October 25, 2004

Austrian 2004 Wheat Production 1.7 Million MT

Austrian grain production in 2004 (excluding corn) amounted to 3.4 million metric tons. This is up 32% compared to last year. Wheat production amounted to 1.7 million MT, rye production totaled 213,500 MT, spring barley totaled 551,500 MT, and winter barley reached 455,200 MT. Corn production is expected to reach 1.6 million MT due to a 10% larger acreage, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture attache report posted Friday on the Foreign Agricultural Service Web site.
 
In 2004, Austrian grain production (excluding corn) amounted to 3.4 million MT. This is 32% above last year's harvest, which was exceptionally meager because of dry conditions. This year's crop is 15% above the long-term average.
 
The acreage of wheat and rye for food use increased by 8% compared to the previous year and resulted in a total yield of 1.9 million MT (+ 46%), which reflects the biggest crop in the last 10 years. Due to the considerable quantities, increased pricing pressure (especially for lower quality) can be expected. Feed grains production (excluding corn) was up 17% (1.4 million MT) compared to 2003 and 3% above the long-term average, the report said.
 
Wheat production accounted for 1.7 million MT (+44%). Rye production in 2004 was outstanding and amounted to 213,500 MT, which is up 61% compared to 2003. Despite of a 20% decline in acreage, spring barley yields increased by 2% to 551,500 MT. Winter barley production exceeded last year's crop by one third and amounted to 455,200 MT. Triticale production amounted to 235,700 MT (+40%), whereas oat yields were up 8% at 138,800 MT.
 
The forecast for corn production shows yields in the range of the long-term average. Total corn production for 2004 is expected to reach 1.6 million MT due to a 10% larger acreage.
 
Source: USDA