For corn, the USDA
estimates that 79.066 million acres were planted in 2003 -- almost
identical to March intentions of 79.022 million and actual plantings
of 79.054 million in 2002. Compared with March intentions, less corn
was planted in Illinois, Minnesota and Nebraska, and more was
planted in Iowa, Michigan, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas
and Wisconsin.
"Compared to 2002
acreage, the large changes were in Indiana -- up 300,000 -- and
Nebraska -- down 400,000," said Good.
"With normal weather
for the remainder of the growing season, corn acreage harvested for
grain is expected to reach 71.985 million -- up 2.672 million from
harvested acreage in 2002. Harvested acreage of other feed grains --
sorghum, oats and barley -- is expected to be 1.774 million more
than harvested last year. Harvested acreage of all feed grains could
be 4.446 million acres larger than harvested last year, even though
the magnitude of planted acreage is unchanged."
The USDA June report
on acreage put soybean plantings at 73.653 million acres -- 471,000
above March intentions but 105,000 below actual acreage in 2002.
Compared with March intentions, soybean plantings are larger in
Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota and North Dakota. Acreage
estimates declined for Indiana, Mississippi, Ohio and South Dakota.
"The largest changes
from 2002 occurred in Indiana, down 400,000; Ohio, down 350,000;
Minnesota, up 400,000; and North Dakota, up 430,000," said Good.
"Harvested acreage of soybeans in 2003 is projected at 72.681
million -- 521,000 more than were harvested last year, when adverse
weather led to larger-than-normal abandonment."
For wheat, winter
wheat acreage is estimated at 44.349 million -- about the same as
estimated in March and 2.6 million more than seeded last year. Durum
acreage, at 2.804 million, is also about equal to March intentions
and only 100,000 below acreage in 2002. Acreage of other spring
wheat, at 13,787 million, is 769,000 below March intentions and
1.927 million less than seeded in 2002.
"Compared to last year, acreage is down
in all major spring wheat producing states, partially as a result of
increased winter wheat acreage," said Good. "While planted acreage
of all classes of wheat is estimated to be only 582,000 more than
planted last year, harvested acreage is projected to be up by 6.86
million acres, due to fewer abandoned acres."
