Russian 2009 grain crop estimate at 97.04 million tonnes

Russias Federal State Statistics Service (FSSS) has issued a preliminary estimate of the 2009 grain crop at 97.04 million tonnes, 10 percent down from 108.18 in 2008, and above the latest government forecast of 93-95 million. Wheat output declined by just 3 percent from last years record volume to 61.7 million tonnes, which is the third largest outcome in Russias history.
 
Milling wheat output reached a record high of 42.6 million tonnes, compared to 39.5 million tonnes last year due to high quality crop in the European part of Russia and an increase in the spring wheat output in the Urals and Siberia. Feed wheat output declined by 5.1 million tonnes to 19.1 million tonnes, barley by 5.3 million tonnes, maize by 2.7 million tonnes and oats by 0.4 million. The decline in the feed grain output may push domestic feed grain prices closer to those of milling grain due to demand from animal and poultry breeders, as well as from exporters.