Last week, USDA adjusted Florida Valencia orange production to reflect higher drop rate and smaller fruit size. The state’s total 2019/20 orange production is now estimated at 70 million 90-lb boxes, down 1.0 million from the March forecast and down 3 percent from 2018/19.
USDA also lowered Texas 2019/20 crop numbers, with early oranges now forecast at 1.8 million 80-lb boxes and Valencias at 500,000 boxes, down 8 percent and 18 percent, respectively, from the March projection. California estimates were left unchanged.
Apr. 1 unadjusted maturity tests showed Florida Valencias averaging 0.72 percent acid, notably lower than average for this time of the season, and 11.29 percent solids, also lower than average. The ratio was 15.77 compared to 14.70 for the April test last year and the five-year average of 13.30.
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