2013 Planting Season Outlook: Corn and Soybeans to Rise, Wheat Decrease
U.S. Corn acreage is expected to increase slightly in 2013, representing highest acreage total since 1936
Corn, soybean, and wheat crops have differing outlooks for the 2013 planting season, as drought-stricken regions of the United States are expected to experience changes. This is according to the USDA’s "2013 Prospective Plantings Report" released at the end of March.
The data shows corn producers plan to plant across 97.3 million acres in 2013, up slightly from 2012 (97.2 million). If these projections prove to be accurate, they would represent the highest planted acreage since 1936 (102 million acres), according to the data. Corn acreages are expected to take a hit in states where the drought has been the most impactful, including a 600,000 acre loss in Illinois. However, states that were less affected or not affected by the drought are expected to increase production, including a 500,000 acreage increase in North Dakota and a 250,000 acreage increase in Minnesota.
Soybean planted area for 2013 is expected to hit 77.1 million acres, down slightly from 2012 (77.2 million); if realized, 2013 acreage would be the fourth largest on record. However, the data shows most of the Great Plains is expected to see a decrease in acreage (with North Dakota being an exception).
Wheat planted area for 2013 is estimated at 56.4 million acres, up from 55.7 million in 2012. Montana, one of the largest wheat producing states, is expected to have a 290,000 acre decrease, while Nebraska and Missouri are expected to witness growth.
Agricultural producers across the country are likely to experience changes this planting season, according to the USDA’s report. Corn and wheat acreage is expected to increase, while soybean acreage could experience a drop.