CONAB SEES SLIGHT DECLINE IN BRAZIL’S GRAIN OUTPUT
Following a record year in grain production, Brazil’s output in the 2023-24 marketing year is forecast to dip slightly, mainly due to an expected 9% decline in the country’s corn crop, according to a report from the food supply and statistics company CONAB. Corn production is pegged at 119.8 million tonnes, CONAB said, as harvest area is projected to fall by nearly 5% to 21.2 million hectares. A 3% increase in soybean acreage, to 45.3 million hectares, is driving an expected 5% increase in output, to 162.4 million tonnes, in 2023-24. Rice production is forecast to rebound to 11.3 million tonnes, a nearly 13% increase, primarily due to a 10% increase in planted area. “In addition, the El Niño phenomenon tends to influence a likely reduction in soybean area in low-lying areas due to the expectation of greater rainfall intensity,” said Silvio Porto, director of agricultural policy and information at CONAB. “As a result, the producer will tend to prioritize rice, which is more resistant to flooding.”
(Link: WorldGrain.com)
USDA CROP PROGRESS REPORT: CORN HARVEST 9% COMPLETE
As of Sept. 17, 90% of corn is dented in the top 18 corn-growing states, and 54% of the crop has reached maturity. Corn is now 9% harvested, up from 5% the week prior and ahead of the five-year average of 7%. According to USDA, 20% of corn is rated poor/very poor, 29% is in fair condition, and corn is rated good/excellent at 51%.
USDA says 54% of soybeans in the top 18 soybean-growing states are dropping leaves, 5% of soybeans are harvested. USDA rated 18% of soybeans in poor/very poor condition, Thirty percent of soybeans are rated fair, and rated 52% of the crop as good/excellent.
The report says 93% of spring wheat is harvested in the top six growing states. This is up from 87% the previous week. USDA says winter wheat is 15% planted in the top 18 growing states, up from 7% the week prior and slightly behind the five-year average of 16%.
(Link: agriculture.com)
