PACIFIC REGION CROP PRODUCTION REPORT
The USDA-NASS, Pacific Region Office has released the crop production forecast for July. The latest survey, which was conducted during the last week of June and the first week of July, included the following commodities:
Almonds — California's 2013 almond production is forecast at 1.85 billion meat pounds, down 7.5 percent from May's subjective forecast and 2 percent below last year's crop. The forecast is based on 810 thousand bearing acres. Production for the Nonpareil variety is forecast at 650 million meat pounds, 4 percent below last year’s deliveries. The Nonpareil variety represents 35 percent of California’s total almond production.
Oranges — The 2012-2013 California Navel orange forecast is 90.0 million cartons, a 1 percent decrease from both the April forecast and from last season. The navel orange harvest reached its end as final picking was completed in mid June. The Valencia orange forecast is 25.0 million cartons, unchanged from the April forecast, and down 4 percent from last season’s crop. The California Valencia orange harvest continued to pick up as the domestic fresh market shifted from Navels to Valencias.
Lemons — The 2012-2013 California lemon forecast is 40.0 million cartons, unchanged from the April forecast, and down 2 percent from last season. The California lemon harvest was nearly completed in the San Joaquin Valley.
Grapefruit — The 2012-2013 California grapefruit forecast is 8.20 million cartons, unchanged from the April forecast, and up 3 percent from last season’s crop.
Tangerines — The 2012-13 tangerine forecast is 26 million cartons, down 4 percent from the April forecast, and up 19 percent from last season.
Other Crops — Barley production is forecast at 48 thousand tons, down 55 percent from the previous year. Oat production is forecast to be 27.2 thousand tons, 24 percent below 2012. Wheat other than Durum production is expected to be 867 thousand tons, up 10 percent from 2012. Durum wheat production is forecast at 256.5 thousand tons, 40 percent below 2012.
Production forecasts are released on a monthly basis and do not reflect final production estimates. Late summer and fall harvests may change these estimates considerably. The next production forecast will be issued Aug. 12.
