USDA has risen its Florida orange forecast by 100,000 boxes compared to it February forecast, but it still remains 35% below last year’s final production numbers.
USDA now predicts that this season’s totals will reach 11.6 million boxes, the majority of which are made up by Valencia oranges. The year-over-year decline is part of a larger trend, which has been largely caused by hurricanes.
According to Mark Hudson with USDA NASS, “It’s even lower than the hurricane season of two years ago, when you look at 11.6 for all oranges compared to just two seasons ago when it was 15.82 million boxes. And even with— during Irma, Irma was 45 million boxes, compared to 11 million boxes, but you can understand we have less trees and also, the yields are not as high.”
Hudson says that he blames lower yields on citrus green disease, which has now been discovered across most of the state of Florida.
Traders say that shift could eventually prompt the USDA to scale back soybean export projections, noting the outlook differs greatly for other grain commodities.
January 30, 2026 01:13 PM
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The federal government’s status is far from the only factor moving the markets on Friday. Two critical reports released today on producer inflation and the status of the U.S. cattle herd are also top of mind.
January 30, 2026 12:51 PM
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A rapidly intensifying winter storm is expected to develop into a bomb cyclone this weekend, affecting the Southeast, southern Virginia, and potentially parts of the mid‑Atlantic and New England.
January 30, 2026 10:52 AM
Often overlooked, cotton wholesalers act as stabilizers during market stress, translating fragmented retail demand into workable production programs for mills and manufacturers.
January 30, 2026 08:00 AM
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Strong blending demand continues to support ethanol use even as production and exports fluctuate.
January 30, 2026 07:00 AM
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Farm CPA Paul Neiffer helps producers navigate farm program payments and understand the key details farmers need to know.
January 29, 2026 01:25 PM
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