Hawaii Monthly Livestock Review

Published on August 9, 2007 in General Ag News and Notes and Livestock.

Here is the PDF file for the *Hawaii Monthly Livestock Review *Report.

Please visit the website for more information: http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/

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Contact Information:
Mark E. Hudson, Director
USDA NASS Hawaii Field Office
1421 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96814-2512

Office: (808) 973-9588 / (800) 804-9514
Fax: (808) 973-2909
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“HAWAII MONTHLY LIVESTOCK REVIEW” reports are available on our website http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/ and also PRINTED monthly. Subscriptions for PRINTED copies are free to those persons who report agricultural data to NASS (upon request) and available for $4 per year to all others.

Hawaii Monthly Livestock Review

June Egg Production Down 16 Percent From A Year Ago

Hawaii egg production totaled 6.9 million (19,167 cases) in June 2007, down 16 percent from June 2006. The average number of layers on hand during June 2007 was estimated at 368,000, up fractionally from May 2007 and down 17 percent from June 2006. The average rate of lay during June 2007 was 1,875 per 100 layers (62.5 percent rate of lay), up 2 percent from June 2006.

Total Cattle Marketings and Exports

June Cattle Marketings Down 30 Percent From 2006

Total cattle marketings for June 2007 is estimated at 4,000 head, down 30 percent from June 2006. Cumulative cattle marketings for the first six months of 2007 totaled 27,900 head, down 7 percent from the same period a year ago.

Exports down 38 percent from year ago

Exports of steers and heifers totaled 3,000 head in June 2007, down 38 percent from a year ago. Exports of steers totaled 1,800 head during June 2007, down 33 percent compared to a year ago. Total export of heifers also declined in June 2007 compared to a year ago at 1,200 head, a 43 percent decrease. Cumulative exports of steers and heifers through June 2007 totaled 22,500 head, down 9 percent from the same period a year ago. Cumulative exports of steers for 2007 stands at 13,300 head, down 7 percent from 2006. Exports of heifers showed a larger decrease through the first six months of 2007 at 9,200 head or down 12 percent from a year ago. Exports of other classes of cattle were not included.
Continue reading ‘Hawaii Monthly Livestock Review’

Hawaii Papayas Report

Published on July 20, 2007 in General Ag News and Notes.

Here is the PDF file for the Hawaii Papayas Report.

papaya072307.pdf

Please visit the website for more information: http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/

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Contact Information:
Mark E. Hudson, Director
USDA NASS Hawaii Field Office
1421 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96814-2512

Office: (808) 973-9588 / (800) 804-9514
Fax: (808) 973-2909
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“HAWAII PAPAYAS” reports are available on our website and also PRINTED monthly. Subscriptions for PRINTED copies are free to those persons who report agricultural data to NASS (upon request) and available for $4 per year to all others.

JUNE FRESH PAPAYA OUTPUT LOWER

Hawaii fresh papaya utilization is estimated at 2.1 million pounds for June 2007, 2 percent lower than May 2007 and June 2006. Output for the first half of the year totaled 13.0 million pounds, slightly higher than the same period last year.

Total in crop for June is estimated at 1,735, down 10 percent from March 2007 and 1 percent less than June 2006. Bearing acreage totaled 800 acres, 8 percent below March of this year and declining 47 percent from June of last year. Bearing acreage should increase as new acreage comes into production late summer or early fall.

June weather conditions continued warm and sunny with occasional showers. More rain would be beneficial towards growth and fruit development. Clear weather assisted in field operations and usual orchard maintenance.

Papaya growers are expected to receive an estimated 52.0 cents per pound for fresh fruit in June, 6 percent (3.0 cents) higher than May and 10 percent (4.9 cents) more than last June.

Hawaii Macadamia Nuts (Final Season Estimates)

Published on July 13, 2007 in General Ag News and Notes and Macadamia Nuts.

Here is the PDF file for the *Hawaii Macadamia Nuts (Final Season Estimates)* Report.

mac-fin071307.pdf

Please visit the website for more information: http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/

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Contact Information:
Mark E. Hudson, Director
USDA NASS Hawaii Field Office
1421 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96814-2512

Office: (808) 973-9588 / (800) 804-9514
Fax: (808) 973-2909
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“HAWAII MACADAMIA NUTS” reports are available on our website and also PRINTED twice a year. Subscriptions for PRINTED copies are free to those persons who report agricultural data to NASS (upon request) and available for $2 per year to all others.

Final Season Estimates Higher For 2006-2007 Crop Year
Hawaii?s 2006-07 end-of-season macadamia nut harvest is estimated at 58.0 million pounds net, wet-in-shell, up 4.0 million pounds from last season?s harvest, according to USDA, NASSHawaii Field Office. While not the highest on record, this season?s output matches the previous high set back during the 1997-98 crop year.

Weather for 2006 was mixed. Approximately six weeks of rainfall from late February thru March occurred statewide. For some macadamia nut orchards located in normally drier areas, the rainfall was welcome. However, macadamia nut orchards located in normally wet areas suffered lower output due to disease problems.

Early in the season, one large processor announced it would limit nut purchases from independent growers. Many growers have reported that the lack of an outlet to sell their nuts has been a problem and with lower nut prices, the crop has not been harvested by some growers. Some farmers have reportedly gone into other commodities due to the low prices being paid and the lack of an outlet to sell their nuts. Growers have also related that feral pigs were a problem in some areas. The feral pig problem has increased in some areas; probably due to growers leaving nuts on the ground and providing a food source for pigs which increased survival of offspring, lending itself to more pigs foraging for food.

Crop losses were estimated at 11.0 million pounds or 17 percent of the total crop. Immature nuts ranked as the highest cause of losses at nearly 38 percent followed by koa seed worm damage and moldy or rotten nut losses with 19 percent and 17 percent, respectively. Overall yields averaged 3,867 pounds per acre (net, wet-in-shell), 29 percent higher than the 2005-06 crop year.

Total acreage for 2006-07 decreased 1,300 acres to 17,000 acres while harvested area totaled 15,000 acres, a 3,000 acre decline from last season. The farm price for net, wet in-shell macadamia nuts averaged 67.0 cents per pound, 14.0 cents less than the 2005-06 average.

Crop Losses Measured By Processors Lower

Growers delivered an estimated 65.0 million pounds of macadamia nuts, wet-in-shell, to processors during the 2006-07 season. About 11 percent of the harvest was culled, resulting in 58.0 million pounds net, wet in-shell. The equivalent gross weight of losses, after adjusting for what would be the expected weight before the damage, was 11.0 million pounds, 11 percent less than last season?s revised estimates. Losses from nut immaturity ranked at the top with just under 38 percent of the total losses. Koa seed worm damage was the second most common type of loss at 19 percent, followed by losses from moldy or rotten nuts at 17 percent. Macadamia nut losses shown in this report include only those culled by processors and do not include losses that were culled at the farm before delivery.

U.S Nut Production Up 9 Percent, Value Down 17 Percent

The 2006 U.S nut production is estimated at 1.59 million tons (in-shell basis), 9 percent greater than a year earlier. The almond crop is 953,000 tons, up 23 percent from 2005. Walnut production in 2006, at 346,000 tons, is down 3 percent from the previous year. The pistachio crop is 119,000 tons, 16 percent smaller than 2005. Pecan production in 2006 totals 103,150 tons, a 26 percent drop from 2005. The hazelnut crop, at 43,000 tons, is 56 percent larger than the previous year. Macadamia production is 29,000 tons, up 7 percent.

The 2006 U.S. value of utilized nut production is estimated at 3.45 billion dollars, down 17 percent from the 2005 value. The almond crop is valued at 2.04 billion dollars, 19 percent less than 2005. Walnuts are valued at 554 million dollars, 1 percent less than 2005. Pistachio value for 2006, at 455 million dollars, is 22 percent less than last year. The value of the pecan crop decreased 21 percent to 321 million dollars. Hazelnut value, at 46.4 million dollars, is 25 percent below last year. The macadamia crop is valued at 38.9 million dollars, down 11 percent.

Hawaii Guavas Report.

Published on June 19, 2007 in General Ag News and Notes and Guava.

Here is the PDF file for the annual Hawaii Guavas Report.
guava061907.pdf

Please visit the website for more information: http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/

————————————————————-
Contact Information:
Mark E. Hudson, Director
USDA NASS Hawaii Field Office
1421 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96814-2512

Office: (808) 973-9588 / (800) 804-9514
Fax: (808) 973-2909
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“HAWAII Guavas” reports are available on our website and also PRINTED annually. Subscriptions for PRINTED copies are free to those persons who report agricultural data to NASS (upon request) and available for $2 per year to all others.

2006 GUAVA OUTPUT LOWER

HAWAII?S 2006 UTILIZED GUAVA PRODUCTION WAS PEGGED AT 7.4 MILLION POUNDS, 9 percent lower than 2005, according to USDA, NASS, Hawaii Field Office. Weather conditions were mixed for guava production during 2006. Six weeks of heavy rainfall from late February thru March resulted in slow fruit maturation in many orchards. Field operations were curtailed during the wet weather.

ACREAGE DEVOTED TO GUAVA PRODUCTION TOTALED 575 ACRES, 14 percent less than the previous year. Harvested area was estimated at 365 acres, 41 percent fewer than 2005. The average farm price for fruit utilized mainly for processing was estimated at 14.2 cents per pound, 2 percent (0.3 cent) more than the previous year. Statewide farm value totaled $1.1 million, 7 percent lower than 2005.

U.S. IMPORTS OF SELECTED GUAVA PRODUCTS IN 2006 were mixed from a year ago (see page 4). Guava paste and puree were down 19 percent to 7.7 million pounds (3,514 metric tons). Brazil, accounted for nearly 44 percent of the paste and puree imports.

Prepared or preserved guava imports increased 5 percent from the previous year to 14 million pounds (6,346 metric tons). Ecuador and Dominican Republic supplied over 50 percent of these imports into the U.S.

Imports of guava jam were up 13 percent to 2.0 million pounds (913 metric tons). Costa Rica and Brazil accounted for 79 percent of the guava jam total.

HAWAII BANANAS ANNUAL SUMMARY

Published on June 15, 2007 in Banana and General Ag News and Notes.

Here is the PDF file for the annual Hawaii Banana Report.
annban061507.pdf

Please visit the website for more information: http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/

————————————————————-
Contact Information:
Mark E. Hudson, Director
USDA NASS Hawaii Field Office
1421 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96814-2512

Office: (808) 973-9588 / (800) 804-9514
Fax: (808) 973-2909
————————————————————-

“HAWAII BANANAS” reports are available on our website and also PRINTED annually. Subscriptions for PRINTED copies are free to those persons who report agricultural data to NASS (upon request) and available for $2 per year to all others.

2006 BANANA UTILIZATION DOWN 4 PERCENT
Hawaii?s 2006 banana utilization for fresh market totaled 20.0 million pounds, 4 percent less than 2005, according to USDA, NASS, Hawaii Field Office. Weather for 2006 was mixed for banana production. Six weeks of heavy rainfall from late February thru March resulted in slow fruit maturation in many orchards. Field operations were curtailed during the wet weather. Orchard maintenance and banana bunchy top virus monitoring was an ongoing procedure for growers.

Statewide total banana acreage was estimated at 1,200 acres, 5 percent higher than 2005. Harvested acreage increased 2 percent to 1,000 acres.

Hawaii?s banana producers received an average 49.0 cents per pound for fresh banana in 2006, 12 percent (5.1 cents) more than 2005. Higher average prices helped push the total value of sales to $9.8 million, 7 percent higher than the $9.2 million received in the previous year.

Hawaii Papayas Report

Published on May 16, 2007 in General Ag News and Notes and Papaya.

Here is the PDF file for the Hawaii Papayas Report.
papaya51707.pdf
Please visit the website for more information: http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/

————————————————————-
Contact Information:
Mark E. Hudson, Director
USDA NASS Hawaii Field Office
1421 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96814-2512

Office: (808) 973-9588 / (800) 804-9514
Fax: (808) 973-2909
————————————————————-

“HAWAII PAPAYAS” reports are available on our website http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/ and also PRINTED monthly. Subscriptions for PRINTED copies are free to those persons who report agricultural data to NASS (upon request) and available for $4 per year to all others.

APRIL FRESH SALES HIGHER

Hawaii fresh papaya utilization is estimated at 2.2 million pounds for April 2007, up 3 percent from March 2007 and 29 percent more than April 2006.

Favorable weather conditions continued for papayas in April, encouraging flowering and fruit development. Young orchards made good progress with some acreage coming into production soon. Fruit columns are full with few gaps. Production from other fields has been declining, abandoned, or neglected. Warm weather has spurred weed growth but controlled under current spraying programs.

Papaya growers are expected to receive an estimated 48.0 cents per pound for fresh fruit in April, up 2 percent (1.0 cent) from last month, but 2 percent down (1.0 cent) from a year ago.

Monthly Hawaii Vegetables Report

Published on April 28, 2007 in General Ag News and Notes and Vegtables.

Here is the PDF file for the *Monthly* *Hawaii Vegetables* Report

monveg1042707.pdf

Please visit the website for more information: http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/

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Contact Information:
Mark E. Hudson, Director
USDA NASS Hawaii Field Office
1421 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96814-2512

Office: (808) 973-9588 / (800) 804-9514
Fax: (808) 973-2909
————————————————————-

*Monthly* *Hawaii Vegetables* Report reports are available on our website http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/ and also PRINTED monthly. Subscriptions for PRINTED copies are free to those persons who report agricultural data to NASS (upon request) and available for $4 per year to all others.

Production Generally Above Year Ago

Chinese cabbage production in March totaled 642,000 pounds, increases of 10 percent and 14 percent from the February 2007 and March 2006, respectively. Improved yields resulted in the higher production. In general, weather conditions were beneficial for crop development and kept crops in fair to good condition.

Head cabbage growers produced a total of 1.4 million pounds in March. This was an increase of 49 percent and 10 percent from last month and the previous year, respectively. Favorable weather conditions helped to increase yields and offset the decline in acreage for harvest. Insect infestations were kept under control with regular spraying. The crop was in good condition.

Sweet Corn growers produced an estimated 209,000 pounds in March, this was 63 percent and 248 percent above last month and a year ago, respectively. This increase was the result of improved yields and an increase in acreage for harvest. Favorable weather conditions helped to boost ear development and size, maintaining the crop in good condition.

Cucumber production during March increased 7 percent and 13 percent from February 2007 and March 2006 to 366,000 pounds. The crop harvested during the month was in fair condition. However, improved weather during March has helped the newer crop vines, flowers, and fruit sets.

Tomato production totaled 1.1 million pounds in March, a 13 percent and 10 percent increase over the previous month and a year earlier, respectively. The tomato crop was in fair to good condition.

HAWAII PAPAYAS

Published on April 19, 2007 in General Ag News and Notes and Papaya.

MARCH AND FIRST QUARTER SALES DOWN FROM 2006

Hawaii fresh papaya utilization is estimated at 2.2 million pounds for March 2007, up 4 percent from February, but down 2 percent from last year. Cumulative sales for the first quarter of 2007 were down 10 percent from the same period in 2006 to 6.6 million pounds.

Total in crop for March is estimated at 1,935, down 7 percent from a year ago. Harvested area totaled 870 acres, decreasing 51 percent from March of last year. Continuous wet weather in the earlier months of 2006 and an increase in disease during 2006 had some impact on current lower acreage.

In March, orchards benefited from sunny periods and adequate soil moisture for steady growth and flowering. Normal field activities were underway with favorable weather. Young plantings made good progress. More harvested acreage is expected for the summer months. Papaya growers are expected to receive an estimated 47.0 cents per pound for fresh fruit in March, up 15 percent (6.0 cents) from last month and 4 percent more (2.0 cents) from a year ago.

Here is the PDF file for the *Hawaii Papayas *Report.

papaya041917.pdf

Please visit the website for more information: http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/

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Contact Information:
Mark E. Hudson, Director
USDA NASS Hawaii Field Office
1421 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96814-2512

Monthly Hawaii Vegtables

Published on February 22, 2007 in General Ag News and Notes.

Intermittent periods of wet and windy weather interrupted a drier than normal
January. Sporadic periods of southwesterly winds and its associated
precipitation had interfered with the moderate to strong trade winds which
occurred during the first two-thirds of the month. At the end of the month, very
strong southwesterly winds also caused some crop damage. This drier than
normal weather pattern during the winter months resembles patterns
displayed in ?El-Nino like? conditions. Rainfall totals on the island of Kauai for
January were generally below 75 percent of normal. All leeward Oahu sites
and most windward sites recorded rainfall amounts below normal. The
exception occurred around the Punaluu Pump gage, which recorded abovenormal
rainfall due to the heavy rains and flash flooding associated with the
January 8 event. Conditions throughout Maui County were generally dry. The
Big Island of Hawaii experienced mixed conditions as rainfall amounts were
near to above normal levels along the southeasterly quadrant of the island,
while the remainder of the island was drier. This dry weather slowed crop
progress.

Expected vegetable acreage for harvest in February when compared with
acreage harvested in January are expected to increase for Chinese cabbage
(+9%), Head cabbage (+7%), dry onions (+67%), green onions (+60%),
and romaine (+40%), while decreases in harvested acreage are expected for
snap beans (-29%), mustard cabbage (-11%), and cucumbers (-3%). The
expected acreage for harvest for the remaining crops were unchanged.

Click the link below for the full PDF article:

monveg1.pdf

USDA NASS Hawaii Field Office
http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/
1421 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96814-2512
Office: (808) 973-9588 / (800) 804-9514
Fax: (808) 973-2909?

Hawaii Pineapples

Published on February 10, 2007 in General Ag News and Notes and Pineapple.

PINEAPPLE OUTPUT & VALUE DECLINE IN 2006

Hawaii pineapple utilization is estimated at 188,000 tons for 2006, declining 11 percent from the 2005 total of 212,000 tons, according to the USDA, NASS, Hawaii Field Office. Fresh sales pegged at 99,000 tons, falling 7 percent from the 2005 total of 106,000 tons. Processed utilization at 89,000 tons, dropped 16 percent below the 106,000 tons produced in 2005. Acreage totaled 13,900 acres, decreasing 100 acres from 2005.

The equivalent farm value for 2006 pineapple crop is estimated at $75.5 million, down 5 percent from $79.3 million in 2005. The farmgate price of pineapple utilized as processed fruit averaged $148 a ton, unchanged from a year ago. Fresh market sales averaged $630 a ton, 5 percent above the 2005 price.

A large operation made public its intentions to stop planting pineapples in Hawaii last February and had expected to continue until 2008 but ended its operation in 2006.

usda-hi-fruits

Here is the full *Hawaii Pineapples* Report–PDF file:

pine.pdf

Please visit the website for more information: http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/

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USDA NASS
1421 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96814-2512

Hawaii Monthly Livestock Review

Published on February 8, 2007 in General Ag News and Notes and Livestock.

December Egg Production Down 16 Percent From A Year Ago

Hawaii egg production totaled 7.4 million (20,556 cases) in December 2006, down 16 percent from December 2005. The average number of layers on hand during December 2006 was estimated at 409,000, down 2 percent from November and down 15 percent from December 2005. The average rate of lay during December 2006 was 1,809 per 100 layers (58.4 percent rate of lay), down 2 percent from December 2005.

Expected vegetable acreage for harvest in February when compared with acreage harvested in January are expected to increase for Chinese cabbage (+9%), Head cabbage (+7%), dry onions (+67%), green onions (+60%), and romaine (+40%), while decreases in harvested acreage are expected for snap beans (-29%), mustard cabbage (-11%), and cucumbers (-3%). The expected acreage for harvest for the remaining crops were unchanged.

Cattle Marketings In December Up 19 Percent From A Year Ago

Total cattle marketings for December 2006 is estimated at 6,900 head, up 19 percent from December 2005. Cumulative marketings for 2006 totaled 48,400 head, down 2 percent from 2005.

December exports up 24 percent from year ago

Exports of steers and heifers totaled 6,100 head in December 2006, up 24 percent from a year ago. A breakdown of the exports shows that steers accounted for 57 percent of December 2006?s total with 3,500 head. Cumulative exports of steers were up 4 percent in 2006 compared to 2005. Exports of heifers totaled 2,600 head in December 2006, up 86 percent from last December. Cumulative exports of heifers during 2006 were down 18 percent to 14,600 head compared to last year?s total of 17,800 head. ? Average live weight down 3 percent The average live weight of steers and heifers exported from Hawaii in December 2006 was 420 pounds, down 5 percent or 22 pounds from a year ago. The cumulative average live weight for 2006 was 426 pounds, down 3 percent from last year.

Click the link below for the full PDF article:

lvstk020807.pdf

USDA NASS Hawaii Field Office
http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/
1421 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96814-2512
Office: (808) 973-9588 / (800) 804-9514
Fax: (808) 973-2909

HAWAII SUGARCANE ACREAGE & PRODUCTION

Published on November 15, 2006 in General Ag News and Notes and Sugar Cane.

U.S. SUGARCANE

Production of sugarcane for sugar and seed in 2006 is forecast at 29.8 million tons, 3 percent above the October forecast and 12 percent above 2005. Sugarcane growers intend to harvest 908,800 acres for sugar and seed during the 2006 crop year, unchanged from October but down 1 percent from last year Yield is forecast at 32.8 tons per acre, 0.9 ton above the previous forecast and 4.0 tons above the 2005 yield.

The acreage, yield, and production forecasts are unchanged for Florida, Hawaii, and Texas. In Louisiana, the acreage forecast is unchanged, but yield is forecast at 2.0 tons higher than the previous month due to beneficial rainfall during October.

http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/speccrop/sugar.pdf

HAWAII SUGARCANE ACREAGE & PRODUCTION

Published on November 15, 2006 in General Ag News and Notes and Sugar Cane.

U.S. SUGARCANE

http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/speccrop/sugar.pdf

Hawaii Seed Crops

Published on September 20, 2006 in General Ag News and Notes.

The Hawaii Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service estimates the value of Hawaii=s seed industry at a record high $70.4 million for the 2005/06 season. This preliminary estimate represents a 12-percent increase from 2004/05?s revised estimate of $62.6 million. Seed corn is expected to account for $68.1 million, or 97 percent, of the total value in 2005/06. A variety of other seed crops will account for the remaining 3 percent.

Outshipments of seed are anticipated to total a record high 8 million pounds during the 2005/06 season, up 16 percent from the previous record of 6.9 million pounds shipped during the 2004/05 season.

Acreage harvested for all seed crops is expected to total a record high 4,220 acres during the 2005/06 season, up 15 percent from the 2004/05 season.

http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/speccrop/seed.pdf

HAWAII GINGER ROOT

Published on August 11, 2006 in General Ag News and Notes and Ginger Root.

Hawaii’s ginger root farmers harvested 4.3 million pounds during the 2005-2006 season, down 16 percent from the 2004-2005 season and the smallest crop since the 1981-1982 harvest. The average farm price is estimated at 70.0 cents per pound during the 2005-2006 season, down 13 percent from the previous season?s farm price of 80.0 cents per pound. Total farm value of the 2005-2006 harvest is estimated at $3.0 million, down 26 percent from the 2004-2005 season.

Ginger root growers harvested 100 acres during the 2005-2006 season, down 17 percent from the previous season and the lowest total in 24 years. The decline in harvested acreage more than offset an increase in yields due to improved weather conditions. Bacterial wilt (Pseudomonas solanacearum), rootknot nematodes (Meloidogyne javanica), and relatively low farm prices have contributed to the reduction in acreage.

http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/stats/stat-21.pdf