Country News
France: Dryness since July may cut ear size and thus output of maize this year. Officials call for a 13 percent reduction from the five-year average but Dale Mohler of AccuWeather says it could be up to a 20 percent reduction. (Bloomberg)
Germany: Beer makers in Europe are paying 11 percent more for malt due to excessive rain damaging the barley crop. French barley output this year could fall 21 percent to 10.2 MMT. Prices were as high as $238/MT but have fallen back due to harvest progress in the UK. (Bloomberg)
South Africa: Analysts are maintaining their estimate of 7.26 MMT of maize production for this year but Brink van Wyk of BVG says that next year’s production of white corn could double if La Nina produces the rains that are possible. (Bloomberg)