While the prospective plantings report shows a one-percent decrease in U.S. soybean acres this year over last year, the 2011 crop could be the third-largest planted area on record. Corn acreage is expected to be five-percent larger this year over last.
In some states, like Missouri, both corn and soybean acreage is predicted to be higher. Missouri Soybean Association CEO Dale Ludwig.
“Interestingly enough, how can you see an increase – a dramatic increase in acres of corn as well as soybeans at the same time – when we were, quite honestly – you know, 5.15 million acres was a pretty large base in the state and we’re gonna go up from there?”
And, Ludwig says here’s how, “What we’re seeing is – we’re seeing acres that are coming out of pasture. There’s some grass or idle ground or CRP acres that are gonna go into corn and soybeans that hadn’t been in before. That’s kind of the only way you can answer that question.”
Ludwig says demand is up for both crops. “We need to make a large crop of both corn and soybeans so that we can put a little downward pressure on prices and make sure our livestock producers are able to stay in business and make a little more money.”
Ludwig says the USDA numbers were expected. Missouri is seen with 5% more corn and 3% more soybean acres over 2010.
Ludwig says Missouri growers aren’t going to get an early start on planting. With a little corn in the ground he says the soil is still very cool and wet right now.
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