2007 Soybean Production Estimates
On March 30th, the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued the crop planting intentions for 2007. USDA estimated that this nation’s soybean producers would plant 67.1 million acres in 2007, which is 11 percent below last year’s production. If realized this is the lowest number of acres since the mid-1990s. Soybean production in most states is expected to be reduced compared to last year due to farmers planting a record amount of corn. Record large plantings of corn are expected in several states. Total acres of corn and soybeans had only a modest increase; the extra corn acres came mainly from reduction in acres that were in soybeans last year. The planting intentions report is one of the first reports issued by USDA each year; to be followed later with regional crop reports, yield estimates and anticipated production and use values.



USDA’s best estimates for soybean yield, production, domestic crush and exports will be available in about a month. The next Soybean Meal INFOcenter Newsletter will contain data on both soybean and soybean meal use estimates.

Meanwhile, the demand for high quality supplement protein ingredients will remain high if livestock and poultry numbers remain at current levels. The anticipated demand/supply for soybean meal will result in either higher meal prices, increased meal imports, restrictive use of protein supplements in some rations, or reduced U.S. exports of soybean meal. It is true that the feed industry is dynamic and ever changing; 2007/08 will present challenges to the feed formulator.