By MICHELE F. MIHALJEVICH
Indiana Correspondent

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Despite projections of a drop in corn production, China probably will be able to replenish those losses from stock already on hand, according to a report from the U.S. Grains Council (USGC).

Officials with the USGC toured China in September to look at corn area planted, yield and production. Their report was released Sept. 28. This is the 10th year for the Chinese corn tour.

China’s corn production is expected to be 148.79 million metric tons (MMT), or about 5.86 billion bushels, said Cary Sifferath, USGC senior director in China. Last year, the country’s corn growers produced 165.92 MMT, or about 6.53 billion bushels.
“China has experienced drought conditions, especially in the northeast section,” he said. “We’re currently seeing some fairly high corn prices in China.”

The country’s projected corn ...