April 27, 2004

Sparks Said To Have Estimated Brazil, Argentina Soybean Crops

Private research firm Sparks Cos. is said to have estimated the Brazilian 2003-04 soybean crop at 51.5 million metric tons and Argentina's crop at 33.5 million tons, trade sources said Monday.

However, it was not confirmed whether the estimates are actual new survey calculations or working numbers. Sources at Sparks declined to comment.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture currently forecasts the Brazilian crop at 56.5 million tons and the Argentine crop at 35 million tons.