USDA Crop Production

Aug 12, 2014

Corn Production Up 1 Percent from 2013
Soybean Production Up 16 Percent from 2013
Cotton Production Up 36 Percent from 2013
Winter Wheat Production Up 2 percent from July Forecast

Corn production is forecast at 14.0 billion bushels, up 1 percent from 2013. Based on conditions as of August 1, yields are expected to average 167.4 bushels per acre, up 8.6 bushels from 2013. If realized, this will be the highest yield and production on record for the United States. Area harvested for grain is forecast at 83.8 million acres, unchanged from the June forecast but down 4 percent from 2013.

Soybean production is forecast at a record 3.82 billion bushels, up 16 percent from last year. Based on August 1 conditions, yields are expected to average a record high 45.4 bushels per acre, up 2.1 bushels from last year. Area for harvest in the United States is forecast at a record 84.1 million acres, unchanged from June but up 11 percent from last year.

All cotton production is forecast at 17.5 million 480-pound bales, up 36 percent from last year. Yield is expected to average 820 pounds per harvested acre, down slightly from last year. Upland cotton production is forecast at 16.9 million 480-pound bales, up 38 percent from 2013. Pima cotton production, forecast at 556,000 bales, is down 12 percent from last year. Producers expect to harvest 10.2 million acres of all cotton, up 36 percent from 2013. This harvest total includes 10.1 million acres of Upland cotton and 175,900 acres of Pima cotton.

All wheat production, at 2.03 billion bushels, is up 2 percent from the July forecast but down 5 percent from 2013. Based on August 1 conditions, the United States yield is forecast at 43.9 bushels per acre, up 0.8 bushel from last month but down 3.3 bushels from last year.

Winter wheat production is forecast at 1.40 billion bushels, up 2 percent from the July 1 forecast but down 9 percent from 2013. Based on August 1 conditions, the United States yield is forecast at 43.1 bushels per acre, up 0.9 bushel from last month but down 4.3 bushels from last year. The area expected to be harvested for grain or seed totals 32.4 million acres, unchanged from last month but up slightly from last year.

Hard Red Winter production, at 729 million bushels, is up 4 percent from last month. Soft Red Winter, at 466 million bushels, is up 2 percent from the July forecast. White Winter, at 202 million bushels, is down 2 percent from last month. Of the White Winter production, 11.3 million bushels are Hard White and 190 million bushels are Soft White.

Durum wheat production is forecast at 60.5 million bushels, up 1 percent from July but down 2 percent from 2013. The United States yield is forecast at 42.7 bushels per acre, up 0.6 bushel from last month but down 0.9 bushel from last year. Expected area to be harvested for grain totals 1.42 million acres, unchanged from last month but down slightly from last year.

Other spring wheat production is forecast at 572 million bushels, up 1 percent from July and up 7 percent from 2013. The United States yield is forecast at 46.1 bushels per acre, up 0.6 bushel from last month but down 1.0 bushel from last year. Expected area to be harvested for grain totals 12.4 million acres, unchanged from last month but up 9 percent from last year. Of the total production, 529 million bushels are Hard Red Spring wheat, up 2 percent from July and up 8 percent from last year.

Source: USDA

Video: How a Desire to Lead Brought This Wheat Breeder to Canada

Gurcharn Singh Brar is a wheat breeder whose path meandered from the breadbaskets of Punjab, India, to the sprawling fields of the Prairies. In a candid conversation, Brar shared insights into his journey, the challenges faced, and the undying passion that fuels his quest for better crops.

It all began with a childhood rooted in the wheat fields of Punjab, where agriculture isn’t just a livelihood but a way of life. His fascination with wheat and its potential led him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences at Punjab Agricultural University. It was during this time that he encountered the spectre of rust diseases, particularly stripe rust, which plagued the region’s wheat crops. Determined to combat this menace, he set his sights on a journey that would take him across continents.

Venturing abroad for his graduate studies, he found himself in Saskatchewan at the Crop Development Centre (CDC), working under the mentorship of renowned researchers like Randy Kutcher and Pierre Hucl. Here, he delved deep into the world of wheat genetics, focusing on stripe rust resistance — a quest that would shape his academic pursuits for years to come.

After completing his master’s and Ph.D. in six and a half years, he embarked on a professional journey that would see him traverse academia and research. From brief stints as a research officer to landing his dream faculty position at the University of British Columbia’s Plant Science program, his career trajectory was marked by a strong drive to make a difference in the world of wheat.

Despite the allure of British Columbia’s unique agricultural landscape, he found himself wanting to return to the vast expanses of the Prairies, where wheat reigns supreme. He recently returned to the Prairies and is the new wheat breeder at the University of Alberta in Edmonton.

“The opportunity to lead an established wheat breeding program at the University of Alberta was a dream come true. With the necessary resources and infrastructure in place, I’m excited to drive innovation and develop high-yielding wheat varieties tailored to the unique conditions of northern Canada,” he says.

Brar, one of Seed World Canada‘s 2024 Next-Gen Leaders, has become known for identifying novel sources of resistance to priority diseases and his efforts in developing wheat germplasm with multiple disease-resistant traits.

In addition to his groundbreaking research, Brar is committed to mentoring the next generation of agricultural scientists.

“I believe in nurturing talent and empowering students to pursue their passions,” he says. “Watching my students grow and thrive in their research endeavours is hugely rewarding.”

As he looks ahead, Brar’s vision for the future of wheat breeding is clear: “My number one target is to develop high-yielding wheat varieties adapted to the northern climates of Canada. By focusing on early maturity and strong straw traits, we can maximize yield potential while ensuring resilience to environmental challenges.”

His decision to also join the Prairie Recommending Committee for Wheat, Rye, and Triticale (PGDC) executive as member-at-large came from a desire to play an even more important role in the world of Canadian cereals.