Cr Pr 2-2 (1-00) Crop Production National Agricultural Statistics Service USDA Washington, D.C. Released January 11, 2000, 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. All Cotton Production Up Slightly All cotton production is forecast at 17.0 million 480-pound bales, up less than 1 percent from last month, and up 22 percent from 1998. Yield is expected to average 608 pounds per harvested acre, down 17 pounds from last year. Texas production was decreased 56,000 bales from December's forecast, while California's production was increased 45,000 bales. All oranges: The forecast of the 1999-00 U.S. all orange crop is 12.5 million tons, up 2 percent from December and up 26 percent from last season. Florida's all orange forecast is 219 million boxes (9.86 million tons), 2 percent more than the December 1 forecast and 18 percent higher than the 186 million boxes (8.36 million tons) utilized last season. Early and midseason varieties in Florida are forecast at 127 million boxes (5.72 million tons), up 2 percent from December and 13 percent higher than last season. Florida's Valencia forecast of 92.0 million boxes (4.14 million tons) is 2 percent above the December 1 forecast and 25 percent higher than last season's final utilization. California's all orange forecast continues at 67.0 million boxes (2.51 million tons), 76 percent higher than last season's freeze-damaged crop. Texas orange production is forecast at 1.60 million boxes (68,000 tons), unchanged from December and up 12 percent from last season. Arizona's all orange forecast is increased to 1.05 million boxes (40,000 tons), down 9 percent from last season's final utilization. Florida frozen concentrated orange juice (FCOJ) yield for the 1999-00 season is decreased from 1.60 gallons per box to 1.57 gallons at 42.0 degrees Brix. The early and midseason portion is projected at 1.50 gallons per box and Valencias at 1.68. The final all orange yield for last season as reported by the Florida Citrus Processors Association was a record high 1.63 gallons per box. Last season's early and midseason yield was 1.58 and the Valencia portion was 1.75, also record highs. This report was approved on January 11, 2000. Acting Secretary of Agriculture Richard E. Rominger Agricultural Statistics Board Chairperson Frederic A. Vogel Contents Page Citrus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Cotton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Cottonseed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Crop Comments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Hay Stocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Information Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Papayas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Potatoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Weather Summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Cotton: Area Planted and Harvested by Type, State, and United States, 1997-99 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Type : Area Planted : Area Harvested and :-------------------------------------------------------------------- State : 1997 : 1998 : 1999 : 1997 : 1998 : 1999 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : 1,000 Acres : Upland : AL : 535.0 495.0 565.0 442.0 475.0 560.0 AZ : 325.0 250.0 265.0 324.0 248.0 264.0 AR : 980.0 920.0 970.0 965.0 900.0 960.0 CA : 880.0 650.0 610.0 875.0 620.0 605.0 FL : 100.0 89.0 107.0 99.0 80.0 106.0 GA : 1,440.0 1,370.0 1,470.0 1,425.0 1,280.0 1,300.0 KS : 12.0 17.0 33.0 10.0 16.5 28.0 LA : 655.0 535.0 615.0 650.0 525.0 610.0 MS : 985.0 950.0 1,200.0 970.0 940.0 1,180.0 MO : 395.0 370.0 380.0 390.0 357.0 375.0 NM : 70.0 66.3 70.0 66.0 60.3 67.0 NC : 690.0 710.0 880.0 685.0 705.0 800.0 OK : 200.0 160.0 240.0 190.0 120.0 150.0 SC : 290.0 290.0 330.0 286.0 286.0 315.0 TN : 490.0 450.0 570.0 480.0 445.0 565.0 TX : 5,500.0 5,650.0 6,150.0 5,200.0 3,300.0 5,100.0 VA : 101.0 92.0 110.0 100.0 91.0 108.0 : US : 13,648.0 13,064.3 14,565.0 13,157.0 10,448.8 13,093.0 : Amer-Pima : AZ : 22.0 15.9 9.5 22.0 15.5 9.5 CA : 185.0 200.0 240.0 184.0 180.0 239.0 NM : 11.0 7.3 7.5 11.0 7.3 7.5 TX : 32.0 105.0 33.0 32.0 32.0 32.0 : US : 250.0 328.2 290.0 249.0 234.8 288.0 : All : AL : 535.0 495.0 565.0 442.0 475.0 560.0 AZ : 347.0 265.9 274.5 346.0 263.5 273.5 AR : 980.0 920.0 970.0 965.0 900.0 960.0 CA : 1,065.0 850.0 850.0 1,059.0 800.0 844.0 FL : 100.0 89.0 107.0 99.0 80.0 106.0 GA : 1,440.0 1,370.0 1,470.0 1,425.0 1,280.0 1,300.0 KS : 12.0 17.0 33.0 10.0 16.5 28.0 LA : 655.0 535.0 615.0 650.0 525.0 610.0 MS : 985.0 950.0 1,200.0 970.0 940.0 1,180.0 MO : 395.0 370.0 380.0 390.0 357.0 375.0 NM : 81.0 73.6 77.5 77.0 67.6 74.5 NC : 690.0 710.0 880.0 685.0 705.0 800.0 OK : 200.0 160.0 240.0 190.0 120.0 150.0 SC : 290.0 290.0 330.0 286.0 286.0 315.0 TN : 490.0 450.0 570.0 480.0 445.0 565.0 TX : 5,532.0 5,755.0 6,183.0 5,232.0 3,332.0 5,132.0 VA : 101.0 92.0 110.0 100.0 91.0 108.0 : US : 13,898.0 13,392.5 14,855.0 13,406.0 10,683.6 13,381.0 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cotton: Yield and Production by Type, State, and United States, 1997-99 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Type : Yield : Production 1/ and :-------------------------------------------------------------------- State : 1997 : 1998 : 1999 : 1997 : 1998 : 1999 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : --------- Pounds -------- --------- 1,000 Bales 2/ --------- : Upland : AL : 597 559 549 550.0 553.0 640.0 AZ : 1,255 1,177 1,236 847.0 608.0 680.0 AR : 837 645 715 1,683.0 1,209.0 1,430.0 CA : 1,202 887 1,250 2,191.0 1,146.0 1,575.0 FL : 577 489 589 119.1 81.5 130.0 GA : 646 578 580 1,919.0 1,542.0 1,570.0 KS : 418 404 384 8.7 13.9 22.4 LA : 728 586 708 986.0 641.0 900.0 MS : 901 737 708 1,821.0 1,444.0 1,740.0 MO : 695 471 595 565.0 350.0 465.0 NM : 676 640 609 93.0 80.4 85.0 NC : 652 699 486 930.0 1,026.0 810.0 OK : 462 560 464 183.0 140.0 145.0 SC : 688 587 419 410.0 350.0 275.0 TN : 662 589 501 662.0 546.0 590.0 TX : 474 524 475 5,140.0 3,600.0 5,050.0 VA : 659 765 667 137.2 145.1 150.0 : US : 666 619 596 18,245.0 13,475.9 16,257.4 : Amer-Pima : AZ : 912 830 960 41.8 26.8 19.0 CA : 1,141 941 1,245 437.2 352.8 620.0 NM : 641 658 608 14.7 10.0 9.5 TX : 815 791 705 54.3 52.7 47.0 : US : 1,056 904 1,159 548.0 442.3 695.5 : All : AL : 597 559 549 550.0 553.0 640.0 AZ : 1,233 1,156 1,227 888.8 634.8 699.0 AR : 837 645 715 1,683.0 1,209.0 1,430.0 CA : 1,191 899 1,248 2,628.2 1,498.8 2,195.0 FL : 577 489 589 119.1 81.5 130.0 GA : 646 578 580 1,919.0 1,542.0 1,570.0 KS : 418 404 384 8.7 13.9 22.4 LA : 728 586 708 986.0 641.0 900.0 MS : 901 737 708 1,821.0 1,444.0 1,740.0 MO : 695 471 595 565.0 350.0 465.0 NM : 671 642 609 107.7 90.4 94.5 NC : 652 699 486 930.0 1,026.0 810.0 OK : 462 560 464 183.0 140.0 145.0 SC : 688 587 419 410.0 350.0 275.0 TN : 662 589 501 662.0 546.0 590.0 TX : 477 526 477 5,194.3 3,652.7 5,097.0 VA : 659 765 667 137.2 145.1 150.0 : US : 673 625 608 18,793.0 13,918.2 16,952.9 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ Production ginned and to be ginned. 2/ 480-lb. net weight bales. Cottonseed: Production by State and United States, 1997-99 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Production State :----------------------------------------------------------------------- : 1997 : 1998 : 1999 1/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : 1,000 Tons : AL : 196.0 192.0 224.0 AZ : 312.0 288.0 273.0 AR : 632.0 478.0 553.0 CA : 942.0 544.0 797.0 FL : 45.0 26.0 45.0 GA : 660.0 526.0 529.0 KS : 3.1 5.8 8.4 LA : 359.0 236.0 336.0 MS : 704.0 561.0 676.0 MO : 223.0 135.0 182.0 NM : 40.5 32.6 34.0 NC : 321.0 351.0 279.0 OK : 72.0 54.0 58.0 SC : 142.0 122.0 95.0 TN : 260.0 205.0 227.0 TX : 1,983.0 1,558.0 2,056.0 VA : 40.0 51.0 50.0 : US : 6,934.6 5,365.4 6,422.4 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ Estimates based on a 3-year average lint-seed ratio. Potatoes: Area Planted, Harvested, Yield, and Production by Seasonal Group, State, and United States, 1998-00 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Area : : Seasonal :-------------------------------: Yield : Production Group : Planted : Harvested : : and :------------------------------------------------------------------- State : 1999 : 2000 : 1999 : 2000 :1999 :2000 : 1998 : 1999 : 2000 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : -------- 1,000 Acres ------- -- Cwt -- ------ 1,000 Cwt ----- : Winter : CA : 8.5 10.0 8.5 10.0 260 300 1,540 2,210 3,000 FL : 9.6 8.2 9.3 8.0 200 200 1,440 1,860 1,600 : Total : 18.1 18.2 17.8 18.0 229 256 2,980 4,070 4,600 : Spring 1/ : AL : 1.7 1.6 175 221 280 AZ : 10.0 9.6 315 2,268 3,024 CA : 19.0 19.0 400 6,198 7,600 FL : 28.8 28.0 315 7,358 8,820 Hastings: 21.5 21.0 330 5,758 6,930 Other FL: 7.3 7.0 270 1,600 1,890 NC : 17.0 16.5 200 3,325 3,300 TX : 10.3 9.8 235 1,751 2,303 : Total : 86.8 84.5 300 21,121 25,327 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ 1999 Revised. 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 : Nov : 3,785 3,205 2,215 1,585 3,250 3,480 Dec : 3,740 3,230 2,185 1,625 3,380 3,345 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Citrus Fruits: Utilized Production by Crop, State, and United States, 1997-98, 1998-99 and Forecasted January 1, 2000 1/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Utilized Production : Utilized Production : Boxes : Ton Equivalent Crop and State :----------------------------------------------------------- : 1997-98 : 1998-99 : 1999-00 : 1997-98 : 1998-99 : 1999-00 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : ------ 1,000 Boxes 2/ ----- ------- 1,000 Tons ------- Oranges : Early Mid & : Navel 3/ : AZ : 350 550 600 13 21 23 CA : 44,000 21,000 40,000 1,650 787 1,500 FL : 140,000 112,000 127,000 6,300 5,040 5,715 TX : 1,350 1,250 1,300 57 53 55 US : 185,700 134,800 168,900 8,020 5,901 7,293 Valencia : AZ : 650 600 450 25 22 17 CA : 25,000 17,000 27,000 938 638 1,013 FL : 104,000 73,700 92,000 4,680 3,317 4,140 TX : 175 180 300 7 8 13 US : 129,825 91,480 119,750 5,650 3,985 5,183 All : AZ : 1,000 1,150 1,050 38 43 40 CA : 69,000 38,000 67,000 2,588 1,425 2,513 FL : 244,000 185,700 219,000 10,980 8,357 9,855 TX : 1,525 1,430 1,600 64 61 68 US : 315,525 226,280 288,650 13,670 9,886 12,476 Temples : FL : 2,250 1,800 2,100 101 81 95 Grapefruit : White Seedless : FL 4/ : 18,300 17,800 18,500 777 757 786 Colored Seedless : FL 5/ : 30,600 28,700 27,000 1,301 1,220 1,148 Other : FL : 650 550 500 28 23 21 All : AZ : 800 750 800 27 25 27 CA : 8,000 7,500 8,000 268 251 268 FL 4/ 5/ : 49,550 47,050 46,000 2,106 2,000 1,955 TX : 4,800 6,100 5,500 192 244 220 US : 63,150 61,400 60,300 2,593 2,520 2,470 Tangerines : AZ 6/ : 600 950 1,100 23 36 41 CA 6/ : 2,400 1,500 2,300 90 56 86 FL : 5,200 4,950 6,600 247 235 314 US : 8,200 7,400 10,000 360 327 441 Lemons : AZ : 2,600 3,450 3,100 99 131 118 CA : 21,000 16,200 21,000 798 616 798 US : 23,600 19,650 24,100 897 747 916 Tangelos : FL : 2,850 2,550 2,800 128 115 126 K-Early Citrus : FL : 40 80 90 2 4 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/ Excludes White Seedless economic abandonment of 5,000,000 boxes in 1997-98. 5/ Excludes Colored Seedless economic abandonment of 1,000,000 boxes in 1997-98. 6/ Includes tangelos and tangors. Hay: Stocks on Farms by State and United States, December 1 and May 1, 1997-99 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Dec 1 : May 1 State :--------------------------------------------------------------------- : 1997 : 1998 1/ : 1999 : 1998 : 1999 1/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : 1,000 Tons : AL : 1,646 1,213 1,472 191 141 AZ : 171 177 184 34 28 AR : 2,075 1,900 1,850 272 260 CA : 1,598 3,246 2,285 420 428 CO : 2,133 2,807 2,900 616 966 CT : 69 77 47 16 13 DE : 7 18 15 5 8 FL : 436 357 550 65 27 GA : 1,045 1,000 1,245 203 209 ID : 2,743 3,329 2,617 520 777 IL : 1,327 2,100 1,600 474 543 IN : 1,213 1,775 1,316 327 350 IA : 3,374 4,500 4,700 623 1,050 KS : 5,609 6,500 5,800 889 1,525 KY : 3,615 4,922 4,006 603 913 LA : 668 290 502 103 58 ME : 152 196 138 25 56 MD : 381 333 300 55 76 MA : 92 101 84 17 40 MI : 1,993 2,093 2,110 414 556 MN : 3,647 5,261 5,286 640 1,493 MS : 1,530 1,500 1,350 198 200 MO : 6,239 6,933 5,997 881 1,387 MT : 5,042 4,568 4,448 1,151 1,104 NE : 4,549 5,170 4,900 1,222 1,306 NV : 708 857 867 151 233 NH : 49 72 65 9 17 NJ : 138 121 109 20 15 NM : 479 450 595 165 170 NY : 1,998 1,990 1,900 344 435 NC : 1,162 1,189 1,090 152 163 ND : 4,069 4,064 5,291 744 545 OH : 2,387 2,558 1,830 616 581 OK : 4,444 3,042 4,200 919 507 OR : 1,600 2,159 2,245 621 135 PA : 2,299 2,800 1,700 452 730 RI : 9 12 8 1 2 SC : 410 415 410 82 96 SD : 7,888 9,500 9,500 2,031 2,000 TN : 3,184 3,175 2,655 555 635 TX : 8,764 5,496 6,568 2,191 1,450 UT : 1,658 1,695 1,540 435 485 VT : 261 328 229 73 116 VA : 1,591 1,693 1,883 250 417 WA : 1,295 1,663 1,377 308 410 WV : 848 949 524 110 150 WI : 4,320 5,100 5,900 1,271 1,400 WY : 2,129 2,372 2,480 363 611 : US : 103,044 111,839 108,668 21,827 24,795 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/ Revised. December Weather Summary The continuation of warm, dry weather further reduced soil moisture and increased irrigation requirements across the South, especially in California, the Southwest, the southern half of Texas, and the Southeast. In addition, the South's warmth and dryness stressed dryland crops, including pastures, vegetative winter grains, and cold-season vegetables. Although winter wheat remained dormant farther north, unfavorably dry conditions persisted in the western Corn Belt and on the Plains as far south as western Kansas. In contrast, beneficial precipitation, including locally heavy snow, fell across the southeastern Plains and in the Texas northern panhandle. Widespread, early- to mid-month precipitation boosted soil moisture from the middle Mississippi and lower Ohio Valleys southward to the central Gulf Coast. Storminess abated after mid-month in the Pacific Northwest, ending a 2-month spell of very wet weather. The remainder of the West received little precipitation, raising concerns about possibly inadequate spring runoff due to meager snow packs. Near- to above-normal monthly temperatures prevailed nationwide, except at a few locations in the Southwest. December readings averaged 7 to 15 degrees F above normal on the northern Plains, where the month ended with a 10th consecutive week of warmer-than-normal weather. Temperatures averaged as much as 6 degrees F above normal from the Corn Belt to New England. Generally mild conditions in the Midwest and East were briefly interrupted after mid-month by a cold snap that dropped temperatures below 0 degrees F as far south as northern portions of Missouri and Illinois. Across the South, meanwhile, occasional cool outbreaks aided pest control but burned back pastures and winter grains. Temperatures remained above freezing in southernmost Texas and central and southern Florida. General Crop Comments: Rain and snow boosted soil moisture supplies in eastern Kansas and northern and eastern Oklahoma early in the month improving wheat conditions, while also reducing insect populations. In Texas and western Oklahoma, insect populations remained active until the warm, dry weather pattern was replaced by precipitation and cooler weather near mid-month. In other areas of the Great Plains and California, dry soils hampered wheat development early in the month. Shortly after mid-month, a blast of cold air descended on the Corn Belt, bringing a light and patchy layer of protective snow cover, that melted when warmer temperatures returned near Christmas. As the month ended, the wheat crop lacked snow cover across much of the Corn Belt and Great Plains, but freeze damage was minimal due to mild temperatures. The late-month warm, dry weather increased insect activity in the central and southern Great Plains. In Texas, seeding and re-seeding of wheat and oats continued where rain or snowfall supplied some moisture. In Florida, activities included harvesting fruits and vegetables, as well as cutting and grinding old crop and planting new crop sugarcane. Vegetable harvest in Florida was active for the holiday market, although rain briefly delayed some activity during the holiday weekend and allowed citrus caretakers to temporarily discontinue irrigation. In California, field activities progressed normally, however rain was badly needed in most areas. Seeding of irrigated small grains, alfalfa, and forage crops continued, but growers postponed planting of dryland small grains. Many seeded wheat fields required irrigation to germinate and emerge, but warm weather stimulated growth where moisture was available. Orchards, vineyards, and vegetable growers continued with normal winter activities. Other activities included harvesting sugar beets, cotton, and grain sorghum. In the Pacific Northwest, a persistent rainy pattern limited field activities along the coast from northern California to the Canada border. Cotton: Upland cotton planted acreage is estimated at 14.6 million acres, up 2 percent from the August estimate, and up 11 percent from last year. Harvested acreage at 13.1 million acres, is 25 percent above last year. The increases in planted acreage are attributable to the favorableness of cotton as an alternative crop during times of low prices. Harvested acreage increased due to more traditional abandonment levels than in 1998, when high abandonment occurred due to extremely dry conditions. Producers planted 290,000 acres of American-Pima cotton in 1999, down 12 percent from last year. Harvested acreage is estimated at 288,000 acres, an increase of 23 percent from 1998. Harvest of Texas upland cotton progressed normally during the season as conditions were generally dry and open. However, there were brief harvest delays on the High Plains during early harvest due to cool temperatures and widely scattered showers. Delays were also experienced late in the harvest season due to blowing, wet snow. Some farmers sprayed to aid in harvest rather than waiting for the first hard freeze, which did not occur until late November. Abandonment, at 1.05 million acres, is higher than average, but much less than last year's drought affected crop. Hail and wind damage in June resulted in some cotton acreage being replanted to alternative crops. Crop development began slowly, but was on pace with average by the first of August. Heavy rains during early September raised some concerns about regrowth. Cotton objective yield data indicate Texas' crop has the seventh lowest boll weight in the last 10 years. The Delta States (Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee) planted 3.74 million acres. This is 16 percent more than in 1998. Harvested area totaled 3.69 million acres. Warm, dry weather accelerated development of this year's crop, but resulted in deterioration of the condition and quality of the cotton. The dry weather also allowed harvest to progress well ahead of average. On October 31, Arkansas was 15 points ahead of average at 94 percent harvested. Louisiana reported 99 percent harvested, 7 points ahead of the 5-year average. Mississippi, at 97 percent harvested, was 10 percentage points ahead of average. Missouri and Tennessee both reported 96 percent of their cotton acreage harvested on October 31, twenty-one and 20 points ahead of the 5-year average. Data from objective yield surveys show boll weights in Arkansas and Mississippi were the lowest in the last ten years, while Louisiana's weight was ranked as the ninth lowest out of the last ten years. Arizona increased the acreage they planted to Upland cotton in 1999, while California decreased their planted acres. Arizona planted 265,000 acres, a 6 percent increase from last year, while California planted 610,000 acres, 6 percent less than in 1998. Unseasonably cool weather hampered planting activities, resulting in a late developing crop. Despite the slow development, condition ratings remained high throughout the season. Warm, dry weather allowed great harvest progress during October and November, with California being virtually complete by the end of November. January 1 cotton objective yield counts show boll weights in California are the lowest in the last ten years. In the Southeastern States (Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina), plantings were delayed, except in Alabama and North Carolina, due to extremely dry conditions. Alabama and North Carolina were able to progress at a normal pace during the planting season, but were required to do some replanting because of the dry conditions. The extremely dry conditions persisted for Georgia and Alabama during August and September, leading to deterioration of the cotton crop. North Carolina and South Carolina were dry during most of August. Hurricane Dennis improved soil moisture in some areas during late August, but some fields were too mature to benefit from the moisture. During September, the Carolina's were adversely affected by torrential rainfall from Hurricane Floyd. North Carolina abandoned 80,000 acres during 1999, mostly the result of wind and rain damage from the hurricane. The excessively wet, muddy fields also delayed harvest in North Carolina. As of October 31, North Carolina reported only 24 percent of their cotton acreage harvested. This compared to 55 percent for the 5-year average. Harvest activities progressed ahead of average in Alabama and remained on pace for both Georgia and South Carolina. American-Pima production is forecast at 695,500 bales, up 57 percent from 1998's output, and up 16,500 bales from the December forecast. This is the largest crop on record. The U.S. yield is forecast at 1,159 pounds per harvested acre, 103 pounds above the previous record high yield set in 1997. California producers increased planted acres 20 percent from 1998, to 240,000 acres. Arizona and Texas decreased acres planted to Pima from last year while New Mexico increased their acreage. Planting in the San Joaquin Valley began in late March, but made very little progress until mid-April. The delay in progress was due to the persistent cool, damp weather which kept soil temperatures below the optimal level for planting. Cool temperatures during August resulted in the crop developing slowly. However, weather conditions were ideal for virtually the entire harvest season. The harvest was nearly complete by mid-December and some growers picked a third time in order to get the last few late-opening bolls. Ginnings totaled 15,898,850 running bales prior to January 1, compared with 13,159,700 running bales ginned prior to the same date last year and 17,613,350 running bales in 1997. Winter Potatoes: Production of winter potatoes in 2000 is forecast at 4.60 million cwt. This is up 13 percent from 1999 and 54 percent above 1998. Area for harvest is estimated at 18,000 acres, up 1 percent from a year ago and 20 percent above two years ago. The average yield is projected at 256 cwt per acre, 27 cwt above last year. The growing season for California's winter crop was relatively good with minimal damage from weather or disease. In Florida, the planting season has been a good one. Potatoes are currently in good condition with robust development and growth. Spring Potatoes: Revisions of spring potatoes place production at 25.3 million cwt in 1999, up 20 percent from a year earlier and 14 percent above 1997. Final data was up 9 percent from the May 1 forecast. Harvested area totaled 84,500 acres, down 7 percent from 1998, while the average yield of 300 cwt per acre gained 67 cwt from last year. Papayas: Hawaii fresh papaya production for December is estimated at 3.35 million pounds, 1 percent less than a year earlier and 4 percent below the November total. Area devoted to papaya production totaled 3,230 acres, 14 percent less than a year ago. Harvested area totaled 1,625 acres, 26 percent less than last December. Moderate to heavy rain fell on major production areas during December. Seasonally cooler temperatures slowed crop progress. Grapefruit: The forecast of the 1999-00 grapefruit crop for the United States is 2.47 million tons, up less than 1 percent from the December 1 forecast. The forecast is down 2 percent from last season. The Florida grapefruit forecast continues at 46.0 million boxes (1.96 million tons). The white seedless forecast, at 18.5 million boxes (786,000 tons), is unchanged but up 4 percent from last year. The colored seedless utilization is forecast at 27.0 million boxes (1.15 million tons), also unchanged, but 6 percent less than the 1998-99 season. The seedy grapefruit crop is expected to total 500,000 boxes (21,000 tons), unchanged from the previous forecast. California's grapefruit forecast is 8.00 million boxes (268,000 tons), unchanged from the initial forecast and up 7 percent from the previous season. Fruit set is good, but size is small and growth has been sluggish due to below normal precipitation. The Texas grapefruit forecast remains at 5.50 million boxes (220,000 tons) and is down 10 percent from last season. Arizona growers expect to harvest 800,000 boxes (27,000 tons), up 23 percent from the initial forecast and up 7 percent from the previous season. Lemons: The 1999-00 lemon forecast for United States is 916,000 tons, down 1 percent from the initial forecast and up 23 percent from last season. California production is forecast at 21.0 million boxes (798,000 tons), 2 percent more than the last forecast and 30 percent more than the previous season. Desert area pick volume is strong and quality is good. In the south coastal growing region, volume harvested is low. Quality is mostly good. Quality in the Central Valley is fair to excellent with slight decay in some lots. The Arizona lemon crop is forecast at 3.10 million boxes (118,000 tons), down 10 percent from the previous season. Tangelos: The 1999-00 tangelo forecast from Florida is increased to 2.80 million boxes (126,000 tons), 8 percent higher than last month. The route survey (Row Count) conducted in late December indicated that less than one-third of the rows had been harvested. There are some rows of tangelos that are used as pollinators in other hybrids. It is assumed that the remaining crop (other than the pollinators) will be harvested. Tangerines: The 1999-00 U.S. tangerine crop is forecast at a record large 441,000 tons, up 6 percent from the December 1 forecast and up 35 percent from the freeze-damaged crop last season. Florida's tangerine forecast is increased to 6.60 million boxes (314,000 tons), 3 percent more than last month and 33 percent larger than last season. Harvest of the Robinson and Fallglo varieties is complete, while the Dancy tangerine harvest has just started. Picking of the major early variety, Sunburst, is well underway but with considerable volume yet to go. Late variety Honey tangerines are just beginning to be harvested. As of January 1, the drop rate for Honeys has been the lowest on record. The average fruit size is close to the smallest on record. There is a heavy fruit set on most trees this year but also considerable later than normal bloom. This combination indicates an increase in the forecast. California's 1999-00 tangerine forecast continues at 2.30 million boxes (86,000 tons), a 53 percent increase from a year ago. Fruit condition is good. Color and eating quality have been excellent. The 1999-00 tangerine forecast for Arizona is raised to 1.10 million boxes (41,000 tons) and is up 16 percent from the previous season. Temples: Florida's 1999-00 Temple forecast remains at 2.10 million boxes (94,500 tons), 17 percent higher than the 1.80 million boxes recorded last season. The crop appears to be lagging in maturity. Loss from droppage is expected to remain below the mean, while the average fruit size continues well below the seasonal average. Harvest has just started. K-Early Citrus: The K-Early Citrus Fruit forecast for 1999-00 remains at 90,000 boxes (4,050 tons), 10,000 boxes more than the final utilization last season. Harvest is nearing completion. Florida Citrus: Most of December was mild and dry with fall like weather. There were a few days early in the month and near Christmas when temperatures were in the mid 30's. The last week of 1999 was warm and dry. Rain is needed in all areas of Florida's citrus belt. Growers and caretakers are utilizing all types of irrigation equipment to maintain good tree and fruit condition. Some trees on the high sand hill groves are showing afternoon leaf curl due to the current dry conditions. Most of the early and midseason fruit have good on-tree color break. Harvesting crews were very active throughout the month moving fruit to the fresh fruit packinghouses and processing plants. There was the normal seasonal slowdown during the winter holidays. Caretakers in all areas have been busy cutting cover crops prior to the harvesting operations. Some sprays for fresh fruit and a few winter fertilizations have been applied in most areas. Texas Citrus: Texas is looking forward to a good crop this year. Grapefruit and early orange quality is very good. Movement to date is well ahead of last year's pace. No adverse weather has affected the Rio Grande Valle. California Citrus: Precipitation has been well below normal in the citrus growing areas, adversely affecting fruit size. Harvest of the navel orange crop progressed during December with approximately one-fifth of the crop picked by January 1. Quality is good, but the small size of the individual fruit concerns growers. The new Valencia orange crop is maturing well with a good set. Picking should begin in the desert area in late February. Grapefruit harvest was active in the desert area with small sizes reported. Picking of lemons was active in the desert, central valley, and south coast areas. Overall quality is good, but there are indications of windscar, tip injuries, and coarse texture. In the Central Valley, harvest of Satsuma tangerines was progressing well. In the desert growing region, Fairchild tangerines look very good. Fruit condition has been good. Color and eating quality have been excellent. Defects include wind scar and sunburn. California Non-Citrus Fruits and Nuts: Growers were busy with normal winter cultural activities during December such as weed control, fertilizing, and pruning. Growers also had to irrigate their orchards due to the lack of precipitation. Preparation for tree replanting was active. Harvest of pecans, kiwifruit, and persimmons continued. Picking of table grapes and apples was completed. Strawberry growers were weeding fields. Hay Stocks on Farm: Stocks of all hay on farms December 1, 1999 totaled 109 million tons, 3 percent below the stocks on farms December 1, 1998. Stock decreases occurred in 29 of the forty-eight contiguous States. Dry weather conditions in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwestern States played a major role in stock decreases. California, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee had stocks down by 15 percent or more. Oklahoma and Texas had the largest stock increases, up 38 and 20 percent respectively, from last December. 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 Brad Parks, Head (202) 720-2127 Rhonda Brandt - Corn (202) 720-9526 Herman Ellison - Peanuts, Rice (202) 720-7688 Lance Honig - Wheat, Rye (202) 720-8068 Jay V. Johnson - Cotton, Cotton Ginnings (202) 720-5944 Roy Karkosh - Hay, Sorghum, Barley (202) 690-3234 Mark E. Miller - Oats, Sugar Crops, Weekly Crop Weather (202) 720-7621 Jerry Ramirez - Soybeans, Minor Oilseeds (202) 720-7369 Fruit, Vegetable & Special Crops Section Jim Smith, Head (202) 720-2127 Arvin Budge - Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes (202) 720-4285 Dave DeWalt - Citrus, Tropical Fruits (202) 720-5412 Debbie Flippin - Fresh and Processing Vegetables (202) 720-3250 Steve Gunn - Apples, Cherries, Cranberries, Prunes, Plums (202) 720-4488 Jeffrey Kissel - Noncitrus Fruits, Mint, Dry Beans & Peas, Mushrooms (202) 690-0270 Keith Lacy - Berries, Grapes, Maple Syrup, Tobacco (202) 720-7235 Kim Ritchie - Hops (360) 902-1940 Dave Ranek - Nuts, Floriculture (202) 720-4215 Biz Wallingsford - Fresh and Processing Vegetables, Onions, Strawberries (202) 720-2157 The next "Crop Production" report will be released at 8:30 a.m. ET on February 11, 2000. 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