Prospective Plantings - Publication

Prospective Plantings
ISSN: 1949-159X

Released March 31, 2016, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA).

Corn Planted Acreage Up 6 Percent from 2015
Soybean Acreage Down Less Than 1 Percent
All Wheat Acreage Down 9 Percent
All Cotton Acreage Up 11 Percent
Corn planted area for all purposes in 2016 is estimated at 93.6 million acres, up 6 percent from last year. If realized, this
will represent the highest planted acreage in the United States since 2013, and will be the third highest planted acreage in
the United States since 1944.
Soybean planted area for 2016 is estimated at 82.2 million acres, down less than 1 percent from last year. Compared with
last year, planted acreage intentions are down or unchanged in 23 of the 31 estimating States.
All wheat planted area for 2016 is estimated at 49.6 million acres, down 9 percent from 2015. The 2016 winter wheat
planted area, at 36.2 million acres, is down 8 percent from last year and down 1 percent from the previous estimate. Of
this total, about 26.2 million acres are Hard Red Winter, 6.60 million acres are Soft Red Winter, and 3.37 million acres are
White Winter. Area planted to other spring wheat for 2016 is estimated at 11.3 million acres, down 14 percent from 2015.
Of this total, about 10.7 million acres are Hard Red Spring wheat. The intended Durum planted area for 2016 is estimated
at 2.00 million acres, up 3 percent from the previous year.
All cotton planted area for 2016 is estimated at 9.56 million acres, 11 percent above last year. Upland area is estimated at
9.35 million acres, up 11 percent from 2015. American Pima area is estimated at 215,000 acres, up 36 percent from 2015.

This report was approved on March 31, 2016.

Secretary of Agriculture
Designate
Robert Johansson

2

Agricultural Statistics Board
Chairperson
James M. Harris

Prospective Plantings (March 2016)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Contents
Corn Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016 ..................................................................................................... 6
Corn and Soybean Planted Acreage – United States Chart..................................................................................................... 7
Sorghum Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016 .............................................................................................. 7
Oat Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016 ....................................................................................................... 8
Barley Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016 .................................................................................................. 9
All Wheat Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016 .......................................................................................... 10
Winter Wheat Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016 .................................................................................... 11
Durum Wheat Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016 .................................................................................... 12
Other Spring Wheat Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016 ........................................................................... 12
All Hay Area Harvested – States and United States: 2014-2016 .......................................................................................... 13
Rice Area Planted by Class – States and United States: 2014-2016 ..................................................................................... 14
Canola Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016................................................................................................ 14
Soybean Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016 ............................................................................................. 15
Peanut Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016 ................................................................................................ 15
Sunflower Area Planted by Type – States and United States: 2014-2016 ............................................................................ 16
Flaxseed Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016 ............................................................................................. 16
Cotton Area Planted by Type – States and United States: 2014-2016 .................................................................................. 17
Sugarbeet Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016 ........................................................................................... 18
Tobacco Area Harvested – States and United States: 2014-2016 ......................................................................................... 18
Tobacco Area Harvested by Class and Type – States and United States: 2014-2016 .......................................................... 19
Dry Edible Bean Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016 ................................................................................ 20
Chickpea (Garbanzo Bean) Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016 ............................................................... 21
Lentil Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016 ................................................................................................. 22
Dry Edible Pea Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016 .................................................................................. 22
Austrian Winter Pea Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016 .......................................................................... 22

Prospective Plantings (March 2016)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

3

Spring Potato Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016 ..................................................................................... 23
Sweet Potato Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016 ...................................................................................... 23
Crop Area Planted and Harvested, Yield, and Production in Domestic Units – United States: 2015 and 2016 ................... 24
Crop Area Planted and Harvested, Yield, and Production in Metric Units – United States: 2015 and 2016........................ 26
Winter Weather Summary .................................................................................................................................................... 28
Crop Comments .................................................................................................................................................................... 30
Statistical Methodology......................................................................................................................................................... 34
Reliability of Prospective Plantings Planted Acreage Estimates .......................................................................................... 35
Information Contacts ............................................................................................................................................................. 36

4

Prospective Plantings (March 2016)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

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Prospective Plantings (March 2016)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

5

Corn Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016
Area planted
State

2014
(1,000 acres)

Percent of
previous year

2016 1

2015
(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(percent)

Alabama ..............................
Arizona ................................
Arkansas ..............................
California .............................
Colorado ..............................
Connecticut ..........................
Delaware .............................
Florida ..................................
Georgia ................................
Idaho ....................................

300
75
540
520
1,150
26
175
75
350
320

260
70
460
430
1,100
26
170
80
330
280

340
65
790
440
1,250
25
175
100
390
320

131
93
172
102
114
96
103
125
118
114

Illinois ...................................
Indiana .................................
Iowa .....................................
Kansas .................................
Kentucky ..............................
Louisiana .............................
Maine ...................................
Maryland ..............................
Massachusetts .....................
Michigan ..............................

11,900
5,900
13,700
4,050
1,520
400
31
500
16
2,550

11,700
5,650
13,500
4,150
1,400
400
31
440
16
2,350

12,100
5,800
13,900
4,800
1,500
730
31
490
15
2,450

103
103
103
116
107
183
100
111
94
104

Minnesota ............................
Mississippi ...........................
Missouri ...............................
Montana ...............................
Nebraska .............................
Nevada ................................
New Hampshire ...................
New Jersey ..........................
New Mexico .........................
New York .............................

8,200
510
3,500
130
9,300
4
15
85
125
1,140

8,100
510
3,250
105
9,400
2
15
80
125
1,080

8,200
800
3,600
95
9,700
4
14
75
105
1,100

101
157
111
90
103
200
93
94
84
102

North Carolina ......................
North Dakota ........................
Ohio .....................................
Oklahoma ............................
Oregon .................................
Pennsylvania .......................
Rhode Island ........................
South Carolina .....................
South Dakota .......................
Tennessee ...........................

840
2,800
3,700
320
80
1,460
2
295
5,800
920

790
2,750
3,550
310
65
1,340
2
295
5,400
780

930
3,400
3,550
360
75
1,400
2
320
5,700
840

118
124
100
116
115
104
100
108
106
108

Texas ...................................
Utah .....................................
Vermont ...............................
Virginia .................................
Washington ..........................
West Virginia ........................
Wisconsin ............................
Wyoming ..............................

2,250
75
92
500
215
51
4,000
90

2,300
60
92
450
170
50
4,000
85

2,600
75
95
490
210
50
4,000
100

113
125
103
109
124
100
100
118

United States .......................

90,597

87,999

93,601

106

1

6

Intended plantings in 2016 as indicated by reports from farmers.

Prospective Plantings (March 2016)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Corn and Soybean Planted Acreage - United States
Million acres
100.0
90.0
80.0
70.0
60.0

Corn
Soybeans

50.0
1996

1998

2000

2002

2004

2006

2008

2010

2012

2014

2016

Sorghum Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016
Area planted
State

2014
(1,000 acres)

Percent of
previous year

2016 1

2015
(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(percent)

Arizona 2 ..............................
Arkansas .............................
Colorado ..............................
Georgia ...............................
Illinois ..................................
Kansas ................................
Louisiana .............................
Mississippi ...........................
Missouri ...............................
Nebraska .............................

25
170
345
40
23
2,850
100
110
85
210

24
450
440
50
38
3,400
77
120
155
270

(NA)
140
360
35
25
3,150
66
50
75
270

(X)
31
82
70
66
93
86
42
48
100

New Mexico .........................
North Carolina 3 ...................
Oklahoma ............................
South Dakota .......................
Texas ..................................

110
(NA)
370
200
2,500

125
(NA)
440
270
2,600

125
50
420
250
2,200

100
(X)
95
93
85

United States .......................

7,138

8,459

7,216

85

(NA) Not available.
(X) Not applicable.
1
Intended plantings in 2016 as indicated by reports from farmers.
2
Estimates discontinued in 2016.
3
Estimates began in 2016.

Prospective Plantings (March 2016)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

7

Oat Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016
[Includes area planted in preceding fall]
Area planted
State

2014

2015

2016 1

Percent of
previous year

(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(percent)

Alabama ..............................
Arkansas ..............................
California .............................
Colorado ..............................
Georgia ................................
Idaho ....................................
Illinois ...................................
Indiana 2 ...............................
Iowa .....................................
Kansas .................................

50
12
120
45
60
70
35
20
145
85

55
11
120
45
65
75
40
15
125
95

60
10
85
30
55
55
30
(NA)
90
120

109
91
71
67
85
73
75
(X)
72
126

Maine ...................................
Michigan ..............................
Minnesota ............................
Missouri ...............................
Montana ...............................
Nebraska .............................
New York .............................
North Carolina ......................
North Dakota ........................
Ohio .....................................

32
55
230
25
45
110
55
33
235
50

30
75
280
30
50
135
70
35
275
70

31
50
200
30
55
145
75
40
320
75

103
67
71
100
110
107
107
114
116
107

Oklahoma ............................
Oregon .................................
Pennsylvania .......................
South Carolina .....................
South Dakota .......................
Texas ...................................
Utah 2 ...................................
Virginia 2 ..............................
Washington ..........................
Wisconsin ............................
Wyoming ..............................

60
30
90
21
250
450
20
10
25
255
30

40
35
95
24
325
520
20
12
18
280
23

40
30
85
25
310
450
(NA)
(NA)
15
220
20

100
86
89
104
95
87
(X)
(X)
83
79
87

United States .......................

2,753

3,088

2,751

89

(NA) Not available.
(X) Not applicable.
1
Intended plantings in 2016 as indicated by reports from farmers.
2
Estimates discontinued in 2016.

8

Prospective Plantings (March 2016)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Barley Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016
[Includes area planted in preceding fall]
Area planted
State

2014

2015

2016 1

Percent of
previous year

(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(percent)

Arizona ................................
California .............................
Colorado ..............................
Delaware .............................
Idaho ...................................
Kansas 2 ..............................
Maine 2 ................................
Maryland ..............................
Michigan 2 ............................
Minnesota ............................

36
80
57
41
600
16
13
70
9
75

17
70
65
32
580
13
13
50
11
135

15
80
78
28
560
(NA)
(NA)
50
(NA)
100

88
114
120
88
97
(X)
(X)
100
(X)
74

Montana ..............................
New York 2 ...........................
North Carolina 2 ...................
North Dakota .......................
Oregon ................................
Pennsylvania .......................
South Dakota 2 .....................
Utah .....................................
Virginia ................................
Washington .........................
Wisconsin 2 ..........................
Wyoming .............................

920
12
20
620
50
70
28
32
56
115
26
85

970
11
19
1,120
49
55
37
27
46
110
28
100

1,010
(NA)
(NA)
800
60
55
(NA)
30
44
125
(NA)
105

104
(X)
(X)
71
122
100
(X)
111
96
114
(X)
105

United States .......................

3,031

3,558

3,140

88

(NA) Not available.
(X) Not applicable.
1
Intended plantings in 2016 as indicated by reports from farmers.
2
Estimates discontinued in 2016.

Prospective Plantings (March 2016)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

9

All Wheat Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016
[Includes area planted in preceding fall]
Area planted
State

2014

2015

2016 1

Percent of
previous year

(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(percent)

Alabama ..............................
Arizona ................................
Arkansas ..............................
California .............................
Colorado ..............................
Delaware .............................
Florida ..................................
Georgia ................................
Idaho ....................................
Illinois ...................................

255
85
465
530
2,759
80
15
300
1,271
740

260
150
350
465
2,408
70
25
215
1,200
540

195
101
220
460
2,206
80
20
200
1,221
560

75
67
63
99
92
114
80
93
102
104

Indiana .................................
Iowa .....................................
Kansas .................................
Kentucky ..............................
Louisiana .............................
Maryland ..............................
Michigan ..............................
Minnesota ............................
Mississippi ...........................
Missouri ...............................

390
26
9,600
630
160
340
550
1,262
230
880

290
20
9,200
560
110
355
510
1,532
150
760

350
25
8,500
550
40
360
580
1,385
90
690

121
125
92
98
36
101
114
90
60
91

Montana ...............................
Nebraska .............................
Nevada ................................
New Jersey ..........................
New Mexico .........................
New York .............................
North Carolina ......................
North Dakota ........................
Ohio .....................................
Oklahoma ............................

5,985
1,550
21
33
380
120
830
7,960
620
5,300

5,520
1,490
12
27
385
120
650
7,990
520
5,300

4,930
1,350
18
25
370
130
490
7,040
600
5,000

89
91
150
93
96
108
75
88
115
94

Oregon .................................
Pennsylvania .......................
South Carolina .....................
South Dakota .......................
Tennessee ...........................
Texas ...................................
Utah .....................................
Virginia .................................
Washington ..........................
West Virginia ........................
Wisconsin ............................
Wyoming ..............................

830
185
230
2,514
530
6,000
130
290
2,320
10
295
140

835
195
170
2,756
455
6,000
125
260
2,280
9
230
145

785
190
90
2,284
440
5,000
126
240
2,180
8
290
140

94
97
53
83
97
83
101
92
96
89
126
97

United States .......................

56,841

54,644

49,559

91

1

Intended plantings for 2016 as indicated by reports from farmers.

10

Prospective Plantings (March 2016)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Winter Wheat Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016
[Includes area planted in preceding fall]
Area planted
State

2014

2015

2016

Percent of
previous year

(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(percent)

Alabama ..............................
Arizona ................................
Arkansas .............................
California .............................
Colorado ..............................
Delaware .............................
Florida .................................
Georgia ...............................
Idaho ...................................
Illinois ..................................

255
8
465
490
2,750
80
15
300
780
740

260
5
350
400
2,400
70
25
215
750
540

195
11
220
400
2,200
80
20
200
750
560

75
220
63
100
92
114
80
93
100
104

Indiana ................................
Iowa .....................................
Kansas ................................
Kentucky ..............................
Louisiana .............................
Maryland ..............................
Michigan ..............................
Minnesota ............................
Mississippi ...........................
Missouri ...............................

390
26
9,600
630
160
340
550
42
230
880

290
20
9,200
560
110
355
510
52
150
760

350
25
8,500
550
40
360
580
35
90
690

121
125
92
98
36
101
114
67
60
91

Montana ..............................
Nebraska .............................
Nevada ................................
New Jersey ..........................
New Mexico .........................
New York .............................
North Carolina .....................
North Dakota .......................
Ohio .....................................
Oklahoma ............................

2,500
1,550
15
33
380
120
830
870
620
5,300

2,350
1,490
8
27
385
120
650
200
520
5,300

2,200
1,350
12
25
370
130
490
140
600
5,000

94
91
150
93
96
108
75
70
115
94

Oregon ................................
Pennsylvania .......................
South Carolina .....................
South Dakota .......................
Tennessee ...........................
Texas ..................................
Utah .....................................
Virginia ................................
Washington .........................
West Virginia .......................
Wisconsin ............................
Wyoming .............................

750
185
230
1,210
530
6,000
120
290
1,700
10
295
140

740
195
170
1,420
455
6,000
115
260
1,650
9
230
145

680
190
90
1,150
440
5,000
115
240
1,700
8
290
140

92
97
53
81
97
83
100
92
103
89
126
97

United States .......................

42,409

39,461

36,216

92

Prospective Plantings (March 2016)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

11

Durum Wheat Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016
[Includes area planted in preceding fall in Arizona and California]
Area planted
State

2014

2015

2016 1

Percent of
previous year

(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(percent)

Arizona ................................
California .............................
Idaho ....................................
Montana ...............................
North Dakota ........................
South Dakota .......................

77
40
11
435
840
4

145
65
10
620
1,090
6

90
60
11
630
1,200
4

62
92
110
102
110
67

United States .......................

1,407

1,936

1,995

103

1

Intended plantings in 2016 as indicated by reports from farmers.

Other Spring Wheat Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016
Area planted
State

2014
(1,000 acres)

Percent of
previous year

2016 1

2015
(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(percent)

Colorado ..............................
Idaho ....................................
Minnesota ............................
Montana ...............................
Nevada ................................
North Dakota ........................
Oregon .................................
South Dakota .......................
Utah .....................................
Washington ..........................

9
480
1,220
3,050
6
6,250
80
1,300
10
620

8
440
1,480
2,550
4
6,700
95
1,330
10
630

6
460
1,350
2,100
6
5,700
105
1,130
11
480

75
105
91
82
150
85
111
85
110
76

United States .......................

13,025

13,247

11,348

86

1

Intended plantings in 2016 as indicated by reports from farmers.

12

Prospective Plantings (March 2016)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

All Hay Area Harvested – States and United States: 2014-2016
Area harvested
State

2014
(1,000 acres)

Percent of
previous year

2016 1

2015
(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(percent)

Alabama ..............................
Arizona ................................
Arkansas .............................
California .............................
Colorado ..............................
Connecticut .........................
Delaware .............................
Florida .................................
Georgia ...............................
Idaho ...................................

750
300
1,225
1,345
1,340
53
13
320
580
1,390

730
335
1,125
1,180
1,450
53
14
290
570
1,330

730
330
1,120
1,160
1,400
55
14
300
570
1,330

100
99
100
98
97
104
100
103
100
100

Illinois ..................................
Indiana ................................
Iowa .....................................
Kansas ................................
Kentucky ..............................
Louisiana .............................
Maine ..................................
Maryland ..............................
Massachusetts .....................
Michigan ..............................

520
600
1,155
2,300
2,265
470
150
195
75
980

490
560
1,160
2,450
2,370
430
135
215
92
970

480
550
1,200
2,400
2,400
400
135
220
99
930

98
98
103
98
101
93
100
102
108
96

Minnesota ............................
Mississippi ...........................
Missouri ...............................
Montana ..............................
Nebraska .............................
Nevada ................................
New Hampshire ...................
New Jersey ..........................
New Mexico .........................
New York .............................

1,910
600
3,480
2,730
2,580
430
54
106
305
1,370

1,570
680
2,960
2,500
2,700
320
48
102
280
1,230

1,700
700
3,200
2,500
2,700
310
48
102
260
1,230

108
103
108
100
100
97
100
100
93
100

North Carolina .....................
North Dakota .......................
Ohio .....................................
Oklahoma ............................
Oregon ................................
Pennsylvania .......................
Rhode Island .......................
South Carolina .....................
South Dakota .......................
Tennessee ...........................

830
2,700
960
3,590
1,030
1,400
7
270
3,250
1,766

777
2,750
1,080
3,020
1,060
1,290
6
300
3,400
1,765

830
2,800
1,000
2,800
1,100
1,210
7
290
3,250
1,800

107
102
93
93
104
94
117
97
96
102

Texas ..................................
Utah .....................................
Vermont ...............................
Virginia ................................
Washington .........................
West Virginia .......................
Wisconsin ............................
Wyoming .............................

5,440
680
185
1,175
870
618
1,640
1,060

4,730
670
145
1,175
750
590
1,510
1,080

4,750
680
145
1,180
720
620
1,500
1,050

100
101
100
100
96
105
99
97

United States .......................

57,062

54,437

54,305

100

1

Intended area harvested in 2016 as indicated by reports from farmers.

Prospective Plantings (March 2016)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

13

Rice Area Planted by Class – States and United States: 2014-2016
Area planted
Class and State

2014

2015

2016 1

Percent of
previous year

(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(percent)

Long grain
Arkansas ..............................
California .............................
Louisiana .............................
Mississippi ...........................
Missouri ...............................
Texas ...................................

1,270
4
396
190
210
141

1,060
7
355
150
175
127

1,430
7
410
220
200
185

135
100
115
147
114
146

United States .......................

2,211

1,874

2,452

131

Medium grain
Arkansas ..............................
California .............................
Louisiana .............................
Mississippi ...........................
Missouri ...............................
Texas ...................................

215
405
70
1
6
9

245
380
65
7
6

150
390
30
7
4

61
103
46
(X)
100
67

United States .......................

706

703

581

83

Short grain
Arkansas ..............................
California 2 ...........................

1
36

1
36

1
30

100
83

United States .......................

37

37

31

84

All
Arkansas ..............................
California .............................
Louisiana .............................
Mississippi ...........................
Missouri ...............................
Texas ...................................

1,486
445
466
191
216
150

1,306
423
420
150
182
133

1,581
427
440
220
207
189

121
101
105
147
114
142

United States .......................

2,954

2,614

3,064

117

- Represents zero.
(X) Not applicable.
1
Intended plantings in 2016 as indicated by reports from farmers.
2
Includes sweet rice.

Canola Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016
Area planted
State

2014
(1,000 acres)

Percent of
previous year

2016 1

2015
(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(percent)

Idaho ....................................
Kansas 2 ..............................
Minnesota ............................
Montana ...............................
North Dakota ........................
Oklahoma ............................
Oregon .................................
Washington ..........................

35.0
(D)
15.0
63.0
1,200.0
270.0
11.0
51.0

28.0
(D)
23.0
82.0
1,410.0
140.0
4.3
37.0

25.0
40.0
24.0
75.0
1,450.0
90.0
6.5
37.0

89
(D)
104
91
103
64
151
100

Other States 3 ......................

70.0

52.7

-

(X)

United States .......................

1,715.0

1,777.0

1,747.5

98

- Represents zero.
(D) Withheld to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.
(X) Not applicable.
1
Intended plantings in 2016 as indicated by reports from farmers.
2
Beginning in 2016, Kansas is published individually.
3
For 2014 and 2015, Other States include Colorado and Kansas. Beginning in 2016, Other States is discontinued.
14

Prospective Plantings (March 2016)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Soybean Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016
Area planted
State

2014
(1,000 acres)

Percent of
previous year

2016 1

2015
(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(percent)

Alabama ..............................
Arkansas .............................
Delaware .............................
Florida .................................
Georgia ...............................
Illinois ..................................
Indiana ................................
Iowa .....................................
Kansas ................................
Kentucky ..............................

480
3,230
185
39
300
9,800
5,450
9,850
4,000
1,760

500
3,200
175
33
325
9,800
5,550
9,850
3,900
1,840

470
3,050
165
30
320
10,000
5,550
9,700
3,850
1,650

94
95
94
91
98
102
100
98
99
90

Louisiana .............................
Maryland ..............................
Michigan ..............................
Minnesota ............................
Mississippi ...........................
Missouri ...............................
Nebraska .............................
New Jersey ..........................
New York .............................
North Carolina .....................

1,410
510
2,050
7,350
2,210
5,650
5,400
105
330
1,750

1,430
520
2,030
7,600
2,300
4,550
5,300
105
305
1,820

1,150
510
2,100
7,400
2,000
5,500
5,300
100
315
1,700

80
98
103
97
87
121
100
95
103
93

North Dakota .......................
Ohio .....................................
Oklahoma ............................
Pennsylvania .......................
South Carolina .....................
South Dakota .......................
Tennessee ...........................
Texas ..................................
Virginia ................................
West Virginia .......................
Wisconsin ............................

5,900
4,700
375
570
450
5,150
1,640
155
650
27
1,800

5,750
4,750
395
580
475
5,150
1,750
130
630
27
1,880

5,900
4,650
350
590
440
5,000
1,650
190
630
26
1,950

103
98
89
102
93
97
94
146
100
96
104

United States .......................

83,276

82,650

82,236

99

1

Intended plantings in 2016 as indicated by reports from farmers.

Peanut Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016
Area planted
State

2014

2015

2016 1

Percent of
previous year

(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(percent)

Alabama ..............................
Arkansas 2 ...........................
Florida .................................
Georgia ...............................
Mississippi ...........................
New Mexico .........................
North Carolina .....................
Oklahoma ............................
South Carolina .....................
Texas ..................................
Virginia ................................

175.0
(NA)
175.0
600.0
32.0
4.5
94.0
12.0
112.0
130.0
19.0

200.0
(NA)
190.0
785.0
44.0
5.0
90.0
10.0
112.0
170.0
19.0

170.0
18.0
150.0
730.0
40.0
5.0
95.0
9.0
110.0
130.0
19.0

85
(X)
79
93
91
100
106
90
98
76
100

United States .......................

1,353.5

1,625.0

1,476.0

91

(NA) Not available.
(X) Not applicable.
1
Intended plantings in 2016 as indicated by reports from farmers.
2
Estimates began in 2016.

Prospective Plantings (March 2016)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

15

Sunflower Area Planted by Type – States and United States: 2014-2016
Varietal type
and State

Area planted
2014

2015

2016 1

Percent of
previous year

(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(percent)

Oil
California .............................
Colorado ..............................
Kansas .................................
Minnesota ............................
Nebraska .............................
North Dakota ........................
Oklahoma 2 ..........................
South Dakota .......................
Texas ...................................

44.0
35.0
45.0
47.0
27.0
520.0
3.0
410.0
43.0

33.0
60.0
57.0
77.0
29.0
620.0
3.5
580.0
91.0

42.0
40.0
45.0
75.0
27.0
630.0
(NA)
530.0
55.0

127
67
79
97
93
102
(X)
91
60

United States .......................

1,174.0

1,550.5

1,444.0

93

Non-oil
California .............................
Colorado ..............................
Kansas .................................
Minnesota ............................
Nebraska .............................
North Dakota ........................
Oklahoma 2 ..........................
South Dakota .......................
Texas ...................................

3.5
11.5
18.0
15.0
11.0
145.0
1.3
125.0
61.0

1.4
13.0
27.0
24.0
20.0
100.0
2.2
99.0
22.0

1.4
9.0
13.0
21.0
17.0
95.0
(NA)
75.0
18.0

100
69
48
88
85
95
(X)
76
82

United States .......................

391.3

308.6

249.4

81

All
California .............................
Colorado ..............................
Kansas .................................
Minnesota ............................
Nebraska .............................
North Dakota ........................
Oklahoma 2 ..........................
South Dakota .......................
Texas ...................................

47.5
46.5
63.0
62.0
38.0
665.0
4.3
535.0
104.0

34.4
73.0
84.0
101.0
49.0
720.0
5.7
679.0
113.0

43.4
49.0
58.0
96.0
44.0
725.0
(NA)
605.0
73.0

126
67
69
95
90
101
(X)
89
65

United States .......................

1,565.3

1,859.1

1,693.4

91

(NA) Not available.
(X) Not applicable.
1
Intended plantings in 2016 as indicated by reports from farmers.
2
Estimates discontinued in 2016.

Flaxseed Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016
Area planted
State

2

2014

2015

2016 1

Percent of
previous year

(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(percent)

Minnesota ..........................
Montana ...............................
North Dakota ........................
South Dakota .......................

2
28
275
6

3
31
410
19

(NA)
38
340
12

(X)
123
83
63

United States .......................

311

463

390

84

(NA) Not available.
(X) Not applicable.
1
Intended plantings in 2016 as indicated by reports from farmers.
2
Estimates discontinued in 2016.

16

Prospective Plantings (March 2016)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Cotton Area Planted by Type – States and United States: 2014-2016
Area planted
Type and State

2014

2015

2016 1

Percent of
previous year

(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(percent)

Upland
Alabama ..............................
Arizona ................................
Arkansas .............................
California .............................
Florida .................................
Georgia ...............................
Kansas ................................
Louisiana .............................
Mississippi ...........................
Missouri ...............................

350.0
150.0
335.0
57.0
107.0
1,380.0
31.0
170.0
425.0
250.0

315.0
89.0
210.0
47.0
85.0
1,130.0
16.0
115.0
320.0
185.0

320.0
115.0
330.0
45.0
90.0
1,150.0
22.0
150.0
450.0
270.0

102
129
157
96
106
102
138
130
141
146

New Mexico .........................
North Carolina .....................
Oklahoma ............................
South Carolina .....................
Tennessee ...........................
Texas ..................................
Virginia ................................

43.0
465.0
240.0
280.0
275.0
6,200.0
87.0

35.0
385.0
215.0
235.0
155.0
4,800.0
85.0

40.0
290.0
270.0
190.0
235.0
5,300.0
80.0

114
75
126
81
152
110
94

United States .......................

10,845.0

8,422.0

9,347.0

111

American Pima
Arizona ................................
California .............................
New Mexico .........................
Texas ..................................

15.0
155.0
5.4
17.0

17.5
117.0
7.0
17.0

20.0
165.0
8.0
22.0

114
141
114
129

United States .......................

192.4

158.5

215.0

136

All
Alabama ..............................
Arizona ................................
Arkansas .............................
California .............................
Florida .................................
Georgia ...............................
Kansas ................................
Louisiana .............................
Mississippi ...........................
Missouri ...............................

350.0
165.0
335.0
212.0
107.0
1,380.0
31.0
170.0
425.0
250.0

315.0
106.5
210.0
164.0
85.0
1,130.0
16.0
115.0
320.0
185.0

320.0
135.0
330.0
210.0
90.0
1,150.0
22.0
150.0
450.0
270.0

102
127
157
128
106
102
138
130
141
146

New Mexico .........................
North Carolina .....................
Oklahoma ............................
South Carolina .....................
Tennessee ...........................
Texas ..................................
Virginia ................................

48.4
465.0
240.0
280.0
275.0
6,217.0
87.0

42.0
385.0
215.0
235.0
155.0
4,817.0
85.0

48.0
290.0
270.0
190.0
235.0
5,322.0
80.0

114
75
126
81
152
110
94

United States .......................

11,037.4

8,580.5

9,562.0

111

1

Intended plantings in 2016 as indicated by reports from farmers.

Prospective Plantings (March 2016)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

17

Sugarbeet Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016
[Relates to year of intended harvest in all States except California]
Area planted
State

2014

2015

2016 1

Percent of
previous year

(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(percent)

2

California ...........................
Colorado ..............................
Idaho ....................................
Michigan ..............................
Minnesota ............................
Montana ...............................
Nebraska .............................
North Dakota ........................
Oregon .................................
Washington 3 ........................
Wyoming ..............................

24.3
29.6
170.0
151.0
440.0
45.1
49.1
215.0
7.5
(NA)
30.9

25.0
27.5
171.0
152.0
443.0
44.1
47.5
208.0
9.2
(NA)
31.5

25.0
32.8
174.0
151.0
444.0
42.0
40.8
210.0
7.0
2.0
30.0

100
119
102
99
100
95
86
101
76
(X)
95

United States .......................

1,162.5

1,158.8

1,158.6

100

(NA) Not available.
(X) Not applicable.
1
Intended plantings in 2016 as indicated by reports from processors.
2
Relates to year of intended harvest for fall planted beets in central California and to year of planting for overwintered beets in central and
southern California.
3
Estimates began in 2016.

Tobacco Area Harvested – States and United States: 2014-2016
Area harvested
State

2014
(acres)

Percent of
previous year

2016 1

2015
(acres)

(acres)

(percent)

Connecticut 2 ........................
Georgia ................................
Kentucky ..............................
Massachusetts 2 ...................
North Carolina ......................
Ohio 2 ...................................
Pennsylvania .......................
South Carolina .....................
Tennessee ...........................
Virginia .................................

(D)
15,000
91,700
(D)
193,400
2,000
9,100
15,800
24,250
24,330

(D)
13,500
72,900
(D)
171,000
1,900
7,900
13,000
20,800
23,050

(NA)
13,500
75,700
(NA)
160,950
(NA)
7,000
14,500
20,350
22,450

(X)
100
104
(X)
94
(X)
89
112
98
97

Other States 3 ......................

2,780

2,500

-

(X)

United States .......................

378,360

326,550

314,450

96

- Represents zero.
(D) Withheld to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.
(NA) Not available.
(X) Not applicable.
1
Intended area harvested in 2016 as indicated by reports from farmers.
2
Estimates discontinued in 2016.
3
Includes data withheld above.

18

Prospective Plantings (March 2016)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Tobacco Area Harvested by Class and Type – States and United States: 2014-2016
Area harvested
Class, type, and State

2014

2015

2016 1

Percent of
previous year

(acres)

(acres)

(acres)

(percent)

Class 1, Flue-cured (11-14)
Georgia ..............................................................................
North Carolina ....................................................................
South Carolina ....................................................................
Virginia ...............................................................................

15,000
192,000
15,800
22,500

13,500
170,000
13,000
21,500

13,500
160,000
14,500
21,000

100
94
112
98

United States ......................................................................

245,300

218,000

209,000

96

Class 2, Fire-cured (21-23)
Kentucky .............................................................................
Tennessee ..........................................................................
Virginia ...............................................................................

10,700
7,600
330

9,900
7,600
250

10,000
7,100
250

101
93
100

United States ......................................................................

18,630

17,750

17,350

98

Class 3A, Light air-cured
Type 31, Burley
Kentucky .........................................................................
North Carolina ................................................................
Ohio 2 .............................................................................
Pennsylvania ..................................................................
Tennessee ......................................................................
Virginia ...........................................................................

76,000
1,400
2,000
5,100
15,500
1,500

58,000
1,000
1,900
4,700
12,000
1,300

61,000
950
(NA)
4,000
12,000
1,200

105
95
(X)
85
100
92

United States ..................................................................

101,500

78,900

79,150

100

Type 32, Southern Maryland
Pennsylvania ..................................................................

2,000

1,600

1,600

100

Total light air-cured (31-32) ..............................................

103,500

80,500

80,750

100

Class 3B, Dark air-cured (35-37)
Kentucky .............................................................................
Tennessee ..........................................................................

5,000
1,150

5,000
1,200

4,700
1,250

94
104

United States ......................................................................

6,150

6,200

5,950

96

Class 4, Cigar filler
Pennsylvania ..................................................................

2,000

1,600

1,400

88

Class 5, Cigar binder
Type 51, Connecticut Valley Broadleaf
Connecticut 2 ..................................................................
Massachusetts 2 .............................................................

(D)
(D)

(D)
(D)

(NA)
(NA)

(X)
(X)

United States 2 ................................................................

(D)

(D)

(NA)

(X)

Class 6, Cigar wrapper
Type 61, Connecticut Valley Shade-grown
Connecticut 2 ..................................................................
Massachusetts 2 .............................................................

(D)
(D)

(D)
(D)

(NA)
(NA)

(X)
(X)

United States 2 ................................................................

(D)

(D)

(NA)

(X)

Other cigar types (51-61) ..................................................

2,780

2,500

(NA)

(X)

Total cigar types (41-61) 3 .................................................

4,780

4,100

1,400

34

All tobacco
United States ......................................................................

378,360

326,550

314,450

96

(D) Withheld to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.
(NA) Not available.
(X) Not applicable.
1
Intended area harvested in 2016 as indicated by reports from farmers.
2
Estimates discontinued in 2016.
3
Beginning in 2016, estimates only include Class 4 Cigar filler.

Prospective Plantings (March 2016)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

19

Dry Edible Bean Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016
[Excludes beans grown for garden seed]
Area planted
State

2

2014

2015

2016 1

Percent of
previous year

(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(percent)

Arizona ..............................
California .............................
Colorado ..............................
Idaho ....................................
Kansas 2 ..............................
Michigan ..............................
Minnesota ............................
Montana ...............................
Nebraska .............................
New Mexico 2 .......................

11.0
48.0
46.0
125.0
7.5
230.0
155.0
37.5
170.0
10.5

9.1
45.0
50.0
120.0
8.0
275.0
190.0
49.0
140.0
12.9

(NA)
39.0
55.0
120.0
(NA)
215.0
155.0
80.0
115.0
(NA)

(X)
87
110
100
(X)
78
82
163
82
(X)

New York 2 ...........................
North Dakota ........................
Oregon 2 ..............................
South Dakota 2 ....................
Texas ...................................
Washington ..........................
Wisconsin 2 .........................
Wyoming ..............................

8.0
630.0
8.5
14.0
23.0
127.7
7.9
42.0

8.0
655.0
9.0
12.5
31.0
110.0
7.9
32.0

(NA)
590.0
(NA)
(NA)
30.0
120.0
(NA)
40.0

(X)
90
(X)
(X)
97
109
(X)
125

United States .......................

1,701.6

1,764.4

1,559.0

88

(NA) Not available.
(X) Not applicable.
1
Intended plantings in 2016 as indicated by reports from farmers.
2
Estimates discontinued in 2016.

20

Prospective Plantings (March 2016)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Chickpea (Garbanzo Bean) Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016
[Chickpea acres included with dry bean acres]
Area planted
Size and State

2014

2015

2016 1

Percent of
previous year

(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(percent)

2

Small chickpeas
Idaho ...................................................................
Montana ..............................................................
North Dakota .......................................................
Oregon 3 ..............................................................
South Dakota 3 .....................................................
Washington .........................................................

29.0
(D)
2.0
(D)
(D)
22.0

32.0
(D)
5.0
(D)
20.0

30.0
18.0
5.0
(NA)
(NA)
30.0

94
(D)
100
(X)
(X)
150

Other States 4 ......................................................

13.8

15.2

-

(X)

United States .......................................................

66.8

72.2

83.0

115

Large chickpeas
California .............................................................
Idaho ...................................................................
Montana ..............................................................
Nebraska 3 ...........................................................
North Dakota .......................................................
Oregon 3 ..............................................................
South Dakota 3 .....................................................
Washington .........................................................

9.3
45.0
(D)
4.4
(D)
(D)
68.0

7.7
38.0
(D)
0.2
2.4
(D)
3.2
55.0

7.0
40.0
50.0
(NA)
6.0
(NA)
(NA)
60.0

91
105
(D)
(X)
250
(X)
(X)
109

Other States 4 ......................................................

21.6

28.8

-

(X)

United States .......................................................

148.3

135.3

163.0

120

All chickpeas (Garbanzo)
California .............................................................
Idaho ...................................................................
Montana ..............................................................
Nebraska 3 ...........................................................
North Dakota .......................................................
Oregon 3 ..............................................................
South Dakota 3 .....................................................
Washington .........................................................

9.3
74.0
31.5
6.4
1.1
2.8
90.0

7.7
70.0
43.0
0.2
7.4
1.0
3.2
75.0

7.0
70.0
68.0
(NA)
11.0
(NA)
(NA)
90.0

91
100
158
(X)
149
(X)
(X)
120

United States .......................................................

215.1

207.5

246.0

119

5

- Represents zero.
(D) Withheld to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.
(NA) Not available.
(X) Not applicable.
1
Intended plantings in 2016 as indicated by reports from farmers.
2
Chickpeas (or Garbanzo beans) smaller than 20/64 inches.
3
Estimates discontinued in 2016.
4
Includes data withheld above.
5
Chickpeas (or Garbanzo beans) larger than 20/64 inches.

Prospective Plantings (March 2016)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

21

Lentil Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016
Area planted
State

2014
(1,000 acres)

Percent of
previous year

2016 1

2015
(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(percent)

Idaho ....................................
Montana ...............................
North Dakota ........................
Washington ..........................

25.0
130.0
75.0
51.0

33.0
235.0
165.0
60.0

40.0
500.0
240.0
70.0

121
213
145
117

United States .......................

281.0

493.0

850.0

172

1

Intended plantings in 2016 as indicated by reports from farmers.

Dry Edible Pea Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016
Area planted
State

2014
(1,000 acres)

Percent of
previous year

2016 1

2015
(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(percent)

Idaho ....................................
Montana ...............................
Nebraska 2 ...........................
North Dakota ........................
Oregon .................................
South Dakota 2 .....................
Washington ..........................

46.0
525.0
(NA)
265.0
9.0
(NA)
90.0

51.0
595.0
(NA)
385.0
7.0
(NA)
105.0

40.0
580.0
50.0
640.0
8.0
25.0
80.0

78
97
(X)
166
114
(X)
76

United States .......................

935.0

1,143.0

1,423.0

124

(NA) Not available.
(X) Not applicable.
1
Intended plantings in 2016 as indicated by reports from farmers.
2
Estimates began in 2016.

Austrian Winter Pea Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016
Area planted
State

2014
(1,000 acres)

Percent of
previous year

2016 1

2015
(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(percent)

Idaho ....................................
Montana ...............................
Oregon .................................

9.0
12.0
3.0

13.0
15.0
6.0

14.0
11.0
6.0

108
73
100

United States .......................

24.0

34.0

31.0

91

1

Intended plantings in 2016 as indicated by reports from farmers.

22

Prospective Plantings (March 2016)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Spring Potato Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016
Area planted
State

2014
(1,000 acres)

Percent of
previous year

2016 1

2015
(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(percent)

Arizona 2 ..............................
California .............................
Florida .................................
North Carolina 3 ...................

3.8
25.0
30.5
14.5

3.6
23.0
30.0
13.5

(NA)
26.0
29.0
(NA)

(X)
113
97
(X)

United States .......................

73.8

70.1

55.0

78

(NA) Not available.
(X) Not applicable.
1
Intended plantings in 2016 as indicated by reports from farmers.
2
Estimates discontinued in 2016.
3
Beginning in 2016, North Carolina estimates included with summer states.

Sweet Potato Area Planted – States and United States: 2014-2016
Area planted
State

2014
(1,000 acres)

Percent of
previous year

2016 1

2015
(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(percent)

Alabama 2 ............................
Arkansas .............................
California .............................
Florida .................................
Louisiana .............................
Mississippi ...........................
New Jersey 2 .......................
North Carolina .....................
Texas 2 ................................

2.1
4.0
19.0
6.0
9.0
22.0
1.2
73.0
1.0

2.6
4.0
18.5
5.6
10.0
27.0
1.2
87.0
1.0

(NA)
(D)
20.0
(D)
10.0
25.0
(NA)
105.0
(NA)

(X)
(D)
108
(D)
100
93
(X)
121
(X)

Other States 3 ......................

-

-

9.4

(X)

United States .......................

137.3

156.9

169.4

108

- Represents zero.
(D) Withheld to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.
(NA) Not available.
(X) Not applicable.
1
Intended plantings in 2016 as indicated by reports from farmers.
2
Estimates discontinued in 2016.
3
Includes data withheld above.

Prospective Plantings (March 2016)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

23

Crop Area Planted and Harvested, Yield, and Production in Domestic Units – United States:
2015 and 2016
[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2016 crop year.
Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
Crop

Area planted

Area harvested

2015

2016

2015

2016

(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

(1,000 acres)

Grains and hay
Barley ..............................................................................................
Corn for grain 1 .................................................................................
Corn for silage .................................................................................
Hay, all .............................................................................................
Alfalfa ...........................................................................................
All other ........................................................................................
Oats .................................................................................................
Proso millet ......................................................................................
Rice .................................................................................................
Rye ..................................................................................................
Sorghum for grain 1 ..........................................................................
Sorghum for silage ...........................................................................
Wheat, all .........................................................................................
Winter ..........................................................................................
Durum ..........................................................................................
Other spring .................................................................................

3,558
87,999
(NA)
(NA)
(NA)
(NA)
3,088
445
2,614
1,569
8,459
(NA)
54,644
39,461
1,936
13,247

3,140
93,601

Oilseeds
Canola .............................................................................................
Cottonseed ......................................................................................
Flaxseed ..........................................................................................
Mustard seed ...................................................................................
Peanuts ...........................................................................................
Rapeseed ........................................................................................
Safflower ..........................................................................................
Soybeans for beans .........................................................................
Sunflower .........................................................................................

1,777.0
(X)
463
44.0
1,625.0
1.2
168.2
82,650
1,859.1

1,747.5

Cotton, tobacco, and sugar crops
Cotton, all ........................................................................................
Upland .........................................................................................
American Pima .............................................................................
Sugarbeets ......................................................................................
Sugarcane .......................................................................................
Tobacco ...........................................................................................

8,580.5
8,422.0
158.5
1,158.8
(NA)
(NA)

9,562.0
9,347.0
215.0
1,158.6

Dry beans, peas, and lentils
Austrian winter peas ........................................................................
Dry edible beans ..............................................................................
Chickpeas, all 3 ............................................................................
Large .........................................................................................
Small ..........................................................................................
Dry edible peas ................................................................................
Lentils ..............................................................................................
Wrinkled seed peas .........................................................................

34.0
1,764.4
207.5
135.3
72.2
1,143.0
493.0
(NA)

31.0
1,559.0
246.0
163.0
83.0
1,423.0
850.0

Potatoes and miscellaneous
Hops ................................................................................................
Maple syrup .....................................................................................
Mushrooms ......................................................................................
Peppermint oil ..................................................................................
Potatoes, all .....................................................................................
Spring ..........................................................................................
Summer .......................................................................................
Fall ...............................................................................................
Spearmint oil ....................................................................................
Sweet potatoes ................................................................................
Taro (Hawaii) ...................................................................................

(NA)
(NA)
(NA)
(NA)
1,065.2
70.1
50.5
944.6
(NA)
156.9
(NA)

See footnote(s) at end of table.

24

(NA)

2,751
3,064
7,216
49,559
36,216
1,995
11,348

390
1,476.0

82,236
1,693.4

(NA)

55.0

169.4

3,109
80,749
6,221
54,437
17,778
36,659
1,276
418
2,575
360
7,851
306
47,094
32,257
1,896
12,941

54,305

1,714.5
(X)
456
40.1
1,567.0
1.1
159.1
81,814
1,799.4

8,057.9
7,903.0
154.9
1,144.3
891.7
326.6

314.5

21.0
1,711.4
203.1
131.2
71.9
1,083.5
476.0
(NA)

43.6
(NA)
(NA)
65.2
1,053.3
68.5
47.1
937.7
27.2
153.1
0.3
--continued

Prospective Plantings (March 2016)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Crop Area Planted and Harvested, Yield, and Production in Domestic Units – United States:
2015 and 2016 (continued)
[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2016 crop year.
Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
Crop

Yield per acre
2015

Production
2016

2015

2016

(1,000)

(1,000)

Grains and hay
Barley ................................................................................... bushels
Corn for grain ........................................................................ bushels
Corn for silage ............................................................................ tons
Hay, all ....................................................................................... tons
Alfalfa ..................................................................................... tons
All other .................................................................................. tons
Oats ...................................................................................... bushels
Proso millet ........................................................................... bushels
Rice 2 ........................................................................................... cwt
Rye ....................................................................................... bushels
Sorghum for grain ................................................................. bushels
Sorghum for silage ...................................................................... tons
Wheat, all ............................................................................. bushels
Winter ............................................................................... bushels
Durum ............................................................................... bushels
Other spring ...................................................................... bushels

68.9
168.4
20.4
2.47
3.32
2.06
70.2
33.9
7,470
31.9
76.0
14.6
43.6
42.5
43.5
46.3

214,297
13,601,198
126,894
134,388
58,974
75,414
89,535
14,159
192,343
11,496
596,751
4,475
2,051,752
1,370,188
82,484
599,080

Oilseeds
Canola ................................................................................... pounds
Cottonseed ................................................................................. tons
Flaxseed ............................................................................... bushels
Mustard seed ......................................................................... pounds
Peanuts ................................................................................. pounds
Rapeseed .............................................................................. pounds
Safflower ............................................................................... pounds
Soybeans for beans .............................................................. bushels
Sunflower .............................................................................. pounds

1,677
(X)
22.1
671
3,963
1,382
1,347
48.0
1,625

2,875,010
4,153.0
10,095
26,927
6,210,590
1,520
214,251
3,929,160
2,923,730

Cotton, tobacco, and sugar crops
Cotton, all 2 ............................................................................... bales
Upland 2 ................................................................................ bales
American Pima 2 ................................................................... bales
Sugarbeets ................................................................................. tons
Sugarcane .................................................................................. tons
Tobacco ................................................................................. pounds

771
760
1,348
30.8
37.3
2,178

12,943.0
12,508.0
435.0
35,278
33,244
711,236

Dry beans, peas, and lentils
Austrian winter peas 2 .................................................................. cwt
Dry edible beans 2 ....................................................................... cwt
Chickpeas, all 2 3 ...................................................................... cwt
Large 2 ................................................................................... cwt
Small 2 ................................................................................... cwt
Dry edible peas 2 ......................................................................... cwt
Lentils 2 ........................................................................................ cwt
Wrinkled seed peas ..................................................................... cwt

1,238
1,760
1,242
1,231
1,263
1,687
1,108
(NA)

260
30,121
2,523
1,615
908
18,283
5,276
384

Potatoes and miscellaneous
Hops ...................................................................................... pounds
Maple syrup ........................................................................... gallons
Mushrooms ............................................................................ pounds
Peppermint oil ........................................................................ pounds
Potatoes, all ................................................................................. cwt
Spring ...................................................................................... cwt
Summer ................................................................................... cwt
Fall .......................................................................................... cwt
Spearmint oil ......................................................................... pounds
Sweet potatoes ............................................................................ cwt
Taro (Hawaii) ......................................................................... pounds

1,807
(NA)
(NA)
90
418
296
334
431
113
203
10,300

78,846.0
3,414
952,619
5,882
440,498
20,251
15,734
404,513
3,070
31,016
3,502

(NA) Not available.
(X) Not applicable.
1
Area planted for all purposes.
2
Yield in pounds.
3
Chickpeas included with dry edible beans.

Prospective Plantings (March 2016)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

25

Crop Area Planted and Harvested, Yield, and Production in Metric Units – United States:
2015 and 2016
[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2016 crop year.
Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
Crop

Area planted

Area harvested

2015

2016

2015

2016

(hectares)

(hectares)

(hectares)

(hectares)

Grains and hay
Barley .................................................................................
Corn for grain 1 ....................................................................
Corn for silage ....................................................................
Hay, all 2 .............................................................................
Alfalfa ..............................................................................
All other ...........................................................................
Oats ....................................................................................
Proso millet .........................................................................
Rice ....................................................................................
Rye .....................................................................................
Sorghum for grain 1 .............................................................
Sorghum for silage ..............................................................
Wheat, all 2 .........................................................................
Winter .............................................................................
Durum .............................................................................
Other spring ....................................................................

1,439,890
35,612,320
(NA)
(NA)
(NA)
(NA)
1,249,680
180,090
1,057,860
634,960
3,423,270
(NA)
22,113,880
15,969,470
783,480
5,360,930

1,270,730
37,879,390

Oilseeds
Canola ................................................................................
Cottonseed .........................................................................
Flaxseed .............................................................................
Mustard seed ......................................................................
Peanuts ..............................................................................
Rapeseed ...........................................................................
Safflower .............................................................................
Soybeans for beans ............................................................
Sunflower ............................................................................

719,130
(X)
187,370
17,810
657,620
490
68,070
33,447,630
752,360

707,200

Cotton, tobacco, and sugar crops
Cotton, all 2 .........................................................................
Upland ............................................................................
American Pima ................................................................
Sugarbeets .........................................................................
Sugarcane ..........................................................................
Tobacco ..............................................................................

3,472,440
3,408,300
64,140
468,950
(NA)
(NA)

3,869,650
3,782,640
87,010
468,870

Dry beans, peas, and lentils
Austrian winter peas ...........................................................
Dry edible beans .................................................................
Chickpeas 3 .....................................................................
Large ............................................................................
Small .............................................................................
Dry edible peas ...................................................................
Lentils .................................................................................
Wrinkled seed peas ............................................................

13,760
714,040
83,970
54,750
29,220
462,560
199,510
(NA)

12,550
630,910
99,550
65,960
33,590
575,870
343,990

Potatoes and miscellaneous
Hops ...................................................................................
Maple syrup ........................................................................
Mushrooms .........................................................................
Peppermint oil .....................................................................
Potatoes, all 2 ......................................................................
Spring .............................................................................
Summer ..........................................................................
Fall ..................................................................................
Spearmint oil .......................................................................
Sweet potatoes ...................................................................
Taro (Hawaii) ......................................................................

(NA)
(NA)
(NA)
(NA)
431,080
28,370
20,440
382,270
(NA)
63,500
(NA)

See footnote(s) at end of table.

26

(NA)

1,113,300
1,239,970
2,920,240
20,056,030
14,656,250
807,360
4,592,420

157,830
597,320

33,280,090
685,300

(NA)

22,260

68,550

1,258,180
32,678,310
2,517,580
22,030,110
7,194,580
14,835,530
516,380
169,160
1,042,080
145,690
3,177,220
123,840
19,058,470
13,054,090
767,290
5,237,090

21,976,690

693,840
(X)
184,540
16,230
634,150
450
64,390
33,109,310
728,200

3,260,950
3,198,270
62,690
463,090
360,860
132,150

127,250

8,500
692,590
82,190
53,100
29,100
438,480
192,630
(NA)

17,660
(NA)
(NA)
26,390
426,260
27,720
19,060
379,480
11,010
61,960
140
--continued

Prospective Plantings (March 2016)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Crop Area Planted and Harvested, Yield, and Production in Metric Units – United States:
2015 and 2016 (continued)
[Data are the latest estimates available, either from the current report or from previous reports. Current year estimates are for the full 2016 crop year.
Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
Crop

Yield per hectare

Production

2015

2016

2015

2016

(metric tons)

(metric tons)

(metric tons)

(metric tons)

Grains and hay
Barley ..............................................................................................
Corn for grain ...................................................................................
Corn for silage .................................................................................
Hay, all 2 ..........................................................................................
Alfalfa ..........................................................................................
All other .......................................................................................
Oats .................................................................................................
Proso millet ......................................................................................
Rice .................................................................................................
Rye ..................................................................................................
Sorghum for grain ............................................................................
Sorghum for silage ...........................................................................
Wheat, all 2 ......................................................................................
Winter ..........................................................................................
Durum ..........................................................................................
Other spring .................................................................................

3.71
10.57
45.73
5.53
7.44
4.61
2.52
1.90
8.37
2.00
4.77
32.78
2.93
2.86
2.93
3.11

4,665,770
345,486,340
115,116,300
121,914,740
53,500,310
68,414,430
1,299,600
321,120
8,724,530
292,010
15,158,170
4,059,650
55,839,540
37,290,410
2,244,850
16,304,290

Oilseeds
Canola .............................................................................................
Cottonseed ......................................................................................
Flaxseed ..........................................................................................
Mustard seed ...................................................................................
Peanuts ...........................................................................................
Rapeseed ........................................................................................
Safflower .........................................................................................
Soybeans for beans .........................................................................
Sunflower ........................................................................................

1.88
(X)
1.39
0.75
4.44
1.55
1.51
3.23
1.82

1,304,080
3,767,540
256,420
12,210
2,817,080
690
97,180
106,934,210
1,326,180

Cotton, tobacco, and sugar crops
Cotton, all 2 ......................................................................................
Upland .........................................................................................
American Pima ............................................................................
Sugarbeets ......................................................................................
Sugarcane .......................................................................................
Tobacco ...........................................................................................

0.86
0.85
1.51
69.11
83.57
2.44

2,818,010
2,723,300
94,710
32,003,660
30,158,450
322,610

Dry beans, peas, and lentils
Austrian winter peas ........................................................................
Dry edible beans ..............................................................................
Chickpeas, all 3 ............................................................................
Large .........................................................................................
Small .........................................................................................
Dry edible peas ................................................................................
Lentils ..............................................................................................
Wrinkled seed peas .........................................................................

1.39
1.97
1.39
1.38
1.42
1.89
1.24
(NA)

11,790
1,366,270
114,440
73,260
41,190
829,300
239,320
17,420

Potatoes and miscellaneous
Hops ................................................................................................
Maple syrup .....................................................................................
Mushrooms ......................................................................................
Peppermint oil ..................................................................................
Potatoes, all 2 ..................................................................................
Spring ..........................................................................................
Summer .......................................................................................
Fall ..............................................................................................
Spearmint oil ...................................................................................
Sweet potatoes ................................................................................
Taro (Hawaii) ...................................................................................

2.03
(NA)
(NA)
0.10
46.87
33.14
37.44
48.35
0.13
22.71
11.55

35,760
17,070
432,100
2,670
19,980,650
918,570
713,680
18,348,400
1,390
1,406,860
1,590

(NA) Not available.
(X) Not applicable.
1
Area planted for all purposes.
2
Total may not add due to rounding.
3
Chickpeas included with dry edible beans.

Prospective Plantings (March 2016)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

27

Winter Weather Summary
Highlights: A strong El Niño brought some widely expected winter weather impacts to the United States, but also
provided some surprises. For example, atmospheric warmth in part supplied by the balmy central and eastern equatorial
Pacific Ocean contributed to the Nation’s warmest December-February period on record. Similarly, the contiguous
United States experienced its wettest winter since the record-setting El Niño of 1997-98. However, El Niño’s impacts on
the Western winter wet season were somewhat reversed, with wetter conditions in the Pacific Northwest and drier weather
in the Southwest. In addition, uncharacteristically wet conditions affected much of the Midwest, especially in December.
The cool conditions that often cover the South during El Niño were present only periodically, mainly in January and
February.
In fact, December seemed like anything but a winter month, ranking first all-time for both United States warmth and
wetness. The wet conditions peaked in late December, culminating in record flooding in parts of the middle
Mississippi Valley. Despite the overall December warmth, a late-month blizzard on the southern High Plains proved
devastating for livestock. Elsewhere, storms during December and January provided Western drought relief. Although
many of January’s storms were focused across the West, several had impacts farther east. For example, a blizzard struck
the Mid-Atlantic States on January 22-23, with significant snow extending as far west as the interior Southeast. Warmth
returned to nearly all of the United States during February, while storminess largely vacated the West. Despite the lack of
late-winter storms in the West, overall United States drought coverage plunged from more than one-third (34.8 percent) of
the Lower 48 States on October 20, 2015, to approximately one-seventh (14.3 percent) of the Country on March 1, 2016.
Historical Perspective: Given the warming influence of El Niño and the lack of sustained cold waves, it was not
surprisingly the warmest United States winter during the period of record that began in 1895-96. According to preliminary
information provided by the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), the Nation’s winter average
temperature of 36.8°F was 4.6°F above the 1901-2000 mean, edging the 1999-2000 standard of 36.5°F. It was the
warmest winter on record in all six New England States, and among the ten warmest in 28 other States. All 48 States were
in the “warm” half of the historical distribution; Nevada and Utah were the “coolest” States, each reporting its
41st warmest winter.
Meanwhile, the Nation experienced its 12th-wettest winter—and wettest December-February period since the record-wet
El Niño winter of 1997-98. December-February precipitation averaged 8.05 inches across the Lower 48 States,
119 percent of normal. It was the 39th-driest winter in Louisiana and Wyoming, but among the ten wettest winters in
Washington, Nebraska, three Midwestern States, and four Southeastern States.
December: Record-setting December warmth covered much of the Midwest and East, while heavy to record-setting
precipitation fell across the Northwest, mid-South, and upper Midwest. Relentless precipitation further eased or eradicated
Northwestern drought, but southern California and the Desert Southwest received little December moisture. Farther east,
an already wet pattern in the Nation’s mid-section culminated in a late-month deluge that drove the Mississippi River to
record-high levels from Cape Girardeau, Missouri, to Thebes, Illinois. Record-breaking crests were also noted along
several Mississippi River tributaries, especially in Missouri.
The wetness across the mid-South and lower Midwest increased concerns about soft red winter wheat due to standing
water and lowland flooding. During December, the portion of Illinois’ winter wheat rated in good to excellent condition
fell from 67 to 58 percent. Excessively wet conditions also plagued parts of the Southeast, hampering final harvest and
winter wheat planting efforts. In North Carolina, only 42 percent of the winter wheat was rated in good to excellent
condition at the end of December, down from 69 percent on November 29.
Unusual warmth accompanied the general wetness across the eastern half of the Country. In the Southeast, warm
conditions allowed winter grains and cool-season pastures to continue to develop. Farther north, periods of snow
blanketed the upper Midwest, despite above-normal temperatures. Occasional snow also fell across the Plains, providing
winter wheat with some moisture and insulation. On the southern High Plains, however, a late-month blizzard caused
significant livestock losses due to bitter cold and wind-driven snow.
According to NCEI, the contiguous United States experienced unprecedented December warmth and wetness. The
28

Prospective Plantings (March 2016)
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Nation’s monthly average temperature of 38.6°F was 6.0°F above the 1901-2000 mean and easily topped the
December 1939 standard of 37.7°F. It was the warmest December on record in Iowa, Minnesota, and Missouri, along with
every State east of the Mississippi River. Meanwhile, December precipitation averaged 3.93 inches, 167 percent of
normal. Another El Niño-influenced December, 1982, slipped to second place on the all-time list with 3.76 inches. Two
States, Iowa and Wisconsin, weathered their wettest December, and it was among the ten wettest in eighteen other States
stretching from Washington and Oregon to the Carolinas and Georgia.
January: Frequent storms, in part fueled by a strong El Niño, further dented Western drought and maintained generally
adequate to locally excessive soil moisture across the central and eastern United States.
In early January and again at month’s end, a southward shift in the storm track brought significant precipitation to
southern California and the Southwest. For the remainder of January, storms primarily crossed the Northwest, with
meaningful precipitation often falling as far south as northern and central California. By the end of January, the average
water content of the high-elevation Sierra Nevada snowpack stood at 20 inches, about 115 percent of average for the date.
Meanwhile, wet weather in southern Florida resulted in numerous January rainfall records and adversely affected winter
vegetables and other crops. At times, high winds accompanied southern Florida’s heavy rain. Farther north, a major winter
storm on January 22-23 produced freezing rain in parts of the Carolinas and heavy snow from the interior Southeast to the
northern Mid-Atlantic States.
Some of the coldest air of the season trailed the storm into the Southeast from January 23-25, although Florida’s citrus
belt escaped without a significant freeze. Elsewhere, near- to above-normal temperatures dominated the Country during
January, with colder-than-normal conditions mostly limited to the Southeast and areas blanketed by the January 22-23
snowfall.
Amid the overall stormy January pattern, a few areas began to turn dry. However, drier-than-normal January conditions
across the southern Plains, mid-south, and parts of the Southeast were mostly favorable, following the excessive rainfall
and flooding of October-December 2015. At the end of January, USDA categorized more than two-thirds of the winter
wheat in good to excellent condition in several major production States, including Oklahoma (74 percent good to
excellent); Ohio (74 percent); Michigan (73 percent); Montana (72 percent); Indiana (71 percent); and South Dakota
(67 percent). In contrast, North Carolina’s wheat continued to struggle from the effects of autumn wetness and delayed
planting; only 36 percent of the State’s crop was rated good to excellent on January 31.
By February 2, the United States drought coverage of 15.5 percent represented the smallest area drought extent since
October 26, 2010. As recently as October 20, 2015, contiguous United States drought coverage stood at 34.8 percent. In
January, most of the remaining Western drought was only apparent when looking at long-term indicators such as
below-average reservoir storage, groundwater shortages, and tree mortality.
According to NCEI, the contiguous United States experienced its 34th-warmest, and 36th-driest January during the
122-year period of record. The Nation’s monthly average temperature of 32.2°F was 2.1°F above the 1901-2000 mean.
State temperature rankings ranged from the 33rd-coolest January in West Virginia to the 11th-warmest January in Maine.
Meanwhile, January precipitation averaged 2.03 inches, 88 percent of normal. However, Florida’s precipitation averaged
5.96 inches, 201 percent of normal, marking its fourth-wettest January. California (6.16 inches, 145 percent of normal)
experienced its wettest January since 2010. It was also California’s wettest October-January period (13.62 inches;
117 percent of normal) since 2009-10. In contrast, Ohio noted its ninth-driest January.
February: For the second time in 3 months, warmth stretched nearly coast to coast, with only small sections of the
southern Atlantic States experiencing cooler-than-normal weather. Unlike December, when unprecedented warmth
covered areas from the Mississippi Valley to the East Coast, February’s record-setting high temperatures were focused
across the Plains.
As a result, winter wheat prematurely broke dormancy across the central and southern Plains, leaving the crop vulnerable
to potential spring freezes. On the northern Plains, where February temperatures averaged more than 10°F above normal
in some locations, wheat lost some winter hardiness and was often buffeted by breezy conditions. The Plains’ most
Prospective Plantings (March 2016)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

29

impressive warm spells peaked on February 18 and 27, with numerous monthly record highs established on both dates.
During February, the portion of the winter wheat crop rated in good to excellent condition declined in Texas, from 49 to
40 percent, in part due to short-term dryness. Pockets of dryness also developed elsewhere across the southern half of the
Plains. In contrast, early-month snowfall provided wheat with beneficial moisture across much of Nebraska,
eastern Colorado, and northwestern Kansas.
Uncharacteristic of a strong, mature El Niño, February was unusually dry across much of the West. During February, the
average water content of the high-elevation Sierra Nevada snowpack was nearly steady at 20 to 22 inches, with only
minor storms affecting key watersheds. Since February is typically an important month for Sierra Nevada snowpack
accumulation, the percent of historic average dropped from about 115 percent of average on February 1 to just 85 percent
by month’s end. Farther north, occasional precipitation benefited Northwestern winter grains.
Meanwhile, mild, occasionally stormy conditions prevailed across the Midwest, although a mid-month cold snap briefly
resulted in some of the coldest weather of the season. Overwintering conditions remained mostly favorable for
Midwestern wheat, with more than two-thirds of the crop rated in good to excellent condition at the end of February in
Ohio (72 percent) and Indiana (67 percent).
Similarly, the mid-month cold spell interrupted an otherwise mild regime in the Northeast, while cool conditions were a
little more persistent in the Southeast. An abundance of precipitation fell during February across most of the eastern
one-third of the Country, with some of the heaviest rain occurring in the coastal Carolinas. Severe weather outbreaks were
noted across portions of the South and East on February 2-3, 15-16, and 23-24. From the Ohio Valley into the
Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic States, some of the precipitation—especially around mid-month—fell as snow, sleet, or
freezing rain.
By February 29, only one-eighth (12.5 percent) of the Country was covered by snow, compared to 60.2 percent at the end
of February 2015. At the same time, just 14.3 percent of the Nation was experiencing drought on March 1, according to
the United States Drought Monitor. Drought coverage across the contiguous United States had not been lower in more
than 5 years, since October 2010.
According to NCEI, the contiguous United States experienced its seventh-warmest, 46th-driest February during the
122-year period of record. The Nation’s monthly average temperature of 39.5°F was 5.7°F above the 1901-2000 mean,
while the average precipitation of 1.93 inches was 91 percent of normal. Overall, it was the Nation’s warmest February
since 2000. All States reported a February average temperature in the upper (warm) half of the historical distribution. For
a dozen States across the western and central United States, as well as three States in New England, temperatures were
among the ten highest respective February values on record. In Montana, where the monthly average temperature of
33.6°F was 12.3°F above the 20th century mean, it was the second-warmest February behind 1991. Meanwhile, State
precipitation rankings ranged from the 14th-driest February in California to top-ten values for February wetness in
New Hampshire, New York, Maine, and Vermont. California’s monthly precipitation averaged 1.14 inches, just
30 percent of normal.

Crop Comments
Corn: Growers intend to plant 93.6 million acres of corn for all purposes in 2016, up 6 percent from last year and up
3 percent from 2014. If realized, this will be the third highest planted acreage in the United States since 1944. Compared
with last year, planted acreage is expected to be up or unchanged in 41 of the 48 estimating States. The increase in planted
acres is mainly due to the expectation of higher returns in 2016 compared with other crops. Acreage increases of
400,000 or more compared with last year are expected in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, and North Dakota.
Sorghum: Growers intend to plant 7.22 million acres of sorghum for all purposes in 2016, down 15 percent from last
year. Kansas and Texas, the leading sorghum producing States, account for 74 percent of the expected United States
acreage. As of March 20, Texas growers had planted 22 percent of their expected acreage, 16 percentage points ahead of
last year but identical to the five-year average.

30

Prospective Plantings (March 2016)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Oats: Area seeded to oats for the 2016 crop year is estimated at 2.75 million acres, down 11 percent from 2015. If
realized, United States planted acres will be the third lowest on record. Record low planted acreage is estimated in
Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wyoming.
Barley: Producers intend to seed 3.14 million acres of barley for the 2016 crop year, down 12 percent from the previous
year. If realized, this will be the fourth smallest seeded area on record. In Montana, the planted area is expected to be up
4 percent from 2015. In North Dakota, planted acreage is expected to decrease by 29 percent from last year.
Winter wheat: The 2016 winter wheat planted area is estimated at 36.2 million acres, down 8 percent from 2015 and
down 1 percent from the previous estimate. States with notable acreage decreases from the previous year are Colorado,
Kansas, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas, while notable increases occurred in the Great Lakes region. Record low
acreage is estimated for Nebraska, New Jersey, and Utah. Of the total acreage, about 26.2 million acres are Hard Red
Winter, 6.60 million acres are Soft Red Winter, and 3.37 million acres are White Winter.
Durum wheat: Area seeded to Durum wheat for 2016 is estimated at 2.00 million acres, up 3 percent from 2015. Planted
acreage is expected to increase in Montana and North Dakota, the two largest Durum-producing States. If realized,
planted acres will tie a record low in South Dakota.
Other spring wheat: Growers intend to plant 11.3 million acres, down 14 percent from 2015. If realized, this will
represent the lowest United States acreage since 1972. Of the total, about 10.7 million acres are Hard Red Spring wheat.
Compared with last year, acreage increases are expected in Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and Utah. Acreage decreases are
expected in Colorado, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Washington. If realized, planted acres will
be a record low in Colorado.
Rice: Area planted to rice in 2016 is expected to total 3.06 million acres, up 17 percent from 2015. Lower prices for
competing commodities is contributing to the expected increase in rice acres compared with last year. The expected acres
planted to long grain rice in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Texas account for the increase in both long
grain and all rice planted acres. Arkansas, the largest long grain producing State, is expected to increase long grain acres
by 35 percent. Medium and short grain acres are expected to decline by 17 and 16 percent, respectively from 2015.
California, the largest medium and short grain producing State, is expected to increase medium grain acres by 3 percent in
2016.
Hay: Producers intend to harvest 54.3 million acres of all hay in 2016, down slightly from 2015. Harvested area of all hay
is expected to hold steady or decline in all Western States, except Oregon and Utah. Increases in harvested acreage are
expected in many Upper and Middle Mississippi Valley, Tennessee Valley, and Mid-Atlantic States. In the Northeast,
several States expect harvested acreage to remain unchanged from last year.
A record low for all hay harvested area is expected in California, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York,
Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Wisconsin in 2016.
Soybeans: Growers intend to plant 82.2 million acres in 2016, down less than 1 percent from last year. Compared with
last year, planted acreage intentions are down or unchanged in 23 of the 31 estimating States. Decreases of 200,000 acres
or more are anticipated in Louisiana, Minnesota, and Mississippi. Compared with last year, the largest increase in acreage
is expected in Missouri. If realized, the planted area in North Dakota, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin will be the largest on
record.
Peanuts: Growers intend to plant 1.48 million acres in 2016, down 9 percent from the previous year. The expected
decrease in planted area is largely driven by price concerns due to the large supply of peanuts. Over the last two years,
growers increased peanut acres in many States due to relatively low prices of other crops creating a large supply going
into the 2016 crop year. In Georgia, the largest peanut-producing State, expected planted area is down 7 percent from
2015.
Sunflower: Growers intend to plant a total of 1.69 million acres in 2016, down 9 percent from last year. If realized,
planted area for the Nation will be the fourth lowest since 1977. Area intended for oil type varieties, at 1.44 million acres,
Prospective Plantings (March 2016)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

31

is down 7 percent from 2015. The area intended for non-oil varieties, estimated at 249,400 acres, is down 19 percent from
last year and will be the lowest since 1987, if realized.
Compared with last year, growers in six of the eight major sunflower-producing States expect a decline in sunflower
acreage this year. Producers in South Dakota, the leading sunflower-producing State, intend to plant 605,000 acres, down
more than 70,000 acres from last year.
Canola: Producers intend to plant 1.75 million acres in 2016, down 2 percent from 2015. Despite the decline, planted area
in the United States will be the third largest on record, if realized. Compared with last year, planted area is expected to
decrease in three of the major canola-producing States, with acreage in Oklahoma expected to decrease 50,000 acres from
the previous year. Producers in North Dakota, the leading canola-producing State, intend to plant 1.45 million acres this
year, an increase of 40,000 acres from 2015.
Flaxseed: Producers intend to plant 390,000 acres of flaxseed in 2016, down 73,000 acres, or 16 percent less than was
planted in 2015. Acreage in North Dakota, the largest flaxseed-producing State, is down 17 percent or 70,000 acres from
the previous year.
Cotton: Growers intend to plant 9.56 million acres in 2016, up 11 percent from last year. Despite the expected increase, if
realized, this will be the seventh lowest planted acreage on record in the United States. Upland area is expected to total
9.35 million acres, up 11 percent from 2015. American Pima area is expected to total 215,000 acres, up 36 percent from
2015.
Growers in all States except North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia are expected to increase planted acreage from
last year. If realized, upland cotton planted area in California for 2016 will be a record low.
Sugarbeets: Area expected to be planted to sugarbeets for the 2016 crop year is estimated at 1.16 million acres, virtually
unchanged from 2015. Intended plantings are below the previous year in five of the eleven estimating States and above in
three States.
Tobacco: United States all tobacco area for harvest in 2016 is expected to be 314,450 acres, down 4 percent from 2015.
Flue-cured tobacco, at 209,000 acres, is 4 percent below 2015 and accounts for 66 percent of this year’s total tobacco
acreage. Total light air-cured tobacco type area, at 80,750 acres, is virtually unchanged from 2015. Burley tobacco, at
79,150 acres, is up slightly from last year.
Fire-cured tobacco, at 17,350 acres, is down 2 percent from 2015. Dark air-cured tobacco, at 5,950 acres, is 4 percent
below last year. Cigar filler tobacco, at 1,400 acres is down 13 percent from the previous year.
Spring potatoes: Area planted to spring potatoes is expected to be 55,000 acres for the 2016 season, down 22 percent
from 2015. Beginning with the 2016 season, Arizona was removed from the spring potato estimating program, and
North Carolina was moved to the summer potato estimating program.
Sweet potatoes: Planted area of sweet potatoes in 2016 is expected to be 169,400 acres, up 8 percent from the previous
year. January ending temperatures were above the norm in Mississippi. Rainy conditions during February and March
either halted any field preparation, or made it sporadic at best. North Carolina’s February topsoil moisture was rated
46 percent adequate and 54 percent surplus making it difficult to progress with field preparation.
Dry beans: Area planted to dry beans in 2016 is expected to be 1.56 million acres, down 12 percent from the previous
season. Expected area planted for all chickpeas is 246,000 acres, up 19 percent from last season. Small chickpeas, at
83,000 acres, is 15 percent above 2015, while large chickpeas, at 163,000 acres, increased 20 percent from the previous
year. If realized, both small and all chickpea acreage will be a record high. Strong prices and demand have encouraged
farmers to increase chickpea area.
Six of the 11 estimating States expect a decrease in planted acres from last year. The top four producing States in 2015,
which included Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, and North Dakota, are expecting lower acreage than a year ago.
32

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Lentils: Area planted for the 2016 crop year is expected to total 850,000 acres, up 72 percent from 2015. Prospective
plantings are up in all program States which includes Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, and Washington. Montana’s
anticipated area is up 113 percent from 2015, while North Dakota growers expect to plant 45 percent more acres than a
year ago. If realized, planted acreage will be record high in Montana and the United States. Strong prices and demand
have been reported.
Dry edible peas: Area planted for the 2016 crop year is expected to total 1.42 million acres, up 24 percent from 2015. If
realized, this will be a record high planted area. Prospective plantings are up in North Dakota and Oregon, but down in
Idaho, Montana, and Washington. If realized, North Dakota’s expected planted area, at 640,000 acres, will be a record
high. Nebraska and South Dakota were added to the estimating program this year.
Austrian winter peas: Intended planted area for 2016 is estimated at 31,000 acres, down 9 percent from 2015. Growers
in Idaho indicated an acreage increase, while Montana farmers anticipate lower plantings from a year ago. No planted
acreage change is anticipated in Oregon.

Prospective Plantings (March 2016)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

33

Statistical Methodology
Survey Procedures: The acreage estimates in this report are based primarily on surveys conducted during the first two
weeks of March. The March Agricultural Survey is a probability survey that includes a sample of over 83,000 farm
operators selected from a list of producers that ensures all operations in the United States have a chance to be selected.
These operators were contacted by mail, internet, telephone, or personal interview to obtain information on crop acreage
intentions for the 2016 crop year.
Estimating Procedures: National, Regional, State, and grower reported data were reviewed for reasonableness and
consistency with historical estimates. Each Regional Field Office submits their analysis of the current situation to the
Agricultural Statistics Board (ASB). Survey data are compiled to the National level and are reviewed at this level
independently of each State's review. Acreage estimates were based on survey data and the historical relationship of
official estimates to the survey data.
Revision Policy: Acreage estimates in the Prospective Plantings report will not be revised. These estimates are intended
to reflect grower intentions as of the survey period. New acreage estimates will be made based on surveys conducted in
June when crop acreages have been established or planting intentions are firm. These new estimates will be published in
the Acreage report scheduled for June 30, 2016. Winter wheat is an exception. Since winter wheat was seeded prior to the
March survey, any changes in estimates in this report are considered revisions. The estimate of the harvested acreage of
winter wheat will be published on May 10, 2016, along with the first production forecast of the crop year.
Reliability: The survey used to make acreage estimates is subject to sampling and non-sampling errors that are common
to all surveys. Sampling errors represent the variability between estimates that would result if many different samples
were surveyed at the same time. Sampling errors for major crops are generally between 1.0 and 3.0 percent, but they
cannot be applied directly to the acreage published in this report to determine confidence intervals because the official
estimates represent a composite of information from more than a single source.
Non-sampling errors cannot be measured directly. They may occur due to incorrect reporting and/or recording, data
omissions or duplications, and errors in processing. To minimize non-sampling errors, vigorous quality controls are used
in the data collection process and all data are carefully reviewed for consistency and reasonableness.
To assist users in evaluating the reliability of acreage estimates in this report, the "Root Mean Square Error," a statistical
measure based on past performance, is computed. The deviations between the acreage estimates in this report and the final
estimates are expressed as a percentage of the final estimates. 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 estimates relative to the final end of
season estimates, assuming that factors affecting this year's estimates are not different from those influencing recent years.
For example, the "Root Mean Square Error" for the corn planted estimate is 1.5 percent. This means that chances are 2 out
of 3 that the current corn acreage estimate will not be above or below the final estimate by more than 1.5 percent. Chances
are 9 out of 10 (90 percent confidence level) that the difference will not exceed 2.6 percent.
Also, shown in the following table is a 20 year record for selected crops of the difference between the
Prospective Plantings planted acreage estimates and the final estimates. Using corn again as an example, changes between
the intentions estimates and the final estimates during the past 20 years have averaged 1.04 million acres, ranging from
32,000 acres to 3.07 million acres. The prospective plantings estimates have been below the final estimate 7 times and
above 13 times. This does not imply that the planted estimate this year is likely to understate or overstate the final
estimate.

34

Prospective Plantings (March 2016)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Reliability of Prospective Plantings Planted Acreage Estimates
[Based on data for the past twenty years]

Crop

Root mean
square error

Difference between forecast
and final estimate

90 percent
confidence
interval

Thousand acres
Average

(percent)
Barley ..........................................
Corn for grain ...............................
Oats .............................................
Sorghum for grain ........................
Soybeans for beans .....................
Upland cotton ..............................
Wheat
Winter wheat ..............................
Durum wheat .............................
Other spring ...............................

Prospective Plantings (March 2016)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

(percent)

Smallest

Years
Largest

(1,000 acres) (1,000 acres) (1,000 acres)

Below
final

Above
final

(number)

(number)

7.1
1.5
7.0
9.4
2.1
6.4

12.3
2.6
12.1
16.2
3.6
11.0

234
1,042
189
655
1,290
620

31
32
21
31
25
6

455
3,073
660
2,471
3,296
2,115

5
7
3
13
10
11

15
13
17
7
10
9

1.8
20.5
6.4

3.0
35.4
11.0

592
241
709

52
15
12

1,290
1,028
2,543

7
12
10

13
8
10

35

USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service 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
Angie Considine – Cotton, Cotton Ginnings, Sorghum ................................................................... (202) 720-5944
Tony Dahlman – Oats, Soybeans ..................................................................................................... (202) 690-3234
Chris Hawthorn – Corn, Flaxseed, Proso Millet .............................................................................. (202) 720-9526
James Johanson – County Estimates, Hay ....................................................................................... (202) 690-8533
Scott Matthews – Crop Weather, Barley .......................................................................................... (202) 720-7621
Jean Porter – Rye, Wheat ................................................................................................................. (202) 720-8068
Bianca Pruneda – Peanuts, Rice ....................................................................................................... (202) 720-7688
Travis Thorson – 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,
Sugarbeets, Sugarcane, Cherries ................................................................................................ (202) 720-2157
Fleming Gibson – Citrus, Coffee, 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, Grapes, Maple Syrup, Nursery, Tree Nuts ................................. (202) 720-4215
Chris Singh – Apples, Apricots, Plums, Prunes, Tobacco .............................................................. (202) 720-4288

36

Prospective Plantings (March 2016)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

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
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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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