Country News
Australia: Barley output may reach 9.5 MMT this year, which is up from a December 2013 estimate of 8.6 MMT, according to Bloomberg News. Sorghum production may total 1.3 MMT in 2013/14, which is down from the December 2013 estimate of 1.6 MMT and the year ago estimate of 2 MMT. A drought in Queensland has caused prices to climb by 7.2 percent. This has the potential to be Australia’s smallest sorghum crop since 2006/07.
Japan: The Ministry of Agriculture received no bids for the importation of feed barley or feed wheat in its weekly auction that closed on Wednesday, reports Reuters. The MOA had sought 120,000 MT of feed wheat and 200,000 MT of feed barley and will seek the same amounts in a tender that closes February 19.
South Africa: Yellow corn prices gained for a third day to reach their highest level this month, according to Bloomberg News. Yellow corn for July delivery rose to $203/MT, which is its highest level since January 31.