BRAZIL – Harvest of the 2014 wheat crop is almost concluded. Early official estimates point to a bumper crop of almost 7.5 million tonnes, or 30 per cent above last year’s good level and record, despite unfavourable weather conditions during the cropping season negatively affecting yields in some area and caused localized crop losses.
This year’s high production mainly reflects increased plantings driven by high domestic and regional prices.
2014 maize production remains high
Harvest of the main 2014 second season “safrinha” maize crop is virtually concluded.
Preliminary official estimates of the 2014 aggregate production (first season and “safrinha” crop) point to an output of almost 78.4 million tonnes, an upward revision from previous estimates, which mainly reflects higher than expected yields during the “safrinha” season.
At the estimated level, the 2014 maize production is 3 percent below last year’s record crop, but still well above the average of the past five years.
Planting of the first season 2015 maize crop is virtually concluded.
Preliminary estimates point to a reduction in the area planted of 4 to 9 percent compared to the same season last year.
This mainly reflects delays in sowing operations due to severe dry weather, particularly in the main producing region of Mato Grosso, and low prices.
TheCropSite News Desk
