The U.S. Department of Agriculture in its July 11 Crop Production report estimated U.S. 2012-13 orange production at 8,380,000 tons (193 million boxes), down slightly from the June forecast of 8,417,000 tons and down 622,000 tons, or 7%, from 9,002,000 tons in 2011-12.
The U.S.D.A. forecast Florida orange production at 6,004,000 tons (133 million 90-lb boxes), down slightly from 6,030,000 in June and down 598,000 tons, or 9%, from 6,602,000 tons in 2011-12. The California crop was forecast at 2,300,000 tons (58 million 80-lb boxes), down 1% from the prior forecast and down 2% from 2,340,000 tons in 2011-12. Texas orange production was forecast at 76,000 tons, up 13% from the previous forecast and up 27% from 60,000 tons a year earlier.
Florida’s frozen concentrated orange juice yield was forecast at 1.59 gallons per box at 42.0 degrees Brix, unchanged from June but down 2% from last season’s final yield of 1.63 gallons, the U.S.D.A. said.
