Total Spring Wheat Output Rising

WASHINGTON - Jul 12/07 - SNS -- Production of spring wheat other than durum is forecast at 498 million bushels, 8% above 2006, according to the latest USDA crop production estimates.

The expected area to be harvested for grain totals 12.7 million acres, unchanged from the Acreage report released on June 29, 2007 but down 8% from last year. The U.S. yield is forecast at 39.1 bushels per acre, up 5.9 bushels from 2006. Of the total production, 471 million bushels are Hard Red Spring wheat, up 9% from last year.

Production is forecast at 498 million bushels, up 8% from 2006. The U.S. yield is forecast at 39.1 bushels per acre, up 5.9 bushels from last year. Area harvested for grain is expected to total 12.7 million acres, down 8% from last year. By July 1, sixty-one% of the crop was at or beyond the heading stage in the six major producing States. This was 7 percentage points below last year but 12 points ahead of the 5-year average.

Planting in Montana, Minnesota, and the Dakotas began behind normal but finished at or ahead of the normal pace. Yield prospects are up from the previous year in all four States mostly due to timely moisture and mild temperatures. Crop condition ratings are up from the previous year in all four States and crop development is ahead of normal.

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