More Wheat Feed Use

World wheat feed use is forecast to hit 104 million metric tons (MMT) this marketing year, a recovery from last year’s low of 91 MMT, according to the International Grains Council. The USDA projects world feed use at nearly 109 MMT this year. The increase in feed wheat use is due to increased supplies from Europe and the former Soviet Union and poor crop conditions in some major wheat producing countries.

Up to one third of Canada’s wheat crop will likely be feed grade this year. Western Canada, for example, reported that only 30% of its crop is grade two or better milling quality, far below last year’s 90% and well below the long-term average of 60 to 65%.

Wheat grown in the northern area of the United Kingdom also suffered from rains during harvest. UK crop quality was one of the worst on record with significant deterioration reported. Quality of Russian wheat is also a problem. The European part of the country suffered heavy rains causing much of this year’s crop to be designated as feed quality, according to a USDA report. (Ann Courtmanche, USW)