South Dakota raises third-largest corn crop on record

2010 South Dakota corn crop totals finished at 569.7 million bushels, making it the state’s third-largest crop on record. The state’s corn crop was down four percent from November projections and 19 percent from the 2009 record total. Just as total bushels are down, harvested acres were also down 10 percent from 2009, totaling 4.22 million, the lowest level since 2006.

Final state corn yields came in at 135 bushels per acre, down 5 bushels from November projections and 16 bushels from last year’s record crop, but finished up 2 bushels per acre from 2008.

“The weather presented producers with a challenging year during the growing season,” said Gary Duffy, president of the South Dakota Corn Growers Association. “While yields may be slightly down, our producers continue to meet the demands of both feeding and fueling the world.”

Nationally, yields declined by a 1.5 bushel per acre average throughout the Corn Belt from 154.3 to 152.8 bushels per acre average with a total crop of 12.44 billion bushels, down five percent from November’s estimate of 12.54 billion bushels. 2009′s record crop totaled 13.11 billion bushels with an average yield of 164.7 bushels per acre.

The USDA expects feed and residual use to be lowered by 100 million bushels due to higher prices. Record ethanol production is projected to use an additional 100 million bushels, offsetting the decline in other domestic uses. Exports are expected to decrease as higher prices and tighter supplies will trim import/export demand.

Ending national corn stocks for 2010/11 are projected to be at 745 million bushels, down from 963 million bushels a year ago.

The price per bushel continued to rise from November’s USDA report. The 2010/2011 marketing-year average farm price is projected at $4.90 to $5.70 per bushel, up 10 cents on both ends of the range.

“This year’s production may not have met early projections but the trend of increasing yields should hold true into the future.” said Duffy. “Producers’ continued education, usage of advanced seed genetics and sound farming practices will continue to ensure our ability to meet global demands in a sustainable manner year after year.”