Record Crn Crop in 2009

WASHINGTON - Jan 12/10 - SNS -- Corn production in the United States is forecast at a record 13.2 billion bushels, up 2% from the November 1 forecast, and 1% above the previous record of 13.0 billion bushels set in 2007, according to the USDA's final crop report for 2009.

U.S. grain yield is also estimated at a record level for 2009, at 165.2 bushels per acre. This is up 2.3 bushels from the November forecast and 4.9 bushels above the previous record of 160.3 bushels per acre set in 2004.

Regionally, estimated yields are at record high levels across much of the Corn Belt, Great Plains, and Ohio Valley. Mild temperatures through much of the growing season, combined with adequate soil moisture, provided favorable growing conditions and grain development. Record yields are also estimated for much of the upper Rocky Mountain Region as well as the Pacific Northwest. Yields are estimated lower in the Delta due to delayed spring planting and excessive moisture during harvest.

Corn planted area, at 86.5 million acres, is up less than one% from 2008. This represents the second largest acreage since 1949, behind the 2007 acreage of 93.5 million acres. Area harvested for grain is estimated at 79.6 million acres, up slightly from the November forecast and up 1% from 2008.

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