Argentina's 2009-10 corn crop seen at 21 million tonnes

The Argentine corn harvest is advancing, with 56% of the area harvested as of April 29, and it is estimated that the crop will reach 21 million tonnes for 2009-10.

Local contacts report generally excellent yields. 

The USDA attaché in Buenos Aries currently estimates the 2009-10 corn crop at 21 million tonnes, in line with the current USDA official estimate and slightly above the Agriculture Ministry estimate of 20.5 million tonnes.

Wheat planting will start in May. Due to good soil moisture conditions, the attache maintains its 2010-11 wheat production forecast at 12.0 million tonnes on a 4.0 million hectare area.

Attache expects an increase in corn exports for 2008-09 by 218,000 tonnes to 13.3 million tonnes due to complete marketing year export numbers now being available.

Attache reports are not official USDA data.