 1,000 Tons ------- Oranges : Early Mid & : Navel 3/ : AZ 4/ : 700 400 650 26 15 24 CA 4/ : 36,600 35,000 40,000 1,372 1,313 1,500 FL : 107,300 119,700 122,000 4,829 5,387 5,490 TX : 480 950 830 21 40 35 US : 145,080 156,050 163,480 6,248 6,755 7,049 Valencia : AZ 4/ : 1,200 650 800 45 24 30 CA 4/ : 27,000 26,000 28,000 1,013 976 1,050 FL : 67,100 85,700 80,000 3,020 3,857 3,600 TX : 70 105 130 3 4 6 US : 95,370 112,455 108,930 4,081 4,861 4,686 All : AZ 4/ : 1,900 1,050 1,450 71 39 54 CA 4/ : 63,600 61,000 68,000 2,385 2,289 2,550 FL : 174,400 205,400 202,000 7,849 9,244 9,090 TX : 550 1,055 960 24 44 41 US : 240,450 268,505 272,410 10,329 11,616 11,735 Temples : FL : 2,250 2,550 2,200 101 114 99 Grapefruit : White Seedless : FL : 24,500 25,700 22,000 1,042 1,092 935 Colored Seedless : FL : 25,500 28,700 28,000 1,084 1,220 1,190 Other : FL : 1,050 1,300 1,000 45 55 43 All : AZ 4/ : 1,750 1,400 1,200 59 47 40 CA 4/ 5/ : Desert : 3,400 3,300 114 111 Other Areas : 5,900 6,000 197 201 Total : 9,300 9,300 7,500 311 312 251 FL : 51,050 55,700 51,000 2,171 2,367 2,168 TX : 3,000 4,650 4,600 120 186 184 US : 65,100 71,050 64,300 2,661 2,912 2,643 Tangerines : AZ 4/ : 1,000 650 750 37 25 28 CA 4/ : 2,300 2,200 2,400 86 82 90 FL : 4,100 3,550 4,400 195 168 209 US : 7,400 6,400 7,550 318 275 327 Lemons 4/ : AZ : 5,200 3,600 5,000 197 137 190 CA : 20,700 20,500 22,000 787 779 836 US : 25,900 24,100 27,000 984 916 1,026 Tangelos : FL : 3,350 3,150 2,450 150 142 110 K-Early Citrus : FL : 210 120 160 9 5 7 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Citrus Fruit Footnotes 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 and mid-season varieties in FL and TX, including small quantities of tangerines in TX. 4/ Estimates for current year carried forward from earlier forecast. 5/ California Desert and Other Areas Grapefruit forecasts combined to All Grapefruit beginning in 1995-96. Papayas: Area and Fresh Production, by Month, Hawaii, 1995-96 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ : Area : Fresh Production :------------------------------------------------------------------ Month : Total in Crop : Harvested : : :----------------------------------------: 1995 : 1996 : 1995 : 1996 : 1995 : 1996 : : ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ : --------------- Acres -------------- -- 1,000 Pounds -- : Jan : 3,620 3,765 2,375 2,355 4,005 3,460 Feb : 3,660 3,740 2,395 2,340 3,815 3,425 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sugarcane: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by Use, State, and United States, 1994-95 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Use : Area Harvested : Yield 1/ : Production 1/ and :------------------------------------------------------------------ State : 1994 : 1995 : 1994 : 1995 : 1994 : 1995 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : ---- 1,000 Acres --- ----- Tons ---- --- 1,000 Tons -- : For Sugar : FL : 423.0 427.0 33.6 34.0 14,216 14,518 HI 2/ : 64.3 46.0 81.9 90.0 5,266 4,140 LA 2/ : 352.0 368.0 24.4 25.4 8,589 9,347 TX 2/ : 42.4 41.3 31.5 33.4 1,334 1,381 : US : 881.7 882.3 33.4 33.3 29,405 29,386 : For Seed : FL : 21.0 18.0 34.3 34.0 721 612 HI 2/ : 5.0 4.0 19.5 27.5 98 110 LA 2/ : 28.0 32.0 24.4 25.4 683 813 TX 2/ : 1.1 1.0 20.0 23.0 22 23 : US : 55.1 55.0 27.7 28.3 1,524 1,558 : For Sugar : and Seed : FL : 444.0 445.0 33.6 34.0 14,937 15,130 HI 2/ : 69.3 50.0 77.4 85.0 5,364 4,250 LA 2/ : 380.0 400.0 24.4 25.4 9,272 10,160 TX 2/ : 43.5 42.3 31.2 33.2 1,356 1,404 : US : 936.8 937.3 33.0 33.0 30,929 30,944 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ Net tons. 2/ Current estimate carried forward from earlier forecast. HDR1012000110120312960830CROP PRODUCTION NARRATIVE NOTICE: Beginning with the April 1996 Crop Production Report on CIDS (Computer Information Delivery Service), Crop Production Reports will be found under the one title "Crop Production" instead of the current three titles of Crop Production Highlights and Summary, Crop Production State Tables, and Crop Production Narrative. The Crop Production will have three subdivisions which will be Highlights and Summary, State Tables, and Narrative. Further breakdown of the files will be discontinued. Thank you for allowing us to further automate our preparation of this report. February Weather Summary: Winter wheat in the central and southern Plains continued to be stressed by high winds; lack of precipitation; and a severe cold snap (February 3-4), followed by monthly record warmth (February 21-22). Cold weather again at month's end threatened sensitive-stage tree blooms from California to Texas. Peninsular Florida experienced its worst of the season-to-date's three cold mornings on February 5, damaging some ground crops, followed by a less severe freeze on February 17. The early-month chill also spilled into the Northwest, threatening fruit trees with bud injury, but leaving snow-covered wheat unscathed. Days later, heavy rain, high freezing levels, and subsequent flooding--the worst in Oregon's Willamette Valley since late-December 1964--struck the Northwest, peaking on February 8-10. Farther south, less intense and better spaced precipitation boosted the Sierra Nevada snowpack to normal levels by month's end, up from about 85 percent of normal on February 1. Meanwhile in the Northeast, early- and mid-month storms pushed seasonal snowfall to all-time records at nearly a dozen locations. Despite the early-February cold blast, monthly temperatures averaged up to 5 degrees F above normal across the Plains. Only the Northwest, where departures were as low as -5 degrees F, held onto sub-normal February temperatures. In contrast, neither cold air nor storm systems infiltrated the Southwest until month's end, leaving monthly temperatures 4 to 8 degrees F above normal. A late-month flurry of precipitation pushed monthly totals above normal in some areas of the Southwest and across parts of the Nation's northern tier. But a vast area from the Plains to the Mississippi Valley received little moisture during the month. In contrast, February-record rainfall was measured in western Oregon, while above-normal totals were observed elsewhere in the Northwest. Despite continued above-normal snowfall in the East--including an early-month storm across the Southeastern and Gulf Coast States--near- to below-normal precipitation covered the region. Along the immediate southern Atlantic Coast, rain fell infrequently. Only a trace of precipitation fell at many Plains locations, including North Platte, NE, Concordia, KS, and Wichita Falls, TX. In San Antonio, TX, the year's first rain (0.69 inches) fell on February 29, ending their second-longest dry spell (60 days) on record. In contrast, February-record totals were noted in Oregon at Portland (10.03 inches), Salem (13.01 inches), and Eugene (16.89 inches). In the East and Northeast, monthly snowfall of 20.6 inches in Windsor Locks, CT and 14.2 inches in Charleston, WV helped to sweep away former seasonal records. Toward month's end, heavy snow in the Western and Northern States helped to boost February totals above 20 inches in locations such as Salt Lake City, UT (22.6 inches); Butte, MT (22.0 inches); and Duluth, MN (21.3 inches). Little or no snow, however, fell across the Plains or Midwest, with monthly totals less than 1 inch in many locations, including Dubuque, IA, Milwaukee, WI, Omaha, NE, and Chicago, IL. The year's first triple-digit heat appeared in South Texas on February 20. A day later, San Antonio marked a high of 100 degrees F nearly 2 weeks earlier than ever recorded at that site. On February 22, monthly records were established as far north as Oklahoma City, OK (92 degrees F) and Wichita, KS (87 degrees F). The heat stood in stark contrast to the early-month cold wave that tied or set all-time records in Minnesota (-60 degrees F) on February 2; Iowa (-47 degrees F) and Illinois (-35 degrees F) on February 3; and possibly Rhode Island (-25 degrees F) on February 5. Stormy, wet weather across Alaska abruptly ended a winter-long "snow drought." Anchorage's 52.1-inch total, 474 percent of normal, broke their February snowfall record. Juneau collected 8.43 inches of liquid equivalent, just 0.05 inches shy of their February record. Among the series of storms to rake the State were a powerful snow-and-wind storm across the interior on February 17-18 and a record-setting wind storm over the south on February 22. The former system dropped more than 14 inches of wind-driven snow on Fairbanks, while the latter produced an all-time, record-tying gust to 83 mph in Kodiak. General Crop Comments: February started with record low temperatures that threatened small grains across the central Great Plains. Throughout most of the month, dry soil conditions combined with windy weather stressed winter wheat in the central and southern Great Plains. Inadequate snow cover in the central Great Plains, allowed cold weather and blowing soil to damage the unprotected wheat. Many wheat producers in the central Plains resorted to using chisels to rough-up fields or till strips across fields to reduce further wind erosion. Cold winds on February 4 and near-freezing temperatures the following day forced Florida vegetable growers to harvest some produce early to minimize damage. Protective measures were ineffective to protect strawberries from injury, but warmer weather the following day helped some plants to recover. Rain in California saturated fields, limited fieldwork, and slowed wheat growth. By mid-February, unseasonably warm weather melted the snowpack in the Pacific Northwest and caused flooding that damaged farm buildings and machinery. Losses to hay and livestock were widespread. Persistent dry conditions in the southern Great Plains caused some producers to delay land preparation for planting. The warm weather allowed wheat to break dormancy but the dry soil conditions did not promote good development. Below freezing temperatures in Florida's citrus belt damaged some leaves but the overall damage was not considered significant. The above-normal temperatures at the end of February helped wheat break dormancy in the Ohio Valley. Range fires in Texas destroyed thousands of acres of grazing land, while temperatures climbed to record high levels in south Texas. Some areas in central Texas had 5 months without any measurable precipitation prior to the summer crop planting season. The heat wave in the southern Great Plains aggravated the prolonged dry conditions. Soil temperatures warmed across the south-central Great Plains, greening wheat where soil moisture was available. The warm weather at the end of February allowed cotton producers to begin planting in the California and the Southeast. Heavy rain in the Southeastern States at month's end stopped most fieldwork. Grapefruit: The March 1 forecast of the 1995-96 U.S. grapefruit crop is 2.64 million tons, down 4 percent from last month and down 9 percent from last season. The forecast of Florida grapefruit declined to 51.0 million boxes (2.17 million tons), down 6 percent from last month and 8 percent from last season. The decrease is indicated by the relationship of estimated utilization to the harvest of sample tree rows. The Florida white seedless grapefruit forecast is 22.0 million boxes (935,000 tons), a decrease of 8 percent from last month and 14 percent from the 1994-95 crop. The colored seedless forecast is 28.0 million boxes (1.19 million tons), a decrease of 3 percent from last month and 2 percent from a year ago. The seedy grapefruit crop is expected to be 1.00 million boxes (43,000 tons), unchanged from last month but 23 percent fewer than last year. Nearly 30 million boxes of all seedless grapefruit were picked through the end of February. The Texas grapefruit forecast, at 4.60 million boxes (184,000 tons), increased 5 percent from last month but is down 1 percent from last year. Larger than expected sizes on the later crop is the reason for the increase. The forecast of California's crop is carried forward from January at 7.50 million boxes (251,000 tons), 19 percent below last season. Arizona's forecast is also carried forward from January and is expected to be 1.20 million boxes (40,000 tons), 14 percent below the 1994-95 crop. Tangelos: The 1995-96 Florida tangelo crop is forecast at 2.45 million boxes (110,000 tons), down 6 percent from last month and down 22 percent from last year's production. Harvest is nearly over for the year with nearly 2.45 million boxes moved. Tangerines: The 1995-96 U.S. tangerine crop is forecast at 327,000 tons, 1 percent less than last month but 19 percent more than last year. The Florida tangerine forecast is 4.40 million boxes (209,000 tons), 1 percent less than February but 24 percent more than last year. Early tangerine harvest, including Dancys, is virtually complete with about 2.9 million boxes utilized. California's tangerine forecast was carried forward from January at 2.40 mil- lion boxes (90,000 tons), 9 percent more than last season. The Arizona forecast was also carried forward from January at 750,000 boxes (28,000 tons), 15 percent more than last season. Temples: The March 1 forecast for the 1995-96 Florida temple production was unchanged from February at 2.20 million boxes (99,000 tons), down 14 percent from last season. Temple harvest was steady through the month with good supplies. Over 1.7 million boxes were moved by the end of the month. Florida Citrus: Below freezing temperatures occurred in many locations throughout the citrus belt on Monday February 5. Temperatures were not below 30 degrees long enough to cause much damage. A few outer leaves dropped and ice formed in some fruit causing some juice to dry. The rest of the month was very dry and generally cool. By the end of February, new growth started with pin head to pencil eraser size bloom buds. Navel orange harvest was complete. Harvest of early and mid-season oranges was nearly complete as very few supplies remained. Utilization of early and mid-season oranges, including Navels, through the end of February was a little more than 121 million boxes. There were slightly more than 2.5 million boxes of Valencias moved. Movement of all seedless grapefruit increased steadily throughout February as additional labor came available from the orange crews. Honey tangerine and Temple harvest was steady through the month with good supplies. Early tangerine and tangelo harvest was complete for the year. Caretakers were busy cutting cover crops following fertilizations. Hedging and topping of harvested groves was very active. Texas Citrus: Grapefruit sizes continued to increase as the season progressed. Harvest of early oranges and navels was completed during February. Harvest of Valencias gained momentum. Grapefruit harvest moved ahead without much delay. The early February freeze did not cause any significant damage to fruit or trees. Prices remained low. Availability of irrigation water for this spring is a major concern because of dry conditions. Normal grove care operations continued during February. California Fruits and Nuts: Fruit and nut trees were pruned and sprayed during February in most orchards. Stonefruit and apple trees began to bloom. Many orchards were treated for brown rot and shot hole fungus. Almonds were in full bloom by late February. Rainy weather hampered bee pollination and cold temperatures in late February may have damaged some almond and stonefruit blossoms. A warmer than normal winter did not produce an adequate number of chilling hours for fruit and nut trees to bloom and set evenly. Grape growers pruned and tied vines, repaired trellises and wires, applied herbicides, and plowed their vineyards. California Citrus: Grapefruit picking in the desert area was active during February with excellent color reported. Defects included wind scar, sunburn, and sheepnose. Lemon harvest was completed in the desert area and active in the Central Valley and southern California. Grades were good with only a few defects. Over half the Navel oranges were picked by March 1 with heavy gradeout due to puff and crease. Some fruit drop was also reported along with rind breakdown. Valencia orange picking began in the desert area in February with good quality reported. Valencias matured well elsewhere. Tangerine and Minneola were actively picked in February. Papayas: Hawaii fresh papaya production is pegged at 3.43 million pounds for February. This is 1 percent lower than January and 10 percent lower than a year ago. Gusty winds and showers, which were at times heavy, hampered farm operations during February. Spraying for insect and disease control was interrupted and delayed. Strong winds generated rough seas disrupting inter-island barge service, the major mode of transport for agricultural commodities between islands. Papaya ringspot virus continued to be a serious problem depressing yields and destroying some orchards. Area planted to papayas totaled 3,740 acres, a 1 percent decline from January but 2 percent increase from last February. Harvested area, totaling 2,340 acres, was 1 percent lower than last month and 2 percent lower than February 1995. Sugarcane: The 1995 production of sugarcane for sugar and seed is forecast at 30.9 million tons. This is unchanged from the last forecast published in the February crop report and virtually unchanged from last year's output. The Florida forecast was evaluated and resulted in no change in production. The forecasts for Hawaii, Louisiana, and Texas were carried forward from the previous forecast. Cold weather in the first and third weeks of the month did not slow fieldwork in Florida's sugarcane growing region. The sugarcane harvest remained active during February and allowed Florida's sugarcane harvest to near completion on schedule. Two sugarcane mills finished for the season with the balance of the harvest expected to be completed in mid-March. Sugarcane planting in Florida was completed by mid-February. Report Features The next "Crop Production" report will be released at 8:30 a.m. ET on April 11, 1996. 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 Bill Dowdy, Head (202) 720-3843 Dan Kerestes - Soybeans, Minor Oilseeds, Rice (202) 720-9526 Greg Preston - Sugar Crops, Tobacco, Weekly Crop Weather (202) 720-7621 Vaughn Siegenthaler - Rye, Sorghum, Wheat (202) 720-8068 Charles Van Lahr - Barley, Corn, Oats, Pasture Condition (202) 720-7369 Fruit, Vegetable & Special Crops Section Stephen Ropel, Head (202) 720-3843 Arvin Budge - Potatoes, Dry Beans, Onions (202) 720-4285 Roger Latham - Cotton (202) 720-5944 Linda McMillan - Nuts, Grapes (202) 720-4215 Dave Mueller - Fresh and Processing Vegetables (202) 720-2157 Blair Smith - Citrus, Tropical Fruits (202) 720-5412 Barbara Soltes - Noncitrus Fruits (202) 720-7688 The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, and marital or familial status. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the USDA Office of Communications at (202) 720-5881 (voice) or (202) 720-7808 (TDD). To file a complaint, write the Secretary of Agriculture, USDA, Washington, D.C., 20250, or call (202) 720-7327 (voice) or (202) 720-1127 (TDD). USDA is an equal employment opportunity employer.