IGC Raises Total World Grains Production Estimate

The crop is not in the bin yet, but the International Grains Council (IGC) on Thursday raised its world total grains production estimate from July, mainly on ideas of big American corn output.

 

At a record 2.23 billion tonnes, this month’s IGC forecast for 2020-21 world grains (wheat and coarse grains) output is up 6 million from last month, and includes upward revisions for wheat, sorghum and rye, along with corn.

 

Total world corn production is seen at record large 1.166 billion tonnes this month, up 2 million from the July estimate and 4% above the previous year’s crop of 1.121 billion. But with total corn consumption projected at 1.178 billion tonnes, up from 1.145 billion in 2019-20, global corn ending stocks are nevertheless seen sliding 12 million tonnes year-over-year to 288 million – the fourth straight annual decline.

 

In its August supply-demand update, the USDA pegged this year’s American corn crop at just over 388 million tonnes (15.27 billion bu), up 12% from a year earlier. However, the USDA’s latest estimate did not reflect the impact of an Aug. 10 ‘derecho’ that tore through parts of the Midwest, flattening millions of acres of crops. Ongoing dryness in parts of the No. 1 production state of Iowa, which also bore the brunt of the derecho, has also raised concerns that US corn production may fall short of expectations.

 

As for wheat, the IGC bumped its global production estimate 1 million tonnes higher from July and last year to a new high of 763 million. With expected consumption revised lower from last month, 2020-21 world wheat ending stocks are projected at 294 million tonnes this month, up from 288 million in July and 15 million or more than 5% above the previous year.

 

All told, total world grains ending stocks for 2020-21 are forecast at 630 million tonnes this month, up 5 million from July and 8 million above a year earlier.

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.