Crop Production National Agricultural Statistics Service USDA Washington, D.C. Released May 12, 1998, 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 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET. Forecasts refer to May 1, 1998. Winter Wheat Production Down 9 Percent Winter wheat production is forecast at 1.71 billion bushels, down 9 percent from last year. Based on conditions as of May 1, the U.S. yield is forecast at 41.9 bushels per acre. This is down 3.1 bushels from last year's record high average but, if realized, would still be the second highest U.S. average. Grain area totals 40.7 million acres, down 3 percent from 1997. All classes of wheat are down from last year with Hard Red showing the largest percentage drop. All oranges production for the 1997-98 season is forecast at a record large 14.0 million tons, the same as the April 1 forecast but up 11 percent from last season's previous record large production of 12.7 million tons. Florida's production forecast remains at 248 million boxes (11.2 million tons), 10 percent above last season. Florida's early-midseason forecast is 140 million boxes (6.30 million boxes), the same as the previous forecast but 4 percent above last year's record large production. The Florida Valencia forecast remained unchanged from last month and is a record large crop of 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 projected at a record high 1.58 gallons per box at 42.0 degrees Brix, up from the 1.56 gallon per box projection of a month ago. The forecast projects the final yield as reported by the Florida Citrus Processors Association. The early and midseason portion of the yield for 1997-98 is final at 1.49 gallons per box compared to 1.52 the previous season. Valencia yield is projected at a record high 1.70 gallons per box, up from April's 1.67 projection. Cr Pr 2-2 (5-98) This report was approved on May 12, 1998. Richard E. Rominger Rich Allen --------------------------------- ------------------------------------ Acting Secretary of Agricultural Statistics Board Agriculture Chairperson Richard E. Rominger Rich Allen Contents Page Tables Narratives Report Highlights .......................................... -- 1 Wheat, Winter .............................................. 4 31 Wheat, by Class ............................................ 5 -- Wheat, Durum ............................................... 5 32 Hay Stocks ................................................. 6 32 Citrus Fruits .............................................. 7 33 Potatoes, Spring ........................................... 8 35 Almonds .................................................... 8 32 Avocados ................................................... 9 32 Papayas .................................................... 9 33 Bananas .................................................... 10 33 Taro ....................................................... 10 33 Tobacco by Class and Type .................................. 11 35 Tobacco by States .......................................... 15 -- Tobacco - Farm Marketings .................................. 16 -- Cotton ..................................................... 17 35 Cottonseed ................................................. 19 37 Cotton - Boll Counts and Harvesting Loss ................... 20 -- Crop Summary (Domestic Units) Area Planted and Harvested ............................ 22 -- Yield and Production .................................. 23 -- Fruits and Nuts Production (Domestic Units) ................ 24 -- Crop Summary (Metric Units) Area Planted and Harvested ............................ 25 -- Yield and Production .................................. 26 -- Fruits and Nuts Production (Metric Units) .................. 27 -- Crop Moisture Maps ......................................... 28 April Weather Summary ...................................... -- 30 General Crop Comments ...................................... -- 31 Reliability ................................................ -- 38 Report Features ............................................ -- 40 Winter Wheat: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production, by State and United States, 1997 and Forecasted May 1, 1998 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Planted : Area Harvested : Yield : Production State:------------------------------------------------------------------------ : 1998 : 1997 : 1998 : 1997 : 1998 : 1997 : 1998 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : ---- ---- 1,000 Acres ---- --- Bushels --- -- 1,000 Bushels -- : AL : 120 100 90 42.0 45.0 4,200 4,050 AZ : 10 9 9 85.0 80.0 765 720 AR : 950 820 890 48.0 52.0 39,360 46,280 CA : 500 400 370 75.0 70.0 30,000 25,900 CO : 2,950 2,850 2,750 32.0 36.0 91,200 99,000 DE : 75 73 73 73.0 65.0 5,329 4,745 FL : 15 15 13 39.0 41.0 585 533 GA : 290 360 240 44.0 45.0 15,840 10,800 ID : 820 870 770 80.0 80.0 69,600 61,600 IL : 1,250 1,150 1,200 61.0 54.0 70,150 64,800 IN : 700 660 670 58.0 60.0 38,280 40,200 IA : 30 27 30 42.0 42.0 1,134 1,260 KS : 10,700 11,000 10,200 46.0 37.0 506,000 377,400 KY : 750 530 500 54.0 53.0 28,620 26,500 LA : 100 115 90 37.0 34.0 4,255 3,060 MD : 225 215 220 68.0 63.0 14,620 13,860 MI : 580 540 570 62.0 56.0 33,480 31,920 MN : 60 60 55 32.0 32.0 1,920 1,760 MS : 150 175 135 43.0 42.0 7,525 5,670 MO : 1,200 1,040 1,120 55.0 45.0 57,200 50,400 MT : 1,400 1,450 1,300 39.0 34.0 56,550 44,200 NE : 1,900 1,900 1,850 37.0 37.0 70,300 68,450 NV : 7 11 6 100.0 100.0 1,100 600 NJ : 48 34 44 60.0 54.0 2,040 2,376 NM : 415 285 265 35.0 27.0 9,975 7,155 NY : 140 135 135 56.0 58.0 7,560 7,830 NC : 730 670 650 52.0 47.0 34,840 30,550 ND : 70 55 65 21.0 30.0 1,155 1,950 OH : 1,200 1,090 1,160 63.0 62.0 68,670 71,920 OK : 6,800 5,400 5,400 33.0 32.0 178,200 172,800 OR : 820 840 790 67.0 65.0 56,280 51,350 PA : 195 175 190 52.0 53.0 9,100 10,070 SC : 265 300 255 50.0 40.0 15,000 10,200 SD : 1,450 1,050 1,350 30.0 35.0 31,500 47,250 TN : 600 370 400 45.0 44.0 16,650 17,600 TX : 6,100 4,100 4,000 29.0 30.0 118,900 120,000 UT : 155 160 150 49.0 50.0 7,840 7,500 VA : 275 250 240 68.0 60.0 17,000 14,400 WA : 2,200 2,150 2,100 67.0 64.0 144,050 134,400 WV : 12 9 10 54.0 55.0 486 550 WI : 140 135 135 58.0 55.0 7,830 7,425 WY : 240 235 225 32.0 30.0 7,520 6,750 : US : 46,637 41,813 40,715 45.0 41.9 1,882,609 1,705,784 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Durum Wheat: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production, by State and United States, 1996-97 and Forecasted May 1, 1998 1/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Area Harvested : Yield : Production State:------------------------------------------------------------------------ : 1997 : 1998 : 1997 : 1998 : 1996 : 1997 : 1998 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : 1,000 Acres Bushels ---- 1,000 Bushels --- : AZ : 89 140 90.0 90.0 14,760 8,010 12,600 CA : 144 156 95.0 95.0 13,800 13,680 14,820 MN : 5 34.0 430 170 MT : 280 26.0 7,000 7,280 ND : 2,570 22.0 79,380 56,540 SD : 19 27.0 720 513 : US : 3,107 27.7 116,090 86,193 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ Area harvested for U.S. and northern States will be published in "Acreage" released June 30, 1998. Yield and production will be published in "Crop Production" released July 10, 1998. Wheat: Production by Class, United States, 1996-1997 and Forecasted May 1, 1998 1/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Winter : Spring : :-------------------------------------------------------------: Year : Hard : Soft : : Hard : : : Total : Red : Red : White : Red : Durum : White : ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : 1,000 Bushels : 1996 : 761,412 422,019 293,627 630,866 116,090 61,119 2,285,133 1997 :1,120,891 483,890 277,828 500,643 86,193 57,107 2,526,552 1998 : 989,560 460,737 255,487 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ Wheat class estimates are based on varietal acreage survey data available for all wheat producing States. Unless unusual situations dictate, the previous end-of-season class percentages are used throughout the forecast season. Hay: Stocks on Farms, by State and United States, December 1 and May 1, 1995-98 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : December 1 : May 1 State :----------------------------------------------------------------------- : 1995 : 1996 : 1997 : 1996 : 1997 : 1998 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : 1,000 Tons : AL : 1,270 1,489 1,489 106 193 173 AZ : 265 82 167 28 28 25 AR : 1,910 1,850 2,000 141 231 250 CA : 2,250 2,594 1,624 361 160 431 CO : 2,390 1,945 1,975 636 203 570 CT : 78 97 57 11 13 14 DE : 9 11 7 1 6 5 FL : 397 437 400 29 31 60 GA : 1,050 924 1,045 150 302 203 ID : 2,794 2,285 2,986 660 286 566 IL : 1,979 1,350 1,400 432 304 503 IN : 1,584 1,131 1,213 216 162 327 IA : 4,079 3,500 3,360 736 715 640 KS : 4,590 5,600 5,600 787 841 889 KY : 4,806 4,334 4,352 492 627 727 LA : 513 502 541 15 126 83 ME : 272 202 166 126 57 28 MD : 265 433 360 55 84 52 MA : 115 95 92 17 13 17 MI : 3,166 2,514 2,000 754 460 402 MN : 4,374 4,018 3,700 694 540 620 MS : 1,368 1,620 1,522 50 160 190 MO : 6,000 6,159 6,115 955 830 863 MT : 4,931 4,674 5,042 858 492 1,151 NE : 4,813 5,063 4,360 1,325 968 1,171 NV : 750 752 711 166 60 151 NH : 82 70 42 16 12 8 NJ : 131 92 138 48 27 20 NM : 600 590 540 40 80 190 NY : 2,069 2,254 1,956 552 555 338 NC : 900 970 990 116 115 130 ND : 5,044 4,777 3,841 1,019 675 695 OH : 2,421 2,074 2,400 323 173 600 OK : 3,600 4,500 4,400 500 800 900 OR : 2,310 2,108 1,653 264 97 641 PA : 2,513 2,613 2,100 617 600 415 RI : 6 7 8 1 1 1 SC : 468 308 390 72 101 78 SD : 8,960 8,530 8,180 3,077 1,570 2,100 TN : 3,136 3,049 3,184 235 419 555 TX : 7,322 6,252 8,632 570 1,400 2,158 UT : 1,481 1,327 1,630 349 302 435 VT : 391 330 267 100 86 75 VA : 2,185 2,698 1,567 257 630 254 WA : 1,410 1,162 1,373 426 283 327 WV : 855 895 813 53 117 106 WI : 4,900 4,600 4,000 1,569 1,150 1,150 WY : 2,636 1,965 2,129 734 287 363 : US : 109,438 104,832 102,517 20,739 17,372 21,650 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Citrus Fruits: Utilized Production by Crop, State, and United States, 1995-96, 1996-97 and Forecasted May 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 : 121,200 134,200 140,000 5,454 6,039 6,300 TX : 830 1,300 1,400 35 55 60 US : 160,730 175,900 185,850 6,942 7,609 8,027 Valencia : AZ 4/ : 950 600 550 36 23 21 CA 4/ : 20,000 24,000 30,000 750 900 1,125 FL : 82,100 92,000 108,000 3,695 4,140 4,860 TX : 110 120 170 4 5 7 US : 103,160 116,720 138,720 4,485 5,068 6,013 All : AZ 4/ : 1,650 1,000 1,000 63 38 38 CA 4/ : 58,000 64,000 74,000 2,176 2,400 2,775 FL : 203,300 226,200 248,000 9,149 10,179 11,160 TX : 940 1,420 1,570 39 60 67 US : 263,890 292,620 324,570 11,427 12,677 14,040 Temples : FL : 2,150 2,400 2,250 97 108 101 Grapefruit : White Seedless : FL 5/ : 23,200 23,500 18,400 986 999 782 Colored Seedless : FL 5/ : 28,100 31,400 30,000 1,194 1,334 1,275 Other : FL : 1,050 900 600 45 38 26 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 49,000 2,225 2,371 2,083 TX : 4,550 5,300 4,600 182 212 184 US : 66,200 70,200 63,400 2,718 2,888 2,596 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 5,250 213 299 249 US : 8,100 9,450 8,150 349 418 358 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 2,850 110 178 128 K-Early Citrus : FL : 160 150 40 7 7 2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- See footnotes on next page. 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. Spring Potatoes: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by State and United States, 1996-97 and Forecasted May 1, 1998 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Area Harvested : Yield : Production State :------------------------------------------------------------------- : 1997 : 1998 : 1997 : 1998 : 1996 : 1997 : 1998 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : 1,000 Acres ---- Cwt --- -------- 1,000 Cwt ------- : AL : 1.5 1.7 175 165 304 263 281 AZ : 6.2 8.2 275 235 2,475 1,705 1,927 CA : 20.7 18.9 400 335 7,538 8,280 6,332 FL : 33.3 34.5 199 178 7,765 6,641 6,155 Hastings : 24.5 24.5 210 190 6,325 5,145 4,655 Other FL : 8.8 10.0 170 150 1,440 1,496 1,500 NC : 16.5 17.0 200 185 3,230 3,300 3,145 TX : 8.0 9.5 195 170 1,105 1,560 1,615 : US : 86.2 89.8 252 217 22,417 21,749 19,455 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Almonds (shelled basis): Utilized Production, California, 1996-97 and Forecasted May 1, 1998 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Utilized Production State :----------------------------------------------------------- : 1996 : 1997 1/ : 1998 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : 1,000 Pounds : CA : 510,000 757,000 550,000 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ Revised. Avocados: Bearing Acreage, Yield, Production, Price, and Value, Florida and Hawaii, 1996-98 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Bearing : Yield : Production : Utilization Year : Acreage : per :----------------------------------------------- : 1/ : Acre : Total : Utilized : Fresh : Processed -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Acres ---------------------- Tons --------------------- : FL : 1996-97 : 5,700 4.12 23,500 23,500 23,500 1997-98 : 5,700 4.21 24,000 24,000 24,000 : HI : 1996-97 : 180 1.11 200 200 200 1997-98 : 220 1.14 250 250 250 :--------------------------------------------------------------------- : Price per Ton : Value of Production :--------------------------------------------------------------------- : Fresh :Processed: All : Fresh : Processed : All :--------------------------------------------------------------------- : ----------- Dollars ---------- -------- 1,000 Dollars ------- : FL : 1996-97 : 528.00 528.00 12,408 12,408 1997-98 : 584.00 584.00 14,016 14,016 : HI : 1996-97 : 1,070.00 1,070.00 214 214 1997-98 : 1,060.00 1,060.00 265 265 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ Bearing acreage estimates are based on periodic orchard inventory surveys. 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 : Mar : 4,310 3,200 2,115 2,110 2,915 2,760 Apr : 4,310 3,200 2,120 2,140 2,720 3,015 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bananas, Papayas, and Taro: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production, Hawaii, 1996-97 1/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Area Harvested : Yield Crop :------------------------------------------------------------------- : 1996 : 1997 : 1996 : 1997 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : -------- Acres ------- -------- Pounds ------- : Bananas : 1,040 1,020 12,500 13,400 Papayas 2/ : 1,835 1,985 22,800 19,500 Taro 3/ : 530 450 :------------------------------------------------------------------- : Total Production : Utilized Production :------------------------------------------------------------------- : 1996 : 1997 : 1996 : 1997 :------------------------------------------------------------------- : 1,000 Pounds : Bananas 4/ : 13,000 13,700 Papayas 4/ : 41,800 38,800 Taro : 5,700 5,500 5,700 5,500 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ 1997 revised. 2/ Area harvested is average during the year. 3/ Acreage is total acres in crop, not harvested acreage. Yield is not estimated. 4/ Only utilized production is estimated. Tobacco: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by Class, Type, State, and United States, 1996-97 1/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Area Harvested : Yield : Production Class and Type :--------------------------------------------------------- : 1996 : 1997 : 1996 : 1997 : 1996 : 1997 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : ----- Acres ----- --- Pounds -- --- 1,000 Pounds -- : Class 1, Flue-cured : Type 11, Old Belts : NC : 76,000 90,000 2,120 2,025 161,120 182,250 VA : 37,700 41,000 2,235 2,315 84,260 94,915 US : 113,700 131,000 2,158 2,116 245,380 277,165 Type 12, Eastern NC : Belt : NC : 167,000 179,000 2,025 2,445 338,175 437,655 Type 13, NC Border & : SC Belt : NC : 37,000 40,000 1,980 2,455 73,260 98,200 SC : 51,000 54,000 2,310 2,340 117,810 126,360 US : 88,000 94,000 2,171 2,389 191,070 224,560 Type 14, GA-FL Belt : FL : 7,500 7,300 2,680 2,610 20,100 19,053 GA : 46,000 43,000 2,470 2,075 113,620 89,225 US : 53,500 50,300 2,499 2,153 133,720 108,278 Total 11-14 : 422,200 454,300 2,151 2,306 908,345 1,047,658 Class 2, Fire-cured : Type 21, VA Belt : VA : 1,100 1,200 1,580 1,640 1,738 1,968 Type 22, Eastern : District : KY : 3,800 3,750 2,720 2,560 10,336 9,600 TN : 7,500 7,400 2,550 2,480 19,125 18,352 US : 11,300 11,150 2,607 2,507 29,461 27,952 Type 23, Western : District : KY : 3,600 3,600 3,160 2,970 11,376 10,692 TN : 580 600 2,850 2,750 1,653 1,650 US : 4,180 4,200 3,117 2,939 13,029 12,342 Total 21-23 : 16,580 16,550 2,668 2,554 44,228 42,262 Class 3, Air-cured : Class 3A, Light : Air-cured : Type 31, Burley : IN : 7,600 8,900 1,970 2,100 14,972 18,690 KY : 185,000 220,000 1,980 2,140 366,300 470,800 MO : 2,700 3,000 2,230 2,345 6,021 7,035 NC : 7,800 8,400 1,665 1,585 12,987 13,314 OH : 8,000 11,400 1,580 1,960 12,640 22,300 TN : 46,000 51,000 1,915 1,830 88,090 93,330 VA : 9,500 10,800 1,835 1,905 17,433 20,574 WV : 1,700 1,800 1,200 1,700 2,040 3,060 US : 268,300 315,300 1,940 2,059 520,483 649,103 Type 32, Southern MD : Belt : MD : 8,000 8,000 1,250 1,500 10,000 12,000 PA 2/ : 3,200 3,000 1,900 1,900 6,080 5,700 US : 11,200 11,000 1,436 1,609 16,080 17,700 Total 31-32 : 279,500 326,300 1,920 2,044 536,563 666,803 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- See footnotes at end of table. --continued Tobacco: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by Class, Type, State, and United States, 1996-97 1/ (continued) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Area Harvested : Yield : Production Class and Type :--------------------------------------------------------- : 1996 : 1997 : 1996 : 1997 : 1996 : 1997 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : ----- Acres ----- --- Pounds -- --- 1,000 Pounds --- : Class 3, Air-cured : Class 3B, Dark : Air-cured : Type 35, One Sucker : Belt : KY : 2,100 2,050 2,340 2,290 4,914 4,695 TN : 480 480 2,125 2,000 1,020 960 US : 2,580 2,530 2,300 2,235 5,934 5,655 Type 36, Green River : Belt : KY : 1,200 1,100 2,180 2,310 2,616 2,541 Type 37, VA Sun-cured: Belt : VA : 70 80 1,600 1,485 112 119 Total 35-37 : 3,850 3,710 2,250 2,241 8,662 8,315 Class 4, Cigar Filler : Type 41, PA Seedleaf : PA : 4,600 4,600 2,040 2,100 9,384 9,660 Class 5, Cigar Binder : Class 5A, CT Valley : Binder : Type 51, CT Valley : Broadleaf : CT : 1,220 1,230 1,840 1,730 2,245 2,128 MA : 410 780 1,600 1,850 656 1,443 US : 1,630 2,010 1,780 1,777 2,901 3,571 Class 5B, WI Binder : Type 54, Southern WI: WI : 1,900 1,800 1,900 2,330 3,610 4,194 Type 55, Northern WI: WI : 970 750 1,600 1,995 1,552 1,496 Total 54-55 : 2,870 2,550 1,799 2,231 5,162 5,690 Total 51-55 : 4,500 4,560 1,792 2,031 8,063 9,261 Class 6, Cigar Wrapper: Type 61, CT Valley : Shade-grown : CT : 1,040 1,040 1,490 1,415 1,550 1,472 MA : 390 420 1,425 1,510 556 634 US : 1,430 1,460 1,473 1,442 2,106 2,106 All Cigar Types : Total 41-61 : 10,530 10,620 1,857 1,980 19,553 21,027 : All Tobacco : 732,660 811,480 2,071 2,201 1,517,351 1,786,065 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ 1997 revised. 2/ Estimates carried forward from "Crop Production" Annual Summary released January 13, 1998. Tobacco: Price and Value by Class, Type, State, and United States, 1996-97 1/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Price per : Value of : Pound : Production Class and Type :--------------------------------------------------------- : 1996 : 1997 : 1996 : 1997 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : ----- Dollars ----- ----- 1,000 Dollars ---- : Class 1, Flue-cured : Type 11, Old Belts : NC : 1.860 1.710 299,683 311,648 VA : 1.871 1.727 157,650 163,918 US : 1.864 1.716 457,333 475,566 Type 12, Eastern NC : Belt : NC : 1.830 1.720 618,860 752,767 Type 13, NC Border & : SC Belt : NC : 1.810 1.720 132,601 168,904 SC : 1.822 1.735 214,650 219,235 US : 1.817 1.728 347,251 388,139 Type 14, GA-FL Belt : FL : 1.808 1.721 36,341 32,790 GA : 1.813 1.712 205,993 152,753 US : 1.812 1.714 242,334 185,543 Total 11-14 : 1.834 1.720 1,665,778 1,802,015 Class 2, Fire-cured : Type 21, VA Belt : VA : 1.790 2.125 3,111 4,182 Type 22, Eastern : District : KY : 2.246 2.268 23,215 21,773 TN : 2.252 2.260 43,070 41,476 US : 2.250 2.263 66,285 63,249 Type 23, Western : District : KY : 2.233 2.242 25,403 23,971 TN : 2.227 2.226 3,681 3,673 US : 2.232 2.240 29,084 27,644 Total 21-23 : 2.227 2.250 98,480 95,075 Class 3, Air-cured : Class 3A, Light : Air-cured : Type 31, Burley : IN : 1.920 1.870 28,746 34,950 KY : 1.922 1.886 704,029 887,929 MO : 1.918 1.895 11,548 13,331 NC : 1.920 1.860 24,935 24,764 OH : 1.926 1.869 24,345 41,679 TN : 1.920 1.886 169,133 176,020 VA : 1.920 1.903 33,471 39,152 WV : 1.923 1.878 3,923 5,747 US : 1.922 1.885 1,000,130 1,223,572 Type 32, Southern MD : Belt : MD : 1.920 1.720 19,200 20,640 PA : 1.750 1.300 10,640 7,410 US : 1.856 1.585 29,840 28,050 Total 31-32 : 1.920 1.877 1,029,970 1,251,622 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- See footnotes at end of table. --continued Tobacco: Price and Value by Class, Type, State, and United States, 1996-97 1/ (continued) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Price per : Value of : Pound : Production Class and Type :--------------------------------------------------------- : 1996 : 1997 : 1996 : 1997 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : ----- Dollars ----- ----- 1,000 Dollars ---- : Class 3, Air-cured : Class 3B, Dark : Air-cured : Type 35, One Sucker : Belt : KY : 1.945 2.011 9,558 9,442 TN : 1.915 2.003 1,953 1,923 US : 1.940 2.010 11,511 11,365 Type 36, Green River : Belt : KY : 1.979 2.034 5,177 5,168 Type 37, VA Sun-cured: Belt : VA : 1.782 1.908 200 227 Total 35-37 : 1.950 2.016 16,888 16,760 Class 4, Cigar Filler : Type 41, PA Seedleaf : PA : 1.550 1.600 14,545 15,456 Class 5, Cigar Binder : Class 5A, CT Valley : Binder : Type 51, CT Valley : Broadleaf : CT : 6.200 6.000 13,919 12,768 MA : 6.550 9.500 4,297 13,709 US : 6.280 7.414 18,216 26,477 Class 5B, WI Binder : Type 54, Southern WI: WI : 1.480 1.500 5,343 6,291 Type 55, Northern WI: WI : 1.500 1.520 2,328 2,274 Total 54-55 : 1.486 1.505 7,671 8,565 Total 51-55 : 3.211 3.784 25,887 35,042 Class 6, Cigar Wrapper: Type 61, CT Valley : Shade-grown : CT 2/ : MA 2/ : US 2/ : All Cigar Types : Total 41-55 2/ : 2.317 2.669 40,432 50,498 : All Tobacco 2/ : 1.882 1.803 2,851,548 3,215,970 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ 1997 revised. 2/ CT and MA Type 61 price and value not published to avoid disclosure; not included in All Cigar Types or All Tobacco. Tobacco: Area Harvested, Yield, Production, Price, and Value by State and United States, 1996-97 1/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Area Harvested : Yield : Production State :----------------------------------------------------------------------- : 1996 : 1997 : 1996 : 1997 : 1996 : 1997 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : ------ Acres ------ ---- Pounds --- ----- 1,000 Pounds ---- : CT : 2,260 2,270 1,679 1,586 3,795 3,600 FL : 7,500 7,300 2,680 2,610 20,100 19,053 GA : 46,000 43,000 2,470 2,075 113,620 89,225 IN : 7,600 8,900 1,970 2,100 14,972 18,690 KY : 195,700 230,500 2,021 2,162 395,542 498,328 MD : 8,000 8,000 1,250 1,500 10,000 12,000 MA : 800 1,200 1,515 1,731 1,212 2,077 MO : 2,700 3,000 2,230 2,345 6,021 7,035 NC : 287,800 317,400 2,035 2,304 585,542 731,419 OH : 8,000 11,400 1,580 1,956 12,640 22,300 PA : 7,800 7,600 1,983 2,021 15,464 15,360 SC : 51,000 54,000 2,310 2,340 117,810 126,360 TN : 54,560 59,480 2,014 1,922 109,888 114,292 VA : 48,370 53,080 2,141 2,215 103,543 117,576 WV : 1,700 1,800 1,200 1,700 2,040 3,060 WI : 2,870 2,550 1,799 2,231 5,162 5,690 : US : 732,660 811,480 2,071 2,201 1,517,351 1,786,065 :----------------------------------------------------------------------- : Price : Value of : per Pound : Production :----------------------------------------------------------------------- : 1996 : 1997 : 1996 : 1997 :----------------------------------------------------------------------- : ------- Dollars ------- ------ 1,000 Dollars ------ : CT 2/ : 6.200 6.000 13,919 12,768 FL : 1.808 1.721 36,341 32,790 GA : 1.813 1.712 205,993 152,753 IN : 1.920 1.870 28,746 34,950 KY : 1.940 1.903 767,382 948,283 MD : 1.920 1.720 19,200 20,640 MA 2/ : 6.550 9.500 4,297 13,709 MO : 1.918 1.895 11,548 13,331 NC : 1.838 1.720 1,076,079 1,258,083 OH : 1.926 1.869 24,345 41,679 PA : 1.629 1.489 25,185 22,866 SC : 1.822 1.735 214,650 219,235 TN : 1.982 1.952 217,837 223,092 VA : 1.878 1.765 194,432 207,479 WV : 1.923 1.878 3,923 5,747 WI : 1.486 1.505 7,671 8,565 : US : 1.882 1.803 2,851,548 3,215,970 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ 1997 revised. 2/ CT and MA Type 61 price and value not published to avoid disclosure; not included in U.S. total. Tobacco: Farm Marketings, Percent of Sales by Class, Month, and State, 1997 Marketing Year -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class : 1997 : 1998 and :------------------------------------------------------------------- State : Jul : Aug : Sep : Oct : Nov : Dec : Jan : Feb : Mar : Apr : Total -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Percent : Flue-cured : FL : 16 32 35 17 100 GA : 16 31 36 17 100 NC : 3 21 34 36 6 100 SC : 13 32 34 21 100 VA : 17 31 38 14 100 : Fire-cured : VA : 80 20 100 KY : 39 53 7 1 100 TN : 38 51 11 100 : Air-cured : IN : 10 37 31 14 4 4 100 KY : 12 43 29 10 3 3 100 MD : 60 40 100 MO : 24 46 30 100 NC : 17 60 22 1 100 OH : 9 41 37 12 1 100 PA 1/ : TN : 16 57 21 5 1 100 VA : 19 66 15 100 WV : 20 52 26 2 100 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ Sales by month are not available. Cotton: Area Planted and Harvested and Yield by Type, State, and United States, 1996-97 1/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Area : Area : Type : Planted : Harvested : Yield and :--------------------------------------------------------------------- State : 1996 : 1997 : 1996 : 1997 : 1996 : 1997 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : -------------- 1,000 Acres ------------- ----- Pounds ----- : Upland : AL : 520.0 535.0 516.0 442.0 734 597 AZ : 315.0 325.0 314.0 324.0 1,189 1,255 AR : 1,000.0 950.0 990.0 940.0 793 859 CA : 1,000.0 880.0 995.0 875.0 1,153 1,202 FL : 99.0 100.0 98.2 99.0 637 577 GA : 1,340.0 1,440.0 1,336.0 1,425.0 747 646 KS : 4.5 12.0 4.0 10.0 492 418 LA : 890.0 630.0 885.0 625.0 697 757 MS : 1,120.0 985.0 1,100.0 970.0 819 901 MO : 390.0 380.0 385.0 375.0 737 723 NM : 59.0 70.0 55.0 66.0 733 676 NC : 721.0 670.0 710.0 665.0 677 671 OK : 290.0 200.0 210.0 190.0 306 462 SC : 284.0 290.0 282.0 285.0 774 691 TN : 540.0 490.0 530.0 480.0 611 662 TX : 5,700.0 5,500.0 4,100.0 5,150.0 509 479 VA : 103.0 101.0 102.0 100.0 748 659 : US : 14,375.5 13,558.0 12,612.2 13,021.0 701 673 : Amer-Pima: AZ : 42.0 22.0 41.9 22.0 852 912 CA : 165.0 185.0 164.0 184.0 1,098 1,141 NM : 14.0 11.0 14.0 11.0 651 641 TX : 37.0 32.0 36.0 32.0 801 815 : US : 258.0 250.0 255.9 249.0 991 1,056 : All : AL : 520.0 535.0 516.0 442.0 734 597 AZ : 357.0 347.0 355.9 346.0 1,150 1,233 AR : 1,000.0 950.0 990.0 940.0 793 859 CA : 1,165.0 1,065.0 1,159.0 1,059.0 1,145 1,191 FL : 99.0 100.0 98.2 99.0 637 577 GA : 1,340.0 1,440.0 1,336.0 1,425.0 747 646 KS : 4.5 12.0 4.0 10.0 492 418 LA : 890.0 630.0 885.0 625.0 697 757 MS : 1,120.0 985.0 1,100.0 970.0 819 901 MO : 390.0 380.0 385.0 375.0 737 723 NM : 73.0 81.0 69.0 77.0 717 671 NC : 721.0 670.0 710.0 665.0 677 671 OK : 290.0 200.0 210.0 190.0 306 462 SC : 284.0 290.0 282.0 285.0 774 691 TN : 540.0 490.0 530.0 480.0 611 662 TX : 5,737.0 5,532.0 4,136.0 5,182.0 511 481 VA : 103.0 101.0 102.0 100.0 748 659 : US : 14,633.5 13,808.0 12,868.1 13,270.0 707 680 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ 1997 revised. Cotton: Production and Bales Ginned by Type, State, and United States, 1996-97 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Production in : Lint- : Bales Ginned in Type : 480-lb Net Weight : seed : 480-lb Net Weight and : Bales 1/ : Ratio 2/ : Bales 3/ State :--------------------------------------------------------------------- : 1996 : 1997 4/ : 1996 : 1997 : 1996 : 1997 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : --- 1,000 Bales --- -------- Bales -------- : Upland : AL : 789.0 550.0 781,700 545,900 AZ : 778.0 847.0 762,200 824,550 AR : 1,636.0 1,683.0 1,621,350 1,654,750 CA : 2,390.0 2,191.0 2,404,250 2,212,950 FL 5/ : 130.4 119.1 GA : 2,079.0 1,919.0 2,102,850 1,942,100 KS 5/ : 4.1 8.7 LA : 1,286.0 986.0 1,322,150 1,022,000 MS : 1,876.0 1,821.0 1,866,450 1,808,400 MO : 591.0 565.0 565,500 555,350 NM : 84.0 93.0 75,250 69,250 NC : 1,002.0 930.0 1,013,700 941,150 OK : 134.0 183.0 127,650 180,550 SC : 455.0 410.0 440,800 395,750 TN : 675.0 662.0 677,400 660,600 TX : 4,345.0 5,140.0 4,354,150 5,164,750 VA : 159.0 137.2 155,250 133,050 : US : 18,413.5 18,245.0 18,400,550 18,239,650 : Amer-Pima: AZ : 74.4 41.8 74,800 42,350 CA : 375.0 437.2 374,150 436,600 NM : 19.0 14.7 14,650 10,500 TX : 60.1 54.3 64,400 58,500 : US : 528.5 548.0 528,000 547,950 : All : AL : 789.0 550.0 781,700 545,900 AZ : 852.4 888.8 837,000 866,900 AR : 1,636.0 1,683.0 0.378 0.383 1,621,350 1,654,750 CA : 2,765.0 2,628.2 0.394 0.396 2,778,400 2,649,550 FL 5/ : 130.4 119.1 GA : 2,079.0 1,919.0 2,102,850 1,942,100 KS 5/ : 4.1 8.7 LA : 1,286.0 986.0 0.393 0.392 1,322,150 1,022,000 MS : 1,876.0 1,821.0 0.379 0.380 1,866,450 1,808,400 MO : 591.0 565.0 565,500 555,350 NM : 103.0 107.7 89,900 79,750 NC : 1,002.0 930.0 1,013,700 941,150 OK : 134.0 183.0 127,650 180,550 SC : 455.0 410.0 440,800 395,750 TN : 675.0 662.0 677,400 660,600 TX : 4,405.1 5,194.3 0.368 0.377 4,418,550 5,223,250 VA : 159.0 137.2 155,250 133,050 : US : 18,942.0 18,793.0 18,928,550 18,787,600 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ Production ginned and to be ginned. 2/ Estimates available only for the five states shown. Three-year average. 3/ Equivalent 480-lb net weight bales ginned, not adjusted for cross-State movement. 4/ 1997 revised. 5/ Bales withheld to avoid disclosure of individual gins, but are included in U.S. totals. Cottonseed: Production and Farm Disposition, by State and United States, 1996-97 1/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : : Farm Disposition : : :-----------------------------------: : : Sales to : : Used for State: Production : Oil Mills : Other 2/ : Planting 3/ :-------------------------------------------------------------------------- : 1996 : 1997 : 1996 : 1997 : 1996 : 1997 : 1997 : 1998 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : 1,000 Tons : AL : 273.0 196.0 95.0 87.0 178.0 109.0 6.2 5.8 AZ : 324.0 312.0 124.0 73.0 200.0 239.0 3.1 2.4 AR : 635.0 632.0 596.0 528.0 39.0 104.0 9.0 7.9 CA :1,020.0 942.0 134.0 153.0 886.0 789.0 9.1 8.4 FL : 46.0 45.0 26.0 31.0 20.0 14.0 1.1 1.0 GA : 681.0 660.0 329.0 332.0 352.0 328.0 17.3 16.2 KS : 1.4 3.1 1.4 3.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.2 LA : 499.0 359.0 340.0 206.0 159.0 153.0 5.7 5.1 MS : 735.0 704.0 681.0 660.0 54.0 44.0 9.9 8.6 MO : 234.0 223.0 188.0 148.0 46.0 75.0 4.0 4.4 NM : 38.1 40.5 6.8 2.3 31.3 38.2 0.8 0.7 NC : 343.0 321.0 38.0 63.0 305.0 258.0 6.0 5.6 OK : 56.0 72.0 52.0 56.0 4.0 16.0 2.2 2.0 SC : 155.0 142.0 100.0 89.0 55.0 53.0 2.0 1.8 TN : 262.0 260.0 212.0 208.0 50.0 52.0 5.1 4.7 TX :1,784.0 1,983.0 1,440.0 1,543.0 344.0 440.0 55.3 56.3 VA : 57.0 40.0 0.0 0.0 57.0 40.0 0.9 0.9 : US :7,143.5 6,934.6 4,363.2 4,182.4 2,780.3 2,752.2 137.8 132.0 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ 1996 crop revised, 1997 crop preliminary. 2/ Includes planting seed, feed, exports, inter-farm sales, shrinkage, loss and other uses. 3/ Included in "other" farm disposition. Planting seed from previous years' crops. Cotton: Cumulative Large Bolls and Harvesting Loss The National Agricultural Statistics Service conducted cotton objective yield surveys in 5 States which accounted for 65 percent of the 1997 U.S. Upland cotton production. Plots were randomly selected from a scientific sample of cotton fields. Two sample plots per field were visited monthly from about August 1 through harvest to obtain specific counts and measurements. The "large bolls" are total bolls counted from August through harvest. This count includes only bolls greater than one inch in diameter and burrs. Cotton: Cumulative Large Bolls and Harvesting Loss by State, 1988-1997 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Arkansas : California :--------------------------------------------------------------------- Year : : Harvest : : Harvest : Large Bolls : Loss : Large Bolls : Loss : 1/ : Per Acre : 1/ : Per Acre ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Number Pounds Number Pounds : 1988 : 717 63 797 137 1989 : 578 57 802 125 1990 : 669 74 843 131 1991 : 782 89 814 110 1992 : 817 73 819 116 1993 : 753 105 839 122 1994 : 812 83 806 133 1995 : 689 66 680 105 1996 : 741 64 758 165 1997 : 783 101 714 103 :--------------------------------------------------------------------- : Louisiana : Mississippi :--------------------------------------------------------------------- : 1988 : 710 73 726 86 1989 : 708 83 710 90 1990 : 888 78 693 93 1991 : 770 68 726 90 1992 : 875 60 708 84 1993 : 661 65 608 76 1994 : 748 75 760 99 1995 : 615 49 607 78 1996 : 623 52 741 82 1997 : 670 45 868 76 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ Total large bolls in 40 feet of row. -- continued Cotton: Cumulative Large Bolls and Harvesting Loss by State, 1988-97 (continued) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Texas :--------------------------------------------------------------------- Year : : Harvest : Large Bolls : Loss : 1/ : Per Acre ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Number Pounds : 1988 : 463 34 1989 : 369 32 1990 : 489 39 1991 : 430 41 1992 : 489 53 1993 : 489 36 1994 : 486 41 1995 : 415 36 1996 : 505 39 1997 : 508 27 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ Total large bolls in 40 feet of row. Crop Summary: Area Planted and Harvested, United States, 1997-98 (Domestic Units) 1/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Area Planted : Area Harvested Crop :----------------------------------------------- : 1997 : 1998 : 1997 : 1998 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : 1,000 Acres : Grains & Hay : Barley : 6,910.0 6,780.0 6,425.0 Corn for Grain 2/ : 80,227.0 80,781.0 73,720.0 Corn for Silage : 5,758.0 Hay, All : 60,815.0 60,735.0 Alfalfa : 23,673.0 All Other : 37,142.0 Oats : 5,169.0 5,154.0 2,911.0 3,058.0 Rice : 3,056.0 3,085.0 3,034.0 Rye : 1,433.0 1,551.0 341.0 Sorghum for Grain 2/ : 10,108.0 9,015.0 9,391.0 Sorghum for Silage : 310.0 Wheat, All : 70,989.0 67,027.0 63,577.0 Winter : 48,342.0 46,637.0 41,813.0 40,715.0 Durum : 3,250.0 4,075.0 3,107.0 Other Spring : 19,397.0 16,315.0 18,657.0 : Oilseeds : Canola : 728.0 698.0 Cottonseed : Flaxseed : 146.0 280.0 135.0 Mustard Seed : 74.4 72.8 Peanuts : 1,431.0 1,474.5 1,410.8 Rapeseed : 1.7 1.5 Safflower : 249.0 235.0 Soybeans for Beans : 70,850.0 72,000.0 69,884.0 Sunflower : 2,949.0 3,148.0 2,852.0 : Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops : Cotton, All : 13,808.0 13,215.0 13,270.0 Upland : 13,558.0 12,948.0 13,021.0 Amer-Pima : 250.0 267.0 249.0 Sugarbeets : 1,459.2 1,496.7 1,427.8 Sugarcane : 915.5 Tobacco : 811.5 733.8 : Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils : Austrian Winter Peas : 8.1 7.6 Dry Edible Beans : 1,851.8 1,940.3 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 15.5 15.4 15.0 Spring : 88.3 93.2 86.2 89.8 Summer : 68.6 65.9 Fall : 1,189.5 1,158.0 Spearmint Oil : 24.5 Sweet Potatoes : 86.9 85.7 83.5 Taro (HI) 3/ : 0.5 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 1998 crop year. 2/ Area planted for all purposes. 3/ Acreage is total acres in crop, not harvested acreage. Crop Summary: Yield and Production, United States, 1997-98 (Domestic Units) 1/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : : 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 2/ : 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 41.9 1,882,609 1,705,784 Durum : " : 27.7 86,193 Other Spring : " : 29.9 557,750 : : Oilseeds : : Canola : Lb : 1,310 914,385 Cottonseed : Ton : 6,935 Flaxseed : Bu : 16.1 2,171 Mustard Seed : Lb : 816 59,405 Peanuts : " : 2,507 3,537,050 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 2/ : Bale: 680 18,793.0 Upland 2/ : " : 673 18,245.0 Amer-Pima 2/ : " : 1,056 548.0 Sugarbeets : Ton : 20.9 29,874 Sugarcane : " : 34.5 31,563 Tobacco : Lb : 2,201 1,786,065 : : Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils : : Austrian Winter Peas 2/ : Cwt : 1,513 115 Dry Edible Beans 2/ : " : 1,695 29,156 Dry Edible Peas 2/ : " : 2,103 5,816 Lentils 2/ : " : 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 : " : 203 199 3,124 2,980 Spring : " : 252 217 21,749 19,455 Summer : " : 272 17,951 Fall : " : 360 417,088 Spearmint Oil : Lb : 98 2,403 Sweet Potatoes : Cwt : 156 13,025 Taro (HI) 3/ : Lb : 5,500 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 1998 crop year. 2/ Yield in pounds. 3/ Yield is not estimated. Fruits and Nuts Production, United States, 1996-98 (Domestic Units) 1/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : : Production Crop : Unit :----------------------------------------------- : : 1996 : 1997 : 1998 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : : 1,000 : : Citrus 2/ : : Grapefruit : Ton : 2,718 2,888 2,596 K-Early Citrus (FL) : " : 7 7 2 Lemons : " : 992 859 935 Oranges : " : 11,427 12,677 14,040 Tangelos (FL) : " : 110 178 128 Tangerines : " : 349 418 358 Temples (FL) : " : 97 108 101 : : Non-Citrus : : Apples : Lb : 10,392.0 10,226.6 Apricots : Ton : 79.3 138.0 Bananas (HI) : Lb : 13,000.0 13,700.0 Grapes : Ton : 5,554.3 6,836.4 Olives (CA) : " : 166.0 104.0 Papayas (HI) : Lb : 41,800.0 38,800.0 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 : 510,000 757,000 550,000 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/ Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 1998 crop year. 2/ Production years are 1995-96, 1996-97, and 1997-98. Crop Summary: Area Planted and Harvested, United States, 1997-98 (Metric Units) 1/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Area Planted : Area Harvested Crop :----------------------------------------------- : 1997 : 1998 : 1997 : 1998 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Hectares : Grains & Hay : Barley : 2,796,410 2,743,800 2,600,130 Corn for Grain 2/ :32,467,060 32,691,260 29,833,750 Corn for Silage : 2,330,210 Hay, All : 24,611,230 24,578,850 Alfalfa : 9,580,230 All Other : 15,031,000 Oats : 2,091,840 2,085,770 1,178,050 1,237,540 Rice : 1,236,730 1,248,470 1,227,830 Rye : 579,920 627,670 138,000 Sorghum for Grain 2/ : 4,090,610 3,648,280 3,800,440 Sorghum for Silage : 125,450 Wheat, All :28,728,530 27,125,160 25,728,970 Winter :19,563,520 18,873,530 16,921,300 16,476,950 Durum : 1,315,240 1,649,110 1,257,370 Other Spring : 7,849,770 6,602,520 7,550,300 : Oilseeds : Canola : 294,610 282,470 Cottonseed : Flaxseed : 59,080 113,310 54,630 Mustard Seed : 30,110 29,460 Peanuts : 579,110 596,720 570,940 Rapeseed : 690 610 Safflower : 100,770 95,100 Soybeans for Beans :28,672,290 29,137,680 28,281,360 Sunflower : 1,193,430 1,273,960 1,154,180 : Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops : Cotton, All : 5,587,960 5,347,980 5,370,240 Upland : 5,486,790 5,239,930 5,269,470 Amer-Pima : 101,170 108,050 100,770 Sugarbeets : 590,520 605,700 577,820 Sugarcane : 370,490 Tobacco : 328,410 296,950 : Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils : Austrian Winter Peas : 3,280 3,080 Dry Edible Beans : 749,400 785,220 696,150 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 6,270 6,230 6,070 Spring : 35,730 37,720 34,880 36,340 Summer : 27,760 26,670 Fall : 481,380 468,630 Spearmint Oil : 9,910 Sweet Potatoes : 35,170 34,680 33,790 Taro (HI) 3/ : 180 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 1998 crop year. 2/ Area planted for all purposes. 3/ Acreage is total acres in crop, not harvested acreage. Crop Summary: Yield and Production, United States, 1997-98 (Metric Units) 1/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : 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 : 35.78 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 : 28.09 3,524,410 Wheat, All : 2.67 68,761,480 Winter : 3.03 2.82 51,236,220 46,423,830 Durum : 1.87 2,345,790 Other Spring : 2.01 15,179,470 : Oilseeds : Canola : 1.47 414,760 Cottonseed : 6,290,960 Flaxseed : 1.01 55,150 Mustard Seed : 0.91 26,950 Peanuts : 2.81 1,604,380 Rapeseed : 1.44 880 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 : 0.76 4,091,690 Upland : 0.75 3,972,380 Amer-Pima : 1.18 119,310 Sugarbeets : 46.90 27,101,240 Sugarcane : 77.29 28,633,470 Tobacco : 2.47 810,150 : 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 22.27 141,700 135,170 Spring : 28.28 24.28 986,520 882,460 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) 2/ : 13.83 2,490 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 1998 crop year. 2/ Yield is not estimated. Fruits and Nuts Production, United States, 1996-98 (Metric Units) 1/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Production Crop :----------------------------------------------------- : 1996 : 1997 : 1998 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Metric tons : Citrus 2/ : Grapefruit : 2,465,730 2,619,950 2,355,050 K-Early Citrus (FL) : 6,350 6,350 1,810 Lemons : 899,930 779,270 848,220 Oranges : 10,366,400 11,500,380 12,736,870 Tangelos (FL) : 99,790 161,480 116,120 Tangerines : 316,610 379,200 324,770 Temples (FL) : 88,000 97,980 91,630 : Non-Citrus : Apples : 4,710 4,640 Apricots : 71,940 125,190 Bananas (HI) : 5,900 6,210 Grapes : 5,038,780 6,201,880 Olives (CA) : 150,590 94,350 Papayas (HI) : 18,960 17,600 Peaches : 960 1,200 Pears : 744,570 947,100 Prunes, Dried (CA) : 202,300 192,320 Prunes & Plums (Ex CA) : 18,140 26,310 : Nuts & Misc. : Almonds (CA) : 231,330 343,370 249,480 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/ Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 1998 crop year. 2/ Production years are 1995-96, 1996-97, and 1997-98. Crop Moisture Depicts short term (up to about 4 weeks) abnormal dryness or wetness affecting Agriculture, responds rapidly, can change considerably week to week, and indicates normal conditions at the beginning and end of the growing season. Uses...applicable in measuring the short term, week-to-week, status of dryness or wetness affecting warm season crops and field operations. Limitations...may not be applicable to germination and shallow rooted crops which are unable to extract the deep or subsoil moisture from a 5-foot profile, or for cool season crops growing when temperatures are averaging below about 55 degrees fahrenheit. It is not generally indicative of the long term (months, years) drought or wet spells which are depicted by the drought severity index. Drought Severity Drought severity index (Palmer): Depicts prolonged (months, years) abnormal dryness or wetness; responds slowly; changes little from week to week; and reflects long term moisture runoff, recharge, and deep percolation, as well as evaportranspiration. Uses...applicable in measuring disruptive effects of prolonged dryness or wetness on water sensitive economies; designating disaster areas of drought or wetness and reflecting the general long-term status of water supplies in aquifers, reservoirs, and streams. Limitations...is not generally indicative of short-term (few weeks) status of drought or wetness such as frequently affects crops and field operations (this is indicated by the crop moisture index). April Weather Summary: Under the influence of a very strong southern branch of a split jet stream, below-normal temperatures prevailed from California into the Southeast. Monthly departures ranged from -2 to -5 degrees F from California to the central and southern Plains. Meanwhile, readings averaged 2 to 7 degrees F above normal across the Nation's northern tier. Because of the unusual warmth, some fruit trees across the Great Lakes and Northeastern States were already in bloom when more typical weather --resulting in several freezes--returned toward month's end. The jet stream's active southern branch produced unsettled weather across California and the Southwest. Farther east, several April rainfall records were broken across the Ohio Valley and into the Southeast. At month's end, many rivers--including the middle Mississippi and lower Ohio Rivers--remained very high. In contrast, the procession of storms failed to dampen the South-Central United States. The dry spell, which stretched to 6 weeks by the end of April, also affected the immediate Gulf Coast and most of Florida, although a late-month storm boosted topsoil moisture from eastern Texas to Florida. Monthly rainfall topped 15 inches at a few locations in eastern Tennessee, including a 16.51-inch total at Big Ridge (Union County). Some of the heaviest rain fell on April 16-17, when 24-hour rainfall topped 5 inches in a few spots. At least five locations in the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys reported a record-wet April: Location Total (Inches) Former Record/Year Knoxville, TN 11.07 7.90 in 1994 Cincinnati, OH 9.77 8.62 in 1947 Asheville, NC 8.70 7.26 in 1979 Youngstown, OH 7.29 6.43 in 1957 Bristol, TN 7.03 5.85 in 1970 In contrast, little or no rain fell in parts of Texas. Record-low April rainfall occurred in Midland and San Antonio, and several other cities had their driest April in at least 14 years: Location Total (Inches) Former Record/Year San Antonio, TX 0.05 0.11 in 1984 Midland, TX trace trace in 1947, 1964 Location Total (Inches) Driest April Since... San Angelo, TX trace 0.00 in 1920 Del Rio, TX 0.01 0.01 in 1955 Corpus Christi, TX 0.03 trace in 1984 Abilene, TX 0.35 0.20 in 1984 All of Abilene's rain fell on April 26, the same day that the month's first rain (0.59 inches) fell in Albuquerque, NM and 2.77 inches (83 percent of the monthly total) soaked Oklahoma City, OK. The same storm responsible for those totals delivered 4.32 inches to New Orleans, LA from April 27-30, ending a 26-day spell during which only 0.07 inches fell. In southern Florida, the month's first rain (1.01 inches) dampened Key West on April 30. But in Tampa, FL, only 0.41 inches (36 percent of normal) occurred during April, ending a 9-month streak (July 1997 - March 1998) with above-normal monthly rainfall. During the first half of the month, several storms dumped significant snow from the Southwest to the central High Plains. By the 18th, monthly snowfall reached 16.3 inches in Flagstaff, AZ, 10.1 inches in Cheyenne, WY, and 9.5 inches in Colorado Springs, CO. Flagstaff's monthly average temperature of 37.2 degrees F (5.1 degrees below normal) was their third lowest on record. Tucson, AZ (61.4 degrees F, 4.4 degrees below normal) observed their coldest April since 1983. In the Northeast, however, no snow fell in Rochester, NY for the first time in April since 1952. But when colder air arrived toward month's end, minima of 28 degrees F (on the 27th) in Binghamton, NY and 30 degrees F (on the 28th) in Lynchburg, VA were the lowest of the month. In Michigan, Lansing registered 25 degrees F on April 27. Meanwhile, record warmth developed across the Northwest. The last day of the month featured an April-record high of 90 degrees F in Portland, OR. Drought continued throughout most of Hawaii, although significant improvement occurred in some windward (east-facing) areas. Of the State's 73 official rain gauges, 62 received below-normal April rainfall. Kamuela (14.26 inches; 207 percent of normal), on the Big Island, and Hanapepe, Kauai (2.84 inches; 129 percent), were among the locations netting above-normal rainfall. However, 6-month (November-April) rainfall at the major reporting stations ranged from only 17 percent of normal (2.83 inches) in Honolulu to 54 percent (14.85 inches) in Lihue. In Hilo, where November-April precipitation averages more than 75 inches, the 6-month rainfall deficit topped 40 inches. General Crop Comments: A rainy weather pattern persisted throughout the month in the eastern half of the United States, limiting fieldwork and delaying planting, especially in the Southeast. Cotton growers barely had time between storms to prepare and plant fields, keeping progress well behind normal as the month ended. The wet weather also delayed the normal beginning of the corn planting season in the Corn Belt. But as the end of the month neared, the western Corn Belt dried and farmers were able to make excellent planting progress. However, the eastern Corn Belt remained wet and planting remained behind normal in Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. By month's end, planting was ahead of normal Nationally, and on a record pace in Minnesota. Above normal temperatures and dry weather from the Great lakes westward through the northern Plains and Pacific Northwest allowed farmers to make rapid progress seeding small grains. By the end of the month, most of the Nation's spring wheat, barley, and oats crops were planted. However, dry weather was slowing germination and crop growth, especially in the central and northern High Plains. The mild, early spring temperatures also coaxed winter wheat out of dormancy earlier than normal and provided good growing conditions for most of the month. A cold front that brought below freezing temperatures as far south as northern Texas around mid-month did little damage to the crop. But by the end of the month, dry weather was beginning to stress the crop in the High Plains from Texas to the Canada border. In the eastern Corn Belt, wet weather was responsible for the decline in the crop condition. Despite the late-month deterioration, winter wheat was in better condition at month's end than in recent years. Fieldwork and planting were frequently delayed by rain in the Southwest and California. In addition, below normal temperatures persisted for most of the month, keeping soils unfavorably cool until late-month, causing cotton growers to delay planting. A late-month warm up allowed Southwest farmers to make good progress, but planting remained behind the 5-year average as the month ended. In the Southeast, cool, wet weather persisted through the end of the month, causing cotton and peanut planting to fall farther behind. Rice growers had well over half of their crop seeded, despite the rainy weather. Winter Wheat: The 1998 wheat harvested area is forecast at 40.7 million acres, down 3 percent from 1997. Hard Red Winter (HRW) and White acreage totals are down about 3 and 4 percent, respectively. Soft Red Winter (SRW) grain area is up slightly. Early April condition ratings were quite high and at par with 1993. Since then, the ratings have dipped; as of May 3, the percent good or better was 70 - higher than any of the last five years except 1993. Comments from some of the Delta states indicate the March freeze will result in more acres cut for hay than normal. Another freeze hit parts of eastern Colorado and western Kansas the morning of April 17; the effect, if any, has not been assessed. The Nation's HRW crop suffered few overwintering problems though moisture is needed in several areas to reach full yield potential. Forecasted head counts from Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas Objective Yield surveys are collectively a little higher than that forecast last May 1; the Texas numbers are at record levels. Not surprisingly, initial SRW yield forecasts in most of the southeast are down from last year's high numbers. Ample to excessive moisture in much of SRW country has fostered concern over the potential for disease problems. Prospects for good crops are evident once again in the Pacific Northwest though Washington and eastern Oregon growers want more rain. Durum Wheat: Production of Durum wheat in Arizona and California is forecast at 27.4 million bushels in total. This is up 26 percent from the 1997 production year. Acreage increases in both States are the main reason for the increase as forecasted yields are unchanged from last year's final. Condition ratings are good to excellent in both States. Nearly all of Arizona's wheat is headed. Average yields have been reported so far in California's Imperial Valley where harvest began in late April. San Joaquin Valley fields were heading by May 1. Some low lying fields suffered from flood damage. Harvest should start there in early June. Hay Stocks on Farms: Stocks of all hay on farms totaled 21.7 million tons on May 1, 1998, up 25 percent from May 1 of the previous year. Disappearance of hay from December 1, 1997 - May 1, 1998, totaled 80.9 million tons, 7.5 percent lower than the 1996 crop disappearance of 87.5 million tons for the same period. Stocks of hay on May 1, 1998 were higher or unchanged compared to last year in 31 of the 48 estimating states. Mild winter conditions and adequate spring rains across the United States revitalized pasturelands and allowed livestock producers to reduce feeding of hay. Almonds: The first forecast of 1998 California almond production is 550 million pounds, shelled basis. This is down 27 percent from the record 1997 crop of 757 million pounds. Bearing acreage totaled 425,000 acres, up 15,000 from 1997's revised 410,000 acres. Statewide bloom reports range from fair to good with cool spring temperatures and intermittent rains throughout the State. Growers indicate a large variation in set with virtually no nuts on some trees but large numbers reported on others. Yields are expected to be well below last year's record high yields. The crop's development is one to two weeks behind normal. Avocados: Florida avocado production for the 1997-98 season totaled 24,000 tons, up 2 percent from last season. Bearing acreage, at 5,700 acres, was unchanged from the 1996-97 level. The value of Florida avocados for the 1997-98 season totaled $14.0 million, up 13 percent from the previous season and the highest value since the 1985-86 season. The value increased primarily due to very good quality fruit and excellent prices. The 1997-98 Hawaii avocado crop totaled 250 tons, up 25 percent from last season but unchanged from the 1995-96 season. Higher production resulted from a 22 percent increase in acreage and slightly better yields. Growing conditions were an improvement from a year ago in the major producing area of Hawaii Island. The value of Hawaii avocados for the 1997-98 season totaled $265,000, up 24 percent from last season. Papayas: Hawaii fresh papaya production is estimated at 3.02 million pounds for April, 9 percent higher than March and 11 percent higher than April 1997. Area devoted to papaya production totaled 3,200 acres, unchanged from last month but 26 percent lower than a year ago. Harvested area, totaling 2,140 acres, was 1 percent higher than March and 1 percent higher than last April. April weather conditions were variable for papaya production. Showers replenished soil moisture in many nonirrigated areas and allowed farmers to plant fields. Warmer temperatures and the added moisture in dry areas aided fruit development. Hawaii's utilized production of papayas during 1997 totaled 38.8 million pounds, 7 percent lower than the previous year. Fresh sales of 35.7 million pounds were 6 percent lower than in 1996. Processed sales, totaling 3.10 million pounds, were 23 percent lower than last year. The average area harvested each month was 1,985 acres, 8 percent higher than in 1996. Gusty winds and rains in early 1997 were unfavorable for orchard and fruit development. Sunshine mixed with rainfall made for more typical growing conditions through the remainder of the year. Bananas: Hawaii banana production for 1997 is estimated at 13.7 million pounds, 5 percent above 1996. Weather for the year was mixed. Strong winds early in the year temporarily set back orchards on Hawaii Island. New acreage and maturing orchards increased production. Banana Bunchy Top Virus was found on Kauai in September 1997, and control efforts are ongoing. The virus was already present on Oahu and the Big Island. Taro: Hawaii taro production for 1997 was estimated at 5.50 million pounds, down 4 percent from 1996. Area in crop is estimated at 450 acres, a reduction of 15 percent from the previous year. The decline in acreage occurred in the dryland or Chinese variety, which is grown for fresh sales and chips. Yields of poi taro were aided by better-than-normal weather during the final quarter of 1997. The usual cloudy, wet, and windy weather associated with winter was virtually nonexistent in late 1997, resulting in improved corm growth. A new disease, Taro Pocket Rot, continued to hamper yields, but its incidence was reduced during the final quarter. Grapefruit: The May 1 forecast of the 1997-98 U.S. grapefruit crop is reduced to 2.60 million tons, down 2 percent from the April 1 forecast and down 10 percent from last year's final utilization. Florida's all grapefruit forecast, at 49.0 million boxes (2.08 million tons), is down 2 percent from last month and is down 12 percent from the previous year's record utilization. The white seedless variety is forecast at 18.4 million boxes, down 12 percent from the April 1 forecast and 22 percent less than last season. The export market has not provided the fresh use level of recent years. Processing use is lagging over 4.50 million boxes behind the past two seasons to date. The colored seedless variety is forecast at 30.0 million boxes, up 5 percent from a month ago but 4 percent less than the 1996-97 season. The increase is based on the indication of row harvest from the route survey. Estimated utilization by May 1 is 28.0 million boxes. Weekly utilization, while declining, is still above 500,000 boxes. Based on utilization, the seedy (Duncan) grapefruit forecast is increased to 600,000 boxes, up 20 percent from the April 1 forecast but down 33 percent from a year ago. The Texas grapefruit forecast, at 4.60 million boxes (184,000 tons), is unchanged from the April 1 forecast but is down 13 percent from last season. The California grapefruit forecast of 9.00 million boxes (302,000 tons), is carried forward from the April 1 forecast. Arizona's grapefruit forecast, also carried forward from April 1, is 800,000 boxes (27,000 tons). Tangerines: The 1997-98 U.S. tangerine crop is forecast at 358,000 tons, up 2 percent from the April 1 forecast but down 14 percent from the previous season's utilized production. Florida's utilization is 5.25 million boxes (249,000 tons), up 3 percent from last month's forecast but down 17 per- cent from the 1996-97 season. The early portion of the tangerine forecast (Robinson, Fallglo, Sunburst, and Dancy) is final, but the Honey tangerine forecast is increased from a month ago. There continued to be weekly certifications, and the route survey indicated some rows with fruit left to pick. California and Arizona tangerine forecasts were carried forward from April at 2.40 million boxes (90,000 tons) and 500,000 boxes (19,000 tons), respectively. Tangelos: Florida's 1997-98 forecast of tangelos is final at 2.85 million boxes (128,000 tons), unchanged from the April 1 forecast. The forecast is down 28 percent from last season's production of 3.95 million boxes, the largest recorded crop since 1987-88. Weekly utilizations have declined steadily. The route survey indicated some rows still remaining for harvest, mostly in small blocks or as pollinators. Temples: The 1997-98 forecast of Florida Temple production is reduced to 2.25 million boxes (101,000 tons), down 2 percent from last month and down 6 percent from a year ago. Only 6,000 boxes were moved in the past month. Utilization during the past seven seasons has averaged 2.39 million boxes, ranging from 2.15 to 2.55 million boxes. Florida Citrus: April was generally a very dry and windy month with only a few days of scattered rains. Growers and caretakers of well cared for groves irrigated throughout the month to maintain good tree condition, cut cover crops, applied herbicides, and did post bloom spraying. Bloom lingered through the first two weeks of April in most areas and was complete by April 20. New growth slowed as the dry conditions persisted in many counties. Some growers reported abnormal post bloom fruit drop caused by the wetter than normal winter. Most of the accelerated droppage was in Navels and Valencias, with other types affected to a lesser degree. Harvest of Valencia oranges was very active during April, with most of the fruit going to processors. Movement of all seedless grapefruit averaged just below two million boxes per week until the last week of the month when utilization slipped to an estimated 1.3 million boxes. Texas Citrus: Harvest of all citrus was completed in many groves during April. Some very late fruit may not be harvested due to poor juice markets. The set for the 1998-99 crop looks very good, but the shortage of irrigation water is still a major factor for next year's crop. California Citrus: The navel orange harvest was near completion by the end of April, with over 90 percent of the crop picked. Valencia orange picking gathered momentum during the month with most of the fruit going to export. Around 10 percent has been picked. Quality has been reported as very good. The lemon harvest was active in the San Joaquin Valley and the South Coast area. Quality and volume were both reported to be good. Grapefruit picking was still active in the desert area but slowing down. Quality was reported as very good. Tangerine picking was nearly complete. California Fruit and Nut: Growers were active in orchards and vineyards throughout April with normal cultural activities, including herbicide and fungicide applications. By late April, growers were thinning apples, apricots, plums, nectarines, and peaches. The warmer, drier weather helped speed the maturity of stone fruit crops. Vineyards were treated for powdery mildew. Spring Potatoes: Spring potato production is forecast at 19.5 million cwt, down 11 percent from last year and 5 percent below a month ago. Area for harvest is estimated at 89,800 acres, up 4 percent from a year ago but less than 1 percent below two years ago. The average yield, projected at 217 cwt per acre, is down 35 cwt from last year and 17 cwt below the April 1 forecast. Acreage is higher than last year in 5 of the 6 Spring States. The exception is California with a 9 percent decline in acres for harvest. Wet winter weather slowed planting and damaged early planted fields in most States. Yields are expected to be below last year in all Spring States. The start of harvest was late in most States and early yields were poor. Harvest in California is delayed 3 to 4 weeks from normal. Digging is under way in Arizona and Hastings, Florida. Harvest in the other areas of Florida is nearly finished, with yields lower than anticipated earlier. Soils are drying in Alabama, making harvest easier to accomplish. Texas growers report good conditions, with harvest just starting. The North Carolina harvest season is delayed by late planting and wet fields during much of April. Tobacco, 1997 Final: U.S. tobacco production totaled 1.79 billion pounds in 1997, up 18 percent from 1996. Tobacco producers harvested 811,480 acres, up 11 percent from the previous year. Yield per acre averaged 2,201 pounds, compared to 2,071 pounds in 1996. All tobacco classes except Fire-cured and Dark Air-cured showed increases in acreage and yield from 1996. Flue-cured production totaled 1.05 billion pounds in 1997, up 15 percent from the 1996 production. Growers harvested 454,300 acres, up 8 percent from the previous year. Flue-cured tobacco represented 56 percent of 1997's all tobacco acreage. Yield per acre averaged 2,306 pounds, 155 pounds above the 1996 average yield. Burley production totaled 649 million pounds in 1997, 25 percent above the previous year. Growers harvested 315,300 acres, 18 percent above 1996. The U.S. average yield for burley tobacco was 2,059 pounds, 119 pounds above the previous year, but North Carolina and Tennessee reported lower yields than last year due to dry weather conditions. Kentucky, with 73 percent of the 1997 burley production, was 29 percent above 1996. Burley yield for Kentucky, at 2,140 pounds, was 160 pounds above the previous year. Cotton, 1997 Final: All cotton production in the United States totaled 18.8 million bales in 1997, 1 percent less than 1996's production. The 1997 output was the fifth largest crop on record. Upland cotton production, at 18.2 million bales, was 1 percent less than the previous year, while American-Pima production totaled 548,000 bales, up 4 percent from 1996. The area planted to all cotton totaled 13.8 million acres, down 6 percent from 1996, but harvested area, at 13.3 million acres, was up 3 percent from the previous year, as a result of the 28 percent abandonment in the 1996 Texas crop. Abandonment totaled 4 percent in 1997, compared to 12 percent the previous year. Yields for the U.S. averaged 680 pounds per harvested acre, the sixth highest yield on record. The Delta States' (Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee) plantings lagged behind average due to wet soils and because other row crops were being planted, but seedings were completed in early June. Precipitation was above normal and cooler than normal temperatures prevailed during the early season, slowing crop development. October's beneficial temperatures and open weather allowed the bolls to finish opening, and yields were higher than had been expected earlier in the season. Harvest exceeded the 5-year average pace in Louisiana and Mississippi, and in early November Louisiana had 98 percent of the crop harvested, 6 points ahead of the 5-year average. Mississippi producers were 85 percent complete, 1 point above average. Harvest in the other States in this region was about three-fourths finished, slightly behind their normal pace. Boll weights ranked eighth in Arkansas, ninth in Louisiana, and seventh in Mississippi compared to the previous 10 years. Planted and harvested acreages in this this region were down 13 percent from 1996, at 3.44 million acres and 3.39 million acres, respectively. The region's production was 6 percent less than in 1996, at 5.72 million bales. Yields in the region averaged 809 pounds, up 61 pounds from one year earlier, and Mississippi had a record high yield of 901 pounds per acre. In the Southeastern States (Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina), cotton planted acreage was 2 percent more than in 1996, at 2.94 million acres. The planting pace was behind average early in the season, but a dry period in mid-May allowed producers to exceed the average pace. Early June storms in Georgia and Alabama replenished soil moisture and improved crop condition. Many fields in Georgia and Alabama were replanted due to seedling disease, cool temperatures causing poor stands, and soil crusting from the heavy rains. Alabama was subject to unusual heavy rainfall during the season, as well as cool temperatures. In addition, Hurricane Danny entered into the southwestern portion of the State in late July with torrential rains. Georgia also incurred heavy rains that began in late September and continually hampered harvest activity. All of these States were behind the average harvest progress during the season. Production totaled 3.81 million bales for this region in 1997, a 12 percent decrease from the previous year. The average yield for the region was 649 pounds, down 81 pounds from 1996. Arizona's planted and harvested acres increased by 3 percent from 1996, but California producers decreased planted and harvested acreage by 12 percent. Early planting approval was again granted in Arizona to lessen effects of whitefly. California's seeding pace was well ahead of average most of the season as warm, dry weather prevailed. Eighty-nine percent of Arizona's crop was in good to excellent condition and 90 percent of bolls were opening in early September, which equalled the 5-year average. Cotton development in California remained ahead of average, with 80 percent of the crop showing open bolls compared to an average of 59 percent, in early September. Harvest was slightly behind the 5-year average in Arizona, but slightly ahead of the normal pace for California producers. California's boll weights were second highest since 1988. The three western States produced 3.13 million bales in 1997, 4 percent less than last year, and yields averaged 1,188 pounds per harvested acre, up 44 pounds from 1996. Texas' harvest lagged behind the 5-year average until early November however, by late that month harvest was 7 points ahead of the average pace of 77 percent. Texas' irrigated fields showed good progress this season and unusually high amounts of rainfall in May caused the dryland acreage to develop ahead of the average pace. In the Plains, heavy rain and hail during June damaged fields and forced producers to replant or plant alternative crops. Heavy rains slowed harvest in the Upper Coast, and the later crop showed quality damage from this rainfall. Objective yield survey data indicated the fourth highest boll weights since 1988. Planted acres in Texas was 5.50 million, down 4 percent from 1996, but harvested acreage was up 26 percent, at 5.15 million acres. Production in this region totaled 5.32 million bales, up 19 percent from the previous year. Texas' yield was 479 pounds per harvested acre, down 30 pounds from the record 1996 yield. Ginnings totaled 18,787,600 equivalent 480-pound net weight bales during the 1996 season. This compares with 18,928,550 equivalent 480-pound bales ginned in 1996. Cottonseed: Cottonseed production in 1997 totaled 6.93 million tons, down 3 percent from 1996. Reliability of May 1 Winter Wheat Production Forecast Survey Procedures: Objective yield and farm operator surveys were conducted between April 25 and May 4 to gather information on expected yield as of May 1. The objective yield survey was conducted in three States (Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas) where winter wheat is normally mature enough to make meaningful counts. Farm operators were interviewed to update previously reported acreage data and seek permission to randomly locate two sample plots in selected winter wheat fields. The counts made within each sample plot depended upon the crop's maturity. In early fields, counts such as number of stalks, heads in late boot, and number of emerged heads were made to predict the number of heads that would be harvested. A 5-year historical average head weight is used until the crop matures to the point that heads can be clipped, threshed, and weighed. The number of heads times the weight of the heads in a sample plot can then be combined to an estimate of yield per acre. The 5-year average harvesting loss is subtracted to obtain a net yield. The plots are revisited each month until the crop reaches maturity and are harvested on the final visit. The farm operator survey included a sample of approximately 12,000 winter wheat producers representing all major production areas. These producers were selected from an earlier acreage survey and were asked about the probable winter wheat acres for harvest and yield on their operation. These growers will be surveyed throughout the growing season to provide indications of average yields as the season progresses. Estimating Procedures: National and State level objective yield and grower reported data were reviewed for reasonableness and consistency with historical estimates. The survey data were also reviewed considering weather patterns and crop progress compared to previous months and previous years. Each State Statistical Office submits their analysis of the current situation to the Agricultural Statistics Board (ASB). The ASB uses the survey data and the State analyses to prepare the published May 1 forecasts. Revision Policy: The May 1 production forecast will not be revised; instead, a new forecast will be made each month throughout the growing season. End-of-season estimates are made after harvest. At the end of the marketing season, a balance sheet is calculated using carryover stocks, production, exports, millings, feeding, and ending stocks. Revisions are then made if the balance sheet relationships or other administrative data warrant changes. Reliability: To assist users in evaluating the reliability of the May 1 winter wheat production forecast, the "Root Mean Square Error", a statistical measure based on past performance, is computed. This is done by expressing the deviation between the May 1 production forecast and the final estimate as a percentage of the final estimate, and averaging the squared percentage deviations for the 1978-1997 20-year period; the square root of the average becomes statistically the "Root Mean Square Error". Probability statements can be made concerning expected differences in the current forecast relative to the final end-of-season estimate, assuming that factors affecting this year's forecast are not different from those influencing recent years. The "Root Mean Square Error" for the May 1 winter wheat production forecast is 6.8 percent. This means that chances are 2 out of 3 that the current production forecast of 1.71 billion bushels will not be above or below the final estimate by more than 6.8 percent or approximately 116 million bushels. Chances are 9 out of 10 (90 percent confidence level) that the difference will not exceed 11.8 percent or approximately 201 million bushels. Differences between the May 1 winter wheat production forecast and the final estimate during the past 10 years have averaged 87 million bushels, ranging from 4 million to 322 million bushels. The May 1 forecast has been below the final estimate 4 times and above 6 times. This does not imply that the May 1 winter wheat forecast this year is likely to understate or overstate final production. Report Features The next "Crop Production" report will be released at 8:30 a.m. ET on June 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 Doug Hartwig - Hay (202) 720-8843 Mark E. Miller - Oats, Sugar Crops, Weekly Crop Weather (202) 720-7621 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 all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) 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 of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC, 20250-9410, or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and 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. 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