July 15, 2009

US feed grain production in 2009-10 is projected at 327.6 million tonnes, up 8.6 million tonnes from a month ago and up 1.7 million from 2008.

The June 30 Acreage report showed planted acres increased from earlier corn planting intentions, but decreased slightly for oats and barley. Sorghum area remains unchanged.

The first survey-based production forecast for barley is down 22 million bushels from the previous projection, which was based on trend yields and intended plantings. The lower barley production forecast reflects lower harvested area and yields.

Feed grain supply in 2009-10 is projected at 379.9 million tonnes, up 12.7 million from last month and up six million tonnes from 2008-09. Feed grain imports are increased 100,000 tonnes from last month but are down by 22,000 tonnes in 2008-09. Beginning stocks in 2009-10 were increased 4.1 million tonnes this month to 49.4 million because of lower use in 2008/09.

Projected total use of feed grains in 2008-09 is decreased 4.1 million tonnes this month, reflecting lower-than-expected use. Ending stocks for 2008-09 are projected at 49.4 million tonnes, up 4.1 million tonnes from last month and up 4.3 million tonnes from 2007-08.

Feed and residual use of all feed grains in 2009-10 is expected to total 139.4 million tonnes and account for 41 percent of total use. When converted to a September-August marketing year, feed and residual use for the four feed grains plus wheat is projected to total 144.3 million tonne, down from the 2008-09 forecast of 146.6 million. Corn is projected to account for 92 percent of total grain feed and residual use, up from a forecast 91 percent in 2008-09.