CDFA RELEASES CROP FORECAST FOR NOVEMBER

SACRAMENTO-The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Agricultural Statistics Service has released the crop production forecast for November. The latest survey, which was conducted during the last week of October and the first week of November, includes the following commodities:

Corn - Corn for grain production is expected to total 686,000 tons, down 10% from last year. Harvested acreage, at 140,000, is 12% below last year. The yield forecast is 4.90 tons per acre. Favorable weather conditions throughout the season allowed for good crop development. No unusual pest problems have been reported. Harvest of corn for grain began the last week in July in some locations. The crop has been reported in good condition throughout the season. High yields have also been reported for fields already harvested.

Cotton- The Upland cotton production forecast is 1.43 million bales as of November 1, unchanged from the October forecast, but down 19% from last year. This is based on 477,000 acres for harvest, with an average yield of 1,439 pounds per acre. The American Pima cotton production forecast is 570,000 bales, down 11% from last year. Harvested acreage is estimated to be 209,000, resulting in a yield of 1,309 pounds per acre.

Rice-All rice production in California for 2002 is forecast to be 43.2 million cwt., up 12% from 2001. The yield forecast is 8,300 pounds per acre, unchanged from last month, but up 2% from the previous year. Planted and harvested acreage remains at 523,000 and 521,000 acres, respectively. California's weather conditions during the growing season were favorable. Most of the crop was reported to be in excellent condition with minimal weed problems. The rice harvest has virtually ended for the season.

Sugar Beets-The sugar beet production forecast is 1.86 million tons, unchanged from last month, but up 15% from the previous year. Harvested acreage, at 48,000, is up 7% from last year. The yield is forecast at 38.8 tons per acre. Crop condition and yields were reported to be very good this season. Few disease or insect problems were encountered.

California’s Agricultural Statistics Service operates under a cooperative agreement between CDFA and the United States Department of Agriculture. 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 December 10, 2002.

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