World coarse grains production projected for 2007/08 increased 1.1 million tonnes (mt) this month to 1,054.4 mt, as a reduction in US corn prospects was more than offset by foreign increases. Foreign coarse grains production prospects increased 4.5 mt to 700.7 mt.

The largest change in foreign production forecast for 2007/08 was a dramatic decline in Nigeria. Reduced area planted and dryness during critical growth stages cut corn production prospects there by 2.5 mt to 6.5 mt. Sorghum was also hurt by dryness, and Nigeria’s coarse grains production was reduced 3.2 mt this month to 24.0 mt.

Drought continued into October in parts of Australia, reducing barley production prospects a further 0.7 mt this month to 5.5 mt. However, good rains for planting in the sorghum region boosted area and production prospects slightly.

Higher corn harvest in China
Harvest reports indicated increased production across many countries. Provincial reports from China indicated larger-than-previously expected corn area planted and good yields, boosting projected corn production 2.0 mt to 145.0 mt.

Good rains in Ethiopia boosted coarse grains production prospects 1.7 mt to 10.8 mt, with increases for corn, sorghum and barley. EU-27 coarse grains production prospects increased 1.3 mt this month to 135.2 mt as increases for corn in Italy and France more than offset declines in Hungary and Romania.

Good monsoon rains and attractive prices boosted India’s corn production prospects 0.8 mt to 4.8 mt. Harvest reports from Mexico, supported by good growing conditions in key growing areas, boosted sorghum area and yields, increasing projected production 0.6 mt to 6.0 mt.

Better than expected corn yields were reported in Ukraine, boosting production 0.5 mt to 7.0 million. Yields, however, remain down year-to-year for Ukraine as some regions suffered from drought Belarus corn production was added to the database for several years, reaching 0.4 mt forecast for 2007/08.

Good rains boosted Niger millet production 0.3 mt to 3.2 mt and Malawi corn production 0.25 mt to 3.4 million. Other changes were smaller.

Source: USDA

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