Record Low U.S. Oat Plantings

WASHINGTON - Jun 30/09 - SNS -- Acreage seeded to oats for the 2009 crop year totaled 3.16 million acres, down 2% from the previous year and is the lowest on record, according to the USDA's preliminary seeded estimates for the year.

Growers expect to harvest 1.43 million acres for grain, up 2% from 2008 but is the second lowest on record. Area seeded to oats decreased or remained unchanged in 15 of the 31 estimating States. The largest decrease in seeded acreage occurred in Texas, where producers seeded 100,000 fewer acres than a year ago.

Producers began seeding their crop in March and by April 5, thirty-two% of the Nation's crop was sown. Progress remained slightly behind the normal pace throughout the season, but was nearly complete by the end of May. As of June 21, fifty-six% of the crop was rated in good to excellent condition. In Texas, persistent drought conditions during the spring left the majority of the crop in very poor or poor condition.

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