Record World Wheat Harvest on Pace

WASHINGTON - Sep 12/08 - SNS -- Global 2008-09 wheat production is projected at a record 676.3 million metric tons (MT), up 5.5 million from last month, according to the latest forecast from the USDA's World Agricultural Outlook Board.

Increases for EU-27, Russia, and Ukraine more than offset reductions for Argentina, Australia, and Kazakhstan. EU-27 production is increased 4.0 million MT as harvest results indicate higher-than-expected yields especially for Germany, which accounts for half of this month's increase.

Production is raised 3.0 million MT for Russia and 2.5 million MT for Ukraine on higher reported area and higher yields as indicated by harvest results. Argentina production is lowered 1.0 million MT as excessive dryness reduces planted area and continues to hamper crop development, particularly in the north central growing regions.

Production is lowered 3.0 million MT for Australia on August dryness that reduced yield prospects, particularly in Western Australia and in pockets of southeastern Australia where dryness persisted.

Kazakhstan production is lowered 0.8 million MT on early harvest results that suggest summer dryness has trimmed spring wheat yields in some growing regions. Changes for other FSU-12 states are nearly offsetting. Production for Brazil and Canada are each raised 0.4 million MT based on the most recent government indications.