Crop Production

0
594
ISSN: 1936-3737

Released March 10, 2015, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service 
(NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department of 
Agriculture (USDA).

Orange Production Down 1 Percent from February Forecast

The United States all orange forecast for the 2014-2015 season is 
6.68 million tons, down 1 percent from the previous forecast and 
down 2 percent from the 2013-2014 final utilization. The Florida all orange 
forecast, at 102 million boxes (4.59 million tons), is down 1 percent from 
the previous forecast and down 2 percent from last season's final 
utilization. Early, midseason, and Navel varieties in Florida are forecast at 
47.0 million boxes (2.12 million tons), down 2 percent from the previous 
forecast and down 12 percent last season's final utilization. The Florida 
Valencia orange forecast, at 55.0 million boxes (2.48 million tons), is 
unchanged from previous forecast but up 7 percent from last season's final 
utilization.

The California Valencia orange forecast is 10.0 million boxes (400,000 tons), 
unchanged from previous forecast but down 9 percent from the previous season. 
This results in a California all orange forecast of 50.0 million boxes 
(2.00 million tons), unchanged from the January forecast. Objective survey 
measurements taken during January and February indicated that fruit set per 
tree was lower than the previous year and the lowest since 2009, but the 
measured average fruit size was slightly larger than the previous year. The 
forecast for Texas is carried forward from January.

Florida frozen concentrated orange juice (FCOJ) yield forecast for the 
2014-2015 season is 1.55 gallons per box at 42.0 degrees Brix, down 1 percent 
from the February forecast and down 1 percent from last season's final yield 
of 1.57 gallons per box. The non-Valencia portion is projected at 
1.45 gallons per box, down 1 percent from last month and down 5 percent from 
last season's yield. The Valencia portion is projected at 1.65 gallons, 
down 2 percent from last month's forecast but up slightly from last season's 
final yield of 1.64 gallons per box. All projections of yield assume the 
processing relationships this season will be similar to those of the past 
several seasons. 

This report was approved on March 10, 2015.

Secretary of Agriculture
Designate
Robert Johansson

Agricultural Statistics Board
Chairperson
James M. Harris

Contents

Sugarcane Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by Use - States and United States: 2013 and 2014.........  4

Utilized Production of Citrus Fruits by Crop - States and United States: 2013-2014 and Forecasted 
March 1, 2015............................................................................................  5

Crop Area Planted and Harvested, Yield, and Production in Domestic Units - United States: 2014 and 2015..  6

Crop Area Planted and Harvested, Yield, and Production in Metric Units - United States: 2014 and 2015....  8

Fruits and Nuts Production in Domestic Units - United States: 2014 and 2015.............................. 10

Fruits and Nuts Production in Metric Units - United States: 2014 and 2015................................ 11

Percent of Normal Precipitation Map...................................................................... 12

Departure from Normal Temperature Map.................................................................... 12

February Weather Summary................................................................................. 13

February Agricultural Summary............................................................................ 13

Crop Comments............................................................................................ 14

Statistical Methodology.................................................................................. 16

Information Contacts..................................................................................... 17
 
Sugarcane Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by Use - States and United States: 2013 and 2014
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Use and State        :    Area harvested    :   Yield per acre 1/   :    Production 1/     
                              :---------------------------------------------------------------------
                              :   2013    :   2014   :   2013    :   2014    :   2013   :   2014    
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              :      1,000 acres         ----- tons -----       --- 1,000 tons --   
                              :                                                                     
For sugar                     :                                                                     
Florida ......................:   400.0      395.9       34.3        39.2       13,720     15,519   
Hawaii 2/ ....................:    15.5       16.8       87.2        82.0        1,352      1,378   
Louisiana 2/ .................:   410.0      385.0       30.5        30.0       12,505     11,550   
Texas 2/ .....................:    34.1       31.5       42.4        37.9        1,446      1,194   
                              :                                                                     
United States ................:   859.6      829.2       33.8        35.7       29,023     29,641   
                              :                                                                     
For seed                      :                                                                     
Florida ......................:    16.0       16.1       42.5        42.6          680        686   
Hawaii 2/ ....................:     2.2        2.2       20.5        20.4           45         45   
Louisiana 2/ .................:    32.0       25.0       30.5        30.0          976        750   
Texas 2/ .....................:     1.0        1.6       37.0        37.9           37         61   
                              :                                                                     
United States ................:    51.2       44.9       33.9        34.3        1,738      1,542   
                              :                                                                     
For sugar and seed            :                                                                     
Florida ......................:   416.0      412.0       34.6        39.3       14,400     16,205   
Hawaii 2/ ....................:    17.7       19.0       78.9        74.9        1,397      1,423   
Louisiana 2/ .................:   442.0      410.0       30.5        30.0       13,481     12,300   
Texas 2/ .....................:    35.1       33.1       42.3        37.9        1,483      1,255   
                              :                                                                     
United States ................:   910.8      874.1       33.8        35.7       30,761     31,183   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/ Net tons.                                                                                        
2/ Estimates are carried forward from the "Crop Production 2014 Summary" released January 2015.     

Utilized Production of Citrus Fruits by Crop - States and United States: 2013-2014 and Forecasted
March 1, 2015
[The crop year begins with the bloom of the first year shown and ends with the completion of harvest the
following year]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              :     Utilized production boxes 1/      :  Utilized production ton equivalent   
        Crop and State        :-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              :     2013-2014     :     2014-2015     :     2013-2014     :     2014-2015     
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              :      ------- 1,000 boxes -------              ------- 1,000 tons ------       
Oranges                       :                                                                               
Early, mid, and Navel 2/      :                                                                               
  California 3/ ..............:       39,000              40,000              1,560               1,600       
  Florida ....................:       53,300              47,000              2,398               2,115       
  Texas 3/ ...................:        1,400               1,670                 60                  71       
                              :                                                                               
  United States ..............:       93,700              88,670              4,018               3,786       
                              :                                                                               
Valencia                      :                                                                               
  California .................:       11,000              10,000                440                 400       
  Florida ....................:       51,300              55,000              2,309               2,475       
  Texas 3/ ...................:          376                 345                 16                  15       
                              :                                                                               
  United States ..............:       62,676              65,345              2,765               2,890       
                              :                                                                               
All                           :                                                                               
  California .................:       50,000              50,000              2,000               2,000       
  Florida ....................:      104,600             102,000              4,707               4,590       
  Texas 3/ ...................:        1,776               2,015                 76                  86       
                              :                                                                               
  United States ..............:      156,376             154,015              6,783               6,676       
                              :                                                                               
Grapefruit                    :                                                                               
White                         :                                                                               
  Florida ....................:        4,150               4,000                176                 170       
                              :                                                                               
Colored                       :                                                                               
  Florida ....................:       11,500              11,000                489                 468       
                              :                                                                               
All                           :                                                                               
  California 3/ ..............:        4,000               4,000                160                 160       
  Florida ....................:       15,650              15,000                665                 638       
  Texas 3/ ...................:        5,700               6,000                228                 240       
                              :                                                                               
  United States ..............:       25,350              25,000              1,053               1,038       
                              :                                                                               
Tangerines and mandarins      :                                                                               
Arizona 3/ 4/ ................:          200                 220                  8                   9       
California 3/ 4/ .............:       14,500              15,500                580                 620       
Florida ......................:        2,900               2,500                138                 119       
                              :                                                                               
United States ................:       17,600              18,220                726                 748       
                              :                                                                               
Lemons 3/                     :                                                                               
Arizona ......................:        1,800               2,200                 72                  88       
California ...................:       19,000              20,000                760                 800       
                              :                                                                               
United States ................:       20,800              22,200                832                 888       
                              :                                                                               
Tangelos                      :                                                                               
Florida ......................:          880                 700                 40                  32       
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/ Net pounds per box: oranges in California-80, Florida-90, Texas-85; grapefruit in California-80,           
   Florida-85, Texas-80; tangerines and mandarins in Arizona and California-80, Florida-95; lemons-80;        
   tangelos-90.                                                                                               
2/ Navel and miscellaneous varieties in California. Early (including Navel) and midseason varieties in Florida
   and Texas. Small quantities of tangerines in Texas and Temples in Florida.                                 
3/ Estimates for current year carried forward from previous forecast.                                         
4/ Includes tangelos and tangors.                                                                             

Crop Area Planted and Harvested, Yield, and Production in Domestic Units -
United States: 2014 and 2015
[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or
from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2015 crop year.
Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                :     Area planted      :    Area harvested     
              Crop              :-----------------------------------------------
                                :   2014    :   2015    :   2014    :   2015    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                :                  1,000 acres                  
                                :                                               
Grains and hay                  :                                               
Barley .........................:    2,975                   2,443              
Corn for grain 1/ ..............:   90,597                  83,136              
Corn for silage ................:     (NA)                   6,371              
Hay, all .......................:     (NA)                  57,092              
  Alfalfa ......................:     (NA)                  18,445              
  All other ....................:     (NA)                  38,647              
Oats ...........................:    2,723                   1,029              
Proso millet ...................:      505                     430              
Rice ...........................:    2,939                   2,919              
Rye ............................:    1,434                     258              
Sorghum for grain 1/ ...........:    7,138                   6,401              
Sorghum for silage .............:     (NA)                     315              
Wheat, all .....................:   56,822                  46,381              
  Winter .......................:   42,399     40,452       32,304              
  Durum ........................:    1,398                   1,337              
  Other spring .................:   13,025                  12,740              
                                :                                               
Oilseeds                        :                                               
Canola .........................:  1,714.0                 1,555.7              
Cottonseed .....................:      (X)                     (X)              
Flaxseed .......................:      311                     302              
Mustard seed ...................:     33.6                    31.2              
Peanuts ........................:  1,354.0                 1,325.0              
Rapeseed .......................:      2.2                     2.1              
Safflower ......................:    181.5                   170.2              
Soybeans for beans .............:   83,701                  83,061              
Sunflower ......................:  1,560.8                 1,507.6              
                                :                                               
Cotton, tobacco, and sugar crops:                                               
Cotton, all ....................: 11,037.0                 9,707.4              
  Upland .......................: 10,845.0                 9,518.0              
  American Pima ................:    192.0                   189.4              
Sugarbeets .....................:  1,161.6                 1,147.2              
Sugarcane ......................:     (NA)                   874.1              
Tobacco ........................:     (NA)                   378.4              
                                :                                               
Dry beans, peas, and lentils    :                                               
Austrian winter peas ...........:     24.0                    16.8              
Dry edible beans ...............:  1,718.9                 1,665.7              
Dry edible peas ................:    935.0                   899.5              
Lentils ........................:    281.0                   259.0              
Wrinkled seed peas .............:     (NA)                    (NA)              
                                :                                               
Potatoes and miscellaneous      :                                               
Coffee (Hawaii) ................:     (NA)                     7.9              
Hops ...........................:     (NA)                    38.0              
Peppermint oil .................:     (NA)                    63.1              
Potatoes, all ..................:  1,061.1                 1,049.5              
  Spring .......................:     73.8                    71.1              
  Summer .......................:     50.4                    48.9              
  Fall .........................:    936.9                   929.5              
Spearmint oil ..................:     (NA)                    24.4              
Sweet potatoes .................:    137.3                   135.2              
Taro (Hawaii) 2/ ...............:     (NA)                     0.4              
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See footnote(s) at end of table.                                     --continued

Crop Area Planted and Harvested, Yield, and Production in Domestic Units -
United States: 2014 and 2015 (continued)
[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from
previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2015 crop year. Blank data
cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        :   Yield per acre    :       Production       
                  Crop                  :----------------------------------------------
                                        :   2014   :   2015   :    2014     :   2015   
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        :                       ------ 1,000 -----     
                                        :                                              
Grains and hay                          :                                              
Barley ..........................bushels:   72.4                   176,794             
Corn for grain ..................bushels:  171.0                14,215,532             
Corn for silage ....................tons:   20.1                   128,048             
Hay, all ...........................tons:   2.45                   139,798             
  Alfalfa ..........................tons:   3.33                    61,446             
  All other ........................tons:   2.03                    78,352             
Oats ............................bushels:   67.7                    69,684             
Proso millet ....................bushels:   31.4                    13,483             
Rice 3/ .............................cwt:  7,572                   221,035             
Rye .............................bushels:   27.9                     7,189             
Sorghum for grain ...............bushels:   67.6                   432,575             
Sorghum for silage .................tons:   13.1                     4,123             
Wheat, all ......................bushels:   43.7                 2,025,651             
  Winter ........................bushels:   42.6                 1,377,526             
  Durum .........................bushels:   39.7                    53,087             
  Other spring ..................bushels:   46.7                   595,038             
                                        :                                              
Oilseeds                                :                                              
Canola ...........................pounds:  1,614                 2,510,995             
Cottonseed .........................tons:    (X)                   5,314.0             
Flaxseed ........................bushels:   21.1                     6,368             
Mustard seed .....................pounds:    930                    29,004             
Peanuts ..........................pounds:  3,932                 5,210,100             
Rapeseed .........................pounds:  1,233                     2,590             
Safflower ........................pounds:  1,226                   208,643             
Soybeans for beans ..............bushels:   47.8                 3,968,823             
Sunflower ........................pounds:  1,469                 2,214,835             
                                        :                                              
Cotton, tobacco, and sugar crops        :                                              
Cotton, all 3/ ....................bales:    795                  16,084.0             
  Upland 3/ .......................bales:    781                  15,496.0             
  American Pima 3/ ................bales:  1,490                     588.0             
Sugarbeets .........................tons:   27.4                    31,386             
Sugarcane ..........................tons:   35.7                    31,183             
Tobacco ..........................pounds:  2,316                   876,415             
                                        :                                              
Dry beans, peas, and lentils            :                                              
Austrian winter peas 3/ .............cwt:  1,339                       225             
Dry edible beans 3/ .................cwt:  1,753                    29,206             
Dry edible peas 3/ ..................cwt:  1,907                    17,155             
Lentils 3/ ..........................cwt:  1,300                     3,367             
Wrinkled seed peas ..................cwt:   (NA)                       618             
                                        :                                              
Potatoes and miscellaneous              :                                              
Coffee (Hawaii) ..................pounds:  1,030                     8,100             
Hops .............................pounds:  1,868                  70,995.9             
Peppermint oil ...................pounds:     90                     5,692             
Potatoes, all .......................cwt:    426                   446,693             
  Spring ............................cwt:    318                    22,608             
  Summer ............................cwt:    322                    15,756             
  Fall ..............................cwt:    439                   408,329             
Spearmint oil ....................pounds:    114                     2,784             
Sweet potatoes ......................cwt:    219                    29,584             
Taro (Hawaii) ....................pounds:   (NA)                     3,240             
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(NA) Not available.                                                                    
(X)  Not applicable.                                                                   
1/   Area planted for all purposes.                                                    
2/   Area is total acres in crop, not harvested acres.                                 
3/   Yield in pounds.                                                                  

Crop Area Planted and Harvested, Yield, and Production in Metric Units -
United States: 2014 and 2015
[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or
from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2015 crop year.
Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                :     Area planted      :    Area harvested     
              Crop              :-----------------------------------------------
                                :   2014    :   2015    :   2014    :   2015    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                :                   hectares                    
                                :                                               
Grains and hay                  :                                               
Barley .........................: 1,203,950                 988,660             
Corn for grain 1/ ..............:36,663,700              33,644,310             
Corn for silage ................:      (NA)               2,578,280             
Hay, all 2/ ....................:      (NA)              23,104,560             
  Alfalfa ......................:      (NA)               7,464,510             
  All other ....................:      (NA)              15,640,050             
Oats ...........................: 1,101,970                 416,430             
Proso millet ...................:   204,370                 174,020             
Rice ...........................: 1,189,380               1,181,290             
Rye ............................:   580,330                 104,410             
Sorghum for grain 1/ ...........: 2,888,680               2,590,420             
Sorghum for silage .............:      (NA)                 127,480             
Wheat, all 2/ ..................:22,995,300              18,769,930             
  Winter .......................:17,158,450  16,370,520  13,073,110             
  Durum ........................:   565,760                 541,070             
  Other spring .................: 5,271,090               5,155,750             
                                :                                               
Oilseeds                        :                                               
Canola .........................:   693,640                 629,580             
Cottonseed .....................:       (X)                     (X)             
Flaxseed .......................:   125,860                 122,220             
Mustard seed ...................:    13,600                  12,630             
Peanuts ........................:   547,950                 536,210             
Rapeseed .......................:       890                     850             
Safflower ......................:    73,450                  68,880             
Soybeans for beans .............:33,872,960              33,613,960             
Sunflower ......................:   631,640                 610,110             
                                :                                               
Cotton, tobacco, and sugar crops:                                               
Cotton, all 2/ .................: 4,466,560               3,928,490             
  Upland .......................: 4,388,860               3,851,840             
  American Pima ................:    77,700                  76,650             
Sugarbeets .....................:   470,090                 464,260             
Sugarcane ......................:      (NA)                 353,740             
Tobacco ........................:      (NA)                 153,120             
                                :                                               
Dry beans, peas, and lentils    :                                               
Austrian winter peas ...........:     9,710                   6,800             
Dry edible beans ...............:   695,620                 674,090             
Dry edible peas ................:   378,390                 364,020             
Lentils ........................:   113,720                 104,810             
Wrinkled seed peas .............:      (NA)                    (NA)             
                                :                                               
Potatoes and miscellaneous      :                                               
Coffee (Hawaii) ................:      (NA)                   3,200             
Hops ...........................:      (NA)                  15,380             
Peppermint oil .................:      (NA)                  25,540             
Potatoes, all 2/ ...............:   429,420                 424,720             
  Spring .......................:    29,870                  28,770             
  Summer .......................:    20,400                  19,790             
  Fall .........................:   379,150                 376,160             
Spearmint oil ..................:      (NA)                   9,870             
Sweet potatoes .................:    55,560                  54,710             
Taro (Hawaii) 3/ ...............:      (NA)                     150             
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See footnote(s) at end of table.                                     --continued

Crop Area Planted and Harvested, Yield, and Production in Metric Units -
United States: 2014 and 2015 (continued)
[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or
from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2015 crop year.
Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                :   Yield per hectare   :      Production       
              Crop              :-----------------------------------------------
                                :   2014    :   2015    :   2014    :   2015    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                :                  metric tons                  
                                :                                               
Grains and hay                  :                                               
Barley .........................:    3.89                  3,849,230            
Corn for grain .................:   10.73                361,091,140            
Corn for silage ................:   45.05                116,163,190            
Hay, all 2/ ....................:    5.49                126,822,610            
  Alfalfa ......................:    7.47                 55,742,870            
  All other ....................:    4.54                 71,079,740            
Oats ...........................:    2.43                  1,011,460            
Proso millet ...................:    1.76                    305,790            
Rice ...........................:    8.49                 10,025,980            
Rye ............................:    1.75                    182,610            
Sorghum for grain ..............:    4.24                 10,987,910            
Sorghum for silage .............:   29.34                  3,740,320            
Wheat, all 2/ ..................:    2.94                 55,129,190            
  Winter .......................:    2.87                 37,490,110            
  Durum ........................:    2.67                  1,444,790            
  Other spring .................:    3.14                 16,194,280            
                                :                                               
Oilseeds                        :                                               
Canola .........................:    1.81                  1,138,970            
Cottonseed .....................:     (X)                  4,820,780            
Flaxseed .......................:    1.32                    161,750            
Mustard seed ...................:    1.04                     13,160            
Peanuts ........................:    4.41                  2,363,260            
Rapeseed .......................:    1.38                      1,170            
Safflower ......................:    1.37                     94,640            
Soybeans for beans .............:    3.21                108,013,660            
Sunflower ......................:    1.65                  1,004,630            
                                :                                               
Cotton, tobacco, and sugar crops:                                               
Cotton, all 2/ .................:    0.89                  3,501,880            
  Upland .......................:    0.88                  3,373,860            
  American Pima ................:    1.67                    128,020            
Sugarbeets .....................:   61.33                 28,472,900            
Sugarcane ......................:   79.97                 28,288,740            
Tobacco ........................:    2.60                    397,540            
                                :                                               
Dry beans, peas, and lentils    :                                               
Austrian winter peas ...........:    1.50                     10,180            
Dry edible beans ...............:    1.97                  1,324,760            
Dry edible peas ................:    2.14                    778,140            
Lentils ........................:    1.46                    152,720            
Wrinkled seed peas .............:    (NA)                     28,030            
                                :                                               
Potatoes and miscellaneous      :                                               
Coffee (Hawaii) ................:    1.15                      3,670            
Hops ...........................:    2.09                     32,200            
Peppermint oil .................:    0.10                      2,580            
Potatoes, all 2/ ...............:   47.71                 20,261,650            
  Spring .......................:   35.64                  1,025,480            
  Summer .......................:   36.11                    714,680            
  Fall .........................:   49.24                 18,521,490            
Spearmint oil ..................:    0.13                      1,260            
Sweet potatoes .................:   24.53                  1,341,910            
Taro (Hawaii) ..................:    (NA)                      1,470            
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(NA) Not available.                                                             
(X)  Not applicable.                                                            
1/   Area planted for all purposes.                                             
2/   Total may not add due to rounding.                                         
3/   Area is total hectares in crop, not harvested hectares.                    

Fruits and Nuts Production in Domestic Units - United States: 2014 and 2015
[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or
from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2015 crop year,
except citrus which is for the 2014-2015 season. Blank data cells indicate
estimation period has not yet begun]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           :            Production             
                    Crop                   :-----------------------------------
                                           :      2014       :      2015       
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           :               1,000               
                                           :                                   
Citrus 1/                                  :                                   
Grapefruit ............................tons:        1,053           1,038      
Lemons ................................tons:          832             888      
Oranges ...............................tons:        6,783           6,676      
Tangelos (Florida) ....................tons:           40              32      
Tangerines and mandarins ..............tons:          726             748      
                                           :                                   
Noncitrus                                  :                                   
Apples ....................... 1,000 pounds:     11,251.2                      
Apricots ..............................tons:         64.1                      
Bananas (Hawaii) ....................pounds:                                   
Grapes ................................tons:      7,769.6                      
Olives (California) ...................tons:         82.3                      
Papayas (Hawaii) ....................pounds:                                   
Peaches ...............................tons:        846.6                      
Pears .................................tons:        808.2                      
Prunes, dried (California) ............tons:         95.0                      
Prunes and plums (excludes California) tons:         14.8                      
                                           :                                   
Nuts and miscellaneous                     :                                   
Almonds, shelled (California) .......pounds:    1,870,000                      
Hazelnuts, in-shell (Oregon) ..........tons:         36.0                      
Pecans, in-shell ....................pounds:      265,370                      
Walnuts, in-shell (California) ........tons:        565.0                      
Maple syrup ........................gallons:        3,167                      
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/ Production years are 2013-2014 and 2014-2015.                               

Fruits and Nuts Production in Metric Units - United States: 2014 and 2015
[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or
from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2015 crop year,
except citrus which is for the 2014-2015 season. Blank data cells indicate
estimation period has not yet begun]
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                                           :            Production             
                    Crop                   :-----------------------------------
                                           :      2014       :      2015       
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                                           :            metric tons            
                                           :                                   
Citrus 1/                                  :                                   
Grapefruit ................................:      955,270           941,660    
Lemons ....................................:      754,780           805,580    
Oranges ...................................:    6,153,430         6,056,370    
Tangelos (Florida) ........................:       36,290            29,030    
Tangerines and mandarins ..................:      658,620           678,570    
                                           :                                   
Noncitrus                                  :                                   
Apples ....................................:    5,103,460                      
Apricots ..................................:       58,180                      
Bananas (Hawaii) ..........................:                                   
Grapes ....................................:    7,048,490                      
Olives (California) .......................:       74,660                      
Papayas (Hawaii) ..........................:                                   
Peaches ...................................:      768,040                      
Pears .....................................:      733,200                      
Prunes, dried (California) ................:       86,180                      
Prunes and plums (excludes California) ....:       13,430                      
                                           :                                   
Nuts and miscellaneous                     :                                   
Almonds, shelled (California) .............:      848,220                      
Hazelnuts, in-shell (Oregon) ..............:       32,660                      
Pecans, in-shell ..........................:      120,370                      
Walnuts, in-shell (California) ............:      512,560                      
Maple syrup ...............................:       15,830                      
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1/ Production years are 2013-2014 and 2014-2015.                               

February Weather Summary

A remarkably persistent weather regime-featuring a Western ridge and Eastern 
trough-led to record-setting February temperatures on both sides of the 
Nation. The West basked in spring-like warmth, while the Great Lakes and 
Northeastern States suffered through the coldest weather in decades-even 
colder than February 2014. At the height of the Eastern cold wave, on 
February 20, producers as far south as Florida had to take protective 
measures to help guard against freeze damage to tender crops such as 
blueberries, strawberries, and vegetables.

In between warm and cold regions, the Plains were the battleground for 
competing air masses and saw wildly fluctuating temperatures. In areas with 
patchy, shallow, or non-existent snow cover, the Plains' weather extremes 
were detrimental to the health of winter wheat. As a result, the portion of 
the wheat crop rated in good to excellent condition declined during February 
from 58 to 44 percent in Montana and 58 to 49 percent in South Dakota.

Like January, February was a rather dry month across the majority of the 
Nation. However, there were notable exceptions, including an early-month snow 
storm from the Midwest into the Northeast; occasional heavy snow on the High 
Plains; and several Southern storms. During the second half of the month, 
some of the Southern storms produced disruptive amounts of snow, sleet, and 
freezing rain.

Meanwhile, California headed toward a fourth consecutive year of drought, 
despite a brief period of heavy precipitation from February 6-9. During 
February, conditions were especially dry in parts of the Great Basin, 
Intermountain West, and Desert Southwest, while snowpack remained close to 
record-low levels in the Cascades and the Sierra Nevada.

February Agricultural Summary

All areas in the United States east of the Great Plains recorded below 
average temperatures for the month. Areas of the Corn Belt, the Ohio River 
Valley, and New England recorded average temperatures more than 10°F below 
normal in February. Temperatures were above average for the month in the West 
with areas in the northern Rocky Mountains recording average temperatures 
more than 10°F above normal. Precipitation levels for the month were 
generally within 2 inches of normal across the Nation. Areas with 
precipitation levels more than 2 inches below normal were reported in 
California and along the Gulf of Mexico in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, 
and Texas.

Winter wheat conditions declined over the previous month in some northern 
locations due to lack of protective snow cover. In Montana, the percent of 
the crop in the good to excellent categories dropped 14 percentage points 
since February 1 to 44 percent on March 1. In South Dakota, winter wheat 
conditions decreased 9 percentage points over the month to 49 percent good to 
excellent. In Kansas, conditions decreased 2 percentage points in the good to 
excellent categories to 44 percent on March 1. Alternatively, heavy winter 
storms in Colorado improved winter wheat protection leading to a 
10 percentage point increase for the month, with 48 percent in the good to 
excellent categories on March 1.

In Arizona, alfalfa conditions were mostly fair to excellent, depending on 
location. Sheep continued to graze on various alfalfa fields in many areas. 
Barley conditions were mostly fair and durum wheat conditions were mostly 
good. Storms at the beginning and the end of the month helped maintain soil 
moisture levels throughout the State. Rangeland conditions vary widely from 
very poor to good, depending on location.

California wheat, oats, and other winter forage crops continued to grow well 
in February. Despite some beneficial precipitation during the month, some 
growers were irrigating to make up for the lack of rain. Field cultivation 
for spring planting continued throughout the month. Alfalfa fields were being 
cultivated and planted near the middle of the month and by the end of the 
month field preparations were underway for the spring planting of corn and 
cotton. Pruning and shredding took place in tree fruit orchards. Grape 
vineyard pruning was in full swing at the beginning of the month. By the end 
of the month, grapes were developing a couple of weeks earlier due to warm 
conditions. Ranchers continued to graze sheep and cattle on rangelands but 
more rain is needed to help long term development of foothill grasses and 
forbs. Bee hives were delivered for orchard pollination.

Winter wheat conditions throughout Texas were rated fair to good during 
February. Producers in the Southern High Plains reported greenbug and winter 
grain mites in fields, while the Blacklands experienced fungal pressure and 
rust on small grains. Field preparations began for corn, cotton, and sorghum 
planting, with 4 percent of the corn crop planted by March 1, 3 percentage 
points behind both last year and the 5-year average. Producers delayed corn 
planting in several areas of the State due to cold, wet weather. Range and 
pasture conditions were rated fair to good, with supplemental feeding 
continuing across the State.

In Florida, fieldwork and soil preparation continued throughout the month in 
the Panhandle, with cold weather and saturated soil reported in the area. 
Sugarcane harvest continued through February in Glades, Hendry, and Palm 
Beach counties but slowed later in the month due to rain. Pastures across the 
State continued to be in poor condition due to freezing temperatures and 
saturated soils. Ranchers were providing supplemental feed due to the lack of 
forage crops. Several citrus processing plants finished with early and 
midseason oranges during February and have transitioned to grapefruit and 
Valencia oranges. By the end of the month, field workers across the citrus 
region noticed full bloom on all citrus varieties and feathery new growth in 
well cared for groves.

Crop Comments

Sugarcane: Production of sugarcane for sugar and seed in 2014 is forecast at 
31.2 million tons, of which 29.6 million tons was utilized for sugar and 
1.54 million tons for seed. Total production is up 1 percent from both last 
month and the previous year. Producers intend to harvest 874,100 acres for 
sugar and seed during the 2014 crop year, unchanged from the previous 
forecast. Expected yield for sugar and seed is forecast at 35.7 tons per 
acre, up 0.4 ton from the previous forecast and up 1.9 tons per acre from the 
previous season. Hawaii, Louisiana, and Texas sugarcane estimates were 
carried forward from the Crop Production 2014 Summary released in January 
2015.

Grapefruit: The 2014-2015 United States grapefruit crop is forecast at 
1.04 million tons, unchanged from last month's forecast but down 1 percent 
from last season's final utilization. In Florida, the row count survey 
conducted March 2-3 indicated 58 percent of the colored grapefruit was 
harvested, while 39 percent of the white grapefruit rows had been harvested. 
California and Texas grapefruit production forecasts are carried forward from 
the January 1 forecast.

Tangelos: Florida's tangelo forecast is 700,000 boxes (32,000 tons), 
unchanged from last month's forecast but down 20 percent from last season's 
final utilization. The Row Count Survey conducted March 2-3 showed 89 percent 
of the rows were harvested.

Tangerines and mandarins: The United States tangerine and mandarin crop is 
forecast at 748,000 tons, unchanged from the February forecast but 
up 3 percent from last season's final utilization. In Florida, harvest of 
early season varieties (Fallglo and Sunburst) is complete for the season, 
while the harvest of the Honey tangerine continues at a normal pace. Arizona 
and California tangerines and mandarins production forecasts are carried 
forward from January 1 forecast. 

Florida citrus: Producers across the citrus growing region reported highs 
temperatures ranging from the 70s to 80s, while minimum temperatures were in 
the low 40s and upper 30s. A cold snap during the third week of the month 
brought temperatures below freezing in practically the complete citrus 
growing region. Temperatures below 30 degrees were sustained for less than 
two hours in nearly all places, causing minimal negative effects to citrus 
trees and fruit. Rainfall amounts were well above average in the Central and 
Northern areas of the citrus growing region with several counties receiving 
more than four inches of rainfall. Most of the Indian River District and 
Southern area counties received far less rainfall. As per the U.S. Drought 
Monitor, last updated February 24, 2015, abnormally dry conditions were 
present in Collier County, parts of Hendry County, and in the lower half of 
the Indian River District.

Processing plants were up and running at full capacity the first two weeks of 
the month, taking both eliminations and field run fruit. Several plants 
finished early and midseason oranges during the second half of the month and 
transitioned to grapefruit or began setting up to run Valencia oranges. Early 
variety fruit harvested for the fresh market included primarily Honey 
tangerines and colored grapefruit. A small amount of tangelos, white 
grapefruit, and early and midseason oranges also went fresh. 

Grove activity included spraying, fertilizing, irrigating, and mowing in 
preparation for harvest. Field workers across the citrus region observed 
patchy pinhead bloom on oranges early in the month, and a full bloom on all 
varieties by the end of the month.

California citrus: Oranges, mandarins, tangelos, lemons, and grapefruit 
continued to be packed for domestic and foreign markets. Navel orange, Cara 
Cara, Moro Blood, and Minneola Tangelo exports continued to increase. Mid-
month saw orange trees being topped in advance of the bloom. Seedless 
Mandarins and Murcotts were covered with netting to prevent cross 
pollination.

California noncitrus fruits and nuts: Pruning and shredding continued in tree 
fruit and nut orchards. Unseasonably warm temperatures caused a few early 
variety stone fruit orchards to bloom. Fungicide applications were done to 
protect the blooms. Grape vineyard pruning was in full swing and canes were 
being shredded and tied. Vineyards with cover crops showed good growth in 
between vines. Many vineyards continued to receive herbicide, fungicide, and 
miticide treatments. Mechanical and chemical pre-emergence herbicide 
applications continued in fruit tree orchards and vineyards throughout the 
month. Orchards were irrigated due to the lack of precipitation. Kiwifruit 
was packed and exported. Olive trees were dormant the first two weeks of 
February, then pruning began about the third week. Blooming was observed on 
peach, plum, and nectarine trees in orchards in the southern regions of 
California later in the month.

Statistical Methodology

Survey procedures: The orange objective yield survey for the March 1 forecast 
was conducted in Florida, which accounts for nearly 69 percent of the United 
States production. Bearing tree numbers are determined at the start of the 
season based on a fruit tree inventory conducted every year, combined with 
ongoing review based on administrative data or special surveys. From mid-July 
to mid-September, the number of fruit per tree is determined. In August and 
subsequent months, fruit size measurement and fruit droppage surveys are 
conducted, which are combined with the previous components to develop the 
current forecast of production. California and Texas conduct grower and 
packer surveys on a quarterly basis in October, January, April, and July. 
California also conducts objective measurement surveys in September for Navel 
oranges and in March for Valencia oranges.

Estimating procedures: State level objective yield estimates for Florida 
oranges were reviewed for errors, reasonableness, and consistency with 
historical estimates. The Florida Field Office submits its analysis of the 
current situation to the Agricultural Statistics Board (ASB). The ASB uses 
the Florida survey data and their analyses to prepare the published March 1 
forecast. Reports from growers and packers in California and Texas were also 
used for setting estimates. These three States submit their analyses of the 
current situation to the Agricultural Statistics Board (ASB). The ASB uses 
the survey data and the State analyses to prepare the published March 1 
forecast.

Revision policy: The March 1 production forecasts will not be revised. A new 
forecast will be made each month throughout the growing season. End-of-season 
estimates will be published in the Citrus Fruits Summary released in 
September. The production estimates are based on all data available at the 
end of the marketing season, including information from marketing orders, 
shipments, and processor records. Allowances are made for recorded local 
utilization and home use.

Reliability: To assist users in evaluating the reliability of the March 1 
production forecasts, the "Root Mean Square Error," a statistical measure 
based on past performance, is computed. The deviation between the March 1 
production forecast and the final estimate is expressed as a percentage of 
the final estimate. The average of squared percentage deviations for the 
latest 20-year period is computed. 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 March 1 orange production forecast is 
2.8 percent. However, if the three abnormal production seasons (one freeze 
season and two hurricane seasons) are excluded, the "Root Mean Square Error" 
is 2.9 percent. This means that chances are 2 out of 3 that the current 
orange production forecast will not be above or below the final estimates by 
more than 2.8 percent, or 2.9 percent excluding abnormal seasons. Chances are 
9 out of 10 (90 percent confidence level) that the difference will not exceed 
4.9 percent, or 5.1 percent excluding abnormal seasons.

Changes between the March 1 orange forecast and the final estimates during 
the past 20 years have averaged 204,000 tons (211,000 tons, excluding 
abnormal seasons), ranging from 18,000 tons to 585,000 tons regardless of 
exclusions. The March 1 forecast for oranges has been below the final 
estimate 9 times and above 11 times (below 8 times and above 9 times, 
excluding abnormal seasons). The difference does not imply that the March 1 
forecasts this year are likely to understate or overstate final production.

Information Contacts

Listed below are the commodity statisticians in the Crops Branch of the National Agricultural Statistics 
Service to contact for additional information. E-mail inquiries may be sent to [email protected]

Lance Honig, Chief, Crops Branch...................................................... (202) 720-2127

Anthony Prillaman, Head, Field Crops Section.......................................... (202) 720-2127
     Brent Chittenden - Oats, Rye, Wheat.............................................. (202) 720-8068
     Angie Considine - Cotton, Cotton Ginnings, Sorghum............................... (202) 720-5944
     Tony Dahlman - Crop Weather, Barley.............................................. (202) 720-7621
     Chris Hawthorn - Corn, Flaxseed, Proso Millet.................................... (202) 720-9526
     James Johanson - County Estimates, Hay........................................... (202) 690-8533
     Bianca Pruneda - Peanuts, Rice................................................... (202) 720-7688
     Travis Thorson - Soybeans, Sunflower, Other Oilseeds............................. (202) 720-7369

Jorge Garcia-Pratts, Head, Fruits, Vegetables and Special Crops Section............... (202) 720-2127
     Vincent Davis - Fresh and Processing Vegetables, Onions, Strawberries, Cherries.. (202) 720-2157
     Fleming Gibson - Citrus, Coffee, Grapes, Sugar Crops, Tropical Fruits............ (202) 720-5412
     Greg Lemmons - Berries, Cranberries, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes ................... (202) 720-4285
     Dave Losh - Hops................................................................. (360) 709-2400     
     Dan Norris - Austrian Winter Peas, Dry Edible Peas, Lentils, Mint,
          Mushrooms, Peaches, Pears, Wrinkled Seed Peas, Dry Beans ................... (202) 720-3250
     Daphne Schauber - Floriculture, Maple Syrup, Nursery, Tree Nuts ................. (202) 720-4215
     Chris Singh - Apples, Apricots, Plums, Prunes, Tobacco .......................... (202) 720-4288

Access to NASS Reports

For your convenience, you may access NASS reports and products the following 
ways:

 	All reports are available electronically, at no cost, on the NASS web 
site: http://www.nass.usda.gov

 	Both national and state specific reports are available via a free e-
mail subscription. To set-up this free subscription, visit 
http://www.nass.usda.gov and in the "Follow NASS" box under "Receive 
reports by Email," click on "National" or "State" to select the reports 
you would like to receive. 

For more information on NASS surveys and reports, call the NASS Agricultural 
Statistics Hotline at (800) 727-9540, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET, or e-mail: 
[email protected].

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