March 2, 2009

US 2009-10 wheat planted area is estimated at 58 million acres and production is seen at 2.12 billion bushels, according to the US Department of Agriculture, which released its grains and oilseeds outlook Friday (February 27) at the annual Agricultural Outlook Forum.

The USDA said wheat yields this year are seen around 43 bushels per acre.

Regarding demand, the government said exports are seen at 950 million bushels.

Ending stocks for 2009-10 are seen at 664 million bushels.

In its February 12 baseline report, the USDA estimated 2009-10 planted area at 60.5 million acres and harvested acreage at 51.4 million. Production for the coming marketing year was estimated at 2.210 billion bushels, with yields seen at 43 bushels per acre.

The baseline report forecast exports at 1 billion bushels, with ending stocks at 616 million. The baseline projections were compiled in November 2008.

In 2008-09, US wheat planted area was 63.1 million acres, with harvested area at 55.7 million, according to the USDA's February supply and demand report. Production in that marketing year was 2.5 billion bushels with a yield of 44.9 bushels/acre. Wheat exports were 1 billion bushels, and ending stocks were 655 million bushels.