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Corn numbers continue to climbRecord breaking year projected for Missouri corn farmers Missouri As combines continue to roll across the countryside, the production figures for Missouri's corn crop continue to climb. According to the Sept. 12 report from the National Agricultural Statistics Service, the state's corn production is forecast to reach 473 million bushels. This is an increase of 10 million bushels from last month's projections and 1 percent above the previous record set in 2004. "Less than favorable weather conditions in parts of the state made this year's corn crop a challenge for farmers," says Missouri Corn Growers Association President Mike Geske. "If today's predictions are realized, this would be a new production record for Show-Me State corn growers." The expected yield for Missouri corn has been pegged at 140 bushels per acre. This is an increase of three bushels from last month and two bushels above the 2006 figures. Statewide, farmers are expected to harvest 3.38 million acres of the 3.50 million planted acres, the largest acreage since 1960. "In 2004, we had a bumper corn crop with 467 million bushels. At that time, Missouri's ethanol production was around 30 million gallons," recalls Geske. "Today we are approaching 225 million gallons of ethanol per year and producing more corn than we ever have. I would say things are moving in the right direction." Increasing demand, strong markets and new biotechnology has contributed to increased production nationwide, Geske says. "According to the Department of Agriculture, corn growers are not only meeting the demand, we are slated to add 533 million bushels to the year's ending stocks. Even in the face of widespread adverse weather, corn growers are successfully working to provide feed, food and fuel for the world," Geske said. Total U.S. corn production is estimated at 13.3 billion bushels, up from 13.1 billion bushels a month ago. According to U.S. Department of Agriculture, this would be the largest crop on record since 1933. To learn more about the corn industry in Missouri, visit www.mocorn.org or call the Missouri Corn office at 1-800-827-4181. Date: 10/3/07
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