USDA projected an estimate for Florida's 2007-2008 orange crop to be 168 million, 90-pound boxes. Down from what the industry had hoped would be around 180 million boxes. Orange-juice futures surged to a four-month high Friday on news of the smaller than expected crop estimate. Nearly 95 percent of Florida's orange crop is used for orange juice. However, the USDA projection was up 30 percent over last year's Florida orange crop of only 129 million boxes, which was the poorest crop in 17 years.- Millet

Frozen Orange juice concentrates everywhere, from Safeway to Costco, and even from China(Wal)Mart have increased 50% to 100% in prices.

The poor middle classes are being squeezed dry. Health insurances are up, car insurances are up, share of employee costs are up, gasoline prices are up, while salaries are the same. We are now working more hours for lesser buying power.

Budwood prices are still the same. Good heavens!