October 11, 2010

Brazil's 2010 grain yield to hit 148.9 million tonnes

Brazil's grain crop will reach 148.9 million tonnes in 2010, up 11.1% from 2009, the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) estimated on Thursday (Oct 7).

If the forecast is confirmed, Brazil will have the largest grain crop in its history this year.

According to the IBGE, the acreage of the area cultivated with grains will total 46.7 million hectares in 2010, down 1.1% compared with the area registered in 2009.

The grain crop is to register an increase in all five regions in Brazil. The southern region is expected to register the largest grain crop in the country with 63.6 million tonnes, followed by the midwestern region with 52.2 million tonnes, the southeastern region with 17.3 million tonnes, the northeastern region with 11.8 million tonnes and the northern region with four million tonnes.

In 2010, the production of corn and soy is expected to increase 8.5% and 20.6% respectively, while the rice crop is expected to fall 10.5%. The three products account for 91% of Brazil's total grain crop.

A total of 16 out of 25 products included in the IBGE study are expected to register an increase in the production this year, including oats (37%), wheat (10%) and barley (32.7%).