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USDA: second-largest corn crop, record yield, exports 100 million bushels higher

published: September 18th 2009
source: USDA

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 11, 2009 – Julius Schaaf, U.S. Grains Council At-Large director, said he expects to harvest one of the best corn crops ever on his Randolph, Iowa, farm. Schaaf is not alone. USDA’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) released today forecasts 13 billion bushels of corn, the second-largest crop in history, a record-setting yield and a 100 million bushel increase in exports.
    “We produce more on fewer acres,” said Schaaf. “It is because we deploy sound science when making our planting decisions. Because of biotechnology we can meet all demands domestically and around the world.”
    U.S. corn production is estimated 193 million bushels higher than last month’s report. USDA reported the national average yield is projected at a record 161.9 bushels per acre. U.S. corn exports for 2009/2010 are raised 100 million bushels due to higher projected imports for Canada and lower production in South America and China. Based on record July and August production of gasoline blends with ethanol, as reported by the Energy Information Agency, beginning stocks are lowered 25 million bushels reflecting higher anticipated corn use for ethanol in 2008/2009. Sorghum production for 2009/2010 is forecast up 9 million bushels and beginning stocks projected down 10 million bushels based on a 10 million bushel increase in 2008/2009 exports. Sorghum exports are projected to remain steady at 140 million bushels due to stable demand in Mexico. Barley 2009/2010 exports, although down from 2008/2009, remain firm from the last report at 15 million bushels.
    USGC President and CEO Ken Hobbie said the United States is more than capable of supplying the necessary feed grains both domestically and abroad.
    “U.S. agricultural production will become increasingly vital to feeding a hungry world as U.S. export competitors’ production drops due to poor weather conditions,” said Hobbie. “We are proud of U.S. farmers for once again stepping up to the challenge of producing more coarse grains to satisfy all demands.”