Crop Explorer - World Agricultural Production (WAP) Briefs - Mexico Central America and the Caribbean


Mar 8 2024 | Mexico Corn: Dryness Reduces Winter Crop Area
USDA estimates marketing year 2023/24 corn production at 24.0 million metric tons, down 4 percent from last month and down 15 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 6.1 million hectares (mha), down 5 percent from last month and 11 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.93 metric tons per hectare, up 1 percent from last month, but down 3 percent from last year. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov and Ifeoma.Collins@usda.gov.)

Feb 8 2024 | Mexico Corn: Dry Weather Continues to Negatively Impact Production
USDA estimates marketing year (MY) 2023/24 corn production at 25.0 million metric tons, down 2 percent from last month and 11 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 6.4 million hectares, down 2 percent from last month and 7 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.91 metric tons per hectare, unchanged from last month but down 4 percent from last year. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Dec 8 2023 | Mexico Cotton: Planted Area 35 Percent Lower Than Last Year
Mexico cotton production for marketing year (MY) 2023/24 is estimated at 925,000 480-pound bales, down 12 percent from last month and 41 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 130,000 hectares (ha), 35 percent less than last year. The yield is estimated at 1,549 kilograms per hectare, 10 percent lower than last year. (For more information, please contact Ifeoma.Collins@usda.gov.)

Dec 8 2023 | Mexico Corn: Additional Summer Corn Damage Reported
Mexico’s corn production for marketing year (MY) 2023/24 is estimated at 25.5 million metric tons (mmt), down 1.0 mmt from last month (about 4 percent) and 2.6 mmt (about 9 percent) from last year’s record production. Harvested area is estimated at 6.5 million hectares (mha), down 225,000 ha from last month (about 3 percent) and 371,000 ha (about 5 percent) from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.91 metric tons per hectare, down 4 percent from last year’s record yield. (For more information, please contact Ifeoma.Collins@usda.gov.)

Dec 8 2023 | Haiti Rice: Production Continues to Decline
USDA estimates Haiti rice production at 55,000 metric tons (milled basis) for marketing year (MY) 2023/24, down 15 percent from last month, 8 percent from last year and 19 percent below the 5-year average. Yield is estimated at 1.82 metric tons per hectare (rough basis), down 15 percent from last month, 8 percent from last year, and 11 percent below the 5-year average. Harvested area is estimated at 55,000 hectares, which remains the same from last month and from last year. (For more information, please contact Shannon.Moyo@usda.gov.)

Nov 9 2023 | Mexico Corn: Summer Corn Damaged from Drought Conditions and Hurricane Otis
Mexico’s corn production for marketing year (MY) 2023/24 is estimated at 26.5 million metric tons (mmt), down 900,000 mt from last month (about 3 percent) and 1.6 mmt (about 6 percent) from last year’s record production. Harvested area is estimated at 6.7 million hectares (mha), down 405,000 ha from last month (about 6 percent) and 146,000 ha (about 2 percent) from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.93 metric tons per hectare, down 4 percent from last year’s record yield. (For more information, please contact Ifeoma.Collins@usda.gov.)

Jun 9 2023 | Mexico Corn: Lowest Summer Planted Area in 5 Years for MY 2022/2023
Mexico’s corn production for marketing year (MY) 2022/23 is estimated at 26.5 million metric tons (mmt), down 1.1 mmt from last month (4 percent) and 262,000 mt (1 percent) from MY 2021/22. Harvested area is estimated at 6.9 million hectares (mha), down 300,000 ha from last month and 193,000 ha (3 percent) from MY 2021/22. Yield is estimated at 3.84 metric tons per hectare. (For more information, please contact Ifeoma.Collins@usda.gov.)

Feb 8 2023 | Mexico Soybeans: Lower Area Expected
USDA estimates Mexico’s marketing year 2022/23 soybeans production at 185,000 metric tons, down 18 percent from last month and 36 percent from last year. The harvested area is estimated at 120,000 hectares (ha), down 20 percent from last month, 35 percent from last year, and 36 percent from the 5-year average. The yield is estimated at 1.54 tons per hectare, down 2 percent from last year. (For more information, please contact Ifeoma.Collins@usda.gov.)

Dec 9 2022 | Panama Rice: Production Estimates Lowered Compared to Last Year
Panama’s rough rice production for marketing year 2022/23 is estimated at 345,000 metric tons (mt), down 35,000 mt (about 9 percent) from last year. Milled production is estimated at 224,000 mt. Harvested area is estimated at 90,000 hectares (ha), down 2,000 ha (about 2 percent) from last month and 4,000 ha (about 4 percent) from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.83 metric tons per hectare, down about 5 percent from last year. (For more information, please contact Ifeoma.Collins@usda.gov.)

Nov 9 2022 | Mexico Soybeans: Production Decreased by Lower Planted Area and Drought Conditions
USDA estimates Mexico’s marketing year 2022/23 soybean production at 225,000 metric tons, down 22 percent from last month and last year’s production. The area is estimated at 150,000 hectares (ha), 19 percent less than last month and 18 percent lower than last year. The yield is estimated at 1.50 tons per hectare, down 4 percent from last month and last year. (For more information, please contact Ifeoma.Collins@usda.gov.)

Jun 10 2022 | Dominican Republic Rice: MY 2021/22 Record Production Expected
USDA estimates Dominican Republic rice production for marketing year (MY) 2021/22 at a record 650,000 metric tons (mt) (milled basis), up 3 percent from last month, 1 percent from last year, and 4 percent above the 5-year average. Harvested area is estimated at 191,000 hectares, up less than 1 percent from last month and last year, and 2 percent above the 5-year average. Yield is estimated at 5.08 metric tons per hectare, up 3 percent from last month, 1 percent from last year, and 2 percent above the 5-year average. This would represent the fourth-highest yield on record. (For more information, please contact Aaron.Mulhollen@usda.gov.)

Mar 9 2022 | Mexico Cotton: Record Yield Reported
Mexico cotton production for marketing year (MY) 2021/22 is estimated at 1.2 million 480-pound bales, up 18 percent from last year’s production and up 14 percent from last month. Harvested area is estimated at 155,000 hectares (ha), 7 percent more than last year and 3 percent more than last month. The yield is estimated at a record 1,686 kilograms per hectare, 10 percent higher than last year. (For more information, please contact Ifeoma.Collins@usda.gov.)

Feb 9 2022 | Cuba Rice: Production Revised Down on Lower Area
USDA estimates Cuba rice production for marketing year (MY) 2021/22 at 176,000 metric tons (milled basis), down 16 percent from last month and 35 percent below the 5-year average. Harvested area is estimated at 75,000 hectares, down 17 percent from last month and 35 percent below the 5-year average. Yield is estimated at 3.61 tons per hectare, roughly equivalent to last month and less than 1 percent above the 5-year average. (For more information, please contact Aaron.Mulhollen@usda.gov.)

Jan 12 2022 | Mexico Corn: Area Lower Than Expected
Mexico corn production for marketing year (MY) 2021/22 is estimated at 27.6 million metric tons, down 400,000 tons from last month, but up 254,000 tons (about 1 percent) from MY 2020/21. Area is estimated at 7.2 million hectares (mha), down 100,000 hectares (ha) from last month, but up 57,000 ha (about 1 percent) from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.83 metric tons per hectare, slightly down from last month. (For more information, please contact Ifeoma.Collins@usda.gov.)

Oct 12 2021 | Guatemala Corn: Dry Spell and Excess Rains Reduce Production
Guatemala’s corn production for marketing year (MY) 2021/22 is estimated at 1.6 million metric tons (mmt), down 0.3 mmt from last month and 45,000 metric tons (3 percent) from MY 2020/21. Area is estimated at 900,000 hectares (ha), down 50,000 ha from last month (5 percent) but up 50,000 ha (6 percent) from MY 2020/21. Yield is estimated at 1.77 metric tons per hectare, down 8 percent from MY 2020/21. (For more information, please contact Ifeoma.Collins@usda.gov.)

Sep 10 2021 | Panama Rice: Rough Production Up Slightly
Panama’s rough rice production for marketing year (MY) 2021/22 is estimated at 380,000 metric tons (mt), up 11,000 mt (about 3 percent) from MY 2020/21. Milled production is estimated at 247,000 mt. Harvested area is estimated at 94,000 hectares (ha), up 2,000 ha (about 2 percent) from MY 2020/21. Yield is estimated at 4.04 metric tons per hectare, up about 1 percent from MY 2020/21. (For more information, please contact Ifeoma.Collins@usda.gov.)

May 12 2021 | Mexico Corn: Weather Conditions Decrease Winter MY 2020/21 Crop Production
Mexico’s corn production for marketing year (MY) 2020/21 is estimated at 27.0 million metric tons (mmt), down 0.8 mmt from last month, but up 342,000 mt (about 1 percent) from MY 2019/20. Area is estimated at 7,140,000 hectares (ha), down 110,000 ha from last month, but up 519,000 ha (about 8 percent) from MY 2019/20. Yield is estimated at 3.78 metric tons per hectare, down 1 percent from last month and down 6 percent from MY 2019/20. (For more information, please contact Ifeoma.Collins@usda.gov.)

Apr 9 2021 | Cuba Rice: Further Reductions in Area and Production
USDA estimates Cuba rice production for marketing year (MY) 2020/21 at 240,000 metric tons (milled basis), down 6 percent from last month, 3 percent from last year, and 15 percent below the 5-year average. Harvested area is estimated at 105,000 hectares, down 6 percent from last month, 1 percent from last year, and 13 percent below the 5-year average. Yield is estimated at 3.51 tons per hectare, nearly unchanged from last month, down 2 percent from last year, and 3 percent below the 5-year average. (For more information, please contact Aaron.Mulhollen@usda.gov.)

Mar 9 2021 | Mexico Sorghum: Freezing Weather Lowers Winter Planted Area in Tamaulipas
Mexico’s sorghum production for 2020/21 is estimated at 4.3 million metric tons (mmt), down 0.2 mmt (about 4 percent) from last month, and down about 1 percent from last year. Area is estimated at 1.3 million hectares, down 4 percent from last month and down 6 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.31 metric tons per hectare, relatively unchanged from last month, but up 5 percent from last year. (For more information, please contact Ifeoma.Collins@usda.gov.)

Dec 10 2020 | Nicaragua Rice: Back-to-Back Hurricanes Damage Area
Nicaragua’s rough rice production for 2020/21 is estimated at 412,000 metric tons (mt), down about 3 percent (12,000 mt) from last month, but up 9 percent from last year. Milled production is estimated at 272,000 mt. Area is estimated at 97,000 hectares, down 3 percent (3,000 mt) from last month and last year. Yield is estimated at 4.25 tons per hectare, unchanged from last month but up 13 percent from last year. (For more information, please contact Ifeoma.Collins@usda.gov.)

Dec 10 2020 | Central America Corn: Hurricanes Eta and Iota Damage Crops
At the start and middle of November 2020, both Hurricane Eta and Hurricane Iota landed in Nicaragua as Category 4 hurricanes, causing damage to crops, infrastructure, and human lives throughout Central America from flooding, strong winds, and landslides. The hurricane season in Central America ended at the end of November. Corn is planted in three seasons in Central America: the primera (main season), the postrera (second season), and in some countries the apante (third season). Generally, the postrera harvest was almost completed in November and the current wet conditions could postpone the planting of the apante crops in December. Preliminary assessments of crop damage from the hurricanes have started throughout the region. (For more information, please contact Ifeoma.Collins@usda.gov.)

Aug 12 2020 | Mexico Soybeans: Two Tropical Storms Damage Planted Area in Yucatan Peninsula
USDA forecasts Mexico’s 2020/21 soybeans production at 348,000 metric tons, down 11 percent from last month and up 48 percent from last year’s production. The area forecast was reduced to 200,000 hectares (ha), 11 percent less than last month due to tropical storm damage. The yield is forecast at 1.74 tons per hectare, unchanged from last month and 11 percent higher than last year. (For more information, please contact Ifeoma.Collins@usda.gov.)

Jul 10 2020 | Mexico Cotton: Expected Planted Area Decreases in Major Cotton Growing States
USDA forecasts Mexico’s 2020/21 cotton production at 1.05 million 480-pound bales, down 33 percent from last year’s production and down 9 percent from last month. Area forecast is reduced to 160,000 hectares (ha), 29 percent less than last year and 3 percent less than last month. Yield is forecast at 1,429 kilograms per hectare, 6 percent lower than last year. (For more information, please contact Ifeoma.Collins@usda.gov.)

Jun 11 2020 | Mexico Cotton: Water and Seed Shortages Lead to Reduction in Planted Area
USDA forecasts Mexico’s 2020/21 cotton production at 1.15 million 480-pound bales, down 27 percent from last year’s production. Area has decreased 27 percent from last year and is forecast at 165,000 hectares (ha). The yield forecast is slightly lower than last year at 1,517 kilograms per hectare. (For more information, please contact Ifeoma.Collins@usda.gov.)

Jun 11 2020 | Cuba Rice: Production Limited Despite Improved Rainfall
USDA forecasts Cuba rice production for 2020/21 at 280,000 metric tons (milled basis), unchanged from last month and unchanged from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 125,000 hectares, unchanged from last month and up 4 percent from last year. Yield is forecast at 3.45 tons per hectare, unchanged from last month and down 4 percent from last year and the 5-year average. Satellite-derived Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) indicates drier conditions during the middle of the 2020 spring planting season (early May) than at the same time in 2019. NDVI analyses by late May indicate improving vegetative conditions. (For more information, please contact Aaron.Mulhollen@usda.gov.)

Feb 11 2020 | Nicaragua Rice: Production Down from Last Year Due to Dry Conditions
Nicaragua’s rough rice production for 2019/20 is estimated at 400,000 metric tons (mt), down 24,000 mt (6 percent) from last month, and down 12 percent from last year. Milled production is estimated at 264,000 mt. Area is estimated at 103,000 hectares, down about one percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.88 metric tons per hectare, down 11 percent from last year. (For more information, please contact Ifeoma.Collins@usda.gov.)

Nov 8 2019 | Mexico Corn: Lowest Planted Area on Record
USDA estimates Mexico 2019/20 corn production at 25.0 million metric tons, down 7 percent from last month and down 9 percent from last year. Area harvested is estimated at 6.8 million hectares, down 7 percent from last month and down 6 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.68 metric tons per hectare, down slightly from last month, but down 4 percent from last year. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov).

Oct 10 2019 | Mexico Soybeans: Severe Drought Reduces Estimated Production by Nearly Half
USDA estimates Mexico 2019/20 production at 220,000 metric tons, down 45 percent from last month and down 34 percent from last year. Area harvested is estimated at 140,000 hectares, down 41 percent from last month and down 27 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 1.57 tons per hectare, down 7 percent from last month and 10 percent from last year. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Sep 12 2018 | Mexico Soybeans: Yield Estimate Reduced Due to Extreme Dryness
USDA estimates Mexico 2018/19 soybean production at 430,000 metric tons, down 12 percent from last month and down 1 percent from last year. Extreme dryness in Mexico’s main soybean areas, southern Tamaulipas and eastern San Luis Potosi, resulted in significant sowing delays and farmers opting to switch to alternative crops, most notably sorghum. Area is estimated at 260,000 hectares, down 4 percent from last month and down 1 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 1.65 metric tons per hectare, down 9 percent from last month and unchanged from last year. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@fas.usda.gov).

Jun 12 2018 | Mexico Wheat: Lowest Production Estimate in 14 years
USDA estimates Mexico wheat production for 2018/19 at 2.8 million metric tons, down 14 percent from last month and down 20 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 535,000 hectares down 14 percent from last month and down 20 percent from last year. Most recent official data reports year-to-year declines in planted area for the major states of Sonora and Baja California of 23 percent and 37 percent, respectively. Yield is estimated at 5.23 metric tons per hectare unchanged from last month and nearly unchanged from last year. (For additional information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@fas.usda.gov)

May 10 2018 | Mexico Barley: 2017/18 Highest Production in the Past 5 Years
USDA estimates Mexico barley production for 2017/18 at 1.00 million metric tons (mmt), up 37 percent from last month, up 3 percent from last year, and up 29 percent from the 5-year average. The highest production on record was achieved in 2003 at 1.08 mmt. Harvested area is estimated at 357,000 hectares, up 19 percent from last month, and up 8 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 2.81 tons per hectare, up 15 percent from last month, but down 5 percent from last year. (For additional information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@fas.usda.gov.)

Feb 8 2018 | Mexico Corn: Favorable Rainfall Boosts Yield
USDA estimates Mexico 2017/18 corn production at 26.5 million metric tons, up 1 percent from last month, but still down 4 percent from last year’s record. Harvested area is estimated at 7.23 million hectares (mha), slightly down from last month and down 4 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.67 tons per hectare up 1 percent from last month matching last year’s record. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@fas.usda.gov.)

Nov 9 2017 | Mexico Sorghum: Lower-Than-Expected Planted Area Reduces Production
USDA estimates Mexico 2017/18 sorghum production at 4.6 million metric tons, down 1.4 million tons or 23 percent from last month and down 2 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.24 tons per hectare, down 8 percent from last month, but slightly up from last year. Yield reduction is partially due to the sugarcane aphid infestation. Harvested area is estimated at 1.42 million hectares, down 0.28 million hectares or 16 percent from last month and down 3 percent from last year. The month-to-month reduction in harvested area reflects official planting reports from Mexico’s Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Foodstuffs (SAGARPA). (For additional information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@fas.usda.gov.)

Oct 12 2017 | Mexico Corn: Estimated Production Increased
USDA estimates Mexico corn production for 2017/18 at 26.2 million metric tons, up about one percent from last month, but still down 5 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.61 tons per hectare, down 2 percent from last year. Area harvested is estimated at 7.25 million hectares, up about one percent from last month, but down 3 percent from last year. The year-to-year decrease in area harvested is primarily due to farmers reverting back to planting sorghum. Last year more corn was planted due to the prevalence of the sugar cane aphid affecting sorghum. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@fas.usda.gov)

Sep 12 2017 | Mexico Cotton: Estimated Output Increases from Last Year
USDA estimates 2017/18 cotton production at 1.38 million 480-lb bales (300,000 metric tons), up 20 percent from last month and up 80 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 185,000 hectares, up 19 percent from last month and up 80 percent from last year. The estimated harvested area is up 33 percent from the 5-year average. Yield is estimated at 1,624 kilograms per hectare, up slightly from last year.

Apr 11 2017 | Mexico Corn: Record Production
USDA estimates Mexico 2016/17 corn production at a record 27.0 million metric tons, up 4.0 percent from last month, and up 4.0 percent from last year. Area harvested is estimated at 7.5 million hectares, unchanged from last month but up 4.0 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.6 metric tons per hectare (mt/ha), unchanged from last year’s record.

Feb 9 2017 | Mexico Corn: Record Production Estimated
USDA estimates Mexico’s 2016/17 corn production at a record 26.0 million metric tons, up 6 percent from last month and up slightly from last year’s record of 25.9 million tons. Harvested area is estimated at 7.5 million hectares, up 6 percent from last month and up 4 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.47 million metric tons per hectare (mt/ha) up slightly from last month but down 4 percent from last year’s record of 3.60 mt/ha.

Apr 12 2016 | Mexico Corn: Increased Production Due to Favorable Weather and Higher Planted Area
USDA estimates Mexico’s 2015/16 corn production at 24.0 million metric tons, up 2.1 percent from last month but down 5.8 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 7.1 million hectares, up 1.4 percent from last month, but down 3.1 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.38 tons per hectare, slightly up from last month, but down 2.9 percent from last year.

Feb 9 2016 | Central America Rice: Estimated Production Down Due to Prolonged Drought
USDA estimates Central America 2015/16 rice production at 631,000 metric tons (milled basis), down 60,000 metric tons or 8.7 percent from last month and down 10 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 292,000 hectares, unchanged from last month but down slightly from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.30 tons per hectare, down 8.0 percent from last month and down 9.0 percent from last year.

Apr 9 2015 | Mexico Corn: Record Yields from Increased Irrigated Area and Favorable Summer Weather
Mexico’s 2014/15 corn production is estimated at 24.0 million tons, up 0.8 million from last month and up 1.1 million or 4.9 percent from last year. Estimated output was increased due to higher-than-expected planted area for irrigated winter corn and favorable weather for the summer dryland crop. Harvested area is estimated at 7.2 million hectares, up 0.07 million hectares from last month and up 0.1 million or 1.4 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at a record of 3.36 tons per hectare, due to good summer rainfall and increased irrigated corn area. Corn is grown in Mexico during two seasons: spring/summer and fall/winter. Planting for the spring/summer season is in April-June and harvest is in late November and December. Harvest for the 2014 spring/summer season was reported to be above average due to good rains during the summer season. Planting for the fall/winter season is September- December and harvest from January-April. Planted corn area for the 2014/15 crop was reported to be 18 percent higher than last year in Sinaloa, where most of the winter irrigated corn is grown. Sinaloa farmers reportedly planted an additional 100,000 hectares this year due to higher reservoir water levels. With this increased irrigated area, corn production is expected to reach 5 million tons in Sinaloa instead of the 3.7 million tons produced last year. (For more information, please contact Curt.Reynolds@fCorn is grown in Mexico during two seasons: spring/summer and fall/winter. Planting for the spring/summer season is in April-June and harvest is in late November and December. Harvest for the 2014 spring/summer season was reported to be above average due to good rains during the summer season. Planting for the fall/winter season is September- December and harvest from January-April. Planted corn area for the 2014/15 crop was reported to be 18 percent higher than last year in Sinaloa, where most of the winter irrigated corn is grown. Sinaloa farmers reportedly planted an additional 100,000 hectares this year due to higher reservoir water levels. With this increased irrigated area, corn production is expected to reach 5 million tons in Sinaloa instead of the 3.7 million tons produced last year. (For more information, please contact Curt.Reynolds@fas.usda.gov).as.usda.gov).

Apr 9 2014 | Dominican Republic Rice: Production Rebounds from Last Year
USDA forecasts Dominican Republic milled rice production for 2013/14 at 536,000 metric tons, up nearly 8.9 percent from last year. The increase is attributed to favorable weather during the main growing season (May through August). The crop benefited from favorable rainfall coupled with the absence of tropical storm activity during the main growing season. Harvested area is estimated at 161,000 hectares, unchanged from last year. Yield is forecast at a near-record 4.99 metric tons per hectare, up 9.4 percent from last year (when yield was reduced by drought), and 5.9 percent above the 5-year average. The Dominican Republic has two rice-growing cycles. The spring/summer crop, which accounts for 75 percent of total production, is harvested in the August. The second cycle is planted in the fall and winter and is harvested in May. Nearly all rice is grown under irrigated conditions.

Apr 10 2012 | Mexico Corn: Drought Causes High Crop Losses
USDA estimates 2011/12 Mexico corn production at 19.0 million metric tons, down 7 percent from last month and down 10 percent from last year. Area is forecast at 6.0 million hectares, down 10 percent from last month and down 14 percent from last year. Estimated yield for 2011/12 corn is expected to reach 3.17 tons per hectare, up nearly 3 percent from last month and up 6 percent from last year.The reduction in output is attributed to adverse weather conditions, including late rains, drought and frost that impacted the spring/summer crop, and low water reservoirs in Sinaloa impacting the fall/winter crop. The impact of the drought was worse than previously forecasted. The Secretariat of Agricultural, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA) reported that it caused high crop losses, particularly in the main producing areas of Puebla, state of Mexico, Guanajuato, and some regions of Jalisco. The spring/summer crop is estimated to reach 13.5 million metric tons, down 20 percent from the previous year. Production of the fall/winter crop, which accounts for about a quarter of total corn production, is forecast to drop by 13 percent from the 5-year average due to lower planted area. The fall/winter corn yields are expected to be good despite restricted water resources. Sinaloa and the other corn producing areas had scattered showers and seasonably warm temperatures throughout the winter season. The fall/winter crop is expected to be harvested in May and June. (For more information, contact Arnella Trent at 202-720-0881.)

Nov 9 2011 | Mexico Corn: Adverse Weather Impacting 2011/12 Yield
The USDA estimates 2011/12 Mexican corn production at 20.5 million metric tons, down nearly 15 percent from last month and down 3 percent from last year. This reduction is attributed to adverse weather conditions including late rains, drought and frost that affected the spring/summer crop, and low water reservoirs in Sinaloa, which accounts for a large share of the country’s fall/winter corn production. Estimated yield for 2011/12 corn is expected to reach 3.08 tons per hectare, down 9.4 percent from last month because of dry conditions during pollination and a rare September frost at the end of grain filling. Area is forecast to drop to 6.65 million hectares, down 6 percent from previous month and down 5 percent from last year because of declines in the fall/winter planting intentions. The sown area for 2011/12 fall/winter corn is forecast to decline by nearly 14 percent from the five year average because of low water levels in the Sinaloa region. As of October 30, reserves in the Northwest region, which includes the Sinaloa reservoirs, are at 48 percent capacity compared to the five year average of 84 percent. Mexico produces two corn crops – spring/summer and fall/winter. The fall/winter corn crop comprises 25 percent of total corn production. Sinaloa accounts for 75 percent of fall/winter corn crop production and the rest is from the Tamaulipas and Veracruz region. The Sinaloa corn crop is planted in December and January and harvested in May and June, and nearly all the corn in Sinaloa is irrigated. (For more information, contact Arnella Trent 202-720-0881.)

May 11 2011 | Strong Prices Lead to Rise in Total Foreign Corn Prospects
Total foreign corn production for the 2011/12 marketing year is forecast at a record 525 million tons, up 5 percent from 2010/11. Area is also forecast at a record 131.7 million hectares, up 3 percent from last year. Yield is forecast at a near-trend 3.98 tons per hectare at the beginning of the season in the Northern Hemisphere.Strong world prices have encouraged planting in many countries. US#3 corn FOB Gulf averaged US$255 per ton from November-to-January when many farmers were making their planting decisions. November-to-January prices are up from US$180 last year and US$137 for the 9-year average. A drop in total coarse grain and wheat production in 2010/11 caused by weather problems which led to lower-than-trend yields has resulted in a tightness in stock levels contributing to the high prices. The price rise is partly attributed to strong demand in Asia for corn to feed livestock, but also strong demand in the United States as a feed stock for producing ethanol to blend with gasoline. (For additional information, contact Paul Provance at 202-720-0873.)

Mar 10 2011 | Mexico: Cold Snap Destroys Winter Corn in Sinaloa
The USDA forecasts Mexican corn production for 2010/11 at 22.0 million tons, down 8 percent from last month but up 8 percent from last year. Area is estimated at 6.6 million hectares, down 5 percent from last month but up 5 percent from last year. A cold snap in early February that lasted nearly a week damaged winter corn in the state of Sinaloa, with temperatures plunging to minus 8 degree Celsius in some locations. On February 4, the coldest night, 14 of 32 temperature stations reported values of minus 1 degree or lower. Frost damage for corn occurs when the temperatures drop below -1 degree Celsius. Sinaloa plants approximately 1.3 million hectares of corn and produces roughly 4.5 million metric tons, or around 25 percent of Mexico's total corn production. Industry sources estimate that 90 percent of Sinaloa's corn crop - roughly 90,000 hectares - may have been damaged by the prolonged below-normal temperatures. Mexico produces two corn crops: spring/summer and fall/winter. The fall/winter crop accounts for 25 percent of the country's total corn production, and 75 percent of the winter corn is produced in Sinaloa. The rest is grown in the Tamaulipas and Veracruz area. Sinaloa corn is sown in December and January and harvested in May/June, and nearly all is irrigated. (For more information, contact Arnella Trent at 202-720-0881.)

Jun 10 2010 | Mexico Corn: Drought Marginally Reduces Yield Prospects
USDA decreased the forecast for the 2010/11 Mexican corn production to 24.0 million tons, down 0.5 million or 2 percent from last month, but up 2.7 million or 13 percent from last year. The harvested area is estimated at 7.2 million hectares, unchanged from last month but up 1.0 million from last year. The month-to-month reduction in estimated production was based on persistent dryness on the corn plateau, which includes the states of Chiapas, Guerrero, Jalisco, Mexico, Michoacan, Puebla, Sinaloa, and Veracruz. The corn plateau received only scattered showers instead of the monsoon-type rainfall that is typical in late April and May. Total precipitation for April and May was less than 50 percent of normal, resulting in drier-thannormal soil moisture during May throughout the country. Although May was unfavorably dry, corn planting was only recently completed, and average rainfall during the remainder of the growing season could prevent significant yield loss. (For more information, contact Arnella Trent 202-720-0881.)

Apr 13 2010 | Mexico's Corn Production Estimated Lower
The 2009/10 Mexican corn production is revised down by 3.2 percent to 21.3 million tons based on official statistics from Mexico's Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Foodstuffs (SAGARPA). Corn area was revised down by nearly 15% to 6.23 million hectares because of high abandonment from the spring/summer crop. During the 2009/10 spring/summer growing season, rainfall across the central corn plateau dropped below normal because of "El Nino" weather patterns. However, yields are up by 3.3 percent from the previous year's crop. Corn yields were 3.42 tons per hectare in 2009/10 which is above the 5-year average of 3.07 tons/hectare but slightly down from the previous month's forecast. Corn yields have greatly improved in recent years because of improved seed varieties, higher sowing densities, and improved agricultural extension support. (For more information contact Arnella Trent at 202-720-0881).

Aug 19 2009 | Mexico: Corn Crop Forecast Lower
Mexico corn production for 2009/10 is estimated at 22.5 million tons, down 1.5 million tons or 6 percent from last month and down 10 percent from last year. The decline is due to insufficient rainfall and lower forecast yields. Planted area is forecast at 7.3 million hectares, unchanged from last month but down slightly from a year ago. During the 2009/10 corn growing season in Mexico, rainfall has been well below normal owing to the "El Nino" weather pattern. Soil moisture reserves are very low across the majority of the main corn producing region. Extremely low precipitation has also led to markedly lower reservoir levels. As of July 30, the central reservoirs are at approximately 48 percent of capacity compared to 63 percent at this time last year. Although in recent years corn yields have greatly improved due to improved seed varieties, higher sowing density, and improved agricultural extension support, inadequate rainfall is likely to suppress yields this year. Mexican corn yields are currently forecast to return to average levels (3.08 tons per hectare), down 8 percent from a year ago. (For more information, call Arnella Trent at 202-720-0881.)

May 19 2009 | World 2009/10 Crop Area and Production Forecasts
The initial USDA country-level area and production estimates for 2009/10 grains, oilseeds, andcotton are provided this month. In previous years, only the initial grain estimates were releasedin May, but this year estimates for oilseeds and cotton are provided as well.World wheat area for 2009/10 is estimated at 224 million hectares, down less than 1 percentfrom last year. International prices in September 2008, when many Northern Hemisphere wheatproducers were deciding if they would plant, had declined from a year earlier while prices forcorn and soybeans were stronger. Wheat production is forecast at 658 million metric tons, down25 million tons from 2008/09, when excellent growing conditions occurred in many of the majorproducers.World corn area is forecast at 156 million hectares for 2009/10, unchanged from the previousyear. Reports of farmers foregoing corn planting because of high input costs have been receivedfrom many countries. Corn area is not increasing even though corn prices were high relative towheat, and to a lesser extent soybean, during December to February when many farmers weremaking their corn planting decisions. Corn production is forecast virtually unchanged at 788million tons as corn planting in the Northern Hemisphere is underway.World soybean area is forecast at 99 million hectares up 2 million. Production is forecast at 242million tons, up 29 million from 2008/09. Much of the increase results from an expectation ofrecovery in Argentina and Brazil which suffered from extreme drought in major producing areas.World international soybean/corn price ratios from October through December favored corn, buthigher production costs have favored soybeans, which require fewer inputs. (For moreinformation, contact Paul Provance 202-720-0873.)

Sep 12 2008 | Mexico: Favorable Weather Boosts Estimated Corn Output
The USDA forecasts Mexican corn production for 2008/09 at 24.0 million tons, up 6 percentfrom last year. The year-to-year increase is attributed to higher forecast yields, a slight increasein harvested area, and ideal weather. According to the U.S. agricultural attaché in Mexico,farmers are using better seed varieties and higher sowing density to improve yields. In addition,the country is receiving normal to above-normal monsoon rains. Last year, the country wasimpacted by numerous tropical storms and hurricanes which caused substantial agriculturaldamage. (For more information contact, Arnella Trent at 202-720-0881)

Nov 13 2007 | Mexico: Sorghum Production Forecasted to Increase by 11 Percent
The USDA forecasts Mexican sorghum area up by nearly 7 percent to 1.6 million hectares andproduction at 6 million metric tons or up 11 percent from the last month. According to Ministryof Agriculture (SAGARPA), planted area of spring/summer sorghum for 2007/08 has increasedby 100,000 hectares. Producers are expanding production because of higher prices. The U.S.agricultural attaché in Mexico City reports that livestock producers switched from corn to'sorghum as a result of higher corn prices, which contributed to a sorghum shortage in thecountry.

Dec 1 1997 | MEXICO: CORN PRODUCTION REDUCED DUE TO TYPHOON DAMAGE
Mexico's 1997/98 corn production is estimated at 18.5 million tons, down 0.5 million this month and 5 percent below last year. Corn was planted with adequate soil moisture; however, below-normal rainfall across the main growing region throughout most of the season stressed corn and reduced yield to an estimated 2.18 tons per hectare--below the 5-year average of 2.29 tons. Late-summer hurricane damage was restricted to coastal areas away from most of the corn production. Nearly 80 percent of the nation's corn output is grown during the spring/summer season.

Mar 1 1998 | MEXICO: SORGHUM ESTIMATE REDUCED DUE TO MOISTURE CONCERNS
Mexico's 1997/8 sorghum production estimate was reduced this month from 6.2 million tons to 5.8 million, a month-to-month change of 6 percent. Area was reduced from 1.8 million hectares to 1.7 million, also a month-to-month change of 6 percent. The changes were due to less than anticipated summer production and reduced planted area for the winter crop. Mexico moisture reserves have not yet recovered from the 3-year drought of the mid-90s, and the recent El Nino event of lower-than-normal precipitation has exasperated that recovery.

Sep 1 1998 | MEXICO: COARSE GRAIN ESTIMATES REDUCED
Mexico's 1997/98 sorghum production estimate is reduced this month from 6.0 million tons to 5.8 million, a month-to-month change of 3 percent. Area is unchanged at 1.8 million hectares. The change reflects the latest Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, and Rural Development (SAGAR) data which indicates less-than-anticipated production from the second season crop grown mostly in the northeast. Low precipitation totals and the resulting low accumulation levels at reservoirs across Mexico have negatively impacted sorghum, a commodity that farmers frequently turn to when moisture is at a premium. Mexico's 1997/98 corn production estimate is reduced this month from 18.0 million tons to 17.5 million tons, a month-to-month change of 3 percent. Area is unchanged at 7.4 million hectares, and yield is estimated at 2.36 tons per hectare, a month-to-month change of 3 percent. The reason for the decline is a reduction of the second season crop caused by low irrigation water supplies. The second season crop accounts for less than 20 percent of annual production. This largely irrigated crop, grown primarily in Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosi, and Veracruz, was harvested by the end of July 1998. Mexico's 1998/99 sorghum production forecast is reduced this month from 6.3 million tons to 6.0 million, a month-to-month change of 5 percent. Area is unchanged at 2.0 million hectares. Monsoonal rains, associated with the recent El Nino event, were delayed from the normal late-May start until July, resulting in added pressure on already low reservoir holdings. In some cases, above-normal summer temperatures forced replanting of early sown fields. Yield is down 5 percent at 3.00 tons per hectare. Mexico's 1998/99 corn production forecast is reduced this month from 18.5 million tons to 17.5 million, a month-to-month change of 5 percent. Area is reduced from 8.0 million hectares to 7.7 million hectares, a month-to-month change of 4 percent. Yield is forecast at 2.27 tons per hectare, a month-to-month decline of 5 percent. The delayed arrival of the annual monsoon to the major producing areas has negatively impacted the summer crop, which accounts for better than 80 percent of annual production, and is normally harvested by December. There remains the potential that the second season crop, planted in October/November, will be limited by continuing low reservoir levels.

Nov 1 1998 | MEXICO: COARSE GRAIN OUTPUT INCREASES DUE TO EXTENDED RAINS
Mexico's 1998/99 sorghum production estimate is increased this month from 6.0 million tons to 6.5 million, a month-to-month change of 8 percent. Area is unchanged at 2.0 million hectares. The change reflects the latest Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, and Rural Development (SAGAR) data indicating that the negative impact of the delayed arrival of the summer monsoon has been less than anticipated. The absence of an early frost extended the growing season, resulting in near-normal plant development. Mexico's 1998/99 corn production forecast is increased this month from 17.5 million tons to 18.0 million tons, a month-to-month change of 3 percent. Area is unchanged at 7.7 million hectares. In addition to the absence of an early frost, a very long summer growing season allowed corn to develop in a near-normal fashion despite the delayed arrival of the annual rainy season. The summer crop, which is normally harvested by December, accounts for about 80 percent of annual production. Mexico's 1997/98 corn production estimate is reduced this month from 17.5 million tons to 17.0 million tons, a month-to-month change of 3 percent. Area is unchanged at 7.4 million hectares. The change reflected the most recent SAGAR data update for the 1997 spring-summer season harvested corn crop.

Mar 1 1999 | Mexico: Coarse Grain Estimate Reduced Due to Dryness
Mexico's 1998/99 corn production estimate is down this month from 18.0 million tons to 17.5 million, but is still up 3 percent from last year. Harvested area is lowered 0.1 million hectares to 7.6 million, while yield is down slightly. Sorghum output is estimated at 6.6 million tons, down 0.2 million from last month due to a reduction in yield, reflecting persistent dry conditions over the northern two-thirds of the country and low reservoir levels in key winter producting states. Sinaloa, a major corn producing state for the fall/winter crop season, has significantly reduced reservoir levels in three important reservoirs in the Culiacan area resulting from the lack of rain during the last year in the central part of the state. As a result, corn output is expected to decline as farmers switch to dry beans or other crops because they use less water than corn.

Apr 1 2000 | Mexico: Barley and Sorghum Output Revised Lower
Mexico total grain (wheat, coarse grains, and rice) production for 1999/2000 is estimated at 29.2 million tons, up 1.1million tons from last year. According to harvest results, the sorghum crop is reduced 0.3 million tons this month to 6.2 million, while barley output is down 0.1 million tons to 0.5 million. The relative absence of rainfall from November 1998 to June 1999, and below-normal rainfall for all of 1999, lowered output. Grains are grown year-round in Mexico; however, over 65 percent of the national total is produced in the summer months (April-September).

Mar 1 2001 | Mexico: Corn and Sorghum Production Forecasts Lowered
Mexican corn production for 2000/01 is estimated at 18.0 million tons, down 0.5 million, or 3 percent from last month and down 5 percent from last year. Area is unchanged from last month at 8.0 million hectares. Sorghum production for 2000/01 is estimated at 6.2 million tons, down 0.2 million, or 3 percent from last month and down 3 percent from last year. Area is unchanged from last month at 2.0 million hectares. These changes reflect the cumulative effect of dry conditions over the summer The mostly non-irrigated fields are planted in April/August and harvested October/February. The summer crop usually generates 85 percent of Mexicos annual corn production, while as much as 70 percent of the annual sorghum production comes from the summer season.

Jul 1 2001 | Mexico: Sorghum Production Forecasts Lowered
Mexicos 2000/01 sorghum production is estimated at 5.7 million tons, down 0.31 million tons, or 5 percent from last month. Area is estimated down 0.1 from last month at 1.83 million hectares, or 5 percent from last month. The changes reflect the impact of heat and dry conditions during the blooming and grain-filling stages upon the sorghum fields of Tamaulipas. The mostly non-irrigated fields are planted in February/April and harvested May/July. The fall/winter sorghum crop generates 30-42 percent of Mexicos annual sorghum production, while as much as 75 percent of the fall/winter sorghum crop comes from the state of Tamaulipas.

Jul 1 2000 | Mexico: Sorghum Production Forecasts Lowered
Mexicos 2000/01 sorghum production is estimated at 5.7 million tons, down 0.31 million tons, or 5 percent from last month. Area is estimated down 0.1 from last month at 1.83 million hectares, or 5 percent from last month. The changes reflect the impact of heat and dry conditions during the blooming and grain-filling stages upon the sorghum fields of Tamaulipas. The mostly non-irrigated fields are planted in February/April and harvested May/July. The fall/winter sorghum crop generates 30-42 percent of Mexicos annual sorghum production, while as much as 75 percent of the fall/winter sorghum crop comes from the state of Tamaulipas.

Mar 1 2002 | Mexico: 2001/02 Corn Production Estimate Increased
Mexicos 2001/02 corn production is estimated at 19.0 million tons, up 1.0 million from last month, and up 1.3 million or 7 percent from last year. Area is estimated at 7.87 million hectares, up 0.1 million from last month, and up 0.4 million from last year. The changes reflect greater harvested area than originally believed in the Bajio, the fertile south-central region of Mexico sometimes referred to as Mexicos Corn Belt. Dryness was a concern during the summer 2001 since most of Mexicos corn is a rainfed crop. The Bajio also has irrigated cornfields, but reservoir reserves in nearly every region of the country have been below normal for some time.

Jun 1 1999 | MEXICO: WEATHER AND CROP DEVELOPMENTS
The Government of Mexico has declared ten northern Mexico states (Baja California Sur, Chihuahua, Coahuilla, Durango, Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosi , Sinaloa, Sonora, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas) to be disaster zones, as all segments of agriculture in the region have been negatively impacted by insufficient rainfall. Reservoir holdings in the region have not returned to normal levels since the 1994-96 drought, and are now nearing the historic low levels of that period due to sparse precipitation since the end of the 1998 rainy season. Pastures are in poor condition to support livestock, and will require the timely arrival of July rainfall to avert further degradation in the region with the greatest concentration of grazing animals in the country. USDA's estimate of Mexico's 1999/00 wheat production estimate is reduced this month from 3.3 million tons to 3.1 million tons, a month-to-month change of 6 percent. Area is reduced from 800,000 hectares to 750,000 hectares. The changes reflect persistent dry conditions and low reservoir levels in key states during the major wheat production cycle. In most years, measurable precipitation continues over northern Mexico for several weeks after the end of the rainy season (June to October). However, the north has experienced below-normal precipitation amounts since the end of the 1998 rainy season, and reservoir levels were not sufficient to support wheat planting intentions. The outlook for cotton continues positive, as water allocations are reportedly set for the 1999 summer crop despite the low reservoir levels. Cotton fields across the north will be flowering in June, the period of greatest water uptake. If the water allocated is insufficient, yield losses will occur. Prospects for 1999 summer corn and sorghum remain optimistic, as the major areas of production are south of the drought-stricken states, and not as reservoir-dependent. Additionally, farmers in the southern states have an April-July planting window, and can delay sowing beyond the normal planting date.

Aug 1 1999 | MEXICO: CORN AND SORGHUM INCREASED DUE TO FAVORABLE WEATHER
Mexicos 1999/2000 corn production is increased 0.5 million tons this month to 19.0 million based on favorable weather and an increase in area, mostly for the main season crop. Over 80 percent of the total crop is produced during the May to December season; while the second crop will be planted in the northwest during the autumn and harvested in the spring of 2000. Generally, favorable weather has supported yield this season. In addition, the 1998/99 corn crop is revised 0.3 million tons higher to 17.8 million due to an increase in area and a better than expected second crop. The 1999/2000 sorghum production is increased to 6.2 million tons, up 0.2 million from last month, but down marginally from last years revised estimate. About two-thirds of the total sorghum crop is produced during the main season.

Sep 1 1999 | MEXICO: CORN AND SORGHUM INCREASED DUE TO FAVORABLE WEATHER
Mexicos 1999/2000 corn production is increased 0.5 million tons this month to 19.0 million based on favorable weather and an increase in area, mostly for the main season crop. Over 80 percent of the total crop is produced during the May to December season; while the second crop will be planted in the northwest during the autumn and harvested in the spring of 2000. Generally, favorable weather has supported yield this season. In addition, the 1998/99 corn crop is revised 0.3 million tons higher to 17.8 million due to an increase in area and a better than expected second crop. The 1999/2000 sorghum production is increased to 6.2 million tons, up 0.2 million from last month, but down marginally from last years revised estimate. About two-thirds of the total sorghum crop is produced during the main season.

Oct 1 1999 | MEXICO: EMERGENCY COTTON SUPPORT PROGRAM ANNOUNCED
Due to the drastic fall of international cotton prices, the Mexican Secretary of Agriculture announced on September 21 an emergency assistance of 1,200 pesos per hectare (roughly US$126/ha) for cotton growers. The new support will be applied to the total cotton area planted in 1999/2000 of approximately 160,000 hectares. According to government officials, this support encompasses 900 pesos per hectare (US$95/ha.) from the federal budget and 300 pesos/hectare (US$32/ha.) from the state governments. This support is additional to the current PROCAMPO payments of 708 Pesos/hectare (US$75/ha.) and the payment of 550 pesos per hectare (US$58.5/ha.) to support and encourage cotton production. Official sources explained that the international cotton prices decreased from US$0.72 per pound a year ago to US$0.51 currently, due to ample supplies of Chinese cotton in the international market. The objective of the new subsidy is to provide an incentive for farmers to plant cotton instead of other alternative crops which currently are more profitable than cotton. During 1999/2000, government officials expect cotton production to decrease to approximately 600,000 bales from nearly 1.0 million bales a year ago, mainly because of water shortages in the main cultivated regions. Additionally, planted area declined from around 230,000 ha. in 1998/99 to just over 150,000 hectares for the current year. Official sources said that promoting domestic cotton production is indispensable, as the textile industry's demand for cotton continues to grow. The new cotton subsidy has a budget of 133.6 million pesos (approximately US$14 million) and is effective immediately. Officials pointed out that total government support (PROCAMPO payments and the Payment to Support and Encourage Cotton Production) with the new subsidies is equivalent to US$0.15 per pound of lint.

Nov 1 2002 | Mexican Sorghum Production Decreases Due to Lower Area
Sorghum production in Mexico is forecast at 5.5 million tons, down 1.35 million or 20 percent from last month and down 1.0 million tons or 15 percent from last year. Production decreased due to lower planted area, based on recent data from the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries, and Foodstuffs (SAGARPA). During the 2002 spring/summer harvest, output was decreased due to a lack of rainfall during the head- filling stages and area loss covering 100,000 hectares. In addition, total planted area was lower in the fall/winter harvest production mainly affecting crops in the Bajio region.

Apr 1 2003 | Mexico: 2002/03 Corn Production Estimate Decreased, While Sorghum Increased Slightly
Mexicos corn production for 2002/03 is estimated at 17.0 million tons, down 2.0 million or 11 percent from last month. Area is down 1.0 million hectares from last month at 6.7 million, down 13 percent. The changes reflect less harvested area than originally forecast in the growing regions east of Mexico City. Dryness was a negative influence during late-summer 2002, since most of the regions corn is rainfed. Mexicos sorghum production is estimated at 5.85 million tons, up 0.35 million or 6 percent from last month, due to adjustments in Government of Mexico statistics. Area is down 90,000 hectares from last month at 1.76 million or 4 percent. (Ron White, 202/690-0137)

Mar 1 2004 | Mexico: Corn Production Estimate Increased
Mexicos 2003/04 corn production is estimated at 20.0 million tons, up 1.0 million tons or 5 percent from last month and up 0.72 million or 4 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 7.6 million hectares, up 0.5 million or 7 percent from last month. The changes reflect the Government of Mexico reports of better-than-expected results in the main growing areas due to improved weather for the summer crop. Less-than-normal rainfall during May and June across parts of the Central Plain was a concern at a time when the reservoir levels at important irrigation sites in the region were at historic lows. Recent reports say that with the resumption of mid-season rainfall, which recharged moisture-deficient fields, plants apparently took advantage of Mexicos long growing season to continue grain filling. (For more information, contact Ronald White at 202-690-0137.)

Apr 1 2004 | Mexico: Sorghum Production Estimate Increased
Mexicos 2003/04 sorghum production is estimated at 6.4 million tons, up 0.8 million tons or 14 percent from last month and up 1 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 1.9 million hectares, up 0.2 million hectares or 12 percent from last month and up 3 percent from last year. The month-to-month increases reflect revised statistics provided in the FAS Mexico City Grain and Feed Annual Report released March 2004. The production estimate is higher due to increased plantings and favorable weather for the spring/summer crop, which will be harvested in the fall. The estimated yield is 3.37 tons per hectare, which is above the 5-year average. The record year was 1996, when 6.9 million tons was harvested from 2.32 million hectares, with a yield of 2.95 tons per hectare. (For more information, contact Ron White at 202-690-0137.)

May 1 2004 | : Government sources suggest that planted area for the current 2004/05 fall/winter cycle
Government sources suggest that planted area for the current 2004/05 fall/winter cycle (the first cycle in USDAs two-cycle crop year for monitoring Mexico wheat) is slightly greater than anticipated. Annual area (85 percent irrigated) has languished below the 700,000-hectare level since the late 1990s, as the heavily irrigated northwest wheat fields of Baja California, Sinaloa, and Sonora began to lose access to reservoir water. The extra area in 2004 was reportedly planted when unexpected precipitation across northwest states in January and February 2004 provided ample soil moisture for crop emergence. March showers further enhanced wheat development across the northwest. As 90 percent of annual production comes from the fall/winter cycle, good growing conditions through harvest (April-July) could push production above the 2.4 million tons currently forecasted.

May 1 2005 | Mexican wheat production is estimated at 3.2 million tons
Mexican wheat production is estimated at 3.2 million tons, up 21 percent from last year due to higher area and better yields. Wheat is mostly irrigated and planted in northern Mexico, principally in the state of Sonora, which accounts for 50 percent of the crop. Yields are better than last year due to increased rainfall in 2004, which allowed for the water reservoirs to recharge. According to Mexicos Water Commission, the current levels of the Sonora reservoirs have reached 65 percent of capacity which has allowed for sufficient crop irrigation during this season. The crop is expected to be harvested by the end of June 2005.


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