WORLD AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION PART 1:

January 1998

This report draws on information from USDA's global network of agricultural attaches and counselors, official statistics of foreign governments, other foreign source materials, and results of office analysis. Estimates of U.S. acreage, yield and production are from the USDA Agricultural Statistics Board, except where noted. This report is based on unrounded data; numbers may not add to totals because of rounding. The report reflects official USDA estimates released in the World Agricultural Supply Estimates (WASDE-334) January 13, 1998.

The report was prepared by the Production Estimates and Crop Assessment Division, FAS, AGBOX 1045, 14th and Independence Ave., Washington, DC 20250-1000. Further information may be obtained by writing to the division, or by calling (202) 720-0888, 9516, or by FAX (202) 720-8880.

The next issue of World Agricultural Production, Part 1, will be available electronically after 3:30 pm local time on February 12, 1998.

WORLD AGRICULTURAL WEATHER HIGHLIGHTS

January 13, 1998

UNITED STATES: Unseasonably mild December weather in the northern Plains gave way to a bitter cold Arctic outbreak in early January. A shallow snow cover existed in the winter wheat areas of Montana. Pacific storms hit the West Coast and tracked into the southern Plains, with Gulf moisture fueling abundant rainfall across the South. A severe ice storm occurred in the far Northeast in early January.

SOUTH AMERICA: In December and early January, cool, wet weather provided ideal conditions for Argentine soybeans and corn. In southern Brazil, above normal December rainfall favored soybeans in Rio Grande do Sul, while near normal rainfall prevailed elsewhere. Rain is needed to alleviate developing dryness in Mato Grosso do Sul.

EUROPE: Near- to above-normal precipitation fell in most areas in December, increasing moisture reserves. Continued wet weather in Portugal and Spain caused additional flooding and delayed fieldwork. Bitterly cold weather prevailed over winter grain areas in eastern Europe from December 16-18, 1997. Extreme cold was of short duration and was preceded by snow, minimizing the threat for widespread damage.

FSU-WESTERN: A period of bitterly cold weather from December 15-18, 1997 covered most winter grain areas. A thin or patchy snow cover existed in southern Ukraine and the North Caucasus region in Russia, leaving winter grains vulnerable to potential freeze damage. Since December 19, mild weather improved overwintering conditions.

NORTHWESTERN AFRICA: Periodic showers provided above-normal rainfall in December in Morocco, eastern Algeria, and northern Tunisia, favoring winter grain emergence and establishment. Beneficial rain fell in western and central Algeria.

SOUTH AFRICA: Widespread, locally heavy rain since late December has been highly beneficial for vegetative to reproductive corn. The rain was especially welcomed in drought-stricken sections of the west, in some instances providing the first significant rains of the planting season.

SOUTH ASIA: Seasonable dryness since mid-December has promoted summer crop harvesting. Until recently, however, below-normal temperatures slowed drying of unfavorably wet summer crops such as cotton and hampered early growth of winter grains and oilseeds.

EASTERN ASIA: Winter wheat remained dormant across the North China Plain as near normal December rainfall increased soil moisture supplies. Much above normal December rainfall favored winter grains and oilseeds in the Yangtze Valley.

SOUTHEAST ASIA: Across southern Sumatra and Java, near to slightly below normal December rainfall aided main-season rice. Drought worsened across the northern and western Philippines. Above normal December rainfall favored oil palm across the Malay Peninsula.

AUSTRALIA: Shower activity tapered off in late December across the main sorghum and cotton areas but increased during the second week of January. During the dry spell, periods of unseasonable warmth kept crop moisture demands high. Northern sugarcane areas have experienced locally heavy tropical showers, but the drying trend continues far south.

(More details are available in the Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin.

USDA/Joint Agricultural Weather Facility

PRODUCTION HIGHLIGHTS FOR 1997/98
JANUARY 1998

WHEAT

COARSE GRAINS

WORLD RICE (MILLED BASIS)

OILSEEDS

PALM OIL

COTTON