Soybean Acreage to Slip in 2003

WASHINGTON - Mar 31/03 - SNS -- Soybean acreage is expected to slip 1% this year in the United States to an estimated 73.2 million acres of soybeans, according to the USDA's seeding intentions report.

If realized, the lowest planted area since 1998. This is the third consecutive year that soybean acreage has declined in the United States. Growers in most of the Corn Belt and central Great Plains States intend to plant fewer acres in 2003. Expected increases in acreage, offsetting some to the decreases were located in the northern Great Plains, upper Mississippi Valley, Atlantic Coast, and Delta regions.

The largest acreage declines are expected in Kansas and Ohio, both down 250,000 acres from 2002. Growers in most of the Corn Belt and central Great Plains States also intend to plant fewer acres in 2003. States expecting increases in acreage, offsetting some of the decreases, are North Dakota and Minnesota, up 330,000 and 200,000 acres, respectively. Other States expected to increase acreage from last year were located along the Atlantic Coast and Delta region.

Producers intend to plant 80% of the soybean acreage to herbicide resistant varieties in 2003, up 5%age points from 2002.

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