Recently the USDA released their prospective plantings report and they give nationwide averages but also by state, South Carolina is expecting an acreage shift this year.
“That is true and reflects what is being seen nationwide. With corn and some of the opportunities it provides, will get a little more attention this year. Soybeans will pull back slightly.
With the planting intentions, the markets have moved back into more normal trading ranges for corn, wheat, etc.
In SC, soybeans will take a little bit of a decrease, about 380k to 370k, the same number we had in 2011. Soybeans compete with new crops, like Canola. Though it’s a winter crop, it might overlap a little with soybeans. Peanuts, depending on rotation, will impact soybean planting as well.
SC had an increase in winter wheat acreage, along with most states nationwide. Wheat is always the first way to fill up a shortage of last year’s corn. The wheat comes off 90-120 days faster than corn, and that is how the feed complexes will catch up. These crops are global and that information impacts things here in SC.
We have to remember that these are intentions and may differ from what is actually planted. But the weather and other factors could have impacts on the final numbers.”