July 21, 2010

South Africa will probably leave its corn forecast for this season's harvest unchanged, according to a news survey.

The government may say farmers will reap 13.3 million tonnes in the season that started May 1, the same as estimated last month, according to the median estimate of 13 traders. Forecasts ranged from 13 million tonnes to 14 million tonnes.

The government's Crop Estimates Committee is scheduled to release its assessment of the harvest at 2:30 p.m. local time on July 22.

White corn for December delivery fell 2.7%, to end trade at 1,177 rand (US$154) a tonne on the South African Futures Exchange. Meal made from the grain is the country's staple food.

Yellow corn for September delivery dropped 3%. The grain is used mainly as animal feed in South Africa.