HDR1012000110010411970830 Crop Production National Agricultural Statistics Service USDA Washington, D.C. Released April 11, 1997, 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. Forecasts refer to April 1, 1997. Record Large Orange Production All oranges production for the 1996-97 season is forecast at a record large 12.7 million tons, up 1 percent from the previous forecast in March, mainly due to increases in California. The forecast is up 9 percent from a year ago. This year's crop is 8 percent larger than the previous record of 11.8 million tons set in the 1979-80 season. Florida's production amounts to 221 million boxes (9.95 million tons), down less than 1 percent from March's forecast but 9 percent above last season. Early and midseason varieties were reduced to 134 million boxes (6.04 million tons), 1 percent below last month but 11 percent above last year. Florida's Valencia crop forecast remained 87.0 million boxes (3.92 million tons), 6 percent above last season's crop. The California all orange production forecast, at 71.0 million boxes (2.66 million tons), is up 9 percent from the previous forecast in January and 8 percent from last season. The Navel orange forecast is 43.0 million boxes (1.61 million tons), up 10 percent from January and 13 percent from last year's production of 38.0 million boxes. The California Valencia forecast is 28.0 million boxes (1.05 million tons), up 8 percent from January and equal to last year. Florida frozen concentrated orange juice (FCOJ) yield for the 1996-97 season is forecast at 1.57 gallons per box at 42.0 degrees Brix, up from 1.54 in March. The forecast projects the final yield as reported by the Florida Citrus Processors Association. The final 1995-96 yield for all fruit used in FCOJ was 1.52 gallons per box at 42.0 degrees Brix. The projected average yield for 1996-97 early and midseason varieties is final at 1.52 gallons per box, unchanged from last month's forecast and up from last season's final of 1.45. Valencia yield is projected at 1.66 gallons per box, up from 1.60 last month but down from 1.67 last season. Cr Pr 2-2 (4-97) Crop Summary: Production, United States, 1995-96 and Forecasted 1996-97 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ : Utilized Production :---------------------------------------------------- Crop : : Mar 1, : Apr 1, : : 1997 : 1997 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Crop Year 1/ : 1995-96 1996-97 1996-97 : : 1,000 Tons Citrus Fruits : Oranges : 11,723 12,542 12,726 Grapefruit : 2,718 3,056 3,062 Lemons 2/ : 992 988 950 Tangerines : 348 428 432 Temples (FL) : 97 113 113 Tangelos (FL) : 110 180 178 K-Early Citrus (FL) : 7 7 7 : : Metric Tons : Oranges : 10,634,930 11,377,910 11,544,830 Grapefruit : 2,465,730 2,772,360 2,777,800 Lemons 2/ : 899,930 896,300 861,830 Tangerines : 315,700 388,280 391,900 Temples (FL) : 88,000 102,510 102,510 Tangelos (FL) : 99,790 163,290 161,480 K-Early Citrus (FL) : 6,350 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/ March 1 estimate carried forward from January 1 forecast. This report was approved on April 11, 1997, by the Acting Secretary of Agriculture and the National Agricultural Statistics Service's Agricultural Statistics Board. Acting Secretary of Agricultural Statistics Board Agriculture Chairperson Richard E. Rominger Rich Allen Crop Summary: Area Planted and Harvested, United States, 1996 and Forecasted April 1, 1997 (Domestic Units) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ : Area Planted : Area Harvested Crop :---------------------------------------------------- : 1996 : 1997 : 1996 : 1997 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ : 1,000 Acres : : Peanuts 1/ : 1,401.5 1,395.5 1,380.0 Potatoes : Winter : 14.5 15.6 14.5 15.4 Spring : 93.4 87.1 90.0 85.5 Summer 1/ : 77.9 74.7 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1/ 1996 revised. Crop Summary: Yield per Acre and Production, United States, 1996 and Forecasted April 1, 1997 (Domestic Units) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Yield per Acre: Production Crop and Unit :--------------------------------------------------- : : : : Mar 1, : Apr 1, : 1996 : 1997 : 1996 : 1997 : 1997 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- : ------------- 1,000 ------------ : Peanuts 1/ Lb : 2,653 3,661,205 Potatoes : Winter 2/ Cwt : 226 205 3,273 3,225 3,157 Spring " : 249 263 22,417 22,457 Summer 1/ " : 259 19,375 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ 1996 revised. 2/ March 1 forecast carried forward from January 1. Crop Summary: Area Planted and Harvested, United States, 1996 and Forecasted April 1, 1997 (Metric Units) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ : Area Planted : Area Harvested Crop :------------------------------------------------------- : 1996 : 1997 : 1996 : 1997 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ : Hectares : : Peanuts 1/ : 567,170 564,740 558,470 Potatoes : Winter : 5,870 6,310 5,870 6,230 Spring : 37,800 35,250 36,420 34,600 Summer 1/ : 31,530 30,230 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1/ 1996 revised. Crop Summary: Yield per Hectare and Production, United States, 1996 and Forecasted April 1, 1997 (Metric Units) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ :Yield per Hectare: Production Crop :------------------------------------------------------- : : : : Mar 1, : Apr 1, : 1996 : 1997 : 1996 : 1997 : 1997 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ : Metric Tons : Peanuts 1/ : 2.97 1,660,690 Potatoes : Winter 2/ : 25.29 22.99 148,460 146,280 143,200 Spring : 27.92 29.44 1,016,820 1,018,630 Summer 1/ : 29.07 878,840 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1/ 1996 revised. 2/ March 1 forecast carried forward from January 1. Grapefruit: Acreage, Yield, Utilization, Price, and Value, California and United States, 1995-96 1/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ : : Yield : Utilization of Production : Bearing : per :----------------------------------------- State : Acreage : Acre : Fresh : Processed : Total ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ : Acres Boxes --------- 1,000 Boxes 2/ -------- : CA : 18,800 431 5,619 2,481 8,100 : US Total : 174,570 379 32,244 33,956 66,200 :------------------------------------------------------------ : Price per Box 3/ 4/ : Value of Production :------------------------------------------------------------- : Fresh : Processed : All : Fresh :Processed: Total :------------------------------------------------------------- : --------- Dollars -------- ------ 1,000 Dollars ----- : CA : 10.06 -0.44 6.84 56,527 -1,092 55,435 : US Total : 7.28 2.19 4.63 237,739 72,526 310,265 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1/ California estimates of production and price by utilization were reviewed based on available new data. Revisions were not necessary; therefore, estimates were carried forward from the "Citrus Fruits 1996 Summary" released in September 1996. 2/ Net lbs per box: 67. 3/ Equivalent packinghouse-door returns. 4/ U.S. marketing year average prices are derived by weighting the state marketing year average prices per box by the respective box weights. Total Citrus: Acreage, Production, Utilization, and Value, California and United States, 1995-96 1/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ : : : Utilization of Production : Value : Bearing :Production:---------------------------: Of State : Acreage : : Fresh : Processed :Production 2/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ : Acres --------- 1,000 Tons -------- 1,000 Dollars : CA : 269,800 3,643 2,547 1,096 828,317 : US Total :1,103,620 16,009 4,569 11,440 2,606,274 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1/ California estimates of grapefruit production and price by utilization were reviewed based on available new data. Revisions were not necessary; therefore, estimates were carried forward from the "Citrus Fruits 1996 Summary" released in September 1996. 2/ Based on equivalent packinghouse-door returns. Citrus Fruits: Utilized Production by Crop, State, and United States, 1995-96 and Forecasted April 1, 1997 1/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Utilized Production : Utilized Production : Boxes : Ton Equivalent Crop and State :----------------------------------------------------------- : 1994-95 : 1995-96 : 1996-97 : 1994-95 : 1995-96 : 1996-97 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : ------ 1,000 Boxes 2/ ----- ------- 1,000 Tons ------- Oranges : Early Mid & : Navel 3/ : AZ : 400 700 500 15 27 19 CA : 35,000 38,000 43,000 1,313 1,426 1,613 FL : 119,700 121,200 134,200 5,387 5,454 6,039 TX : 950 830 1,300 40 35 55 US : 156,050 160,730 179,000 6,755 6,942 7,726 Valencia : AZ : 650 950 800 24 36 30 CA : 21,000 28,000 28,000 788 1,051 1,050 FL : 85,800 82,000 87,000 3,861 3,690 3,915 TX : 105 110 120 4 4 5 US : 107,555 111,060 115,920 4,677 4,781 5,000 All : AZ : 1,050 1,650 1,300 39 63 49 CA : 56,000 66,000 71,000 2,101 2,477 2,663 FL : 205,500 203,200 221,200 9,248 9,144 9,954 TX : 1,055 940 1,420 44 39 60 US : 263,605 271,790 294,920 11,432 11,723 12,726 Temples : FL : 2,550 2,150 2,500 114 97 113 Grapefruit : White Seedless : FL : 25,700 23,200 26,500 1,092 986 1,126 Colored Seedless : FL : 28,700 28,100 31,500 1,220 1,194 1,339 Other : FL : 1,300 1,050 1,000 55 45 43 All : AZ : 1,400 1,200 1,000 47 40 34 CA 4/ : Desert : 3,300 111 Other Areas : 6,000 201 Total : 9,300 8,100 9,200 312 271 308 FL : 55,700 52,350 59,000 2,367 2,225 2,508 TX : 4,650 4,550 5,300 186 182 212 US : 71,050 66,200 74,500 2,912 2,718 3,062 Tangerines : AZ : 650 1,000 650 25 38 24 CA : 2,500 2,600 2,900 94 97 109 FL : 3,550 4,500 6,300 168 213 299 US : 6,700 8,100 9,850 287 348 432 Lemons : AZ : 3,600 5,100 3,000 137 194 114 CA : 20,000 21,000 22,000 760 798 836 US : 23,600 26,100 25,000 897 992 950 Tangelos : FL : 3,150 2,450 3,950 142 110 178 K-Early Citrus : FL : 120 160 150 5 7 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/ California Desert and Other Areas Grapefruit forecasts combined to All Grapefruit beginning in 1995-96. Potatoes: Area Planted, Harvested, Yield, and Production by Seasonal Group, State, and United States, 1995-97 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Seasonal : Area : : Group :----------------------------: Yield : Production and : Planted : Harvested : : State :------------------------------------------------------------------ : 1996 : 1997 : 1996 : 1997 : 1996 : 1997 : 1995 : 1996 : 1997 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : ------ 1,000 Acres ----- --- Cwt --- ----- 1,000 Cwt ----- : Winter : CA : 5.7 6.6 5.7 6.6 250 245 1,300 1,425 1,617 FL : 8.8 9.0 8.8 8.8 210 175 1,173 1,848 1,540 : Total : 14.5 15.6 14.5 15.4 226 205 2,473 3,273 3,157 : Spring : AL : 2.0 1.6 1.9 1.5 160 175 400 304 263 AZ : 9.0 6.2 9.0 6.2 275 285 1,755 2,475 1,767 CA : 20.1 18.6 20.1 18.6 375 385 6,230 7,538 7,161 FL : 38.0 36.0 35.5 35.3 219 245 7,830 7,765 8,651 Hastings : 28.5 27.0 27.5 26.5 230 270 5,940 6,325 7,155 Other FL : 9.5 9.0 8.0 8.8 180 170 1,890 1,440 1,496 NC : 17.5 17.0 17.0 16.5 190 190 3,053 3,230 3,135 TX : 6.8 7.7 6.5 7.4 170 200 925 1,105 1,480 : Total : 93.4 87.1 90.0 85.5 249 263 20,193 22,417 22,457 : Summer 1/ : AL : 6.8 6.7 150 1,139 1,005 CA : 5.8 5.8 360 1,760 2,088 CO : 9.9 9.7 330 2,776 3,201 DE : 6.0 5.9 250 1,475 1,475 IL : 6.3 6.0 275 1,485 1,650 IA : 1.5 1.5 210 240 315 MD : 2.0 1.9 200 360 380 MO : 7.8 7.1 230 1,587 1,633 NE : 5.6 5.5 270 1,254 1,485 NJ : 2.6 2.5 265 702 663 NM : 3.9 3.9 360 1,344 1,404 NC : 1.2 1.2 90 124 108 TX : 10.5 9.5 240 1,645 2,280 VA : 8.0 7.5 225 2,040 1,688 : Total : 77.9 74.7 259 17,931 19,375 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1/ 1996 revised. Papayas: Area and Fresh Production, by Month, Hawaii, 1996-97 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ : Area : Fresh Production :------------------------------------------------------------------ Month : Total in Crop : Harvested : : :----------------------------------------: 1996 : 1997 : 1996 : 1997 : 1996 : 1997 : : ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ : --------------- Acres -------------- -- 1,000 Pounds -- : Feb : 3,720 3,530 2,265 1,495 3,530 3,145 Mar : 3,650 4,310 2,145 2,115 2,990 2,935 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Peanuts: Farm Marketing Percents by Month, State, and United States, 1995 and 1996 Crop Years ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ State : : : : : : : and : Aug : Sep : Oct : Nov : Dec : Jan : Feb Crop Year : : : : : : : ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ : Percent 1995 Crop : : AL : .3 59.4 35.8 3.8 .7 FL : 1.1 56.8 36.8 4.2 .9 .2 GA : 1.6 59.8 34.2 3.9 .4 .1 NC : 4.4 56.9 27.4 6.8 4.3 .2 TX : 1.1 3.8 47.6 40.7 6.6 .2 VA : 4.8 55.0 32.7 4.8 2.7 : US : 1.0 40.4 40.7 14.6 2.5 .7 .1 : 1996 Crop : : AL : 33.3 57.2 8.9 .6 FL : 45.7 49.7 4.0 .6 GA : 43.0 50.1 6.6 .2 .1 NC : 1.2 76.4 15.4 4.4 2.6 TX : 5.3 66.0 23.3 3.9 1.2 .3 VA : 11.2 63.9 13.9 6.7 4.3 : US : 27.7 58.0 11.5 1.9 .8 .1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Peanuts: Area Planted and Harvested, Yield, and Production by State and United States, 1995-96 1/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Area Planted : Area Harvested State :---------------------------------------------------------------- : 1995 : 1996 : 1995 : 1996 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : ------------------ 1,000 Acres ------------------ : AL : 213.0 192.0 212.0 191.0 FL : 89.0 90.0 81.0 82.0 GA : 595.0 535.0 592.0 533.0 NM : 20.0 16.5 20.0 16.5 NC : 144.0 125.0 144.0 125.0 OK : 100.0 85.0 98.0 81.0 SC : 11.5 11.0 11.0 10.5 TX : 275.0 270.0 270.0 265.0 VA : 90.0 77.0 89.0 76.0 : US : 1,537.5 1,401.5 1,517.0 1,380.0 : :---------------------------------------------------------------- : Yield : Production :---------------------------------------------------------------- : 1995 : 1996 : 1995 : 1996 :---------------------------------------------------------------- : ----- Pounds ----- ----- 1,000 Pounds ----- : AL : 2,280 2,355 483,360 449,805 FL : 2,390 2,880 193,590 236,160 GA : 2,390 2,690 1,414,880 1,433,770 NM : 2,150 2,300 43,000 37,950 NC : 2,410 2,940 347,040 367,500 OK : 2,060 2,410 201,880 195,210 SC : 2,800 3,100 30,800 32,550 TX : 2,000 2,600 540,000 689,000 VA : 2,325 2,885 206,925 219,260 : US : 2,282 2,653 3,461,475 3,661,205 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ 1996 Revised. Peanuts: Price and Value by State and United States, 1995-96 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ : Price per Pound : Value of Production State :------------------------------------------------------------- : 1995 : 1996 : 1995 : 1996 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ : ---- Dollars ---- 1,000 Dollars : : AL : .288 .264 139,208 118,749 FL : .271 .250 52,463 59,040 GA : .295 .271 417,390 388,552 NM : .336 .305 14,448 11,575 NC : .298 .261 103,418 95,918 OK : .298 .300 60,160 58,563 SC : .298 .245 9,178 7,975 TX : .287 .248 154,980 170,872 VA : .300 .269 62,078 58,981 : US : .293 .265 1,013,323 970,225 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ March Weather Summary: A remarkably consistent weather pattern led to precipitation extremes, ranging from near-record to record wetness in the Northwest and from southern Texas to the Ohio Valley, to very dry weather from the Southwest into the central and southern Plains. Sub-normal rainfall was also observed in the Southeast, as the primary storm track remained well to the northwest. Several monthly temperature records were broken in the Southeast, where readings ranged from 4 to 8 degrees above normal. In contrast, monthly temperatures ranged from 1 to 5 degrees F below normal in New England. Cool weather also prevailed across snow-covered portions of the northern Plains and upper Midwest, keeping widely anticipated snow-melt flooding in check until month's end. In the Southwest, however, a mid- to late-month warm spell propelled monthly temperatures 3 to 7 degrees F above normal. A fierce spring storm emerged from the Southwest on March 1, dumping 4 to 10 inches of rain from the northern Delta to the southern half of the Ohio Valley, and sparking a ferocious tornado outbreak--leaving 25 dead--in Arkansas. Ensuing floodwaters coursed through the Ohio River, generating one of the 10 worst floods on record from the Ohio-West Virginia border downstream to the confluence with the Mississippi. For much of the middle Ohio River, the flooding was the worst since March 1964. Some of the worst flooding unfolded in Kentucky, where March 1 totals included 10.48 inches in Louisville--breaking their all-time, 24-hour record set on March 9, 1964--and 5.56 inches in Lexington. Other storms perpetuated the region's wet spell, boosting totals by month's end to 17.52 inches in Louisville and 13.82 in Lexington. March-record precipitation was observed in the following locations: Location Total (In.) Former Record (In.)/Year Louisville, KY 17.52 14.91 in 1964 Astoria, OR 15.31 13.47 in 1956 Lexington, KY 13.82 10.38 in 1975 Olympia, WA 11.79 10.13 in 1950 Victoria, TX 11.61 7.91 in 1957 Galveston, TX 11.33 9.49 in 1973 Monthly rainfall of 5.95 inches in Brownsville, TX was 1,123 percent (%) of normal, and second only to a 6.46-inch total in 1903. In San Angelo, TX, January-March rainfall totaled 7.60 inches, their third-highest amount on record, and the most since 8.03 inches fell in 1923. In Tennessee, Nashville's total of 9.64 inches was their greatest in March since 1975. Meanwhile, a broad area from California to the western Corn Belt, and on the central and southern Plains, received less than a quarter of the normal precipitation. Especially dry weather persisted in the Southwest and in winter wheat areas from Nebraska to Texas. For the first time since 1959, no rain fell in March at the L.A. Civic Center. Only a trace dampened Goodland, KS. March records included: Location Total (In.) Former Record (In.)/Year L.A. Civic Center, CA 0.00 0.00 in 1959 and earlier Goodland, KS trace 0.03 in 1929 Dodge City, KS trace trace on five occasions Valentine, NE 0.01 0.01 in 1957 Only 0.01 inch fell in Amarillo, TX, their smallest total since only a trace fell in 1950. Farther west, recovery from the New Year's flood continued in northern California and western Nevada under mostly dry conditions. Only 3.00 inches (35% of normal) fell in the western Sierra Nevada foothills at Blue Canyon, CA. After 75.35 inches (329% of normal) pelted Blue Canyon in December- January, only 4.77 inches (26% of normal) has fallen since. Farther north, however, persistent storminess culminated in record flooding on the southern slopes of Washington's Olympic Mountains on March 18-19. March 16-19 rainfall reached 22.36 inches at the dam near the headwaters of the Wynoochee River. By month's end, snow depths in the Washington Cascades stood at 238 inches at 5,500-foot Paradise Ranger Station near Mt. Rainier and 228 inches at 4,200-foot Mt. Baker Lodge. In northern Idaho, a March-record 31.2 inches fell in Bonners Ferry, nearly half of which accumulated on the 12th. Several stations in Florida experienced March-record warmth: Location Average Departure Former Record/Year Miami 76.3 degrees F +4.7 degrees F 76.3 in 1948 West Palm Beach 74.6 +4.6 73.7 in 1977 Tampa 73.9 +7.3 73.2 in 1945 Melbourne 72.3 +5.7 71.1 in 1961 Although no average-temperature records were set in the West, several locations came close. For example, downtown Sacramento, CA posted a March-record average maximum temperature of 73.3 degrees F, but their average temperature of 61.1 degrees F fell short of their 1934 record by 0.4 degrees F. More than half of the month's 275 daily-record highs were set across the Western and Central States between March 17 and 22. On the 19th, the L.A. Civic Center logged 97 degrees F, an astronomical-winter record. A day later in Arizona, a high of 98 degrees F at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument was within 1 degree of their March record. Farther east, maxima on March 21 reached 94 degrees F in Wichita Falls, TX and 90 degrees F in Gilbert, AR. Less than 1 inch of rain fell on isolated parts of the Southeast, including Lakeland, FL (0.61 inches). Totals of 1.23 inches in Macon, GA and 1.75 inches in Montgomery, AL were 26 and 28% of normal, respectively. Farther north, in the James River basin, snowfall in South Dakota totaled only 8.5 inches in Aberdeen and 3.0 inches in Huron. In the Red River basin, however, Grand Forks, ND received 15.1 inches and Fargo, ND netted 26.2 inches, boosting their record- setting seasonal total to 109.6 inches. In Michigan, monthly snowfall of 31.0 inches in Alpena and 50.4 inches in Marquette helped to set seasonal snowfall records (180.0 inches and 257.7 inches, respectively). In New England, snow accompanied the cold weather. Totals reached 28.9 inches in Caribou, ME and 26.4 inches in Rochester, NY. At month's end, a powerful "nor'easter" began to deliver heavy snow and high winds from Maryland to Maine. General Crop Comments: In March, farm chores changed from winter to spring activities. Spring fieldwork was active across the southern half of the country. Spring planting was active in the Southwest and the Gulf States. Winter wheat was greening and in good to excellent condition. Some areas of the central and southern Great Plains were dry. In California, field activities were progressing normally under weather conditions that were ideal for fieldwork. In the eastern Corn Belt through the Northeast, spring activities were delayed due to rainy weather and wet fields. In the Dakotas and Minnesota, the snowpack was moderately receding. The temperatures were steady enough to prevent major flooding. Spring fieldwork started on schedule in the southern one-third of the country. In Arizona, above-normal temperatures and virtually no precipitation provided plenty of days suitable for cotton planting and small grain development. By the end of the month, approximately one-fourth of the cotton had been planted, equal to last year's progress, and ahead of the 5-year average. In Alabama, corn planting was one-third complete, ahead of the 1996 progress and the average. In Arkansas, fields were too wet for most field activities. Some planting was underway in the southeast portion of the State. Georgia producers were ahead of normal with land preparation and crop progress. In the southern Great Plains, winter wheat was breaking dormancy and in mostly good to excellent condition. Little rain fell over the southern Plains in March and additional moisture would have been beneficial. The crop came through the winter with very little freeze or wind damage. In Oklahoma, over two-thirds of the winter wheat crop was jointing, up from last year and the average. Colorado winter wheat experienced a rather dry winter and by month's end needed more moisture to maintain favorable crop prospects. On the West Coast, spring fieldwork was progressing normally in most areas. California weather conditions were ideal for growth. By mid-month, cotton planting began in the San Joaquin and Sacramento Valleys. In the desert area, cotton planting was complete by month's end. Alfalfa and winter forage were being cut for hay or greenchop. The eastern Corn Belt and areas of the Northeast experienced rainy weather and wet field conditions that prevented the use of heavy equipment in many areas. Standing water remained in many low-lying areas of fields. Winter wheat was in generally good condition, but the standing water did cause some damage. The Dakotas and Minnesota experienced some snowmelt. The melt was steady and major flooding was avoided for the time being. The potential for major flooding still exists. Mud, rather than snow, was causing major difficulties while stressing livestock and creating problems in accessing feed supplies and hauling grain. Difficult birthing conditions caused above-normal losses. Shortages of hay and forage supplies were reported in many areas of the Northern States. Grapefruit: The April 1 forecast of the 1996-97 U.S. grapefruit crop is a record large 3.06 million tons, up less than 1 percent from last month's forecast and 13 percent larger than last year. This year's crop exceeds the previous record of 3.03 million tons in the 1976-77 season. The Florida all grapefruit forecast is a record large 59.0 million boxes (2.51 million tons), unchanged from the last forecast but 13 percent more than last season. The all seedless grapefruit forecast remains at 58.0 million boxes, while the seedy (Duncan) grapefruit forecast continues at 1.0 million boxes. Fruit size is below the historical average and much smaller than last season. Loss from droppage continues below normal. The April 1 Row Count survey, conducted March 31 and April 1, 1997 continued to show the smallest percent row harvest for both white and colored in the past 13 non-freeze seasons. Utilization to April 1, including a season-to-date allocation for gift and unrecorded use, is lagging behind last season to the same date by 2.5 million boxes for whites and 1.2 million boxes for colored. Recent weekly harvest has been averaging about 2.0 million boxes of whites and slightly over 1.0 million boxes of colored. The Florida forecasts are based on objective fruit counts and measurement surveys in relationship to the harvest patterns and utilization of the past two seasons. All citrus forecasts project certified utilization including a preseason allocation of less than 2 percent for unrecorded usage. Certifications include only fruit actually shipped in fresh pack or recorded at a processing plant. California is expected to produce 9.20 million boxes (308,000 tons), 2 percent above the January forecast and 14 percent above last season. Harvest is peaking in the desert area and gaining momentum farther north. Overall, quality is good, despite wind scar, sunburn, and sheepnose. Fruit size is relatively small. The Texas grapefruit forecast, at 5.30 million boxes (212,000 tons), is unchanged from last month but up 16 percent from a year ago. Arizona's grapefruit forecast remains at 1.00 million boxes (34,000 tons), 17 percent below last season. Lemons: The 1996-97 U.S. lemon crop is forecast at 950,000 tons, 4 percent fewer than last quarter and last year. California's forecast for the 1996-97 crop is 22.0 million boxes (836,000 tons), the same as in January, but 5 percent more than in 1995-96. Grades throughout the state were fair to good. South Coast packing is at a peak. Grade defects were wind scar, tip injury, sunburn, botrytis bumps, and scale. Southern California lemons graded down due to coarse texture and heavy scar with some lots having high color. Arizona's lemon crop is expected to be 3.00 million boxes (114,000 tons), down 25 percent from January and down 41 percent from a year ago. Abnormally small sizes, due to heart rot dieback in the trees, reduced the forecasted production. Tangerines: The 1996-97 U.S. tangerine crop is forecast at a record large 432,000 tons, 1 percent higher than last month's forecast and 24 percent above last season's crop. Florida's tangerine forecast is unchanged from the March 1 forecast of 6.30 million boxes (299,000 tons), but is up 40 percent from the 4.50 million boxes (213,000 tons) utilized in the 1995-96 season. The California forecast is 2.90 million boxes (109,000 tons), 7 percent above the previous forecast and 12 percent above the previous year. Arizona's tangerine production is expected to be 650,000 boxes (24,000 tons), 13 percent less than last quarter and 35 percent less than last year. Utilized production is down due to the cyclical nature of the crop and to the light freeze in December. Tangelos: Florida's 1996-97 tangelo crop is 3.95 million boxes (178,000 tons), 1 percent less than last month's forecast, but 61 percent higher than last season's 2.45 million boxes (110,000 tons). This is the largest recorded tangelo crop since the 1987-88 season. Temples: The Florida Temple forecast remains at 2.50 million boxes (113,000 tons), 16 percent higher than a year ago. Through March, almost 2.38 million boxes were picked. Florida Citrus: Groves, trees, and fruit remaining for harvest were in very good condition during March. Rainfall for the month was just about normal with some locations receiving above average and other locations receiving below average precipitation. New growth and bloom were abundant as the citrus belt experienced a near normal bloom period. There was no adverse weather during the month. Harvest of early and mid-season oranges ended by mid-month as most processors started utilizing larger amounts of Valencia oranges and grapefruit. Harvest of Honey tangerines and Temples was slowed toward the end of the month as supplies ran low. Caretakers were very busy cutting cover crops, spraying orchards, and pushing and burning dead trees. Spring herbiciding and fertilizing started in all areas. Utilization of early and mid-season oranges, including Navels, was virtually complete with about 134 million boxes used by April 1, 1997. There were just over 20 million boxes of Valencias used. About 39.5 million boxes of all seedless grapefruit were used. Seedy grapefruit certifications were just about 420,000 boxes. Utilization of all tangerines through March was nearly 5.70 million boxes. Temple harvest was at 2.36 million boxes. Tangelo movement was at 3.90 million boxes. Texas Citrus: March was a very wet month in many groves across the Rio Grande Valley. Harvest was slowed by these conditions. Grapefruit trees were in full bloom during March. Most orange trees have set fruit. Irrigation needs were alleviated by the March rains. California Citrus: Citrus harvesting was active throughout the month of March. Grapefruit picking in the desert area was peaking while gaining momentum in other areas. Wind scar and sunburn were reported. Quality was good, but sizes were small. Lemon harvest in the South Coast was active with good grades. Some scar, windburn, and scale were detected. Approximately three fourths of the navel orange crop was picked by April 1. Quality was excellent with very large fruit size. Some puff and crease were reported. The Valencia orange harvest was active throughout the state. Volume picked was less than 5 percent of the total crop, but early reports indicate good to excellent quality. Tangerine picking was active with good quality and color. California Fruit and Nut: Warm, dry weather throughout March was ideal for bees and pollination. A drier than normal February and March brought the need for early irrigation in many orchards. Stone fruit and almonds completed bloom, while walnut, pistachios, and pecans began bloom. Apple varieties were in various stages of bloom. The warm weather brought early and vigorous growth to grapes. Winter Potatoes: Production of winter potatoes is forecast at 3.16 million cwt, down 2 percent from January and 4 percent below last year. Area for harvest, at 15,400 acres, is up 6 percent from last year. The average yield is forecast at 205 cwt per acre, down 21 cwt from last year. The January 19 frost in Dade County, Florida, killed some acreage and reduced early yields. Harvest is now active with good quality and volume expected through April. California's harvest is nearly completed, with harvested acreage up 16 percent. Yields are 5 cwt per acre less than last year. Spring Potatoes: Spring production in 1997 is forecast at 22.5 million cwt, up less than 1 percent from last year and 11 percent above 1995. Area for harvest is estimated at 85,500 acres, down 5 percent from a year ago but 1 percent above two years ago. The average yield is forecast at 263 cwt per acre, a gain of 14 cwt over last year and 23 cwt above two years ago. California's acreage is down from last year, primarily in russet and chip types. Kern County spring potatoes are in better than normal condition. Arizona's acreage is back to normal without french fry contracts. Acreage and yield expectations in Texas are above last year. The Hastings, Florida, spring crop is in good condition with no winter weather damage. Growers expect a mid-to- late April harvest start, continuing into June. Some freeze damage did occur in "Other" Florida areas in early planted fields. Harvest is underway. North Carolina's planted acreage is down from last year, but conditions for growth and development are ideal. Summer Potatoes, 1996 final: The 1996 summer production estimate was revised down less than 1 percent from the preliminary estimate in January. Production now stands at 19.4 million cwt, up 8 percent from a year earlier and 11 percent above comparable State totals in 1994. Harvest covered 74,700 acres, up 6 percent from the previous year, while the average yield of 259 cwt per acre was up 5 cwt. Papayas: Hawaii fresh papaya production is estimated at 2.94 million pounds for March, 7 percent lower than February and 2 percent lower than a year ago. March weather conditions were mostly wet with intermittent periods of sunshine. Papaya ringspot virus continues to be a problem in infected fields. Area devoted to papaya production totaled 4,310 acres, 22 percent higher than last month and 18 percent higher than last March. Harvested area, totaling 2,115 acres, was 41 percent more than February but 1 percent lower than a year ago. Peanuts, 1996 Final: U.S. peanut production totaled 3.66 billion pounds in 1996, up 6 percent from last year's reduced crop. Area planted to peanuts totaled 1.40 million acres, down 9 percent from 1995 and the smallest planted acreage since 1982. Harvested area, at 1.38 million acres, fell 9 percent from a year ago. The U.S. yield per harvested acre averaged 2,653 pounds, up 371 pounds from 1995. Average yields in all peanut states showed an increase from a year ago. Production in the Southeastern States (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina) totaled 2.15 billion pounds, up 1 percent from 1995. Production increased over a year ago despite a 9 percent decrease in plantings. Yields in the 4-State area averaged 2,636 pounds, up 267 pounds from one year earlier. Georgia remained the leading peanut producer with 39 percent of the total U.S. production. Virginia and North Carolina growers produced 587 million pounds of peanuts in 1996, up 6 percent from last year's reduced crop and despite a 14 percent decrease in planted and harvested acreages. Yields averaged 2,919 pounds, 541 pounds above 1995. The Southwest crop (New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas) totaled 992 million pounds, 17 percent above the 1995 total. Texas output in 1996 was the largest on record at 689 million pounds. Area harvested in the 3-State area was down 7 percent from a year ago. Yields averaged 2,544 pounds per acre, 521 pounds above the 1995 average. The 1996 marketing year average price received by farmers for peanuts was 26.5 cents per pound, down 2.8 cents from 1995. The value of peanut production for the 1996 crop totaled $970 million, down 4 percent from a year earlier. Report Features The next "Crop Production" report will be released at 8:30 a.m. ET on May 12, 1997. 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 Kevin Barnes - Soybeans, Minor Oilseeds (202) 720-7369 Rhonda Brandt - Sugar Crops, Weekly Crop Weather, Oats (202) 720-7621 Dan Kerestes - Corn (202) 720-9526 Roger Latham - Cotton, Cotton Ginnings (202) 720-5944 Joel Moore - Barley, Hay, Sorghum (202) 690-3234 Barbara Rater - Peanuts, Rice (202) 720-7688 Vaughn Siegenthaler - Wheat, Rye (202) 720-8068 Fruit, Vegetable & Special Crops Section Vince Matthews, 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 Vince Matthews - Nuts, Floriculture (202) 720-3843 Dave Mueller - Fresh and Processing Vegetables, Onions (202) 720-2157 Linda Simpson - Noncitrus Fruits, Mint, Dry Beans & Peas, Mushrooms, Hops (202) 690-0270 Debbie Williams - Apples, Strawberries, Tobacco (202) 720-4288 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. 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