Corn Ending Stocks Diminish Due To Decreased Production

 | Jan 11, 2014 11:57AM ET

The USDA's estimate for the final 2013/14 corn yield dropped an astoundingly 1.6 bushels per acre, which brought U.S. ending stocks and total production down as well. Corn stored in all positions as of December was up 30% year over year. The USDA continues to set the floor for domestic soybean ending stocks at 150 million bushels, by increasing U.S. production, but also increasing demand.

Corn
U.S. corn production for 2013/2014 was estimated at 13.9 billion bushels, a 64 million bushel decrease due to a reduction in production estimates. Though harvested acres were increased to 436,000 acres, the estimated average yield was decreased to 158.8 bushels per acre from 160.4 bushels per acre.

Domestic corn use for 2013/2014 was raised by 100 million bushels due to an increase in feed and residual use. Corn used for ethanol production was estimated 50 million bushels higher due to strong weekly ethanol production and higher 2014 gasoline consumption forecasted from the Energy Information Administration. Corn ending stocks for 2013/2014 were 161 million bushels lower to 1.6 billion. Projected season-average price range for corn in 2013/2014 is $4.10 to $4.70 per bushel.

Global corn production is increased 4.3 million tons due to increased production in China. A 6.0 million ton increase in Chinese corn production reflected the latest upward revision by the China National Grain and Oil Information Center, indications from the National Bureau of Statists for total 2013/2014 grain production, and review of growing-season weather.