Browse Data and Analysis

Barley is a widely grown cereal grain, and Australia is the world’s third-largest producer, accounting for about 10.6 percent of global production (Figure 1).

For the current marketing year (MY) 2025/26, USDA forecasts Mexico corn production at 26.0 million metric tons (mmt), up 12 percent from 23.2 mmt MY 2024/25 and 10 percent above MY 2023/24. Corn production is reliant upon the seasonal increase in rain that typically begins in June.

Colombia production for rice and corn is rather limited due to the diversity of agricultural production in the country and a focus on producing other high-value commodities. Colombia is ranked as the 44th largest corn producer and the 26th largest rice producer in the world.

Russia produces two wheat crops per year (Figure 1). The winter portion of the crop accounts for about 70 percent of total production and is predominantly cultivated in the European part of the country.

Wheat, barley and canola (rapeseed) are the predominant crops produced in Australia. Wheat is grown in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland during the winter months; planting begins in April and harvest begins in October (Figure 1).

The Canadian Prairies experienced a dynamic 2025 growing season characterized by variable conditions that generally improved throughout much of the major grain areas. Amidst recurring drought in recent years, early-season dryness and warm temperatures persisted into June as plants emerged and hindered establishment.

USDA forecasts North Korea corn production at 2.3 million metric tons (mmt), unchanged from last year, but approximately 1 percent above the 5-year average (Figure 1). Corn harvested area is forecast at 585,000 hectares (Ha), unchanged from last year, but approximately 1 percent higher than the 5-year average.

The major grains in the northwest African countries of Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia are wheat (both soft and durum varieties) and barley (Figure 1 and Figure 2).

Cambodia rice production is positioned at number 11 of the top global producers and is set to achieve a new record at 8.47 million metric tons (mmt) (milled basis) for marketing year (MY) 2024/25. Rice production has grown exponentially since the mid-1990s after reaching self-sufficiency. Since then, production has increased more than 400 percent (see Figure 1).

Russia wheat production for marketing year (MY) 2025/26 is forecast at 83.0 million metric tons (mmt), up 2 percent from last year, but down 3 percent from the 5-year average. The forecast includes 59.0 mmt of winter wheat and 24.0 mmt of spring wheat.

USDA estimates South Africa’s marketing year (MY) 2024/25 soybean production at 2.4 million metric tons, up 30 percent from last year’s El Niño drought. Harvested area is estimated at 1.1 million hectares, nearly equal to last year and up 21 percent from the 5-year average.

Soybean area in South Africa’s corn belt has been increasing for decades and surpassed yellow corn area during the past three years.