This year’s Florida orange crop might be the smallest in 95 years!

Florida’s current orange crop is facing historically low numbers.

According to USDA ERS’s Catharine Weber, “Forecast for 2024-2025 marketing year is 522,000 tons, down 35% from last season. If realized, this Florida orange crop would be the smallest in 95 years.”

This is, of course, a huge concern for prices as Florida oranges have historically played a big role in meeting market demand.

“Florida oranges continue to play a major role in the U.S. orange juice industry, accounting for about 50% of oranges used in domestic production last season. Historically, Florida oranges have dominated the U.S. Florida orange juice industry, with Florida oranges accounting for around 90% of domestic orange juice production as recently as the 2016-2017 season.”

Weber says that with so few oranges in production this year, USDA ERS expects orange juice imports to rise higher this year than in years past.

Related Stories
Farm Bureau economist Danny Munch discusses the USDA’s request for feedback on data and research, how such requests work, and what farmers should know about submitting comments before the Thursday, April 9 deadline.
Farm Bureau groups in Arkansas and Mississippi are working together to provide training and resources to rural communities.
This third-generation seafood family transitioned from shrimping and now produces millions of oysters each season along Texas’ Gulf Coast.
Georgia Ag Commissioner Tyler Harper explains the growing threat of invasive hornets in his state and what Southeastern growers should watch for this spring.
USDA Undersecretary Dr. Mindy Brashears provides more insight on the updated “Product of USA” label campaign and the USDA’s goals for both consumers and producers.
$2 million project tests fogging system to stop the virus in poultry facilities