Record corn, soybean production is forecast

A state yield of 37 bushels per acre is expected, one bushel below the September forecast, but 9.5 bushels above the 1999 final yield.

Corn production in Missouri is forecast at a record 410 million bushels, up nearly 4% from the previous month, and 66% above last year's production. The forecast yield of 144 bushels is 5 bushels above the Sept. 1 forecast, and if realized would be nine bushels above the previous record in 1992.

Missouri grain sorghum production is forecast at 25.7 million bushels, unchanged from the September forecast, but up 17% from the 1999 crop. The state yield forecast of 95 bushels per acre is 24 bushels above last year's yield.

Cotton production in Missouri is forecast at 580,000 bales, down 3% from the Sept. 1 forecast, but 23% above the 1999 production. Acres for harvest are estimated at 400,000 (revised), up 6% from last year. The projected yield of 696 pounds is up 95 pounds from last year.

Rice production in the state is expected to total 9.98 million hundredweight, less than 1% above last year. A record yield of 5,700 pounds per acres is forecast, up 300 pounds from the 1999 yield.

The production of all hay in Missouri is expected to total 7.03 million tons, 3% less than a year ago. The forecast yield of 1.89 tons is down from 1.98 tons in 1999.