USDA Feed Outlook
15 August 2012
Feed Outlook - August 2012
US feed grain supplies for 2012/13 are projected sharply lower again this
month with corn production forecast 2.2 billion bushels lower and sorghum production
forecast 92 million bushels lower, according to the USDA Feed Outlook. 
The forecast US corn yield is reduced 22.6 bushels per acre to 123.4 bushels as extreme heat and dryness continued, and in many areas worsened, during July across the Plains and Corn Belt. Sorghum production is also forecast lower this month due to drought. Total US corn supplies for 2012/13 are projected down 2.0 billion bushels at a 9-year low. The large reduction in forecast corn supplies this month is expected to result in record-high prices, which will ration demand and lower use. Corn use is projected 1.5 billion bushels lower with large cuts in feed and residual use; food, seed and industrial use; and exports. Ending stocks are forecast down 533 million bushels to 650 million bushels, the lowest since 1995/96. Record corn prices for 2012/13 reduce projected foreign corn imports and use this month, but a record corn crop in China and 2 years of large crops in Brazil support some growth in foreign corn feed use in 2012/13.
US Feed Grain Supply Prospects Plunge
Forecast US feed grain beginning stocks in 2012/13 are raised 3.0 million tons
from last month but are down 3.5 million tons from the previous year, an 11-percent
reduction. US feed grain production is forecast at 285.9 million metric tons, 57.9
million below last month and 37.7 million below the 2011/12 estimate. Compared
with volumes in 2011/12, production is down sharply for corn but up for sorghum,
barley, and oats. This month saw sharp declines in projected production for corn
and sorghum and slight gains for barley and oats. Feed grain supply is projected at
318.7 million metric tons this month, 53.5 million short of last month’s projection
and 39.7 million below 2011/12.
Total 2012/13 feed grain use is projected 39.4 million metric tons lower from last
month and 30.2 million short of 2011/12. This month’s reduction reflects lower
estimates for feed and residual disappearance; food, seed, and industrial (FSI) use;
and exports for corn and sorghum due to rationing on higher prices. Sharply lower
forecast use for fuel ethanol is accompanied by declines in most other FSI
categories. FSI is projected at 155.1 million metric tons in 2012/13, compared with
169.0 million in 2011/12. Exports are forecast at 35.8 million metric tons, down 8.6
million from the previous estimate and 5.2 million below last season.
The US Census Bureau issued revised numbers for calendar 2011, affecting trade
estimates this month for corn and sorghum in 2010/11 and for barley and oats in
2011/12. Imports are raised slightly for 2010/11 and 2011/12 and are projected up
1.4 tons for 2012/13, with notable increases for corn and barley. Marketing year
exports for feed grains in 2010/11 are raised slightly to 50.7 million metric tons,
mostly reflecting a large upward revision for sorghum shipments. In 2011/12,
estimated exports are raised for barley and lowered for oats based on the latest
Census data, as the marketing year is over. Sorghum and corn export forecasts (the
2011/12 marketing year ends at the end of August) are also adjusted based on the pace of shipments, with corn down 10 times as much as sorghum is increased. Feed
grain exports for 2011/12 are projected 1.1 million metric tons lower to 41.0
million. Ending stocks for 2011/12 are up 3.0 million metric tons to 28.7 million.
Exports projected for 2012/13 are lowered 8.6 million metric tons to 35.8 million,
as tight supplies and high prices affect the export market.
When converted to a September – August marketing year, feed and residual use for
the four feed grains plus wheat in 2012/13 is projected to total 113.1 million tons,
down from 132.2 million last month and down 12 percent from the 2011/12 forecast
of 128.0 million. Corn is estimated to account for 92 percent of total feed and
residual use in 2012/13, up from 90 percent in 2011/12.
Projected grain-consuming animal units (GCAUs) for 2012/13 are lower than last
month at 92.1 million. Estimated GCAUs for 2011/12 are also lower on the month
at 93.4 million compared with July’s estimate of 93.7 million. For 2012/13, feed
and residual use per animal unit is projected at 1.23 tons, down from last month’s
1.42 tons due to lower cattle carcass weights and lower hog numbers and the impact
of tight feed supplies and higher prices.
As Drought Continues, Forecast Yield Is Lowered 23 Bushels per Acre
The NASS August 10 Crop Production report forecast U.S. 2012/13 corn yields 22.6 bushels per acre lower at 123.4 bushels, compared with last month’s forecast of 146 bushels. As forecast, the 2012/13 corn yield would be the lowest since 1995/96. The yield reduction, combined with lower expected harvested acres, down 1.5 million acres from last month’s projection, results in a crop of 10,779 million bushels, 2,191 million bushels lower than July’s projection and 1,580 million below last season. This forecast would result in the lowest production since 2006/07. Harvested acreage for 2012/13 is forecast at 87.4 million acres for grain, up 3.4 million from the previous year. Unusually high temperatures and well below average precipitation across much of the Corn Belt in July sharply reduced yield prospects, despite the early planted crop. As of August 5, only 23 percent of the corn crop was rated in good-to-excellent condition in the 18 major corn-producing States, down 37 percentage points from a year ago. Fifty percent of the crop was in the very poor-to-poor range, compared with 48 percent the previous week and 16 percent at this point last season, a year when yields fell below trend. Corn conditions are extremely variable, with crops in close proximity having very different yield potential.
U.S. Corn Use Expected To Slip
Tight supplies and higher prices are expected to force rationing among corn users.
Total US corn use for 2012/13 is forecast down 1,495 million bushels to 11,225
million this month as a result of decreased feed and residual use, FSI use, and
exports. Total FSI is projected 470 million bushels lower with corn for ethanol
lowered 400 million bushels, along with declines in most other FSI categories.
Feed and residual use is projected 725 million bushels lower, one of the largest
declines ever, reflecting livestock producers’ reactions to record-high corn prices
and reduced residual disappearance with a smaller crop. U.S. exports are reduced
by 300 million bushels as high prices dampen demand and foreign feeders shift to
more competitively priced corn and wheat from foreign producers.
Total corn use for 2011/12 is forecast down 115 million bushels to 12,490 million
bushels this month. Food, seed, and industrial use (FSI) is reduced 65 million
bushels to 6,390 million bushels. Lower use for ethanol, down 50 million bushels
to 5,000 million, plus a 15-million-bushel reduction for corn used to produce
glucose and dextrose, results in the lower FSI use projection. U.S. exports for
2011/12 are reduced 50 million bushels to 1,550 million. Reductions in use leave
ending stocks for 2011/12 up 118 million bushels over last month’s projection.
Corn prices received by farmers for 2012/13 are projected at a record $7.50-$8.90
per bushel, up more than $2.00 on both ends of the range this month. The
marketing year average reflects higher prices for corn, with tighter ending stocks
and tight U.S. feed grain supplies. The 2011/12 corn price range is raised $0.10
cents on the low end for an estimated range of $6.20-$6.30 per bushel.
U.S. Sorghum Production Lower
A sharp reduction in forecast yield and lower harvested acreage resulted in a
reduced forecast for 2012/13 U.S. sorghum production this month. At 248 million
bushels, forecast production is down 92 million from last month, but is 33 million
bushels above last year’s crop estimate. Based on August 1 conditions, yield is
lowered by 16.3 bushels per acre this month and is projected 6.0 bushels per acre
below the last season’s historically low yield. Hot dry weather in Texas, Kansas,
and Oklahoma has reduced prospects for the 2012 sorghum crop. As of August 5,
25 percent of the U.S. sorghum crop was rated good to excellent, compared with 27
percent last season and 66 percent in 2009/10.
Total use of sorghum in 2012/13 is projected down 80 million bushels this month to
250 million reflecting tight supplies. Feed and residual is cut 30 million bushels to
70 million as high prices reduce feed demand by livestock producers. Sorghum FSI use is lowered 10 million bushels to 80 million, with lower expected use for fuel
ethanol. Export prospects are reduced 40 million bushels to 100 million as demand
from Mexico is expected to remain strong, but high prices and tight supplies limit
shipments. U.S. ending stocks are projected at 25 million bushels, 12 million
bushels lower than last month’s projection and slightly less than forecast for the
previous season.
Total use for sorghum in 2011/12 is forecast at 215 million bushels, unchanged
from last month. Feed and residual use remains forecast at 75 million bushels.
Sorghum used for ethanol is expected lower during the summer quarter, with
tightening supplies cutting marketing year FSI use 5 million bushels to 85 million.
Exports are raised 5 million bushels to 55 million, reflecting stronger-than-expected
recent shipments. Ending stocks for 2010/11 are virtually unchanged this month at
27 million bushels.
Sorghum prices received by farmers for 2012/13 are projected higher with surging
corn prices. The projected farm price range, is raised $2.00 on the low end of the
range and $2.40 on the high end or the range resulting in a spread of $7.00 to $8.40.
The 2011/12 average sorghum farm price is narrowed $0.05 on each end of the
range to $6.05-$6.15 per bushel.
U.S. Barley Production Prospects Increase Slightly
U.S. barley production for 2012/13 is forecast at 221 million bushels, up 4 million from last month and up 65 million from 2011/12. Based on August 1 conditions, producers expect yields to average 67.6 bushels per acre, up 1.3 bushels from last month. Production is expected to recover from last season’s record lows on higher harvested acreage, which is partly offset by a lower yield as compared with last year. Area harvested for grain is forecast at 3.3 million acres, unchanged from last month’s forecast and up from 2.2 million last season. On August 5, 61 percent of this year’s U.S. crop was rated in good-to-excellent condition, compared with 72 percent a year ago.
Total projected barley supplies in 2012/13 are raised 14.3 million bushels this
month to 306 million, as a result of higher production due to improved yields and
higher expected imports. Domestic use is projected at 235 million bushels, 25
million bushels over last month. Exports are unchanged from last month’s
projection of 10 million bushels. With gains in supply more than offset by higher
use, this month’s ending stocks are projected down 11 million bushels to 61 million,
compared with 60 million estimated in 2011/12.
U.S. Census Bureau revisions for calendar year 2011 increase barley exports for
2010/11 slightly. Exports for 2011/12 are raised 2 million bushels this month
based on the latest trade data and revisions. Imports are raised 2 million bushels for
2011/12 to 16 million based on the same data.
Prices received by farmers for barley in 2012/13 are expected to average $5.75-
$6.75 per bushel, raised 45 cents on both ends of the range this month. This
compares with $5.35 per bushel reported for 2011/12. Although prices for feed
barley are expected to increase largely in line with those for corn and sorghum,
price gains will be moderated for malting barley, as much of the crop is produced
under contract at prices established earlier in the year.
Early Maturing Oat Crop Is Second Smallest on Record
Earlier than normal plantings combined with persistent heat in June and July
contributed to an early maturing 2012/13 oat crop. As of August 6, fully 87 percent
of the oat crop in the nine major producing States had been harvested, up 14 percent
from the previous week and up 43 percent over the same time last year.
Despite reports of droughty conditions in several of the major oat-growing areas of
the United States, on July 22, the oat crop was rated as 59 percent good to excellent-
-a modest improvement over conditions observed during the same time period last
year. Just 12 percent of the crop in the nine-State area was rated as poor to very
poor, compared with 24 percent for the same week in 2011/12.
Improved quality and increased plantings contributed to growth in the 2012/13
production estimates. The total oat crop is forecast to be 67 million bushels, an
increase of 24 percent over last year’s weak harvest of just 5 million bushels. Even
with significant year-to-year growth, the 2012/13 oat crop will be the second
smallest on record. The 2011/12 crop was the smallest crop ever recorded.
Harvested acreage is forecast to total 1.09 million acres, an increase of 16 percent
relative to last year’s harvested acreage of 0.94 million acres. Over the last 10
years, an average of 1.50 million acres of oats has been harvested; this year’s
improved harvest acreage figures are still well below trend but are consistent with a
30-year decline in oat acreage.
Average yields are forecast at 61.0 bushels per acre, a modest increase over the July
forecast of 59.8 bushels and an increase of 3.9 bushels over the 2011/12 estimate.
Irrigation is contributing to yield gains in several States, including Texas, where a
record high-yield of 54.0 bushels per acre is forecast.
Total 2012/13 oats supplies are raised slightly to a projected 217 million bushels.
This compares to an estimated 215 million bushels for 2011/12. Projected oats use
for 2012/13 is raised 5 million bushels to 164 million. Oats imports are projected at
95 million bushels, unchanged this month.
Revised U.S. Census Bureau figures for calendar year 2011 and the latest monthly
data reduce 2011/12 oats exports 15 percent from last month to 2.43 million bushels. This compares to a revised estimate of 2.85 million bushels for 2010/11.
Census data lower the 2011/12 oats import estimate 1 million bushels to 94.1
million. This is up from 85.1 million for 2010/11.
Projected FSI use for 2012/13 remains unchanged from July and is identical to the
previous year’s estimate of 76 million bushels. With tight feed grain supplies and
high corn prices, 2012/13 feed and residual use of oats is forecast up 5 million
bushels this month to 85 million. The increase in use more than offsets the increase
in production, trimming projected 2012/13 ending stocks 4 million bushels to 53
million. This is down slightly from the previous year.
Tightening domestic feed grain supplies are contributing to a higher anticipated
average farm price for oats. At the projected range of $3.50-$4.50 per bushel, the
2012/13 season-average price is up $0.51 at the mid-point, compared with the
previous year’s estimate of $3.49 per bushel. The average farm price for the 5 years
prior to 2012/13 is $2.76 per bushel.
Poor Hay Crop Prompts Federal Response
Prolonged drought conditions continue to contribute to low soil moisture levels in
many parts of the country and have resulted in the lowest hay production estimates
seen in the U.S. since 1953. This year’s forecast harvest of 120.3 million tons (all
hay) follows the meager harvest of 131.1 million tons 2011/12. In response to the
poor hay crop, Secretary Vilsack has opened approximately 3.8 million acres of
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands, including higher yielding CP25 lands,
for emergency haying and grazing.
Hay yields have been adversely affected by the drought and the all-hay yield is
anticipated to be 2.09 short tons per acre, down from 2.36 in 2011. The 2012/13 all
hay yield is about 14 percent smaller than the 10-year average yield of 2.42 tons per
acre. Harvested acres for 2012/13 are forecast at 57.57 million acres, up slightly (1.94 million acres) from last year’s estimate and down very slightly from the
July forecast.
Alfalfa hay production is forecast at 54.9 million tons, down more than 10 million
tons relative to last year’s production of 65.3 million tons. Based on August 6 crop
conditions, yields are expected to average 2.92 tons per acre, down 0.48 tons per
acre from last year. If realized, this will be the lowest yield since 1988, when
alfalfa yields were estimated at 2.59 tons/acre. Harvested area is forecast at 18.8
million acres, nominally changed from July and down only slightly from last year’s
harvested area estimate of 19.2 million acres.
Other hay production is forecast at 65.4 million tons, and is very similar to realized
production from the 2011/12 crop. Based on early August conditions, other hay
yields are expected to average 1.69 tons per acre, a slight decrease from last year’s
estimate of 1.81 tons per acre and the lowest yield since 1988 when a yield of 1.48
tons per acre was realized. Harvested area, forecast at 38.8 million acres, is
unchanged from July but up 2.34 million acres from last year.
For the sixth year in a row, roughage-consuming animal units (RCAUs) are
estimated to be down. RCAUs are expected to total 67.03 in 2012/13, a decline
from the 2011/12 estimate of 67.91. With hay production dropping significantly,
available supplies per RCAU also declined from 1.94 tons in 2011/12 to 1.79 tons
in 2012/13. This is the lowest hay supply per RCAU ratio in more than 25 years.
Scarce hay supplies have driven prices higher. The July 2012 all-hay price was
$184 per ton, compared to the July 2011 price of $170 per ton. July alfalfa prices
have also increased from $189 per ton last year to $198 in 2012. The July estimate
for hay other than alfalfa and alfalfa mixtures is $143 per ton, up from $133 in June
2012 and up significantly from the July 2011 price of $119 per ton.
Foreign Coarse Grain Production Decline Adds to U.S. Drop
World coarse grain production for 2012/13 is projected down 62.2 million tons this
month to 1,121.4 million, with the United States accounting for 93 percent of the
drop. However, foreign coarse grain production is forecast down 4.3 million tons to
835.4 million. Expected foreign corn production is down 0.6 million tons this
month to 575.2 million, as several large changes are mostly offsetting. Foreign
barley production prospects are down 1.2 million tons to 126.0 million, as reduced
prospects for Russia and the EU are partly offset by increased output in Ukraine.
Foreign millet production is cut 2.5 million tons to 30.9 million, and sorghum
production is trimmed 0.3 million tons to 52.9 million due to a subpar monsoon in
India. Oats, rye, and mixed grain are each up slightly this month.
Changes to foreign production prospects stem from two distinct causes. Recent
weather developments have confirmed above or below trend yields in several
countries. And some countries, especially in the Southern Hemisphere, are
responding to recent price increases with expanded planting intentions.
EU 2012/13 corn production is forecast down 3.9 million tons this month to 61.5
million, as drought and blistering temperatures struck across key areas of the
Balkans into Italy. Corn conditions along the Danube in Romania and Bulgaria had
been particularly good due to ample rains in May, but dryness in June was
exacerbated by extreme heat in July, devastating corn pollination. Dryness and high
temperatures extended across Romania, into Hungary and Serbia, and westward into
northern Italy. However, in France, growing conditions have been mostly favorable
with mild temperatures and good soil moisture during pollination. EU corn
production this month is projected down 2.3 million tons for Romania, 1.5 million
for Hungary, 0.9 million for Italy, and 0.3 million for Bulgaria; it is increased 1.0
million for France (with some smaller adjustments in other countries). EU barley
production is reduced 0.7 million tons this month to 52.9 million, mostly due to
reduced prospects in Spain, where harvest reports confirm the effects of extended
dryness. Ample rains across northern and parts of central Europe boost prospects
slightly for rye, oats, and mixed grain.
Serbia’s (not part of the EU) 2012/13 corn production is cut 1.5 million tons to 5.5
million, Croatia’s is reduced 0.4 million to 1.7 million, and Bosnia’s is trimmed 0.2
million to 0.5 million. Europe’s dryness and scorching temperatures extended
eastward from Romania across Moldova, into southern Ukraine, and across into
Russia, especially around Rostov. Corn in north-central Ukraine has had milder
temperatures and somewhat better soil moisture, but the poor condition of the corn
in southern and eastern Ukraine supports a 3.0-million-ton reduction in 2012/13
production to 21.0 million. Russia’s corn crop is cut 0.8 million tons to 7.0 million,
and Moldova’s corn crop prospects are reduced 0.4 million tons this month to 1.0
million. Russia’s dryness extends through parts of the Volga, across the Urals into
Kazakhstan and Siberia. Spring barley prospects are reduced 1.0 million tons in
Russia, to 14.5 million, and rye is trimmed 0.3 million to 2.7 million. Kazakh
barley prospects are trimmed 0.3 million tons to 1.5 million. However, harvest
reports in Ukraine support increased barley production, up 0.6 million tons to 6.6
million, and rye, up 0.2 million to 0.65 million, as growing conditions in western
and northern parts of the country have been favorable.
In India, the late onset of the monsoon and reduced water supplies for irrigation
have caused a reduction in coarse grain planted area. Corn production prospects are
cut 2.0 million tons to 20.0 million, millet is cut 2.5 million to 10.0 million,
sorghum is trimmed 0.3 million to 6.4 million, and the barley harvest is
reduced slightly.
Turkey reported barley yields lower than expected, reducing production 0.3 million
tons to 5.5 million. Dryness in parts of Ontario supports a small reduction in corn
yields for Canada, trimming production 0.25 million tons to 12.75 million.
Excessive rains in North Korea trimmed corn yield prospects, reducing production
0.1 million tons to 1.45 million. Declining production prospects are partly offset by
increased production expected in some countries due to better than average weather.
The 2012/13 corn production forecast for China is raised 5.0 million tons to a
record 200.0 million on expectations of enhanced yield prospects. Favorable
precipitation and temperatures during June and July in the Northeast, particularly in
the provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Inner Mongolia, are the primary basis for
the increase. Figure 10 illustrates the deviation from normal June and July rainfall
for the three aforementioned provinces weighted by harvested area. These
provinces accounted for 30 percent of Chinese corn area in 2010.
Corn production prospects in Mexico are increased 0.5 million tons this month to
21.5 million, as favorable rains boosted soil moisture and attractive prices
encouraged increased area planted. Algeria’s barley crop was reported up 0.2
million tons to 1.8 million, with increased yields.
Several Southern Hemisphere countries are expected to respond to high corn prices
with increased planted area. In Argentina, corn area is expected to increase 6
percent in 2012/13, as corn prices are attractive. Previous USDA forecasts assumed
a 6-percent decline in corn area planted, as producers were expected to shift to
soybeans. It is unclear what, if any, effect the government’s export policy changes this month. Corn production is increased 3.0 million tons to 28.0 million, and
barley expands 0.4 million tons to 5.8 million. Also, 2010/11 corn production is
raised 1.6 million tons this month as exports and estimated domestic use indicate
larger production.
Brazil’s corn production response to high international prices is expected to vary
depending on region and cropping cycles. For the first or main-season crop in
southern Brazil, soybean area is expected to expand at the expense of corn
plantings. However, this is expected to be more than offset by the increased
incentive to double crop corn after soybeans in Parana, and in regions where
soybeans and corn doubled-cropped area is expanding, especially Mato Grosso and
parts of the Northeast. Total corn area for 2012/13 is projected up 5 percent yearto-
year, boosting production prospects 3.0 million tons this month to 70.0 million.
Also, government estimates of the recently harvested second-crop corn for 2011/12
showed sharply higher than expected yields, as late rains extended into the dry
season and boosted yields. Production for 2011/12 is up 2.8 million tons this month
to a record 72.8 million tons. This is the first year that second-crop corn in Brazil
has been bigger and higher yielding than the first crop.
South Africa is expected to respond to high prices and tight supplies with an
increase in planted area, boosting projected corn production 0.5 million tons to
13.5 million.
Increased 2012/13 Beginning Stocks Limit Drop in Supplies
Global coarse grain beginning stocks for 2012/13 are up 5.8 million tons this month
to 168.5 million. About half of the increase is in foreign stocks, up 2.8 million tons
to 139.8 million. The most important change is for corn in Brazil, up 2.8 million
tons to 15.9 million due to increased 2011/12 production. Other changes to 2012/13
beginning stocks are smaller and offsetting. Coarse grain beginning stocks are up
0.5 million tons each for the EU and Argentina and are increased 0.3 million for
Egypt, but are cut 0.5 million for Australia, 0.4 million for Mexico, and 0.3 million
each for Canada and Indonesia.
Despite the severe U.S. production problems in 2012/13, projected world coarse
grain supplies are only down 2 percent year-to-year to 1,289.9 million tons, and are
less than a half percent less than in 2010/11. However, estimated global coarse
grain use has increased for each of the last 9 years, and it will take record-high
prices to reverse that growth in 2012/13.
High Prices To Reduce Global Coarse Grain Use
World coarse grain use in 2012/13 is projected down 43.1 million tons this month, a
4-percent reduction. Much of the reduction is in forecast U.S. use, but foreign
consumption is projected down 12.3 million tons as high prices shrink demand.
The reaction of foreign demand to the U.S. corn production shortfall is muted by
several factors: (1) several countries, such as China and Brazil, have domestic
production and stocks that cushion their domestic market from the full impact of
international prices, (2) some countries, such as China, have tariff barriers and
import quotas that limit the transmission of international prices, (3) economic
growth and increased incomes is some countries support increased meat demand
despite higher prices, (4) for the past several years, sustained, relatively high grain
prices have encouraged importers to diversify the countries they import from, and (5) foreign export competitors have increased production and market share, leaving
importers less dependent on U.S. corn. Each country has unique coarse grain
supply and demand characteristics, making it uncertain how much and when the
demand in that country will adjust to international prices.
Global coarse grain use in 2012/13 is expected to decline for the first time since
2002/03, slipping 0.7 percent to 1,137.8 million tons. World feed and residual use
is forecast to increase year-to-year 1.4 million tons to 659.9 million, while food,
seed, and industrial use declines 9.3 million tons to 477.9 million. Foreign feed use
in 2012/13 is projected at 551.3 million tons, down 10.5 million from the previous
month’s forecast but still up 12.7 million tons from feed use projected for 2011/12,
when foreign feed-quality wheat was in ample supply in several countries. Some
foreign consumers of feed, such as those in China, do not face price increases as
steep as those in the United States because their internal market is at least partly
isolated from world prices. In other countries, like Brazil, large domestic
production limits internal price increases. In countries like Japan, consumers are
accustomed to paying higher prices for meat, and derived demand for grain feed use
may be relatively price inelastic.
EU 2012/13 coarse grain use is projected down 3.9 million tons this month to 149.0
million, with reduced feed and residual accounting for 3.4 million tons of the
decline. Reduced corn production is expected to cause a shift in feed use to wheat,
up 1.0 million tons this month, but most of the drop is expected to be caused by
reduced meat production as financial losses cause a reduction in previously
stagnating animal production.
India’s expected coarse grain disappearance is reduced 3.7 million tons this month
due to reduced production. Feed and residual is expected to be down significantly,
1.1 million tons, as poultry and egg production is constrained by high grains and
protein meal prices. However, most of the decline, 2.6 million tons, is in food,
seed, and industrial use, with coarse grain food use concentrated among the rural
poor. Wheat food use is increased 1.3 million tons, offsetting half of the decline.
Russia’s coarse grain consumption is forecast down 1.6 million tons this month to
26.6 million, with 1.3 million in reduced feed and residual. Meat production
growth is expected to stumble as numerous small pork producers in regions with
grain production shortfalls are forced to reduce production.
Japan’s corn feed use forecast for 2012/13 is reduced 0.5 million tons as the
previously forecast rebound in corn feeding is no longer expected to be as strong,
with sharply higher feed prices.
Canada’s coarse grain use for 2012/13 is reduced 0.5 million tons this month as
high grain prices trim meat production prospects. Food and industrial use of corn is
projected higher this month based on upward revisions for 2011/12 industrial use.
South Korea’s and Vietnam’s corn feed use are each reduced 0.5 million tons and
Israel is trimmed 0.4 million as these countries are expected to import more wheat
for feeding and less corn. There are also reductions in forecast coarse grain use this
month for Indonesia, Turkey, Serbia, Croatia, Syria, Ukraine, Peru, Colombia,
and Algeria.
Argentina’s expected coarse grain domestic use is increased 0.6 million tons this
month, mostly due to expanded barley processing to support malt exports.
U.S. Stocks Sharply Lower; Brazil, China, and Argentina Increased
Global coarse grain ending stocks projected for 2012/13 are cut 13.4 million tons
this month to 152.1 million. The U.S. accounts for the entire reduction as foreign
stocks are forecast up 0.8 million tons to 132.9 million. While several foreign
countries are expected to react to record world corn prices by drawing down stocks
to cushion the effect of prices on use, in Brazil, China, and Argentina, increased
production is projected to support increased stocks.
In Brazil, record 2011/12 corn production and near-record prospects for 2012/13
support corn supplies. Moreover, high interior transport costs to move corn to ports
and competition with bumper 2012/13 soybean supplies for space in congested
ports are expected to limit corn exports, leaving significant stocks of corn in interior
locations like Mato Grosso at the end of the local 2012/13 marketing year (March
2014). Coarse grain ending stocks are forecast up 3.8 million tons this month to
17.1 million.
Argentina is expected to move much of its corn surplus into exports, but the sharply
increased production still boosts expected 2012/13 ending stocks of coarse grain 0.8
million tons this month to 3.0 million.
China, with a record corn harvest in 2012/13, is expected to increase coarse grain
stocks even with reduced imports. Coarse grain stocks are up 2.0 million tons this
month to 61.0 million.
Egypt, with higher estimated 2011/12 corn imports, is expected to hold higher
stocks in 2012/13, as beginning stocks are increased 0.3 million tons this month to
1.3 million and ending stocks are up 0.1 million to 1.1 million.
However, several countries are projected to respond to higher world prices and/or
reduced local production prospects by holding lower ending stocks in 2012/13. EU
coarse grain ending stocks are projected down 0.9 million tons this month to 10.0
million, less than 40 percent of the level estimated 3 years earlier. India, with large
government stocks of wheat and rice, is expected to let coarse grain stocks dwindle,
down 0.9 million tons this month to 0.8 million. Serbia, with corn production
devastated by drought, is projected to pull coarse grain stocks to minimal levels,
down 0.75 million tons this month to 0.35 million. With tight U.S. supplies of corn
and sorghum, Mexico is expected to rebuild coarse grain stocks less than previously
projected, with 2012/13 ending stocks prospects down 0.6 million tons this month
to 1.7 million. Ukraine, with reduced corn production this month, is projected to
hold lower coarse grain ending stocks, down 0.6 million to 2.3 million. Ending
stocks prospects are down 0.5 million tons each for Australia and Canada, as
increased export prospects for 2011/12 in Australia, and for both 2011/12 and
2012/13 for Canada, trim stocks. Smaller reductions in coarse grain ending stocks
are projected this month for Russia, Indonesia, Moldova, Colombia, Algeria,
and others.
U.S. Corn Exports, World Trade Prospects Severely Cut
With U.S. production prospects withered by drought, U.S. corn exports for the
October-September trade year 2012/13 are cut 6.5 million tons this month to 33.5
million (a reduction of 300 million bushels to 1.3 billion bushels for the September-
August local marketing year). This is the lowest level of U.S. corn exports since
1993/94, when global corn trade was 47 percent less than projected for 2012/13.
World corn trade is forecast down 6.6 million tons this month to 90.9 million, as
some other major corn export competitors also suffered production problems.
Ukraine’s corn export prospects are down 1.5 million tons to 12.5 million; the EU is
cut in half, down 1.0 million tons to 1.0 million; Serbia is reduced 0.5 million to 1.3
million; Croatia is down 0.75 to 0.25; and Moldova is trimmed 0.25 million to 0.1
million. Offsetting most of the non-U.S. reductions are increased corn exports
projected in 2012/13 for Argentina, up 2.0 million tons to 17.5 million; Brazil, up
0.5 million to 13.0 million, South Africa, up 0.3 million to 2.3 million; and Canada,
up 0.2 million to 1.0 million. These countries are expected to have sufficient
supplies to respond to higher corn price prospects with increased exports.
High corn prices are expected to limit imports for several countries. China’s
projected imports are cut 3.0 million tons to 2.0 million as the price of foreign corn
landed in southern China is expected to be unattractive compared to corn produced
in China. Some of the previously bought corn for delivery to China in 2012/13 may
be sold back to U.S. exporters or diverted to non-Chinese destinations with a
significant profit for the Chinese trader, as those contracts were made when prices
were significantly lower. EU corn import prospects are cut 2.0 million tons to 3.0
million as grain prices in the EU are not expected to be as strong as the increase in
global corn prices. Corn imports are reduced 0.5 million tons each for Indonesia,
Japan, South Korea, Morocco, Mexico, and Vietnam. South Korea and Vietnam are
expected to replace corn with imports of feed-quality wheat. Japan is not expected
to increase the portion of corn in compound feed as previously forecast. In Mexico,
disease problems in poultry and the high corn prices are expected to reduce corn
demand, and in Indonesia, high prices will limit imports. Israel is also expected to
switch to feed quality wheat, trimming corn imports 0.35 million tons. There are
smaller import reductions for Colombia, Peru, and Algeria.
The United States is expected to emerge as a significant corn importer in 2012/13.
Imports, while small compared to exports, are projected up 1.2 million tons to 1.9
million (up 45 million bushels for the local marketing year to 75 million bushels).
Corn seed imports are expected to increase as local seed production in several areas
has been hurt by drought. The routine imports of corn from Canada are expected to
increase, and some imports from other origins, such as Brazil, are expected to enter
feed deficit regions such as North Carolina or California.
There are small increases in projected corn imports this month for Libya, where
imports for both 2011/12 and 2012/13 are returning to traditional levels faster than
expected, and for Croatia, with corn production stricken by drought.
U.S. corn exports for 2011/12 are reduced 1.0 million tons to 39.0 million (down 50
million bushels to 1.55 billion bushels for the local marketing year). The pace of
sales and shipments has been exceptionally slow in recent weeks as increased prices have made U.S. corn unattractive compared to competitors’ supplies. From October
2011 through June 2012 Census corn exports reached 34.7 million tons, down just
10 percent from the previous year, but in July 2012, corn exports according to
Grain Inspections reached only 2.3 million tons, down more than 40 percent from a
year ago. Moreover, at the end of July, Corn Outstanding Sales for shipment during
the current marketing year were also down 40 percent from last year at this time.
However, world corn trade for 2011/12 is estimated up 1.5 million tons this month
to a record 98.5 million. The strong pace of recent shipments boosts Argentina’s
exports 1.5 million tons to 16.0 million. Ukraine’s corn exports are up 0.5 million
tons to a record 14.5 million. The pace of recent exports also supports small
increases for 2011/12 for South Africa, Canada, the EU, and Serbia. The recent
pace has boosted 2011/12 imports for Mexico, up 0.7 million tons to 11.2 million;
Egypt, up 0.5 million to 5.5 million; and South Korea, up 0.5 million to 7.5 million.
However, there are reductions to 2011/12 corn imports for Indonesia and Syria.
U.S. corn imports for 2011/12 are raised 0.1 million tons to 0.65 million (up 3
million bushels to 25 million bushels for the local marketing year). Corn imports
have been unexceptional in 2011/12, consisting of mostly of routine shipments of
seed and cross-border trade with Canada.
U.S. 2012/13 Sorghum Export Prospects Cut, Barley Imports Raised
U.S. sorghum exports for 2012/13 are severely reduced this month, down 1.0
million tons to 2.5 million (down 40 million bushels to 100 million bushels for the
local marketing year). The sharply reduced U.S. sorghum production forecast this
month limits U.S. export potential. Mexico’s imports are cut by the same amount.
U.S. sorghum exports for 2011/12 are estimated up slightly this month as July 2012
export inspections to Mexico were larger than expected. U.S. exports are up 0.1
million tons to 1.4 million (up 5 million bushels to 55 million bushels). Mexico’s
imports are raised to 1.2 million tons.
U.S. barley imports are raised slightly this month for both 2011/12 and 2012/13.
The October-September trade year imports are up 0.1 million tons to 0.4 million for
2011/12 and are projected up 0.2 million tons to 0.5 million for 2012/13 (local June-
May 2011/12 is up 2 million bushels to 16 million and 2012/13 is projected up 10
million bushels to 25 million).
Other changes to projected 2012/13 are severely reduced this month, down 1.0
million tons to 2.5 million (down 40 million bushels to 100 million bushels for the
local marketing year). The sharply reduced U.S. sorghum production forecast this
month limits U.S. export potential. Mexico’s imports are cut by the same amount.
U.S. sorghum exports for 2011/12 are estimated up slightly this month as July 2012
export inspections to Mexico were larger than expected. U.S. exports are up 0.1
million tons to 1.4 million (up 5 million bushels to 55 million bushels). Mexico’s
imports are raised to 1.2 million tons.
U.S. barley imports are raised slightly this month for both 2011/12 and 2012/13.
The October-September trade year imports are up 0.1 million tons to 0.4 million for
2011/12 and are projected up 0.2 million tons to 0.5 million for 2012/13 (local June-
May 2011/12 is up 2 million bushels to 16 million and 2012/13 is projected up 10
million bushels to 25 million).
Other changes to projected 2012/13 world barley trade were small, but Australia’s
2011/12 exports are revised up 0.5 million tons this month to 5.0 million,
confirming it as the world’s largest barley exporter that year.
August 2012
Published by USDA Economic Research Service
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