Ukraine Grain Production Seen Sharply Lower

After a bumper grain and oilseeds harvest in 2008 production in 2009 is seen sharply lower due to a combination of lower plantings and reduced inputs, according to media reports.

The US agricultural attaché forecasts Ukraine to harvest 25% less wheat in 2009/10 at 19.4 million tonnes after 25.9 million in 2008/09.

The harvested acreage is estimated at 6.7 (7.1) million ha, domestic use at 13.4 (14.4) million tonnes, and exports at 7.0 (10.5) million tonnes, leaving ending stocks at 2.2 (3.1) million tonnes.

Corn output may amount to 7.8 (11.4) million tonnes on a harvested acreage of 2.0 (2.4) million ha. Domestic use is seen at 5.7 (6.0) million tonnes, exports at 3.0 (4.0) million tonnes, and ending stocks at 1.3 (2.2) million tonnes.