HDR1012000110010211980830CROP PRODUCTION Crop Production National Agricultural Statistics Service USDA Washington, D.C. Released February 11, 1998, 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 February 1, 1998. Report features are located at the end of this report. Record Large Orange Production All oranges production for the 1997-98 season remains unchanged from the January forecast at a record large 14.3 million tons, up 12 percent from last season's record production. Florida's production is forecast at 254 million boxes (11.4 million tons), unchanged from January but 12 percent above last season. Florida's early-midseason and Valencia forecasts also remained unchanged from last month and are each record large crops. Early and midseason varieties are expected to produce 146 million boxes (6.57 million tons), 9 percent above last year. The Valencia forecast is 108 million boxes (4.86 million tons), 17 percent above a year ago. Florida frozen concentrated orange juice (FCOJ) yield for the 1997-98 season is increased to 1.56 gallons per box at 42.0 degrees Brix, up from 1.55 gallons per box in January. The forecast projects the final yield as reported by the Florida Citrus Processors Association. Projected average yield for 1997-98 early and midseason varieties is 1.50 gallons per box compared to 1.48 a month ago and 1.52 the previous season. Valencia yield is projected at 1.65 gallons per box, unchanged from January, but down from 1.68 last season. Cr Pr 2-2 (2-98) This report was approved on February 11, 1998. Acting Secretary of Agricultural Statistics Board Agriculture Chairperson Richard E. Rominger Rich Allen Contents Page Tables Narratives Report Highlights ........................................... - 1 Sugarcane ................................................... 4 16 Citrus Fruits ............................................... 5 16 Papayas ..................................................... 6 18 California Nut Crops ........................................ 7 18 Crop Summary (Domestic Units) Area Planted and Harvested ............................. 8 - Yield and Production ................................... 9 - Fruits and Nuts Production (Domestic Units) ................. 10 - Crop Summary (Metric Units) Area Planted and Harvested ............................. 11 - Yield and Production ................................... 12 - Fruits and Nuts Production (Metric Units) ................... 13 - January Weather Summary ..................................... - 14 General Crop Comments ....................................... - 15 Report Features ............................................. - 19 Sugarcane: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by Use, State, and United States, 1996-97 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Use : Area Harvested : Yield 1/ : Production 1/ and :----------------------------------------------------------- State : 1996 : 1997 : 1996 : 1997 : 1996 : 1997 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- : 1,000 Acres ---- Tons ---- -- 1,000 Tons -- : For Sugar : FL : 417.0 421.0 33.1 35.5 13,803 14,946 HI 2/ : 42.9 32.0 82.6 87.0 3,544 2,784 LA 2/ : 335.0 380.0 27.9 28.7 9,347 10,906 TX 2/ : 34.6 29.5 28.7 29.0 992 856 : US : 829.5 862.5 33.4 34.2 27,686 29,492 : For Seed : FL : 21.0 18.0 33.1 35.5 695 639 HI 2/ : 3.1 3.0 30.6 28.7 95 86 LA 2/ : 35.0 30.0 27.9 28.7 976 861 TX 2/ : 0.3 2.0 33.3 23.0 10 46 : US : 59.4 53.0 29.9 30.8 1,776 1,632 : For Sugar : and Seed : FL : 438.0 439.0 33.1 35.5 14,498 15,585 HI 2/ : 46.0 35.0 79.1 82.0 3,639 2,870 LA 2/ : 370.0 410.0 27.9 28.7 10,323 11,767 TX 2/ : 34.9 31.5 28.7 28.6 1,002 902 : US : 888.9 915.5 33.1 34.0 29,462 31,124 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ Net tons. 2/ Current estimates carried forward from earlier forecast. Citrus Fruits: Utilized Production by Crop, State, and United States, 1995-96, 1996-97, and Forecasted February 1, 1998 1/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Utilized Production : Utilized Production : Boxes : Ton Equivalent Crop and State :----------------------------------------------------------- : 1995-96 : 1996-97 : 1997-98 : 1995-96 : 1996-97 : 1997-98 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : ------ 1,000 Boxes 2/ ----- ------- 1,000 Tons ------- Oranges : Early Mid & : Navel 3/ : AZ 4/ : 700 400 450 27 15 17 CA 4/ : 38,000 40,000 44,000 1,426 1,500 1,650 FL : 121,200 134,200 146,000 5,454 6,039 6,570 TX : 830 1,300 1,400 35 55 60 US : 160,730 175,900 191,850 6,942 7,609 8,297 Valencia : AZ 4/ : 950 600 550 36 23 21 CA 4/ : 20,000 28,000 30,000 750 1,050 1,125 FL : 82,100 92,000 108,000 3,695 4,140 4,860 TX : 110 120 150 4 5 6 US : 103,160 120,720 138,700 4,485 5,218 6,012 All : AZ 4/ : 1,650 1,000 1,000 63 38 38 CA 4/ : 58,000 68,000 74,000 2,176 2,550 2,775 FL : 203,300 226,200 254,000 9,149 10,179 11,430 TX : 940 1,420 1,550 39 60 66 US : 263,890 296,620 330,550 11,427 12,827 14,309 Temples : FL : 2,150 2,400 2,300 97 108 104 Grapefruit : White Seedless : FL 5/ : 23,200 23,500 23,000 986 999 978 Colored Seedless : FL 5/ : 28,100 31,400 28,500 1,194 1,334 1,211 Other : FL : 1,050 900 500 45 38 21 All : AZ 4/ : 1,200 900 800 40 30 27 CA 4/ : 8,100 8,200 9,000 271 275 302 FL 5/ : 52,350 55,800 52,000 2,225 2,371 2,210 TX : 4,550 5,300 4,600 182 212 184 US : 66,200 70,200 66,400 2,718 2,888 2,723 Tangerines : AZ 4/ : 1,000 550 500 38 21 19 CA 4/ : 2,600 2,600 2,400 98 98 90 FL : 4,500 6,300 5,050 213 299 240 US : 8,100 9,450 7,950 349 418 349 Lemons 4/ : AZ : 5,100 2,600 2,600 194 99 99 CA : 21,000 20,000 22,000 798 760 836 US : 26,100 22,600 24,600 992 859 935 Tangelos : FL : 2,450 3,950 3,000 110 178 135 K-Early Citrus : FL : 160 150 40 7 7 2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 (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 economic abandonment in 1995-96 of 3,000,000 boxes of Colored Seedless; in 1996-97 of 3,000,000 boxes of White Seedless and 3,000,000 boxes of Colored Seedless. Papayas: Area and Fresh Production by Month, Hawaii, 1997-98 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Area : Fresh Production :------------------------------------------------------------------- Month : Total in Crop : Harvested : : :---------------------------------------------: 1997 : 1998 : 1997 : 1998 : 1997 : 1998 : : -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : ---------------- Acres ---------------- 1,000 Pounds : Dec : 3,515 1,715 3,040 Jan : 3,435 3,510 1,500 1,730 3,425 2,820 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- California Nut Crops: Bearing Acreage, Yield, Production, Price, and Value by Crop, 1995-96 and Revised 1997 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Bearing Acreage : Yield per Acre 1/ Crop :----------------------------------------------------------------- : 1995 : 1996 : 1997 : 1995 : 1996 : 1997 :----------------------------------------------------------------- : ----------- Acres ----------- -- Tons (In-Shell Basis) -- : Walnuts : (English) : 169,000 169,000 170,000 1.38 1.23 1.58 : : Pounds (In-Shell Basis) : Pistachios : 60,300 64,300 65,400 2,450 1,630 2,750 : : Pounds (Shelled Basis) : Almonds : 400,000 405,000 420,000 925 1,260 1,790 :----------------------------------------------------------------- : Production : Price per Unit :----------------------------------------------------------------- : 1995 : 1996 : 1997 : 1995 : 1996 : 1997 :----------------------------------------------------------------- : --- Tons (In-Shell Basis) --- ----- Dollars per Ton ----- : Walnuts : (English) 2/ : 234,000 208,000 269,000 1,400 1,570 : : 1,000 Pounds (In-Shell Basis) ---- Dollars per Pound --- : Pistachios : 148,000 105,000 180,000 1.09 1.16 1.13 : : 1,000 Pounds (Shelled Basis) : Almonds 3/ : 370,000 510,000 750,000 2.48 2.08 1.50 :----------------------------------------------------------------- : Value of Utilized Production :----------------------------------------------------------------- : 1995 : 1996 : 1997 :----------------------------------------------------------------- : 1,000 Dollars : Walnuts : (English) 2/ : 327,600 326,560 : Pistachios : 161,320 121,800 203,400 : Almonds 3/ : 880,896 1,018,368 1,080,000 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ Yield based on utilized production. 2/ Price and value estimates for 1997 will be published on July 7, 1998. 3/ Price and value estimates are based on the edible portion of the crop only. Included in production are inedible quantities of no value as follows: 1995 - 14.8 million pounds, 1996 - 20.4 million pounds, 1997 - 30.0 million pounds. Crop Summary: Area Planted and Harvested, United States, 1997-98 (Domestic Units) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Area Planted : Area Harvested Crop :----------------------------------------------- : 1997 : 1998 : 1997 : 1998 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : 1,000 Acres : Grains & Hay : Barley : 6,910.0 6,425.0 Corn for Grain : 80,227.0 73,720.0 Corn for Silage : 5,758.0 Hay, All : 60,815.0 Alfalfa : 23,673.0 All Other : 37,142.0 Oats : 5,169.0 2,911.0 Rice : 3,056.0 3,034.0 Rye : 1,433.0 1,551.0 341.0 Sorghum for Grain : 10,108.0 9,391.0 Sorghum for Silage : 310.0 Wheat, All : 70,989.0 63,577.0 Winter : 48,342.0 46,597.0 41,813.0 Durum : 3,250.0 3,107.0 Other Spring : 19,397.0 18,657.0 : Oilseeds : Canola : 728.0 698.0 Flaxseed : 146.0 135.0 Mustard Seed : 74.4 72.8 Peanuts : 1,429.0 1,405.8 Rapeseed : 1.7 1.5 Safflower : 249.0 235.0 Soybeans for Beans : 70,850.0 69,884.0 Sunflower : 2,949.0 2,852.0 : Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops : Cotton, All : 13,818.0 13,283.5 Upland : 13,566.0 13,032.5 Amer-Pima : 252.0 251.0 Sugarbeets : 1,459.2 1,427.8 Sugarcane : 915.5 Tobacco : 797.3 : Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils : Austrian Winter Peas : 8.1 7.6 Dry Edible Beans : 1,851.8 1,720.2 Dry Edible Peas : 293.6 276.6 Lentils : 181.0 172.0 Wrinkled Seed Peas : : Potatoes & Misc. : Coffee (HI) : 5.6 Ginger Root (HI) : 0.3 Hops : 43.3 Peppermint Oil : 136.3 Potatoes, All : 1,362.0 1,325.5 Winter : 15.6 16.0 15.4 15.5 Spring : 88.3 86.2 Summer : 68.6 65.9 Fall : 1,189.5 1,158.0 Spearmint Oil : 24.5 Sweet Potatoes : 86.9 83.5 Taro (HI) : 0.5 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Crop Summary: Yield and Production, United States, 1997-98 (Domestic Units) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : : Yield : Production Crop :Unit :------------------------------------------- : : 1997 : 1998 : 1997 : 1998 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : : ------ 1,000 ----- : : Grains & Hay : : Barley : Bu : 58.3 374,478 Corn for Grain : " : 127.0 9,365,574 Corn for Silage : Ton : 16.0 91,903 Hay, All : " : 2.50 152,120 Alfalfa : " : 3.35 79,242 All Other : " : 1.96 72,878 Oats : Bu : 60.5 176,104 Rice 1/ : Cwt : 5,896 178,896 Rye : Bu : 26.1 8,912 Sorghum for Grain : " : 69.5 653,106 Sorghum for Silage : Ton : 12.5 3,885 Wheat, All : Bu : 39.7 2,526,552 Winter : " : 45.0 1,882,609 Durum : " : 27.7 86,193 Other Spring : " : 29.9 557,750 : : Oilseeds : : Canola : Lb : 1,310 914,385 Flaxseed : Bu : 16.1 2,171 Mustard Seed : Lb : 816 59,405 Peanuts : " : 2,523 3,546,360 Rapeseed : " : 1,300 1,950 Safflower : " : 1,830 430,050 Soybeans for Beans : Bu : 39.0 2,727,254 Sunflower : Lb : 1,320 3,763,428 : : Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops : : Cotton, All 1/ : Bale: 686 18,976.9 Upland 1/ : " : 679 18,439.9 Amer-Pima 1/ : " : 1,027 537.0 Sugarbeets : Ton : 20.9 29,874 Sugarcane : " : 34.0 31,124 Tobacco : Lb : 2,106 1,678,821 : : Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils : : Austrian Winter Peas 1/ : Cwt : 1,513 115 Dry Edible Beans 1/ : " : 1,695 29,156 Dry Edible Peas 1/ : " : 2,103 5,816 Lentils 1/ : " : 1,390 2,391 Wrinkled Seed Peas : " : 682 : : Potatoes & Misc. : : Coffee (HI) : Lb : 1,610 9,000 Ginger Root (HI) : " : 44,000 12,100 Hops : " : 1,729 74,872.1 Peppermint Oil : " : 75 10,256 Potatoes, All : Cwt : 347 459,912 Winter : " : 203 190 3,124 2,940 Spring : " : 252 21,749 Summer : " : 272 17,951 Fall : " : 360 417,088 Spearmint Oil : Lb : 98 2,403 Sweet Potatoes : Cwt : 156 13,025 Taro (HI) : Lb : 11,600 5,200 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ Yield in pounds. Fruits and Nuts Production, United States, 1996-98 (Domestic Units) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : : Production Crop : Unit :----------------------------------------------- : : 1996 : 1997 : 1998 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : : 1,000 : : Citrus 1/ : : Grapefruit : Ton : 2,718 2,888 2,723 K-Early Citrus (FL) : " : 7 7 2 Lemons : " : 992 859 935 Oranges : " : 11,427 12,827 14,309 Tangelos (FL) : " : 110 178 135 Tangerines : " : 349 418 349 Temples (FL) : " : 97 108 104 Non-Citrus : : Apples : Lb : 10,392.0 10,226.6 Apricots : Ton : 79.3 138.0 Bananas (HI) : Lb : 13,000.0 13,500.0 Grapes : " : 5,554.3 6,836.4 Olives (CA) : Ton : 166.0 104.0 Papayas (HI) : Lb : 41,800.0 41,000.0 Peaches : " : 2,116.3 2,651.1 Pears : Ton : 820.8 1,044.0 Prunes, Dried (CA) : " : 223.0 212.0 Prunes & Plums (Ex CA): " : 20.0 29.0 Nuts & Misc. : : Almonds (CA) : Lb : 510,000 750,000 Hazelnuts : Ton : 18.5 44.1 Pecans : Lb : 221,500 272,100 Pistachios (CA) : " : 105,000 180,000 Walnuts (CA) : Ton : 208.0 269.0 Maple Syrup : Gal : 1,567 1,293 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ Production years for citrus crops are 1995-96, 1996-97, and 1997-98. Crop Summary: Area Planted and Harvested, United States, 1997-98 (Metric Units) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Area Planted : Area Harvested Crop :----------------------------------------------- : 1997 : 1998 : 1997 : 1998 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Hectares : Grains & Hay : Barley : 2,796,410 2,600,130 Corn for Grain :32,467,060 29,833,750 Corn for Silage : 2,330,210 Hay, All : 24,611,220 Alfalfa : 9,580,230 All Other : 15,031,000 Oats : 2,091,840 1,178,050 Rice : 1,236,730 1,227,830 Rye : 579,920 627,670 138,000 Sorghum for Grain : 4,090,610 3,800,440 Sorghum for Silage : 125,450 Wheat, All :28,728,540 25,728,980 Winter :19,563,520 18,857,340 16,921,300 Durum : 1,315,240 1,257,370 Other Spring : 7,849,770 7,550,300 : Oilseeds : Canola : 294,610 282,470 Flaxseed : 59,080 54,630 Mustard Seed : 30,110 29,460 Peanuts : 578,300 568,910 Rapeseed : 690 610 Safflower : 100,770 95,100 Soybeans for Beans :28,672,290 28,281,360 Sunflower : 1,193,430 1,154,180 : Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops : Cotton, All : 5,592,010 5,375,700 Upland : 5,490,020 5,274,120 Amer-Pima : 101,980 101,580 Sugarbeets : 590,520 577,820 Sugarcane : 370,490 Tobacco : 322,650 : Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils : Austrian Winter Peas : 3,280 3,080 Dry Edible Beans : 749,400 696,150 Dry Edible Peas : 118,820 111,940 Lentils : 73,250 69,610 Wrinkled Seed Peas : : Potatoes & Misc. : Coffee (HI) : 2,270 Ginger Root (HI) : 110 Hops : 17,520 Peppermint Oil : 55,160 Potatoes, All : 551,190 536,420 Winter : 6,310 6,480 6,230 6,270 Spring : 35,730 34,880 Summer : 27,760 26,670 Fall : 481,380 468,630 Spearmint Oil : 9,910 Sweet Potatoes : 35,170 33,790 Taro (HI) : 180 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Crop Summary: Yield and Production, United States, 1997-98 (Metric Units) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Yield : Production Crop :----------------------------------------------- : 1997 : 1998 : 1997 : 1998 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Metric Tons : Grains & Hay : Barley : 3.14 8,153,300 Corn for Grain : 7.97 237,896,540 Corn for Silage : 83,373,000 Hay, All : 5.61 138,000,940 Alfalfa : 7.50 71,887,130 All Other : 4.40 66,113,810 Oats : 2.17 2,556,140 Rice : 6.61 8,114,590 Rye : 1.64 226,380 Sorghum for Grain : 4.37 16,589,660 Sorghum for Silage : 3,524,410 Wheat, All : 2.67 68,761,480 Winter : 3.03 51,236,220 Durum : 1.87 2,345,790 Other Spring : 2.01 15,179,470 : Oilseeds : Canola : 1.47 414,760 Flaxseed : 1.01 55,150 Mustard Seed : 0.91 26,950 Peanuts : 2.83 1,608,600 Rapeseed : 880 Safflower : 2.05 195,070 Soybeans for Beans : 2.62 74,223,690 Sunflower : 1.48 1,707,060 : Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops : Cotton, All : 0.77 4,131,740 Upland : 0.76 4,014,820 Amer-Pima : 1.15 116,920 Sugarbeets : 46.90 27,101,240 Sugarcane : 76.21 28,235,220 Tobacco : 2.36 761,500 : Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils : Austrian Winter Peas : 1.69 5,220 Dry Edible Beans : 1.90 1,322,490 Dry Edible Peas : 2.36 263,810 Lentils : 1.56 108,450 Wrinkled Seed Peas : 30,940 : Potatoes & Misc. : Coffee (HI) : 1.80 4,080 Ginger Root (HI) : 49.91 5,490 Hops : 1.94 33,960 Peppermint Oil : 0.08 4,650 Potatoes, All : 38.89 20,861,260 Winter : 22.74 21.27 141,700 133,360 Spring : 28.28 986,520 Summer : 30.53 814,240 Fall : 40.37 18,918,790 Spearmint Oil : 0.11 1,090 Sweet Potatoes : 17.48 590,800 Taro (HI) : 13.11 2,360 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fruits and Nuts Production, United States, 1996-98 (Metric Units) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Production Crop :----------------------------------------------------- : 1996 : 1997 : 1998 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Metric tons : Citrus 1/ : Grapefruit : 2,465,730 2,619,950 2,470,260 K-Early Citrus (FL) : 6,350 6,350 1,810 Lemons : 899,930 779,270 848,220 Oranges : 10,366,400 11,636,460 12,980,910 Tangelos (FL) : 99,790 161,480 122,470 Tangerines : 316,610 379,200 316,610 Temples (FL) : 88,000 97,980 94,350 Non-Citrus : Apples : 4,710 4,640 Apricots : 71,940 125,190 Bananas (HI) : 5,900 6,120 Grapes : 5,038,780 6,201,880 Olives (CA) : 150,590 94,350 Papayas (HI) : 18,960 18,600 Peaches : 960 1,200 Pears : 744,570 947,100 Prunes & Plums (Ex CA) : 18,140 26,310 Nuts & Misc. : Almonds (CA) : 231,330 340,190 Hazelnuts : 16,780 40,010 Pecans : 100,470 123,420 Pistachios (CA) : 47,630 81,650 Walnuts (CA) : 188,690 244,030 Maple Syrup : 7,830 6,460 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ Production years for citrus crops are 1995-96, 1996-97, and 1997-98. January Weather Summary: Weather patterns temporarily deviated from a classic El Nino structure, as Arctic air edged into the northern Plains and Pacific storms attacked the Northwest rather than southern California and the Southwest. Significant snow accumulated in the upper Midwest, but most winter wheat areas of the Northwest, Plains, and Ohio Valley saw only limited snow cover. Frequent storminess continued across the South and East, including an early-month powerhouse system that produced one of the worst ice storms on record in northern New England. Precipitation averaged above normal in the eastern half of the Nation. Conditions were especially wet along the central Gulf Coast, in the Mid-Atlantic region, and in the Northeast. January precipitation records included: January-Record Precipitation (Inches) Location Total Former Record/Year New Orleans, LA 19.28 19.25 in 1991 Mobile, AL 16.92 16.07 in 1991 Baton Rouge, LA 14.94 11.41 in 1990 Asheville, NC 9.96 7.47 in 1978 Roanoke, VA 7.97 7.73 in 1936 Blacksburg, VA 7.39 6.51 in 1996 Burlington, VT 5.15 4.69 in 1978 Although no records were set, wet weather also dominated the Northwest. Monthly totals of 13.63 inches in Redding, CA and 2.31 inches in Burns, OR were more than twice their respective normal values. In Medford, OR, measurable rain fell on 22 days during the month, breaking a record that had stood since 1919. In addition to the above-normal precipitation, exceptionally cloudy weather prevailed, especially in the South, Midwest, and East. In Little Rock, AR, no sun shone on 9 consecutive days from January 6-14. In Oklahoma, Tulsa had 10 sunless days in a row (January 5-14), their longest such streak this half- century. Oklahoma City had only 28 minutes of sunshine during the same period. For the month, Chicago, IL saw only 60.1 hours of sunshine (20 percent of normal), breaking their January record. In Michigan, Grand Rapids had their second-cloudiest month on record (18.1 hours of sun, or 6 percent of possible), behind November 1992. Despite the cloudiness, many parts of the Nation recorded their warmest January in many years: Warmest January (degrees F) Since... Location Average/Departure Previous/Year Philadelphia, PA 41.0, +10.6 N/A in 1950 Boise, ID 38.9, + 9.9 41.0 in 1953 Paducah, KY 40.5, + 7.9 43.8 in 1990 Wilmington, DE 39.8, + 9.2 N/A in 1990 Indianapolis, IN 36.6, +11.1 37.3 in 1990 Allentown, PA 36.5, + 9.9 N/A in 1990 Binghamton, NY 30.8, + 9.7 31.5 in 1990 Sacramento, CA 51.9, + 5.2 53.2 in 1995 In Austin, TX, the month's lowest temperature was 34 degrees F, only the fourth time this century that their January temperatures remained above freezing. In Missouri, St. Louis' lowest temperature of the season-to-date--13 degrees F-- would become their highest low temperature on record during a winter season if it stands. Nationally, monthly temperatures averaged 3 to 12 degrees F above normal except on the northern Plains and across parts of the West Coast States. Despite the above-normal temperatures, heavy snow fell in the upper Midwest and Great Lakes region, and a severe ice storm struck northern New York and New England. Monthly snowfall reached 20.4 inches in Minneapolis, MN, 23.7 inches in Milwaukee, WI, and 40.8 inches in Alpena, MI, accounting for more than 60 percent of their respective season-to-date totals. Snow fell on 18 of the month's 31 days in both Rochester, MN and LaCrosse, WI. Late in the month, an East-Coast storm caused beach erosion and dumped record snowfall in the central and southern Appalachians. On January 28, the tide reached 6.44 feet above mean lower low tide at Sewells Point, VA, their highest since March 1962. Farther west, Flat Top, WV netted a State-record 35 inches in 24 hours on January 27-28. Elsewhere in West Virginia, 24-hour snowfall records were established in Bluefield (21.9 inches) and Beckley (31.0 inches). Storm-total snowfall reached 42 inches in Ghent, WV and 40 inches in the mountains of western North Carolina. Closer to the coast, however, season-to-date snowfall through January 31 stood at 0.5 inches in New York's Central Park and 0.1 inches at Washington's National Airport. Areas from northern New York to central and southern Maine would have welcomed snow from January 5-9. Instead, 2 to 4 inches of ice accumulated, causing extensive damage. Some of the worst destruction occurred on January 8, when Burlington, VT posted a single-day, January-record rainfall of 2.11 inches. Outside the ice zone, Rochester, NY (2.23 inches on January 7-8) collected a January-record 24-hour rainfall. On January 9 in New York, record flooding struck the Black River at Watertown (1.8 feet above the April 1993 record) and the Hudson River at Newcomb (breaking a January 1949 record). Excessive rainfall also soaked the Southeast, including January 8 rainfall in excess of 13 inches across parts of western North Carolina. Incredibly warm air overspread much of the Nation before and during the storm. As a result, Chicago marked its longest January streak with highs at or above 50 degrees F (4 days from January 2-5) since 1967. Highs reached or exceeded 60 degrees F on 8 consecutive days (January 2-9) in Washington, DC. Nationally, more than 120 daily-record highs were set during the first 9 days of the month. Arctic air failed to spread much beyond the northern Plains, and even that cold air lost its effect after mid-month. The mercury dipped below 0 degrees F for the first time this winter on January 2 in Glasgow, MT and on January 10 in Marquette, MI. Both dates were represented record-late occurrences of sub-zero cold. By January 12, lows in Montana dipped to -35 degrees F in Miles City and -40 degrees F in Jordan. Average snow depths of 2 to 4 inches on the northern Plains offered some insulation for winter wheat during the coldest period. Due to milder weather later in the month, January temperature departures ranged from -3 to +7 degrees F on the northern Plains. The cold air briefly invaded the Northwest, setting the stage for a significant winter storm. Snow blanketed the Northwest from January 9-11, accumulating 17 inches in The Dalles, OR and 13 inches near Centralia, WA. Freezing rain also affected some locations. Cold air continued to build into eastern Washington's wheat areas through January 12, when Spokane, WA registered -2 degrees F. Just 6 days later, very warm air returned to the region, however, as Hanford, WA (57 degrees F) notched a daily-record high. Monthly precipitation was less than 25 percent of normal across a broad area from the Southwest into the central and southern High Plains. Only a trace of rain fell in Lubbock, TX, their lowest January total since 1986. In Colorado, Denver's monthly precipitation of 0.05 inches was their fifth-lowest January total on record. General Crop Comments: January was characterized by unseasonably mild temperatures nationwide with very wet weather along the Pacific, Gulf, and Atlantic Coasts. Field activities in Coastal States were often halted by heavy rainfall or soils that were too saturated to support equipment. In California, rains slowed vegetable harvests and slowed field preparations for the coming year. Several locations in the Southeast and Middle Atlantic States received record amounts of precipitation for the month of January. Some soybean and cotton fields remain unharvested in the Southeast and may have to be abandoned if the wet weather continues. The Florida citrus harvest was active despite cool, wet weather. Farther north, weather patterns caused massive ice storms in New England and New York. Severe conditions hampered agricultural activities and stressed livestock, especially dairy herds. Maple and fruit trees were adversely affected by the storms. Growers were still cleaning up and assessing the extent of the damage at the end of the month. The Corn Belt experienced generally snowy weather in northern areas and rain in the south during January. However, mild temperatures melted most of the snow, causing muddy fields and leaving winter-planted crops uncovered. Winter wheat fields showed signs of greening and breaking dormancy later in the month. Farmers were concerned about the effects the mild weather would have on insects and disease during the upcoming growing season. Unseasonably mild temperatures prevailed over the major winter wheat-producing States. Rains provided adequate soil moisture in the southern Plains, but January was generally dry in the central and northern High Plains. Some snow accumulated on winter wheat fields in Montana, Wyoming, and South Dakota, but the majority of the fields had poor to very poor cover. In the Northwest, the crop was in generally good condition due to mild, wet weather. In the Southeast, saturated soils have caused ponding in fields, delayed chemical applications, and drained nutrients from the soil. Farmers nationwide were concerned the lack of snow cover and mild temperatures had left the winter wheat crop vulnerable to freezing temperatures. Little damage has occurred to the wheat crop thus far. Sugarcane: U.S. sugarcane production for sugar and seed in 1997 is expected to total 31.1 million tons, up 6 percent from 1996 but unchanged from the Annual Summary. If realized, this would be a record production for sugarcane growers. The expected area for harvest, at 915,500 acres, is 3 percent above last year. The forecasted yield, at 34.0 tons per acre, is 0.9 ton above 1996. In Florida, there have been no major problems thus far in the harvesting season. Harvest started in the middle of October 1997 and should conclude in the last half of March 1998. The 1997 Louisiana sugarcane crop was one of the best in several years. No major problems were experienced during the summer. Fall growth, tonnage, and sucrose content were excellent. Harvest finished by the end of December 1997. Hawaii's sugarcane production declined in 1997, reflecting the further downsizing of the sugar industry in the State. Sugar is now only produced on the islands of Maui and Kauai. Although the weather's effects were mixed during the year, they were generally favorable for sugarcane production. In Texas, 1997 production was down from last year due to decreased acreage. Harvest conditions were nearly ideal with trash at a minimum. Temples: The 1997-98 forecast of Florida Temples is held at 2.30 million boxes (104,000 tons), down 4 percent from a year ago. January average fruit size is slightly below the seasonal mean. Fruit loss from droppage is slightly above the average. Estimated utilization to date is the same as last season at this time. Grapefruit: The February 1 forecast of the 1997-98 U.S. grapefruit crop is 2.72 million tons, down 1 percent from last month and down 6 percent from last year's production. The Florida all grapefruit forecast is 52.0 million boxes (2.21 million tons), unchanged from the previous forecast but down 7 percent from the production a year ago. The all seedless grapefruit forecast continued at 51.5 million boxes. The forecasts of 23.0 million boxes of white seedless and 28.5 million boxes of colored seedless are maintained. These forecasts are 2 percent and 9 percent lower, respectively, than the final recorded utilizations last season. The seedy (Duncan) grapefruit forecast remained at 500,000 boxes, the smallest crop on record. The January fruit size survey on the remaining white seedless indicated an average fruit size identical to what was projected in October. Fruit loss from droppage is one-half percent more than originally projected. For colored seedless, the average fruit size is slightly larger than projected on December 1 when the forecast was decreased. However, loss from droppage accelerated in the past month. Utilization to date of seedless grapefruit is 16.8 million boxes, slightly behind last year's pace. The colored seedless varieties account for 12.8 million of these boxes. These forecasts are based on objective fruit count and measurement surveys in relation to the harvest patterns and utilization of the past six seasons. All citrus forecasts project certified utilization and include a preseason allocation of less than two percent for unrecorded usage. Certifications include only fruit actually shipped in fresh pack or recorded at a processing plant. The Texas grapefruit forecast is reduced to 4.60 million boxes (184,000 tons), down 8 percent from the January 1 forecast and down 13 percent from last season. California's forecast is carried forward from January at 9.00 million boxes (302,000 tons), 10 percent higher than last year's utilized production. Arizona's forecast is also carried forward at 800,000 boxes (27,000 tons), 11 percent below the 1996-97 season. Tangerines: The 1997-98 U.S. tangerine crop is forecast at 349,000 tons, down 6 percent from the January 1 forecast and down 17 percent from the previous season's utilized production. Florida's tangerine forecast is down 8 percent from last month to 5.05 million boxes (240,000 tons), 20 percent less than the production of a year ago. Weather conditions during January were detrimental to fresh shipments, resulting in more eliminations than anticipated. The early tangerine harvest is complete, and the later Honey tangerine harvest is well underway. Even though average fruit size is very close to record large, the fruit loss from droppage increased to near normal levels for this time of the season. The Arizona and California tangerine forecasts were carried forward from January 1. Tangelos: Florida's 1997-98 forecast of tangelos is reduced to 3.00 million boxes (135,000 tons), down 9 percent from the January 1 forecast. The forecast is down 24 percent from last season's production which was the largest crop in the past nine seasons. Florida Citrus: The weather conditions in Florida's citrus groves during January were generally wetter than normal with mild to cool days and several cold nights. There were no freezing conditions and only a little frost in the northern citrus counties. Moisture is adequate to surplus, with many growers and caretakers ditching and plowing to help move standing water that might cause problems away from tree roots. There were several hard rains and thunderstorms during the month that slowed harvesting crews picking for fresh fruit packing houses. However, harvesters moving oranges to the processors were able to pick 8 to 9 million boxes per week on average during January. Some of the processing plants started limiting the number of trailer loads that harvesting crews could deliver each day. Movement of all seedless grapefruit was steady during the month ranging from 1.20 to 1.40 million boxes per week. Picking of tangerines, Temples, and tangelos was slowed considerably by the inclement weather. Caretakers were active cutting cover crops prior to harvesting and running hedging and topping equipment. Texas Citrus: January was virtually dry in the Rio Grande Valley, and growers increased irrigation activity. Late in the month, many areas did receive beneficial rain; however, more is needed. Harvest continued without delay throughout the month. Fruit quality and size remained good. California Citrus: Citrus harvest continued between rainstorms. Approximately 40 percent of the Navel orange crop had been picked by February 1. Quality was good, but some ice marking, rind breakdown, puff, and crease were reported. New crop Valencia orange harvest is expected to begin in the Coachella Valley by mid-February. Lemon picking continued with good quality and no internal problems reported. The grapefruit harvest remained active in the desert area. Tangerine picking continued with good color and eating quality. Papayas: Hawaii fresh papaya production is estimated at 2.82 million pounds for January, 7 percent lower than December and 18 percent lower than January 1997. January weather conditions were mostly dry after moderate to heavy showers in the beginning of the month. Cool temperatures slowed fruit maturation. Area devoted to papaya production totaled 3,510 acres, virtually unchanged from December but 2 percent more than January 1997. Area harvested, totaling 1,730 acres, was 1 percent more than the previous month and 15 percent more than a year ago. California Fruits & Nuts: Rainy weather hampered normal January cultural activities. Pruning of trees and vineyards, dormant spraying, and weed control were active when possible. Rains slowed bareroot and strawberry nursery stock digging. By the end of January, almond buds were swelling and blooms were beginning to open up in early varieties of plum and nectarine trees. Walnuts, 1997 Revised: The 1997 California walnut production estimate has been revised to 269,000 tons (in-shell basis). This is up 29 percent (61,000 tons) from the 1996 crop and 8 percent (21,000 tons) above the January estimate. This is a record large crop, eclipsing the former record of 260,000 tons set in 1993. Estimates for the 1997 price and value will be published on July 7, 1998. Almonds, 1997 Revised: California almond production is unchanged from the January estimate of 750 million meat pounds. This crop surpassed the previous record of 735 million pounds set in 1994. The 1997 crop is 47 percent higher than the 1996 crop. The average price dropped 58 cents from 1996, leveling out at $1.50 per pound (shelled basis). Value of utilized production amounted to a record $1.08 billion, six percent above the 1996 figure. Pistachios, 1997 Revised: The 1997 California record pistachio crop has been revised upward to 180 million pounds (in-shell basis). This is up 71 percent from the 1996 production estimate and 1 percent above the January estimate. Acreage increased 2 percent over last year. The average price remained at $1.13, down 3 cents from 1996. The value of utilized production was 203 million dollars, 67 percent above 1996. Report Features The next "Crop Production" report will be released at 8:30 a.m. ET on March 12, 1998. 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- Corn (202) 720-7621 Rhonda Brandt - Oats, Sugar Crops, Weekly Crop Weather (202) 720-7621 Doug Hartwig - Hay (202) 720-8843 Roger Latham - Cotton, Cotton Ginnings (202) 720-5944 Jerry Ramirez - Barley, 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 Dave Mueller - Fresh and Processing Vegetables, Onions (202) 720-2157 Dave Ranek - Nuts, Floriculture (202) 720-4215 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. 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, write the Secretary of Agriculture, USDA, Washington, D.C., 20250, or call 1-800-245-6340 (voice) or 202-720-1127 (TDD). USDA is an equal employment opportunity 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. 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USDA Announces Agricultural Outlook Forum 98 February 23 and 24, 1998 Washington, D.C. Presented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Survey the New Frontiers. Survey the frontiers of agriculture at USDA's seventy-fourth outlook forum. Catch the latest commodity prospects for 1998 and beyond and receive new long-term projections to the year 2007. Hear noted experts and farm leaders tackle front line issues: managing risk, selling bio-engineered products, ensuring food safety, marketing organic foods, honing export strategies, and more. Act Now To Attend. For program and registration details check the Forum home page, call (202) 720-3050, or dial (202) 694-5700 from your fax machine handset and retrieve document 66666. Call (202) 401-9421 to register. Ag Forum home page: http://www.usda.gov/oce/waob/agforum.htm e-mail: agforum@oce.usda.gov Agricultural Outlook Forum 98