October 21, 2004

South Africa 2004-05 Wheat Estimate Cut To 1.98 Million MT From 2.05 Million MT

South Africa's National Crop Estimates Committee Wednesday cut its forecast of the 2004-05 wheat crop to 1.98 million metric tons from its previous estimate of 2.05 million tons.

In its third estimate of winter grains, it said dry conditions in the important growing areas of the Western Cape and Western Free State had led to the decline.

The committee also reduced its estimates of barley and canola.

Its barley estimate fell to 204,790 tons from 208,160 tons and its canola estimate to 45,500 tons from 50,050 tons.

The committee will next month issue its fourth winter grain estimate and its second survey on farmers' planting intentions for the 2004-05 summer grain season.