By Jessica Domel
Multimedia Reporter
The nation is expected to produce less corn and grain sorghum this year, according to a new report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The August World Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report forecasts decreased supply, feed and residual use, exports and ending stocks in corn in the United States.
U.S. corn production
In the report, USDA forecasts American farmers will produce 102 million fewer bushels than predicted in the July report. The production forecast is now 14.2 billion bushels, which is down seven percent from 2016.
Yields are also forecast down this month. The forecast calls for 1.2 fewer bushels per acre for a yield average of 169.5 bushels per acre.
If realized, this year’s crop will be the third largest on record due to increased yields and production.
The projected season on-farm price is unchanged this month at $2.90 to $3.70 per bushel.
The average cost of production for corn in the U.S. is $3.66 per bushel.
Texas corn production
Texas farmers are forecast to harvest about 277.2 million bushels of corn on an estimated 2.1 million acres this year, which is down 46.65 million bushels from 2016.
Corn yields are forecast up five bushels per acre in the Lone Star State to 132 bushels per acre.
Other states corn production
Production in Nebraska and Ohio is forecast up this month, while South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota and Illinois are forecast to have decreased corn yields.
World corn production
The August 2017-18 foreign coarse grain outlook is for unchanged production, lower trade and greater stocks than last month.
European farmers will see lower corn and barley production, according to this month’s report.
Canadian production is also down due to drought in the western part of the country.
Corn and barley production is increased for Russia due to increased acreage and favorable conditions for barley.
Brazilian farmers also increased their production this year, according to USDA.
World corn demand
USDA predicts exports reductions in 2017-18 for the European Union, Serbia and Canada, but that is offset by increases in the Ukraine and Russia.
Brazil’s exports are forecast up this month due to record high shipments to countries like Mexico.
Corn imports are raised, reflecting an increase in the European Union and Iran.
Foreign corn ending stocks are increased from last month.
U.S. grain sorghum production
USDA increased the forecast for American production of grain sorghum this month. Yield is also forecast up 2.6 bushels per acre.
The next WASDE report will be released Sept. 12 at https://www.usda.gov/oce/commodity/wasde/.