News section

home  |  news  |  solutions  |  forum  |  careers  |  calendar  |  yellow pages  |  advertise  |  contacts

 

U.S. wheat planting down 30 percent from the 1980s
Washington, DC
January 5, 2006

Source: US Wheat Associates - Wheat Letter

According to a new comprehensive report issued by the USDA Economic Research Service, U.S. wheat plantings are about 30 percent lower than in the early 1980s. Wheat demand fell due to changing domestic consumer preferences and strong competition in export markets, according to ERS. Low financial returns led to the substitution of competing crops for wheat, particularly on the Plains.

The analysts also point out that "wheat area has dropped from its high levels in the early 1980s due, in part, to changes in Government programs," and explain the implications of the Conservation Reserve Program and other program assistance under the various farm acts.

The report points out that the U.S. wheat sector is facing several challenges.

"In the future, attractive total returns (market plus government) for other crops and modest export and domestic demand are expected to limit wheat plantings," the analysts state. "However, low stocks and wheat prices above $3 per bushel will prevent a large decline in acreage."

The Wheat Backgrounder was released on December 29 and is available on the web at
www.ers.usda.gov/publications/whs/dec05/whs05K01/whs05K01.pdf.

US Wheat Associates

Other news from this source

14,490

Back to main news page

The news release or news item on this page is copyright © 2006 by the organization where it originated.
The content of the SeedQuest website is copyright © 1992-2006 by SeedQuest - All rights reserved
Fair Use Notice