MAITLAND, Fla. — The 2019-2020 Florida all orange forecast released today by the USDA Agricultural Statistics Board is carried forward from October at 74.0 million boxes, 3 percent more than last season’s final production. The total includes 32.0 million boxes of non-Valencia oranges (early, midseason, and Navel varieties) and 42.0 million boxes of Valencia oranges. The Navel orange forecast, at 800 thousand boxes, accounts for 3 percent of the non-Valencia total. The estimated number of bearing trees for all oranges is 50.1 million, up 1 percent from the previous season.
All Grapefruit 4.60 Million Boxes
The forecast of all grapefruit production is carried forward at 4.60 million boxes, 2 percent more than last season’s utilization of 4.51 million boxes, but up 19 percent up from the 2017-2018 season. The total is comprised of 3.90 million boxes of red grapefruit and 700 thousand boxes of white grapefruit. All grapefruit bearing trees are estimated to be 2.51 million, down 14 percent from the previous season.
Tangerines and Tangelos Total 1.05 Million Boxes
The forecast for tangerine and tangelos is carried forward at 1.05 million boxes, 6 percent more than last season’s utilization of 990 thousand boxes. This forecast number includes all certified tangerine and tangelo varieties
Weather and Field Conditions
Daily temperatures during October were typical for this time of year, with highs mostly the mid-80s to low 90s. Rainfall amounts varied across the citrus producing region, ranging from two and a half inches in the Southern citrus growing area, to over seven inches in the Northern and Central citrus growing areas. According to the October 31, 2019 drought monitor, portions of the Southern citrus growing area are abnormally dry. The remainder of the citrus growing region is drought free. Grove activities included mowing, applying herbicides, fertilizing, and general grove maintenance. Irrigation is being run several times a week in most areas.
Crop Progress
The crop season in October began with the harvesting of Navel and Hamlin oranges; red grapefruit; and Fallglo and Early Pride tangerines. Fruit being harvested was primarily for the fresh market. By the end of October, two processing plants were open for eliminations and nine packinghouses were shipping fruit. According to the Florida Department of Fruit and Vegetables, through October 27, 2019, less than 1 percent of the early and midseason oranges, 3 percent of the Navels, 3 percent of all grapefruit, and 5 percent of tangerines and tangelos have been certified.
Estimates of Production by Marketing Districts
Production forecasts for Florida oranges and grapefruit have been divided among marketing districts for this report. Comparisons are shown to the previous season in the table below. Marketing District II is the legally defined Indian River District along the East Coast. Marketing District III (Gulf) includes the counties of Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee. Marketing District I (Florida SunRidge) includes all other citrus-producing counties.
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–USDA, NASS