World coarse grain production unchanged
Global coarse grain production in 2008/09 is projected to reach a record 1,100.1 million tonnes, virtually unchanged this month as increased corn production prospects are offset by reductions for sorghum and barley, says the USDA.
World corn production is forecast up 0.6 million tonnes to 787.1 million, but global sorghum production is down 0.5 million tonnes to 63.7 million, and world barley production is reduced 0.1 million tonnes to 154.5 million.
Corn production in South Africa is projected to reach 12.0 million tonnes, up 1.5 million this month. The corn passed through tasseling under excellent conditions. Average yields are projected to nearly match the previous year’s record.
Growing conditions were also favourable in neighbouring Zimbabwe, and projected corn production is increased slightly to 0.4 million tonnes.
However, further north in Kenya, drought hit the second-crop corn, reducing corn production prospects 0.45 million tonnes to 2.1 million.
India reported that corn area and yield had not been as high as previously forecast, reducing production 0.5 million tonnes to 17.0 million.
Sorghum
Sorghum production prospects in Argentina are cut 1.3 million tonnes this month to 3.0 million. Drought cut yield prospects in some regions and discouraged plantings. Rains arrived too late to help early planted sorghum.
However, sorghum production in India is reported up 0.7 million tonnes to 7.2 million, as good rains in the main producing region boosted yields. Improved yield prospects boosted sorghum production in South Africa slightly to 0.3 million tonnes.
Barley
India revised 2008/09 barley production down 0.2 million tonnes to 1.2 million, and barley production for the EU-27 is trimmed slightly, but Morocco reported barley production up 0.1 million tonnes to 1.3 million.
Significant corn production revisions for 2007/08 boosted corn beginning stocks for 2008/09. Argentina reported 2007/08 corn production up 1.2 million tonnes to 22.0 million, boosting 2008/09 beginning stocks 1.2 million to 1.7 million.
Mexico revised 2007/08 corn production up 0.8 million tonnes to a record 23.4 million, increasing 2008/09 beginning stocks by a like amount.
While current-year corn production changes boosted 2008/09 supplies 0.6 million tonnes this month, prior-year production and use changes increased beginning stocks 2.3 million tonnes.
Join 26,000+ subscribers
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated about all the need-to-know content in the feed sector, three times a week.
