The Wide World of Wheat from the Washington Wheat Commission

WWW 4-16-09 Anchor: And now from the Washington Wheat Commission comes "The wide world of wheat" grain industry headlines from around the world. Russian officials say the country is on track to produce up to 65 million metric tons of wheat in the 2009/2010 crop year, exceeding even its record 2008 harvest. Export potential is nearly 20 million metric tons—about the same as Australia. A huge crop of wheat in India is being threatened by heavy rains which have lashed the Punjab, the country's largest wheat growing province. It's expected that upward of 5 million metric tons of wheat out of a record 78 million ton harvest, may be damaged. China plans to thoroughly audit their grains stocks to provide a clear look at what the country has in storage. Until last year, China kept it grain stock number a state secret. China says it has enough reserves to remain self sufficient, but lower grain prices have led many farmers to abandon farming and the actual stock number may come as a surprise. Egypt has 2 million metric tons of wheat and corn in storage, enough to make subsidized bread for four months. Egypt combines 20 percent corn meal with 80 percent flour to make the country's flat bread and keep the price down. I'm Bob Hoff. Anchor: The Washington Wheat Commission wants growers and citizens alike to understand their industry has global reach. A pebble thrown anywhere in the world of grain is felt as ripples by Washington's 13,000 growers and their landlords. !!! If you like the Wide World of Wheat let us know! Email bhoff@aginfo.net Your identity will be kept confidential.