STAT Communications Ag Market News

California Optimistic About Orange Crop

WASHINGTON - Sep 13/18 - SNS -- Californis is looking a modest increase in orange production this year, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

Navel orange production in the state is expected to reach 1.60 million tons (40.0 million boxes) for the 2018-19 season, up 11% from last season.

This initial forecast is based on an objective measurement survey conducted in California's Central Valley from June (due to a larger sample size) to the beginning of September. The objective measurement survey indicated that fruit set was above last year but the average fruit size was below last year. Harvest is expected to begin in October.

Utilized Production of Oranges by Crop - States and United States: 2017-2018 and
Forecasted September 1, 2018
[The crop year begins with the bloom of the first year shown and ends with the completion of
harvest the following year. Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            :   Utilized production boxes 1/    :Utilized production ton equivalent
       Crop and State       :-----------------------------------------------------------------------
                            :    2017-2018    :    2018-2019    :    2017-2018    :    2018-2019
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            :     ------ 1,000 boxes -----             ------ 1,000 tons -----
California, all ............:     45,400                               1,816
  Early, mid, and Navel 2/ .:     35,900            40,000             1,436             1,600
  Valencia .................:      9,500                                 380
                            :
Florida, all ...............:     44,950                               2,023
  Early, mid, and Navel 2/ .:     18,950                                 853
  Valencia .................:     26,000                               1,170
                            :
Texas ......................:      1,880                                  80
  Early, mid, and Navel 2/ .:      1,530                                  65
  Valencia .................:        350                                  15
                            :
United States, all .........:     92,230                               3,919
  Early, mid, and Navel 2/ .:     56,380                               2,354
  Valencia .................:     35,850                               1,565
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/ Net pounds per box: California-80, Florida-90, Texas-85.
2/ Navel and miscellaneous varieties in California. Early (including Navel) and midseason varieties
   in Florida and Texas.

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