One of the biggest drops in acreage is cotton. California farmers intend to plant 90,000 acres of Upland cotton this year.
That's down nearly 40% from the acreage seeded last year. Pima cotton crops are expected to decrease by 16%.
"The lack of water is playing a big role in terms of grower's planting decisions."
Mark Bagby is with Calcot, a Bakersfield-based cotton growers'
cooperative.
Bagby says besides the lack of rain, cotton prices have come
off their highs of the past few years.
"I think that's got growers looking at alternative crops
that might hold out hope of more profit..."
…crops such as grapevines, almonds, alfalfa and
pistachios.
The USDA's Prospective Plantings Report also finds a 36%
decrease in acreage planted for Durum wheat, a 25% drop in barley
acreage and a 13% drop in acres for oats.
The forecast is based on a survey conducted last month of more
than 2,500 California farmers.