Russian grain production showed a slight increase this year to 79.7 million metric tons (MMT), 1.7% higher than in 2006.
For wheat, 2007 production will reach 48.1 MMT, a 7.1% increase over last year, while barley production dropped 9.4% to 16.4 MMT. Favorable weather and minimal losses in Siberia helped to boost the end figures for wheat. Corn production is 100,000 MT higher than last year thanks to increases in planted area.
While domestic grain prices remain high and temporary export duties on wheat and barley are in place, the grain export forecast for 2007/08 remains at 12 MMT (11 MMT wheat and 900,000 MT barley).
By Nov. 1, winter grain sowing was almost completed. The total winter grain area is 5% to 6% higher than in Fall 2006, and that October rains in European Russia improved soil moisture. In agricultural enterprises, winter grains were sown on 12.3 million hectares (Ha) by Oct. 23, an 11.2% increase over 2006.
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