This is the unedited press release from National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Corn Planted Acreage Down 8 Percent from 2007
Soybean Acreage Up 18 Percent
All Wheat Acreage Up 6 Percent
All Cotton Acreage Down 13 Percent

Corn growers intend to plant 86.0 million acres of corn for all purposes in 2008, down 8 percent from last year when corn planted area was the highest since 1944. Expected acreage is down from last year in most States as favorable prices for other crops, high input costs for corn, and crop rotation considerations are motivating some farmers to plant fewer acres to corn. Despite the decrease, corn acreage is expected to remain at historically high levels as the corn price outlook remains strong due in part to the continued expansion in ethanol production.

Soybean producers intend to plant 74.8 million acres in 2008, up 18 percent from last year, but 1 percent below the record high acreage in 2006. Acreage increases are expected in all States, except in West Virginia, which is unchanged from last year. The largest increases are expected in Iowa and Nebraska, up 1.25 million acres and 1.20 million acres from 2007, respectively. Increases of at least 800,000 acres are also expected in Indiana, Minnesota, and South Dakota. If realized, the planted acreage in Kansas, New York, and Pennsylvania will be the largest on record.

All wheat planted area is estimated at 63.8 million acres, up 6 percent from 2007. The 2008 winter wheat planted area, at 46.8 million acres, is 4 percent above last year and up slightly from the previous estimate. Of this total, about 32.5 million acres are Hard Red Winter, 10.7 million acres are Soft Red Winter, and 3.63 million acres are White Winter. Area planted to other spring wheat for 2008 is expected to total 14.3 million acres, up 8 percent from 2007. Of this total, about 13.6 million acres are Hard Red Spring wheat. The intended Durum planted area for 2008 is 2.63 million acres, up 22 percent from the previous year.

All cotton plantings for 2008 are expected to total 9.39 million acres, 13 percent below last year. Upland acreage is expected to total 9.19 million, down 13 percent from last year, the lowest since 1983. Growers intend to decrease planted area in all States except Georgia and Oklahoma. The largest acreage declines are in Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas. American-Pima cotton growers intend to decrease their plantings by 30 percent from 2007, to 203,600 acres. California producers expect to plant 180,000 acres, down 31 percent from last year.

Winter Weather Summary

Highlights: Effects of La Niña were not immediately apparent early in the winter, but by season''s end, most of the typical influences of colder-than-normal water in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean were obvious-including developing drought in the south-central U.S. and short- lived blasts of bitterly cold weather from the northern Plains into the Northeast. Nevertheless, unexpected developments for a La Niña winter included atypically heavy precipitation in the Four Corners States, lighter- than-expected rain and snow in the Northwest, and drought-easing rainfall in parts of the lower Southeast (excluding much of Florida''s peninsula).

For the winter as a whole, significantly above-normal temperatures were confined to the Southeast. In fact, December-February temperatures averaged at least 5 degrees F above normal in several locations from the Mississippi Delta to the southern Atlantic States. In contrast, below-normal winter readings were widespread across the Intermountain West, central portions of the Rockies and Plains, and the upper Midwest. In the upper Midwest, locations such as La Crosse, Wisconsin, and Rochester, Minnesota, reported a snow cover for the entire December-February period for the first time since 1978-79. To the east, seasonal snowfall records were broken at numerous observation sites from the Great Lakes region into New England. In January and February, heavy rain triggered several episodes of flooding across the central and eastern Corn Belt, while severe weather outbreaks-on January 7-8 and 29, and February 5-6, 12, and 26, mainly across the South-resulted in 65 tornado-related fatalities.

December: For a La Niña winter, the jet stream took an uncharacteristic dip into the Southwest, helping to generate a broad area of stormy weather from the Four Corners States into the Midwest and Northeast. Only a few areas-namely the northern Plains and the southern half of Texas-completely missed out on the stormy regime. The jet stream''s prevailing position, aligned from the Southwest to the Northeast, not only helped to govern the primary storm track but also dictated the separation between warm air in the Southeast and very cold conditions across the central Plains and much of the West. Monthly temperatures averaged at least 6 degrees F above normal in several Southeastern locations, but ranged from 6 to 10 degrees F below normal across parts of the Intermountain West.

Heavy rain and melting snow triggered major flooding in the Pacific Northwest early in the month. Storminess shifted southward thereafter, providing much-needed snowfall in the Sierra Nevada, the Great Basin, and parts of the Southwest. Precipitation was particularly heavy from the Four Corners region into southern Wyoming, improving water-supply prospects in many Western river basins. Farther east, livestock on the central and southern Plains endured a difficult month due to snow, ice, and mud. Heavy precipitation fell as far north as Nebraska, but mostly dry weather prevailed on the northern High Plains. Despite the wintry weather and variety of conditions, wheat continued to overwinter well, except for the portion of the crop (mainly on the central and southern High Plains) that was poorly established prior to dormancy. Meanwhile, much of the Midwest and Northeast also contended with periods of cold weather and frequent snow and ice accumulations, stressing livestock but maintaining abundant soil moisture reserves. Elsewhere, the South experienced December warmth, although dry weather in southern Texas contrasted with heavy showers and drought relief in the southern Atlantic States. Despite the late-year rain, lingering Southeastern drought effects included low lake levels and the slow recovery of pastures.

January: Cold weather settled across the West during the second week of January, following a barrage of storms that improved high-elevation snow packs and aided pastures, rangeland, and winter grains. Below-normal temperatures persisted in the West through month''s end, along with periods of additional rain and snow that further improved the Western water-supply situation but caused local flooding. In the Northwest, some winter grains were buried by a substantial snow cover by month''s end.

Meanwhile on the Plains, winter wheat continued to fare reasonably well, despite a generally dry month with large temperature fluctuations. For the most part, snow provided some insulation for the Plains'' wheat during spells of bitterly cold weather. On the southern High Plains, however, much of the wheat continued to suffer from the effects of poor crop establishment that resulted from autumn dryness. Farther east, Midwestern weather highlights included early-month downpours and flooding in the central Corn Belt, and stress on upper Midwestern livestock due to a deep snow cover and occasional bitter cold. Elsewhere, significant rain fell along and near the Gulf Coast, but near- to below-normal precipitation totals were observed elsewhere across the South. Enough rain fell in the Southeast to benefit pastures and winter grains, although low lake levels and subsoil moisture shortages were symptoms of lingering long-term drought.

February: Multiple storms dumped heavy precipitation from the southeastern Plains into the Northeast, including a broad swath of the Midwest. As a result, periodic flooding returned to the central and eastern Corn Belt, while record-setting snowfall blanketed areas from Iowa into New England. Farther south, rain continued to ease or eradicate drought, especially across southern Georgia and northern Florida. Some of the Southern rainfall was accompanied by strong thunderstorms, including a February 5-6 tornado swarm that was the nation''s deadliest outbreak since May 1985. However, heavy showers largely bypassed several areas, including the central portion of Florida''s peninsula and much of the interior Southeast, leaving long-term rainfall deficits intact. Meanwhile, mostly dry weather prevailed across the nation''s mid-section, excluding the aforementioned heavy precipitation on the southeastern Plains. In fact, intensifying drought across central, southern, and western Texas contributed to a major rash of wildfires that peaked in intensity during a high-wind event on February 25. By month''s end, the percentage of winter wheat rated (by USDA/NASS) very poor to poor included 21% in Kansas, 23% in Oklahoma, and 63% in Texas.

As spring approached, dryness was also a concern on parts of the northern High Plains. Elsewhere, significant Western precipitation was mostly confined to interior portions of the region. Nevertheless, enough snow fell to add 9 inches of water equivalency (from 20 to 29 inches) to the Sierra Nevada snow pack. Overall, Western water-supply prospects for the spring and summer were better than this time last year, when the average water content of the Sierra Nevada snow pack stood at just 17 inches.

The coldest February weather in more than a decade gripped much of the northern Plains and the upper Midwest, where monthly temperatures generally averaged 5 to 10 degrees F below normal. Colder-than-normal weather also prevailed across much of the remainder of the Plains and Midwest, except for near-normal temperatures on the High Plains and southern Plains. In contrast, warmer-than-normal conditions covered much of the South, particularly in southern Texas and the southern Atlantic States. In fact, monthly temperatures averaged at least 5 degrees F above normal in Deep South Texas. Elsewhere, Western temperatures were variable, generally ranging from somewhat below normal across the Intermountain region to slightly above normal in parts of the Northwest.

Crop Comments

Corn: Growers intend to plant 86.0 million acres of corn for all purposes in 2008, down 8 percent from last year when corn planted area was the highest since 1944. Expected acreage is down from last year in most States as favorable prices for other crops, high input costs for corn, and crop rotation considerations are motivating some farmers to plant fewer acres to corn. Despite the decrease from last year, corn acreage is expected to remain at historically high levels as the corn price outlook remains strong due in part to the continued expansion in ethanol production.

Iowa recorded the largest reduction in expected corn acres as farmers intend to plant 13.2 million acres of corn this spring, down 1.00 million acres from the record high 14.2 million acres last year. Indiana and Minnesota are both expected to drop 800,000 acres from their record highs established last year.

Corn farmers in the 10 major corn producing States (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin) intend to plant 66.6 million acres, down 8 percent from the 72.0 million acres planted last year.

Sorghum: Expected planted area for all purposes in 2008 is estimated at 7.42 million acres, down 4 percent from 2007. Producers are expected to plant more acres than a year ago in the southern Great Plains area but fewer acres in the northern Great Plains. Acreage for sorghum is also expected to decline in the southeast portion of the U.S. The States expecting the largest decline in sorghum acreage are Kansas and Louisiana where growers intend to plant 100,000 fewer acres in each State. The largest increase in sorghum acreage is expected to occur in Texas, with an increase of 50,000 acres, followed by Oklahoma with an increase of 40,000 acres.

Oats: Growers intend to plant an estimated 3.42 million acres, down 9 percent from the 3.76 million acres planted in 2007 and the lowest level on record. Most of the decrease in acreage of oats is expected to be in the Great Plains States. Acreage intentions declined in 15 of the 30 estimating States. The largest acreage decline is expected to occur in South Dakota, where growers intend to plant 200,000 acres this year, 130,000 fewer than were planted in 2007. Prospective oat acreage in North Dakota declined 110,000 acres. The largest expected increase in acreage from last year is in California, where an additional 50,000 acres of oats are expected to be sown.

Barley: Growers intend to plant 4.15 million acres for 2008, up 3 percent from last year. If realized, this will be the fourth lowest barley planted acreage on record. In North Dakota, the largest barley-producing State, expected planted area is 1.55 million acres, up 5 percent from 2007. Growers in California, Wyoming, and Virginia intend to increase their acreage by 35 percent or more. In Michigan, New York, and Utah, acreage is expected to decline to record low levels and Nevada producers intend to match their lowest acreage on record established last year.

Winter Wheat: The 2008 winter wheat planted area is estimated at 46.8 million acres, up slightly from the Winter Wheat Seedings report. Acreage increases from the previous report were mainly in Soft Red Winter growing States. States with the most notable acreage increases were Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Iowa and Michigan were the only States to show an acreage decrease. Of the total acreage, about 32.5 million acres are Hard Red Winter, 10.7 million acres are Soft Red Winter, and 3.63 million acres are White Winter. With good moisture received across most of the Great Plains during the winter, crop conditions improved from last fall.

Durum Wheat: Area seeded to Durum wheat is expected to total 2.63 million acres, up 22 percent from 2007. Planted acreage is expected to be up in all producing States except Idaho where acreage is unchanged. Growers in North Dakota and Montana intend to increase acreage 170,000 and 150,000, respectively. In California, Durum wheat is progressing well with no major problems being reported at this time.

Other Spring Wheat: Growers intend to plant 14.3 million acres this year, up 8 percent from 2007. Of the total, about 13.6 million acres are Hard Red Spring wheat. The most notable expected acreage increases are in the Dakotas and Minnesota. In North and South Dakota, producers expect to plant 250,000 acres more than last year in each State. Montana producers expect to plant the same number of acres as last year. With adequate moisture levels and good prices, farmers in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho intend to plant more other spring wheat than last year.

Rice: Area planted to rice for 2008 is expected to total 2.77 million acres, up 9,000 acres from 2007, but 2 percent less than was planted in 2006. Despite rising prices, increases in input costs and high prices for competing commodities have growers weighing the benefits of increasing acreage. Growers in Arkansas, the largest rice producing State, intend to plant 1.37 million acres, up 3 percent from last year. Planted acreage in California and Texas is also expected to increase, while acreage in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Missouri is expected to decrease from 2007.

Long grain planted acreage, representing 75 percent of the total rice acreage, is expected to be up 7,000 acres from last year. Medium grain planted acreage, representing 23 percent of the total, is expected to be up 2,000 acres from the previous year. Area planted to short grain varieties, representing 2 percent of the total, is expected to be 66,000 acres, unchanged from 2007.

Hay: Producers expect to harvest 60.6 million acres of all hay in 2008, down 2 percent from 2007. Harvested area is expected to decrease from last year throughout most of the Great Plains, Southeast, and Southwest. The State with the largest expected decrease is Texas, down 390,000 acres from 2007. South Dakota and Nebraska are expected to be down 300,000 acres and 150,000 acres, respectively. However, area for harvest in most States in the northern Great Plains, Western Mountain regions, and Northeast is expected to increase from 2007. The States with the largest expected increases from the previous year are North Dakota, up 120,000 acres, and Montana, Wyoming, Kentucky, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, each up 50,000 acres. In the West, minor increases are expected in Oregon, Nevada, and California.

Soybeans: Growers intend to plant an estimated 74.8 million acres in 2008, up 18 percent from the acreage planted in 2007. Last year, many soybean growers switched from soybeans to corn as ethanol expansion strongly increased the demand for corn. In contrast, many growers intend to plant more soybeans this year due to high prices and strong demand for soybeans. Compared with last year, acreage increases are expected in all States, except in West Virginia, which is unchanged from last year. The largest increases are expected in Iowa and Nebraska, up 1.25 million acres and 1.20 million acres from 2007, respectively. Increases of at least 800,000 acres are also expected in Indiana, Minnesota, and South Dakota. If realized, the planted acreage in Kansas, New York, and Pennsylvania will be the largest on record.

Growers in the 11 major soybean producing States (Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, and South Dakota) intend to plant 60.0 million acres, up 16 percent from last year.

Peanuts: Growers intend to plant 1.43 million acres of peanuts in 2008, up 16 percent from 2007. A higher price received for the 2007 crop, compared to the previous 5 years, is the main reason for the expected increase in planted acreage. Southeast growers (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina) intend to plant 1.04 million acres in 2008, compared with the 898,000 acres planted in 2007. Georgia, the largest peanut producing State, expects to see an increase of 23 percent in planted acreage from the previous year. Growers in the Southwest (New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas) intend to plant 279,000 acres, up 28 percent from the previous year. Plantings in the Virginia-North Carolina region are expected to total 108,000 acres, down 5 percent from 2007.

Sunflower: Growers expect to plant a total of 2.15 million acres in 2008, up 4 percent from last year and up 10 percent from 2006. Area intended for oil type varieties, at 1.85 million acres, is up 5 percent from 2007, and area for non-oil varieties, estimated at 305,000 acres, is up fractionally from last year.

Growers in North Dakota intend to plant 1.05 million acres of sunflowers in 2008, down 30,000 from 2007, and growers in Nebraska are expecting an acreage decrease this year of 4,000 acres. In contrast, growers in South Dakota intend to plant 450,000 acres, up 35,000 acres from the previous year. Acreage increases are also expected in Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, and Texas.

Canola: Producers intend to plant 1.01 million acres in 2008, down 15 percent from 2007 and down 3 percent from 2006. Producers in North Dakota, the leading canola-producing State, intend to plant 920,000 acres, while producers in Minnesota and Montana expect to plant 22,000 and 4,000 acres, respectively.

Flaxseed: Producers expect to plant 360,000 acres of flaxseed in 2008, up 2 percent from last year but 56 percent below 2006. Planted acreage is expected to decrease in Minnesota and Montana while producers in North Dakota and South Dakota intend to increase flaxseed acreage in 2008. In North Dakota, the leading flaxseed-producing State, planted area is expected to total 330,000 acres, up 3 percent from last year.

Cotton: Area planted to cotton for 2008 is expected to total 9.39 million acres, down 13 percent from last year. Upland acreage is expected to total 9.19 million acres, 13 percent below last year and the lowest since 1983. American-Pima cotton growers intend to plant 203,600 acres, down 30 percent from last year. Producers expect to switch acres from cotton to other crops, due to the higher prices of grain and oilseed crops and increased input cost for cotton.

Upland growers in the Delta States (Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee) intend to plant 1.96 million acres, a 29 percent decrease from the previous year. Farmers in Mississippi expect to plant 420,000 acres, 36 percent less than last year and the lowest acreage on record. Louisiana producers intend to plant 280,000 acres, the lowest on record. Tennessee producers expect to plant 40 percent fewer acres than last year.

In the Southeastern States (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia) growers intend to plant 2.02 million acres, a decrease of 10 percent from last year. South Carolina, at 120,000 acres, is showing the largest decline in the region at 33 percent less than 2007. Alabama producers intend to plant 300,000 acres, down 25 percent from last year and the lowest acreage since 1983. Georgia producers expect to plant 1.05 million acres, an increase of 2 percent from last year.

Producers in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and New Mexico intend to plant 4.96 million acres, a 4 percent decrease from last year. Texas producers expect to plant 4.70 million acres, down 200,000 acres from last year. In Southern Texas, planting is underway.

Upland planted area in California and Arizona is expected to total 240,000 acres, down 34 percent from last year. California producers intend to plant 100,000 acres, the lowest upland acreage since upland estimates began in 1941. If realized, Arizona upland acreage will surpass California upland acreage for the first time on record.

American-Pima intentions are 203,600 acres, a decrease of 30 percent from 2007. Expected area is down in all States with the largest declines in Arizona and New Mexico. California producers intend to plant 180,000 acres of American-Pima, down 80,000 acres from last year and the lowest acreage since 2003. Growers are switching to less water-intensive crops.

Sugarbeets: Area planted to sugarbeets for the 2008 crop year is expected to total 1.13 million acres, 11 percent lower than the 2007 planted acreage. Intended plantings decreased from last year in all States except Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming. Minnesota and North Dakota, the two largest-producing States, also had the largest reductions in acreage of 54,000 and 35,000, respectively. If realized, expected planted acreage will be the lowest since 1985.

Tobacco: U.S. all tobacco area for harvest in 2008 is expected to be 350,920 acres, down 1 percent from 2007 but 4 percent above 2006. Expected decreases in flue-cured and burley tobacco will more than offset increases in fire-cured and dark air-cured tobacco.

Flue-cured tobacco intentions, at 221,000 acres, are 1 percent below a year ago but up 4 percent from 2006. Flue-cured tobacco accounts for 63 percent of this year''s expected total tobacco acreage. Acreage in North Carolina, the leading flue-cured State, is up 1 percent from last year. Growers in Georgia, Virginia, and South Carolina expect acreage to decrease from a year ago by 14 percent, 6 percent, and 2 percent, respectively.

Light air-cured tobacco type acreage is expected to be down 8 percent from 2007 and 5 percent below 2006. Burley tobacco, at 97,200 acres, is 9 percent below last year and down 6 percent from 2006. If realized, this will be the lowest burley acreage on record. The previous low of 100,150 acres was set in 2005. Acreage is expected to decrease in all States largely due to anticipation of lower prices in 2008. In Kentucky, the leading burley State, growers expect acreage to decrease 8 percent from a year ago. Growers in Tennessee are expecting the largest decline at 15 percent. Pennsylvania''s southern Maryland type tobacco acres are estimated at 2,000, up 82 percent from 2007 and 2006.

Fire-cured tobacco intentions, at 17,400 acres, are up 19 percent from 2007 and 47 percent above 2006. Acreage in Kentucky and Tennessee is expected to increase from last year by 25 percent and 13 percent, respectively. Acreage in Virginia is expected to remain unchanged from a year ago.

Dark air-cured tobacco intentions, at 7,300 acres, are 47 percent above last year and up 70 percent from 2006. Growers in Kentucky and Tennessee are expecting acreage to increase from a year ago by 50 percent and 28 percent, respectively. Demand for dark air-cured tobacco remains strong and prices continue to be much higher than burley.

All cigar type tobacco intentions, at 6,020 acres, are unchanged from last year but up 22 percent from 2006. Increases in cigar binder offset decreases in shade-grown tobacco. Connecticut Valley binder area for harvest, at 3,100 acres, is 3 percent above 2007. Expected acres of Connecticut Valley shade-grown tobacco are 1,120, down 8 percent from a year ago. Pennsylvania seedleaf, at 1,800 acres, is unchanged from a year ago.

Sweet Potatoes: Planted area of sweet potatoes is estimated at 103,800 acres for 2008, up 3 percent from last year and 9 percent above 2006. The increase in planted acres is reflective of increased soil moisture in the southeast region of the United States.

Due to relief from drought conditions, Alabama growers intend to plant 8 percent more acres in 2008 than last year. Growers in California and North Carolina intend to plant 7 percent more acres than 2007. If realized, intended acres in California will be the highest on record. Growers in Mississippi, Texas, and Virginia will plant 2, 21, and 25 percent fewer acres, respectively, than in 2007. High fuel and fertilizer prices contributed to the decline in intended planted acres in Texas. Intentions in Louisiana, New Jersey, and South Carolina are unchanged from last year''s final planted acres.

Dry Beans: Growers intend to plant 1.40 million acres in 2008, down 8 percent from last year and 14 percent below 2006. The decrease in planted acres can be mainly attributed to higher prices for competing crops and lack of soil moisture in some States. Expected area planted for all chickpeas is 98,500 acres, down 22 percent from last year and 28 percent lower than 2006. Small chickpea area, at 15,400 acres, is 39 percent higher than 2007 but 11 percent lower than 2006. Large chickpea acreage is expected to be 27 percent less than last year and 30 percent lower than 2006. Small chickpeas are defined as peas that will pass through a 20/64 inch round hole screen.

Acreage declines are expected in 12 of the 18 dry bean estimating States. In North Dakota, the largest producing State, growers intend to plant 70,000 fewer acres, which is the largest decrease in planted acres. Strong prices for competing crops in California, Idaho, Michigan, and Oregon led to a decrease in dry bean acres. States that show an increase in acres from last year have an increase in soil moisture.

Lentils: Area planted for the 2008 crop year is expected to total 277,000 acres, down 9 percent from 2007 and 35 percent below two years ago. Idaho, North Dakota, and Washington anticipate lower planted acreages this season, while Montana growers expect no change from a year ago.

Farmers in North Dakota, the largest producing State, expect to plant 95,000 acres of lentils this year, down 14 percent from a year ago and 41 percent below the record high acreage two years ago. Idaho and Washington are expected to be down 8 percent and 12 percent, respectively.

Dry Edible Peas: Growers intend to plant 820,000 acres in 2008, down 3 percent from 2007 and 11 percent below two years ago. Higher prices from competing crops have led to lower intended acreage in four of the five estimating States.

Intended acreage in North Dakota, the largest producing State, is down 3 percent from a year ago and 18 percent below the 2006 crop, which marked their highest level of dry pea planted acreage. Montana growers expect a 6 percent decrease in planted acres from 2007, while Washington producers report a 3 percent decrease in planted acreage intentions.

Austrian Winter Peas: Area planted to Austrian winter peas for the 2008 crop year is expected to be 25,500 acres, down 12 percent from 2007 and 45 percent below two years ago. If realized, this would be the lowest planted acreage since the 2003 crop year. Higher prices for competing crops have reduced the Austrian winter pea acreage intentions. All estimating States anticipate decreased planted acreage this season.


Available at:

http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/usda/current/ProsPlan/ProsPlan-03-31-2008.txt