December 20, 2004

South Africa 2004-05 Wheat Estimate Cut To 1.75 Million Tons

South Africa's National Crop Estimates Committee Monday cut its estimate for the country's 2004-5 wheat crop to 1.75 million metric tons from its previous estimate of 1.86 million tons.

Actual output in the drought-hit 2003-04 season was 1.54 million tons.

In its fifth estimate of 2004-5 winter grains, the committee said it cut its wheat estimate due to dry conditions in the major production provinces of Western Cape and Free State.

In other winter grains, the committee kept its barley estimate unchanged at 198,595 tons, but cut its canola estimate to 34,250 tons from 28,750 tons and its sweet lupins forecast to 3,950 tons from 4,300 tons.

Meanwhile, the committee said it will release its first official area estimate for 2004-5 summer grains on Jan. 20.