June 10, 2009

Missouri Wheat Production Unchanged

(COLUMBIA, MO) – “Missouri wheat producers are expecting an excellent yield as spring moisture supplies have been abundant,” said Gene Danekas, Director, Missouri Agricultural Statistics. “As the crop turns toward maturity throughout the State, harvest is beginning in the Bootheel.” Winter wheat production in Missouri is forecast at 38.3 million bushels, based on conditions as of June 1, 2009, unchanged from the May 1 forecast. This would be 31 percent below the 2008 crop and 1 percent above 2 years ago. Estimated acreage for harvest, at 750,000 acres, is unchanged from May 1 and 410,000 acres less than the 1,160,000 acres harvested in 2008. As of June 1, the average yield is forecast at 51.0 bushels per acre, unchanged from last month and 3.0 bushels per acre over last year’s average.

U.S. Winter Wheat Production Down Slightly from May

Winter wheat production is forecast at 1.49 billion bushels, down less than 1 percent from the May 1 forecast and 20 percent below 2008. Expected area for harvest as grain or seed totals 34.0 million acres, unchanged from May 1. Based on June 1 conditions, the U.S. yield is forecast at 43.9 bushels per acre, down 0.3 bushel from last month and 3.3 bushels less than last year.

Hard Red production is down less than 1 percent from a month ago to 868 million bushels. Soft Red production is down 2 percent from last month and now totals 415 million bushels. White production totals 209 million bushels, up slightly from last month. Of the White production total, 21.1 million bushels are Hard White and 188 million bushels are Soft White.