ARGENTINE WHEAT CROP REVISED LOWER
Due to widespread dry conditions, the FAS dropped its projections for Argentine wheat output by 2 million tonnes from the previous forecast to 14.5 million tonnes. If realized, the total would still be 2 million tonnes higher than the country’s 2022-23 drought-stricken crop.
“Analysts and producers are still evaluating the negative impact of frosts in early October, which could drop production even further,” the FAS said. The average yield is estimated at 2.6 tonnes per hectare, 13% lower than the average yield of the past decade, the report said. Wheat exports were also adjusted downward by the FAS to 10 million tonnes, including flour products. Although 1.5 million tonnes lower than the previous estimate, the projected shipments would still be significantly higher than in 2022-23, when only 3.9 million tonnes were exported.
(Link: WorldGrain)
YIELDS LOOK STRONG IN IOWA AS HARVEST NEARS COMPLETION
Farmers in Iowa are routinely harvesting more than 200 bushels of corn per acre this year despite widespread drought as crop harvest reaches its conclusion, according to field agronomists for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “Our corn hybrids are much better adapted to dry conditions now than they were 20 years ago,” said agronomist Angela Rieck-Hinz, who monitors part of north-central Iowa.
About 77% of the state’s corn has been harvested for grain, according to a Monday report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. About 93% of soybeans have been harvested. The vast majority of the state is suffering from some measure of drought, and those conditions are expected to continue at least through January, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Still, farmers are poised to post one of their best years for crop yields. USDA predicted this month that corn yields would average about 199 bushels per acre.
(Link: WorldGrain)
