February 27, 2009
Lower 2008-09 corn production forecast for Brazil
Brazil's 2008-09 corn production is seen lower at 49.5 million tonnes due to lower first crop production and dry weather in key producing regions, according to the US Department of Agriculture.
The states of Parana and Rio Grande do Sul account for about half of Brazil's first crop corn production. Although high input costs, lack of credit and a low price of corn at the time of planting the main crop played a role in the 3 percent decrease in area planted, the primary reasons for an estimated 20 percent drop in main crop corn production from last year's were the lack of rain and elevated temperatures between the middle of November and December, key periods for corn development in the South.
For more of the USDA report, please click here.
