Soybean Record Harvest in Line

WASHINGTON - Oct 9/09 - SNS -- Soybean production in the United Ststes is slightely better than expected last month at a forecast record high 3.25 billion bushels, up 10% from last year, according to the latest USDA crop production estimates.

Based on October 1 conditions, yields are expected to average 42.4 bushels per acre, up 0.1 bushel from last month and up 2.7 bushels from 2008. If realized, this will be the third highest yield on record.

Compared with last month, yields are forecast higher or unchanged in all States except Michigan, Mississippi, Ohio, and New York. The largest decrease in yield from the September forecast is expected in Mississippi where persistent rain during the last two weeks of the month increased the potential impact of disease. Increases of 2 bushels are expected in Kentucky, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Virginia.

If realized, the forecasted yield in Alabama, Georgia, and Nebraska will be a record high and the forecasted yield in Arkansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania will tie the previous record high. Area for harvest in the U.S. is forecast at 76.6 million acres, down slightly from the previous estimate but up 3% from 2008.

Subscribers can read the full text of the article by Clicking here