Country News
Argentina: The Rosario Grains Exchange has announced that as of this week 51.8 percent of Argentina’s corn crop has been planted, according to Reuters.
Brazil: Brazilian farmers are expanding their soy acreage by 4.9 percent at the expense of corn as low global prices have made it a less profitable crop, according to Bloomberg News.
Kenya: Kenya’s agriculture secretary anticipates there being a surplus corn crop this year despite an outbreak of Maize Lethal Necrosis, reports Bloomberg News. Output could total 3.63 MMT, which is up from 3.5 MMT last year. Annual corn consumption in Kenya is 3.62 MMT. The surplus is being attributed to favorable rains and a government effort to distribute seed and fertilizer to farmers.
Russia: The Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance Service has announced that it is not yet using new regulations for grain exports, but will implement them should quality issues arise, according to Reuters. The new rules would include inspecting conditions at grain storage facilities, machines used and the grain itself.