Cr Pr 2-2 (2-99) Crop Production National Agricultural Statistics Service USDA Washington, D.C. Released February 10, 1999, 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. U.S. Orange Production Up 2 Percent All oranges production forecast for 1998-99 is 10.3 million tons, up 2 percent from last month but down 26 percent from last year's record large crop of 13.9 million tons. Florida's all orange forecast is increased to 194 million boxes (8.73 million tons), 2 percent higher than the January 1 forecast but 20 percent lower than the record large 244 million boxes produced last season. Early and midseason varieties in Florida are forecast at 116 million boxes (5.22 million tons), up 4 percent from January but down 17 percent from a year ago. Florida's Valencia forecast remains unchanged at 78.0 million boxes (3.51 million tons), 25 percent below last season's 104.0 million boxes. California's all orange production forecast of 38.0 million boxes (1.43 million tons) is carried forward from January and is 49 percent less than last season. The Navel orange forecast is 19.0 million boxes (712,500 tons), down 57 percent from last year and the Valencia forecast is 19.0 million boxes (712,500 tons), 37 percent less than a year ago. Florida frozen concentrated orange juice (FCOJ) yield for the 1998-99 season is forecast at a record high 1.60 gallons per box at 42.0 degrees Brix, up from January's forecast of 1.57 gallons per box. The forecast projects the final yield as reported by the Florida Citrus Processors Association. Projected average yield for early and midseason varieties is increased to 1.56 gallons per box, also a record high. Valencias are projected to yield 1.67 gallons per box, unchanged from January and below last season's record high of 1.72. Average pound solids of midseason samples remaining to be harvested are at record levels. Recovery rates at processing plants are also very high. This report was approved on February 10, 1999. Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman Agricultural Statistics Board Chairperson Rich Allen Contents Page California Nut Crops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Crop Comments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Fruit, Citrus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Information Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Papayas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Sugarcane. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Weather Summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Sugarcane: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by Use, State, and United States, 1997-98 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Use : Area Harvested : Yield 1/ : Production 1/ and :----------------------------------------------------------- State : 1997 : 1998 : 1997 : 1998 : 1997 : 1998 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- : 1,000 Acres ---- Tons ---- -- 1,000 Tons -- : For Sugar : FL : 421.0 429.0 36.9 38.7 15,535 16,602 HI 2/ : 32.0 31.8 91.4 85.5 2,925 2,719 LA 2/ : 380.0 400.0 28.2 29.0 10,716 11,600 TX 2/ : 27.3 32.0 30.3 30.0 827 960 : US : 860.3 892.8 34.9 35.7 30,003 31,881 : For Seed : FL : 19.0 19.0 36.9 38.8 701 737 HI 2/ : 2.2 2.2 38.2 31.4 84 69 LA 2/ : 30.0 35.0 28.2 29.0 846 1,015 TX 2/ : 2.5 0.5 30.0 30.0 75 15 : US : 53.7 56.7 31.8 32.4 1,706 1,836 : For Sugar : and Seed : FL : 440.0 448.0 36.9 38.7 16,236 17,339 HI 2/ : 34.2 34.0 88.0 82.0 3,009 2,788 LA 2/ : 410.0 435.0 28.2 29.0 11,562 12,615 TX 2/ : 29.8 32.5 30.3 30.0 902 975 : US : 914.0 949.5 34.7 35.5 31,709 33,717 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ Net tons. 2/ Current estimates carried forward from earlier forecast. Papayas: Area and Fresh Production, by Month, Hawaii, 1998-99 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Area : Fresh Production :------------------------------------------------------------------- Month : Total in Crop : Harvested : : :---------------------------------------------: 1998 : 1999 : 1998 : 1999 : 1998 : 1999 : : -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : ---------------- Acres ---------------- 1,000 Pounds : Dec : 3,735 2,185 3,235 Jan : 3,510 3,740 1,735 2,195 2,875 2,980 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Citrus Fruits: Utilized Production by Crop, State, and United States, 1996-97, 1997-98 and Forecasted February 1, 1999 1/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Utilized Production : Utilized Production : Boxes : Ton Equivalent Crop and State :----------------------------------------------------------- : 1996-97 : 1997-98 : 1998-99 : 1996-97 : 1997-98 : 1998-99 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : ------ 1,000 Boxes 2/ ----- ------- 1,000 Tons ------- Oranges : Early Mid & : Navel 3/ : AZ 4/ : 400 350 450 15 13 17 CA 4/ : 40,000 44,000 19,000 1,500 1,650 713 FL : 134,200 140,000 116,000 6,039 6,300 5,220 TX : 1,300 1,350 1,300 55 57 55 US : 175,900 185,700 136,750 7,609 8,020 6,005 Valencia : AZ 4/ : 600 650 550 23 25 21 CA 4/ : 24,000 30,000 19,000 900 1,125 713 FL : 92,000 104,000 78,000 4,140 4,680 3,510 TX : 120 175 140 5 7 6 US : 116,720 134,825 97,690 5,068 5,837 4,250 All : AZ 4/ : 1,000 1,000 1,000 38 38 38 CA 4/ : 64,000 74,000 38,000 2,400 2,775 1,426 FL : 226,200 244,000 194,000 10,179 10,980 8,730 TX : 1,420 1,525 1,440 60 64 61 US : 292,620 320,525 234,440 12,677 13,857 10,255 Temples : FL : 2,400 2,250 2,000 108 101 90 Grapefruit : White Seedless : FL 5/ : 23,500 18,300 19,000 999 777 808 Colored Seedless : FL 6/ : 31,400 30,600 30,500 1,334 1,301 1,296 Other : FL : 900 650 500 38 28 21 All : AZ 4/ : 900 800 700 30 27 23 CA 4/ : 8,200 9,000 8,000 275 301 268 FL 5/ 6/ : 55,800 49,550 50,000 2,371 2,106 2,125 TX : 5,300 4,800 5,000 212 192 200 US : 70,200 64,150 63,700 2,888 2,626 2,616 Tangerines : AZ 4/ 7/ : 550 600 700 21 23 26 CA 4/ 7/ : 2,600 2,400 1,600 98 90 60 FL : 6,300 5,200 4,600 299 247 219 US : 9,450 8,200 6,900 418 360 305 Lemons 4/ : AZ : 2,600 2,600 3,200 99 99 122 CA : 22,600 22,000 18,000 859 836 684 US : 25,200 24,600 21,200 958 935 806 Tangelos : FL : 3,950 2,850 2,700 178 128 122 K-Early Citrus : FL : 150 40 80 7 2 4 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 White Seedless economic abandonment of 3,000,000 boxes in 1996-97 and 5,000,000 boxes in 1997-98. 6/ Excludes Colored Seedless economic abandonment of 3,000,000 boxes in 1996-97 and 1,000,000 boxes in 1997-98. 7/ Includes tangelos and tangors. California Nut Crops: Bearing Acreage, Yield, Production, Price, and Value by Crop, 1996-97 and Revised 1998 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Bearing Acreage : Yield per Acre 1/ Crop :----------------------------------------------------------------- : 1996 : 1997 : 1998 : 1996 : 1997 : 1998 :----------------------------------------------------------------- : ----------- Acres ----------- --------- Tons 2/ --------- : Walnuts : (English) : 192,000 193,000 193,000 1.08 1.39 1.18 : : ----------- Acres ----------- -------- Pounds 3/ -------- : Pistachios : 64,300 65,400 65,900 1,630 2,750 2,850 : : ----------- Acres ----------- -------- Pounds 3/ -------- : Almonds : 428,000 442,000 454,000 1,190 1,720 1,150 :----------------------------------------------------------------- : Production : Price per Unit :----------------------------------------------------------------- : 1996 : 1997 : 1998 : 1996 : 1997 : 1998 :----------------------------------------------------------------- : ---------- Tons 2/ ---------- ----- Dollars per Ton ----- : Walnuts : (English) 4/ : 208,000 269,000 227,000 1,580 1,430 : : ------ 1,000 Pounds 2/ ------ ---- Dollars per Pound --- : Pistachios : 105,000 180,000 188,000 1.16 1.13 0.99 : : ------ 1,000 Pounds 3/ ------ ---- Dollars per Pound --- : Almonds 5/ : 510,000 759,000 520,000 2.08 1.56 1.80 :----------------------------------------------------------------- : Value of Utilized Production :----------------------------------------------------------------- : 1996 : 1997 : 1998 :----------------------------------------------------------------- : 1,000 Dollars : Walnuts : (English) 4/ : 328,640 384,670 : Pistachios : 121,800 203,400 186,120 : Almonds 5/ : 1,018,368 1,160,640 898,200 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ Yield based on utilized production. 2/ In-shell basis. 3/ Shelled basis. 4/ Price and value estimates for 1998 will be published on July 7, 1999. 5/ 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: 1996 - 20.4 million pounds, 1997 - 15.0 million pounds, 1998 - 21.0 million pounds. Crop Summary: Area Planted and Harvested, United States, 1998-99 1/ (Domestic Units) 1/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Area Planted : Area Harvested Crop :----------------------------------------------- : 1998 : 1999 : 1998 : 1999 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : 1,000 Acres : Grains & Hay : Barley : 6,340.0 5,867.0 Corn for Grain 2/ : 80,187.0 72,604.0 Corn for Silage : 5,919.0 Hay, All : 60,016.0 Alfalfa : 23,642.0 All Other : 36,374.0 Oats : 4,902.0 2,765.0 Rice : 3,345.0 3,317.0 Rye : 1,571.0 1,590.0 418.0 Sorghum for Grain 2/ : 9,626.0 7,723.0 Sorghum for Silage : 305.0 Wheat, All : 65,871.0 59,002.0 Winter : 46,449.0 43,354.0 40,126.0 Durum : 3,805.0 3,728.0 Other Spring : 15,617.0 15,148.0 : Oilseeds : Canola : 1,127.0 1,092.0 Cottonseed : Flaxseed : 336.0 329.0 Mustard Seed : 98.9 95.6 Peanuts 3/ : 1,511.0 1,465.5 Rapeseed : 4.8 4.7 Safflower : 303.0 285.0 Soybeans for Beans : 72,375.0 70,811.0 Sunflower : 3,553.0 3,476.0 : Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops : Cotton, All : 13,417.9 10,722.5 Upland : 13,088.0 10,486.0 Amer-Pima : 329.9 236.5 Sugarbeets : 1,497.9 1,451.6 Sugarcane : 949.5 Tobacco : 726.9 : Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils : Austrian Winter Peas : 9.0 7.4 Dry Edible Beans : 2,010.1 1,913.9 Dry Edible Peas : 323.4 309.1 Lentils : 162.0 158.5 Wrinkled Seed Peas : : Potatoes & Misc. : Coffee (HI) : 6.1 Ginger Root (HI) : 0.4 Hops : 36.6 Peppermint Oil : 124.0 Potatoes, All : 1,423.4 1,394.4 Winter : 15.5 17.0 15.0 16.7 Spring : 93.0 90.6 Summer : 73.7 68.8 Fall : 1,241.2 1,220.0 Spearmint Oil : 27.4 Sweet Potatoes : 86.8 83.8 Taro (HI) 4/ : 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 1999 crop year. 2/ Area planted for all purposes. 3/ 1998 area planted revised. 4/ Acreage is total acres in crop, not harvested acreage. Crop Summary: Yield and Production, United States, 1998-99 (Domestic Units) 1/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : : Yield : Production Crop :Unit :------------------------------------------- : : 1998 : 1999 : 1998 : 1999 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : : ------ 1,000 ----- : : Grains & Hay : : Barley : Bu : 60.1 352,445 Corn for Grain : " : 134.4 9,761,085 Corn for Silage : Ton : 16.0 94,525 Hay, All : " : 2.52 151,338 Alfalfa : " : 3.47 82,010 All Other : " : 1.91 69,328 Oats : Bu : 60.4 167,122 Rice 2/ : Cwt : 5,669 188,051 Rye : Bu : 28.2 11,795 Sorghum for Grain : " : 67.3 519,933 Sorghum for Silage : Ton : 11.4 3,487 Wheat, All : Bu : 43.2 2,550,383 Winter : " : 46.9 1,880,605 Durum : " : 37.8 141,069 Other Spring : " : 34.9 528,709 : : Oilseeds : : Canola : Lb : 1,455 1,588,620 Cottonseed : Ton : 5,182 Flaxseed : Bu : 20.4 6,708 Mustard Seed : Lb : 855 81,750 Peanuts : " : 2,683 3,931,275 Rapeseed : " : 1,353 6,360 Safflower : " : 1,446 412,085 Soybeans for Beans : Bu : 38.9 2,756,794 Sunflower : Lb : 1,509 5,246,701 : : Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops : : Cotton, All 2/ : Bale: 618 13,796.2 Upland 2/ : " : 612 13,366.2 Amer-Pima 2/ : " : 873 430.0 Sugarbeets : Ton : 22.5 32,660 Sugarcane : " : 35.5 33,717 Tobacco : Lb : 2,104 1,529,647 : : Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils : : Austrian Winter Peas 2/ : Cwt : 1,405 104 Dry Edible Beans 2/ : " : 1,611 30,828 Dry Edible Peas 2/ : " : 1,920 5,934 Lentils 2/ : " : 1,223 1,938 Wrinkled Seed Peas : " : 674 : : Potatoes & Misc. : : Coffee (HI) : Lb : 1,480 9,000 Ginger Root (HI) : " : 50,000 18,000 Hops : " : 1,625 59,548 Peppermint Oil : " : 78 9,727 Potatoes, All : Cwt : 343 477,754 Winter : " : 199 185 2,980 3,084 Spring : " : 233 21,137 Summer : " : 280 19,269 Fall : " : 356 434,368 Spearmint Oil : Lb : 109 2,987 Sweet Potatoes : Cwt : 142 11,887 Taro (HI) 3/ : Lb : 6,000 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 1999 crop year. 2/ Yield in pounds. 3/ Yield is not estimated. Fruits and Nuts Production, United States, 1997-99 (Domestic Units) 1/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : : Production Crop : Unit :-------------------------------------------- : : 1997 : 1998 : 1999 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : : 1,000 : : Citrus 2/ : : Grapefruit : Ton : 2,888 2,626 2,616 K-Early Citrus (FL) : " : 7 2 4 Lemons : " : 958 935 806 Oranges : " : 12,677 13,857 10,255 Tangelos (FL) : " : 178 128 122 Tangerines : " : 418 360 305 Temples (FL) : " : 108 101 90 : : Non-Citrus : : Apples : 1,000 Lbs: 10,323.8 10,943.6 Apricots : Ton : 139.2 118.3 Bananas (HI) : Lb : 13,700.0 20,000.0 Grapes : Ton : 7,290.9 5,595.6 Olives (CA) : " : 104.0 90.0 Papayas (HI) : Lb : 38,800.0 39,000.0 Peaches : 1,000 Lbs: 2,624.6 2,425.8 Pears : Ton : 1,042.5 926.2 Prunes, Dried (CA) : " : 214.0 108.0 Prunes & Plums (Ex CA): " : 25.5 25.6 : : Nuts & Misc. : : Almonds (CA) : Lb : 759,000 520,000 Hazelnuts : Ton : 47.0 15.5 Pecans : Lb : 335,000 155,050 Pistachios (CA) : " : 180,000 188,000 Walnuts (CA) : Ton : 269.0 227.0 Maple Syrup : Gal : 1,298 1,159 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 1999 crop year. 2/ Production years are 1996-97, 1997-98, and 1998-99. Crop Summary: Area Planted and Harvested, United States, 1998-99 (Metric Units) 1/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Area Planted : Area Harvested Crop :----------------------------------------------- : 1998 : 1999 : 1998 : 1999 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Hectares : Grains & Hay : Barley : 2,565,730 2,374,320 Corn for Grain 2/ :32,450,880 29,382,110 Corn for Silage : 2,395,360 Hay, All 3/ : 24,287,880 Alfalfa : 9,567,680 All Other : 14,720,190 Oats : 1,983,790 1,118,970 Rice : 1,353,690 1,342,360 Rye : 635,770 643,460 169,160 Sorghum for Grain 2/ : 3,895,550 3,125,420 Sorghum for Silage : 123,430 Wheat, All 3/ :26,657,330 23,877,520 Winter :18,797,450 17,544,930 16,238,590 Durum : 1,539,850 1,508,680 Other Spring : 6,320,040 6,130,240 : Oilseeds : Canola : 456,090 441,920 Cottonseed : Flaxseed : 135,980 133,140 Mustard Seed : 40,020 38,690 Peanuts : Rapeseed : 1,940 1,900 Safflower : 122,620 115,340 Soybeans for Beans :29,289,440 28,656,500 Sunflower : 1,437,860 1,406,700 : Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops : Cotton, All 3/ : 5,430,090 4,339,290 Upland : 5,296,580 4,243,580 Amer-Pima : 133,510 95,710 Sugarbeets : 606,190 587,450 Sugarcane : 384,250 Tobacco : 294,170 : Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils : Austrian Winter Peas : 3,640 2,990 Dry Edible Beans : 813,470 774,540 Dry Edible Peas : 130,880 125,090 Lentils : 65,560 64,140 Wrinkled Seed Peas : : Potatoes & Misc. : Coffee (HI) : 2,470 Ginger Root (HI) : 150 Hops : 14,830 Peppermint Oil : 50,180 Potatoes, All 3/ : 576,040 564,300 Winter : 6,270 6,880 6,070 6,760 Spring : 37,640 36,660 Summer : 29,830 27,840 Fall : 502,300 493,720 Spearmint Oil : 11,090 Sweet Potatoes : 35,130 33,910 Taro (HI) 4/ : 200 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 1999 crop year. 2/ Area planted for all purposes. 3/ Total may not add due to rounding. 4/ Area is total hectares in crop, not harvested hectares. Crop Summary: Yield and Production, United States, 1998-99 (Metric Units) 1/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Yield : Production Crop :----------------------------------------------- : 1998 : 1999 : 1998 : 1999 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Metric Tons : Grains & Hay : Barley : 3.23 7,673,580 Corn for Grain : 8.44 247,942,980 Corn for Silage : 35.80 85,751,640 Hay, All 2/ : 5.65 137,291,520 Alfalfa : 7.78 74,398,220 All Other : 4.27 62,893,300 Oats : 2.12 801,180 Rice : 6.35 8,529,850 Rye : 1.77 299,610 Sorghum for Grain : 4.23 13,206,910 Sorghum for Silage : 25.63 3,163,350 Wheat, All 2/ : 2.91 69,410,050 Winter : 3.15 51,181,680 Durum : 2.54 3,839,270 Other Spring : 2.35 14,389,100 : Oilseeds : Canola : 1.63 720,590 Cottonseed : 4,700,670 Flaxseed : 1.28 170,390 Mustard Seed : 0.96 37,080 Peanuts : 3.01 1,783,200 Rapeseed : 1.52 2,880 Safflower : 1.62 186,920 Soybeans for Beans : 2.62 75,027,640 Sunflower : 1.69 2,379,860 : Cotton, Tobacco & Sugar Crops : Cotton, All 2/ : 0.69 3,003,770 Upland : 0.69 2,910,150 Amer-Pima : 0.98 93,620 Sugarbeets : 50.44 29,628,650 Sugarcane : 79.60 30,587,550 Tobacco : 2.36 693,840 : Dry Beans, Peas & Lentils : Austrian Winter Peas : 1.58 4,720 Dry Edible Beans : 1.81 1,398,330 Dry Edible Peas : 2.15 269,160 Lentils : 1.37 87,910 Wrinkled Seed Peas : 30,570 : Potatoes & Misc. : Coffee (HI) : 1.65 4,080 Ginger Root (HI) : 56.04 8,160 Hops : 1.82 27,010 Peppermint Oil : 0.09 4,410 Potatoes, All 2/ : 38.40 21,670,560 Winter : 22.27 20.70 135,170 139,890 Spring : 26.15 958,760 Summer : 31.39 874,030 Fall : 39.91 19,702,600 Spearmint Oil : 0.12 1,350 Sweet Potatoes : 15.90 539,190 Taro (HI) 3/ : 2,720 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 1999 crop year. 2/ Production may not add due to rounding. 3/ Yield is not estimated. Fruits and Nuts Production, United States, 1997-99 (Metric Units) 1/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Production Crop :----------------------------------------------------- : 1997 : 1998 : 1999 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Metric tons : Citrus 2/ : Grapefruit : 2,619,950 2,382,270 2,373,200 K-Early Citrus (FL) : 6,350 1,810 3,630 Lemons : 869,080 848,220 731,190 Oranges : 11,500,380 12,570,860 9,303,180 Tangelos (FL) : 161,480 116,120 110,680 Tangerines : 379,200 326,590 276,690 Temples (FL) : 97,980 91,630 81,650 : Non-Citrus : Apples : 4,682,800 4,963,930 Apricots : 126,310 107,320 Bananas (HI) : 6,210 9,070 Grapes : 6,614,190 5,076,200 Olives (CA) : 94,350 81,650 Papayas (HI) : 17,600 17,690 Peaches : 1,190,500 1,100,320 Pears : 945,740 840,270 Prunes, Dried (CA) : 194,140 97,980 Prunes & Plums (Ex CA) : 23,130 23,220 : Nuts & Misc. : Almonds (CA) : 344,280 235,870 Hazelnuts : 42,640 14,060 Pecans : 151,950 70,330 Pistachios (CA) : 81,650 85,280 Walnuts (CA) : 244,030 205,930 Maple Syrup : 6,490 5,790 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 1999 crop year. 2/ Production years are 1996-97, 1997-98, and 1998-99. January Weather Summary A very cold pattern east of the Rockies yielded to coast-to-coast warmth. Cold air clung most stubbornly across the Upper Midwestern and Great Lakes States, where snowfall from an early-month blizzard and subsequent storms helped to suppress temperatures. Most of the eastern Corn Belt's snow melted after mid-month under an assault of warmth and heavy rain, causing lowland flooding and leaving soft red winter wheat fields wet and susceptible to heaving soils. Farther east, numerous storms delivered soaking rains to the Mid- and Southern Atlantic States, improving topsoil moisture and significantly easing long-term drought. Late-month rain in Peninsular Florida reduced irrigation requirements for winter vegetables and citrus groves. Locally excessive rainfall occurred, however, from the Ohio Valley southward to the Delta, resulting in muddy fields and flooding along creeks and rivers. Meanwhile on the Plains, snow cover melted in northern areas but was replenished by month's end. Topsoils became very dry across portions of the central Plains, especially in Nebraska and northeastern Colorado, increasing the risk of wind erosion. From Kansas into Texas, however, a late-month storm produced widespread precipitation (rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow), benefiting hard red winter wheat but stressing livestock and disrupting transportation. In the West, a brief southward shift in the storm track provided much-needed valley rains and mountain snows to California and the Southwest, and allowed beneficially dry weather to reach areas west of the Cascades. Monthly temperatures averaged near normal in California and the upper Midwest, but were above normal elsewhere. Departures reached +10 degrees F in the Rocky Mountain region and +8 degrees F in the Southeast. January precipitation topped 4 inches in and west of the Cascades and Sierra Nevada, and in most areas east of a line from eastern Texas to Lake Michigan. From the lower Ohio Valley southward to the central Gulf Coast States, extremely wet conditions (more than 8 inches of rain) were accompanied by several severe thunderstorm outbreaks. Monthly precipitation was significantly below normal only in the Southwest, southern Texas, and a small area centered on Nebraska. General Crop Comments: The month began with frigid temperatures across most of the eastern half of the United States. Blizzard conditions developed as the cold air pushed through the central Corn Belt and Great Lakes Region. Most wheat fields in the northern Plains and eastern Corn Belt were protected from the sub-zero temperatures and wind chills by snow. Below-normal temperatures extended to the Gulf Coast, with sub-freezing temperature readings in Texas and as far south as central Florida. Peach orchards in the Southeast, in need of additional chill hours, welcomed the cold weather, but tomatoes suffered minor leaf burn in Florida. In lowland citrus groves, some fruit was partially frozen and some new foliage was frost bitten, but damage statewide was minimal. Sugarcane and orange harvest continued unhindered. In Texas, the cold weather temporarily halted growth of small grains. As the month progressed, seasonally mild weather remained entrenched over the Rocky Mountains and extended eastward into the Great Plains, Corn Belt, and Southeast. Despite the beneficial warm weather, growth of small grains was limited in the southern Plains due to excessive dryness. In Florida, warm weather promoted development of citrus bloom buds and open bloom flowers and aided vegetable growth. Dry weather forced citrus growers in sandy and well-drained areas to irrigate groves to maintain tree conditions. During the month, a series of storms formed along the western Gulf Coast and delivered a mixture of rain, sleet, and freezing rain to the lower Mississippi Valley, Southeast, Ohio Valley, and Atlantic Coast States. Icing caused power outages in parts of the Southeast and middle Atlantic Coast States, and tornados ripped through parts of the lower Mississippi Valley. Later, rain and melting snow caused isolated flooding in parts of the middle and northern Atlantic Coast States. Despite the severe weather, most areas welcomed the precipitation as soil moisture levels improved. In the Western United States, temperatures averaged above normal in most areas and well above normal through most of the Rocky Mountains. The snow pack continued to accumulate in the northern Rocky Mountains, but heavy rains and mild temperatures melted snow in the Pacific Northwest. The combination of heavy rain and snow melt caused flooding in low-lying areas along streams. High pressure temporarily forced storms to the north of the Pacific Northwest coastal areas, allowing soils to dry and streams to recede from their banks, but the system weakened and the rainy pattern resumed. Below-normal temperatures persisted in California's valleys, hindering growth of small grains, winter forages, vegetable crops, and emerging sugar beets. Excessive dryness during the first half of the month and excessive dampness during the second half also hindered growth. A brief early-month warm spell allowed citrus growers in the San Joaquin Valley to salvage some fruit from their orchards, but most of the navel orange crop that remained unharvested as the month began was damaged or destroyed. Picking of mature fruit continued in southern California. In vineyards and non-citrus fruit orchards, growers kept busy with pruning, weeding, and fertilizing chores until late- month rains hindered their efforts. Sugarcane: Production for sugar and seed in 1998 is estimated at a record high 33.7 million tons, 6 percent above the previous record established in 1997 but unchanged from the previous estimate. Estimated acres for sugar production remained at 892,800 and acres for sugar and seed remained at 949,500. The estimated yield for sugar and seed production is unchanged at a record 35.5 tons per acre, 0.8 ton above the 1997 yield of 34.7 tons per acre. Drought hindered vegetative development in the western Gulf Coast sugarcane producing states during the summer months. Growth accelerated when late summer rains ended the drought and continued as warm weather extended the growing season. The late season growth spurt, combined with expanded use of higher yielding varieties and utilization of better harvesting equipment, resulted in records for both yield and production in Louisiana. The yield and production were also both record high in Florida. Damage due to Tropical Storm Mitch was minimal, but harvest was delayed and mills were forced to shut down operations for several days. Warm, dry weather aided harvest efforts during the month; however, mills expect to be open until early April due to earlier delays. Temples: Florida's Temple forecast of 2.00 million boxes (90,000 tons) is unchanged from the previous forecast. If realized, it will be the smallest non-freeze utilization since the 1954-55 season. The route survey indicated only 21 percent of rows harvested due to lagging maturity. Average fruit size is close to the smallest in the eight-season series. Loss from droppage has been a record low through late January. Grapefruit: The forecast of the 1998-99 U.S. grapefruit crop remained unchanged at 2.63 million tons, slightly above last season but down 9 percent from the 1996-97 season. The February 1 Florida grapefruit crop is forecast at 50.0 million boxes (2.13 million tons), the same as the January 1 forecast but up 1 percent from a year ago. The white seedless forecast is increased to 19.0 million boxes (808,000 tons) and the colored seedless forecast is decreased to 30.5 million boxes (1.30 million tons). Economic conditions favoring additional use of white seedless grapefruit have improved this season, more than anticipated at the beginning of the season. Average fruit size of the unharvested colored varieties is less than originally projected, possibly a result of more selective spot picking than in recent seasons. Loss from droppage is more than originally projected. Florida's seedy (Duncan) grapefruit forecast is continued at 500,000 boxes (21,000 tons), a record low utilization. Average fruit sizes are smaller, but loss from droppage is less than originally projected. All seedy grapefruit are certified in processed form and records are dependent on load tickets. Grapefruit production in Texas is forecast at 5.00 million boxes (200,000 tons), unchanged from January 1 but up 4 percent from the previous season. Quality remains good. California and Arizona grapefruit forecasts were carried forward from January 1. Tangerines: The 1998-99 U.S. tangerine crop is forecast at 305,000 tons, up 2 percent from last month, but down 15 percent from the previous year's utilization. Florida's tangerine forecast is raised to 4.60 million boxes (219,000 tons), up 2 percent from the January 1 forecast but down 12 percent from the 1997-98 crop. Lagging maturity has limited the amount picked compared to the previous two seasons. Average fruit size is above the eight-season mean, but is smaller than last season. Loss from droppage is higher than last season. The Arizona and California tangerine forecasts were carried forward from January 1. Tangelos: Florida's tangelo forecast for February 1 increased to 2.70 million boxes (122,000 tons), 8 percent more than a month ago, but 5 percent less than last season's utilized production. Maturity levels are allowing later volume harvest. Florida citrus: Temperatures during January were above normal in all areas of Florida's citrus belt. There were some days when the upper 80's were recorded. Rainfall was near average across the citrus producing areas, but some citrus counties received above normal moisture for January. During one mid-January tropical storm, Palm Beach County recorded more than 5 inches of precipitation. Due to the dry conditions that prevailed at the time, most of the abundant moisture was absorbed by the soil. The warm tropical weather caused the citrus trees to push out pin-head bloom buds which are very vulnerable to frost or freezing weather. There is very little open bloom showing at this time. Harvesting crews have been very active during the month, moving all types of early and midseason fruit to both the processors and the fresh fruit packing houses. Texas Citrus: Harvest moved ahead during January with early and midseason oranges more than three fourths complete and grapefruit surpassing the halfway mark. Demand remained high for oranges. The quality of oranges and grapefruit remained good. Hardly any rainfall fell in the citrus growing areas and producers continued to irrigate. California Citrus: After the late December freeze in the San Joaquin Valley, citrus growers in early January adopted a "wait and see" attitude for their crop prospects. By the end of the month, some navel oranges were picked for fresh use but many had to go to juice. Lemons in the freeze area were virtually all lost, but the grapefruit survived. Valencia oranges are still green with picking not scheduled until spring. Citrus growers in southern California did not suffer freeze damage and were active picking their fruit. Papayas: Hawaii fresh papaya output is estimated at 2.98 million pounds for January, 8 percent lower than December but 4 percent higher than January 1998. Area devoted to papaya production totaled 3,740 acres in January, relatively unchanged from December but 7 percent higher than a year ago. Harvested area, totaling 2,195 acres, was slightly higher than last month and 27 percent higher than last January. January weather conditions were a mix of rain, gusty winds, and sunshine. Spraying for disease control was slowed at times due to the wet and windy conditions. Seasonally cool temperatures slowed fruit maturation. California Fruits and Nuts: During January, growers were busy with normal winter cultural activities such as weed control, fertilizing, dormant spraying, pruning, and shredding brush. By the end of the month, fruit buds in almond trees were swelling as bloom neared. Walnuts: The 1998 California walnut production estimate has been revised to 227,000 tons (in-shell basis). This is up 3 percent from the January estimate but down 16 percent from the 1997 crop. Estimates for the 1998 price and value will be published July 7, 1999. Almonds: California almond production is unchanged from the January estimate of 520 million meat pounds. Production is down 31 percent from the record 1997 crop. The average price, at $1.80 per pound (shelled basis), is a 24 cent improvement over the 1997 average. Value of utilized production came to 898 million dollars, 23 percent below the 1997 total. Pistachios: The California pistachio crop set a record for the second consecutive year. The 1998 production of 188 million pounds(in-shell basis) was unchanged from the January estimate but 4 percent larger than 1997. The average in-shell price fell to 99 cents per pound, compared to $1.13 for 1997. Total value of utilized production amounted to 186 million dollars, down 8 percent from the year earlier. Information Contacts 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 Charles Van Lahr, Acting Head (202) 720-5446 Jerry Ramirez - Soybeans, Minor Oilseeds (202) 720-7369 Rhonda Brandt - Corn (202) 720-9526 Herman Ellison - Peanuts, Rice, Barley (202) 720-7688 Vacant - Hay, Sorghum (202) 690-3234 Roger Latham - Cotton, Cotton Ginnings (202) 720-5944 Mark E. Miller - Oats, Sugar Crops, Weekly Crop Weather (202) 720-7621 Vaughn Siegenthaler - Wheat, Rye (202) 720-8068 Fruit, Vegetable & Special Crops Section Dean Groskurth, 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 Ranek - Nuts, Floriculture (202) 720-4215 Jeffrey Kissel - Noncitrus Fruits, Mint, Dry Beans & Peas, Mushrooms (202) 690-0270 Biz Wallingsford - Fresh and Processing Vegetables, Onions, Strawberries (202) 720-2157 Vacant - Apples, Tobacco (202) 720-4288 Harry Nishimoto - Hops (360) 902-1940 The next "Crop Production" report will be released at 8:30 a.m. ET on March 11, 1999. 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