Recent USDA estimates show increased corn production numbers from Ohio and the rest of the U.S. Corn Belt.
The USDA notes that an estimated 3.38 million acres of corn could be harvested in Ohio this fall, compared with 3.14 million acres harvested in 2009. Once again Ohio leads the nation in yield, with a projected average bushels per acre, at 176 bushels, versus the national average of 165 bushels per acre.
In 2008 farmers produced a total of 421,200,000 bushels of field corn in Ohio. This year, USDA estimates Ohio will have 594,800,000 bushels of corn for livestock feed, increased exports, ethanol and food ingredients, such as cornstarch and corn syrup. Nationwide, domestic corn use for 2010/2011 is raised 30-million bushels reflecting higher expected corn use for sweeteners and starch.
“Farmers in Ohio have always provided to global markets after taking care of domestic needs,” saysd Dwayne Siekman, Ohio Corn Growers Association executive director. “Each year there is a carryover of corn—with corn stored in bins. This shows that growers are more than capable of supplying food, feed and fuel.”
Russia’s recent drought and subsequent wildfires have also been on the minds of Ohio wheat growers during fall planting.
“It’s very likely that overseas buyers will turn to the U.S. in the short term to fill their needs,” says Siekman, who is also executive director of the Ohio Wheat Growers Association. “It is too early to tell the impact it will have on planting decisions this fall for Ohio farmers, however, Ohio farmers are up for the challenge.”
Ohio is the nation’s leader in growing soft red winter wheat, used in pan breads, general-purpose flour, cookies and crackers. Farmers in Ohio will plant wheat in the fall following corn and soybean harvest.
The Russian ban went go in effect Aug. 15, 2010 and last until Dec. 1, 2010, but some Russian sources say the ban could last until 2011 or even 2012. The situation in Russia is not the only trouble spot for wheat production around the globe. Australia and others are facing drought and poor production levels, which moved the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to reduced its production forecast this year.
“Seed distributors went from not be able to give wheat away to being worried if they will have enough,” say Mark Wachtman, president of the Ohio Wheat Growers.
