USDA Corn Crop Estimate – 2nd Largest in History, Despite Floods August 12, 2008

[JohnWxy]

http://renewablefuelsassociation.cmail1.com/e/484431/l/

Washington – The US Department of Agriculture today released its World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) predicting the size of this year’s US corn harvest. According to USDA, American farmers have overcome historic obstacles and are poised to deliver the second-highest average yield and the second-largest corn crop in history. In addition, the report also noted that world production of corn is expected to increase to record levels, as farmers around the globe respond to market signals.

A recap of the WASDE statistics for corn production in the US:

Average Yield = 155 bu/acre, up from July estimate of 148.4 (the second highest average yield in history)

Harvested Acres = 79.3 million acres, up from July estimate of 78.9

Production = 12.288 billion bushels, up from July estimate of 11.715 (the second largest crop in history)

[kestrel91316]

1. To follow: the largest Gulf dead zone in history.

[phantom power]

2. Two thoughts leap to mind.

One, is that this is an estimate, from the same federal government that's cheerfully reporting inflation figures without minor factors like food and fuel prices.

Two, is this phrase "responding to market signals." Which I assume is shorthand for "dumping other crops for corn." And so it raises the question: assuming the world increases its corn output this year, what crops are decreasing? I don't know if anybody compiles such figures, but what is the "total caloric production" this year compared to previous years?

[JohnWxy]

3. This report is talking about the 2007-2008 growing season. For 2008 USDA is indicating that

many farmers are leaving corn for wheat and soy-beans. In 2007-2008 season soy beans lost acreage to corn and wheat but with the corn that is used to make ethanol the protein is captured and is sold as Dried Distillers Grain and Solubles - a high protein feed for animals which is better than the corn or soy beans it replaces - no loss to food supply.

[phantom power]

5. What we are in now is the 2008-2009 growing season?

[JohnWxy]

6. Yes. well, except for crops harvested in the fall. I'm not a farmer, so not expert in this.

I've gotta get off now. If I don't answer it's cuzz Im not here.

[XemaSab]

4. Yes, comrades, the 5-year plan is moving right on schedule, with record wheat crops reported!

:eyes:

[excess_3]

7. better than oil from the middle east .n/t