Increases in 2006 Corn Acreage, Biotech Plantings Anticipated, NCGA Notes (6-30-06)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its revised 2006 crop acreage report today, expecting increases in total acreage and biotech acreage, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) notes.

Corn growers are predicted to plant approximately 79.366 million acres this year, up more than 1.3 million acres from the USDA’s March “Prospective Plantings” report. Of those 79.366 million acres, USDA is predicting 72.091 million will be harvested for grain.

“Although not part of this report, combining the projected acres harvested for grain with the trend average U.S. yield of 149 bushels per acre would result in a 10.74 billion bushel crop, the third-largest ever,” said Paul Bertels, NCGA director of biotechnology.

Biotech acreage remains on the rise, as corn growers are predicted to plant 61 percent of the corn acres with biotech seeds. Last year, producers planted biotech corn on 52 percent of corn acres.

South Dakota and North Dakota plant the most biotech acreage, planting 86 and 83 percent, respectively. Nebraska and Minnesota producers are not far behind, planting 76 and 73 percent of their corn acres with biotech traits. Every major corn-producing state has at least 40 percent of its corn acres as biotech acres.

“NCGA advocates that growers have choices when it comes to planting their crop,” Bertels said.
This report indicates producers are choosing more biotech crops based on the market demands and economics.”

Last year, farmers planted 81.8 million acres and hauled in 11.112 billion bushels from 75 million harvested acres.

Earlier this week, USDA released the World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates, which provided an update on the corn crop’s condition. Overall, the crop appears to be in good shape, with 19 percent in “excellent” condition, 52 percent in “good” condition and 22 percent in “fair” condition. Five percent of the crop is in “poor” condition, and 2 percent is in “very poor” condition. Texas is dealing with a severe drought in some parts of the state, and 46 percent of its crop is in poor or very poor condition.

To view the crop acreage report, click here.