U.S. feed grain production for 2008/09 is projected at 325 million tons, down from 351 million in 2007/08. This year-over-year decrease stems from smaller projected planted and harvested area for corn, sorghum, and oats. Barley production is expected to increased from that in 2007 because of a slight increase in planted and harvested, acres, plus expected higher trend yields.
For the four feed grains combined, planted and harvested area is down in 2008/09, and yield is projected higher. Planted area is based on producer intentions reported in the March 31 Prospective Plantings. Harvested areas and yields are projected for corn, sorghum, barley, and oats (for more complete descriptions see the following sections for each commodity). Beginning feed grain stocks are 38 million tons in 2008/09, up from 36 million in 2007/08. Total 2008/09 feed grain supply is projected at 366 million tons, down from 390 million.
Feed grain use is expected to decline in 2008/09, despite higher ethanol production. Feed and residual use is expected to decline 21 million tons in 2008/09 to 143 million. High feed prices are expected to encourage more feeders to include distillers’ grains in their feeding rations. Exports are expected to slip from 72 million tons in 2007/08 to 58 million in 2008/09. Food, seed, and industrial (FSI) use is projected at 142 million tons in 2008/09, up from 116 million in 2007/08, nearly all on increased corn and sorghum use for ethanol. Ending feed grain stocks are projected to decrease 15 million tons from the 38 million in 2007/08. Recordhigh prices are expected for all of the feed grains.
Source: Allen Baker, Edward Allen, and Heather Lutman, USDA