U.S. Oat Output Rising 16%

WASHINGTON - Jul 11/13 - SNS -- Oats production in the United States is forecast at 74.5 million bushels, up 16% from 2012, according to the latest crop production estimates from the USDA.

If realized, this will be the third lowest production on record. Growers expect to harvest 1.20 million acres for grain or seed, unchanged from Acreage report released on June 28, 2013 but up 14% from last year.

Based on conditions as of July 1, the average yield for the United States is forecast at 62.3 bushels per acre, up 1.0 bushel from 2012. If realized, Idaho's expected yield for 2013 will be a record high.

The 2013 oat crop has developed well behind the normal pace in most of the nine major producing States due to a delay in plantings. As of May 5, 57% of the oat acreage was planted, 36 percentage points behind last year's pace and 19 percentage points behind the 5-year average. As of June 30, 66% of the oat acreage was headed, 30 percentage points behind last year's pace and 10 percentage points behind the 5-year average. As of June 30, fifty-nine% of the oat crop was rated in good to excellent condition, compared with 65% at the same time last year.