WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S. — Corn production in North China is projected to be about 3.5 million tonnes (138 million bushels) greater than last year provided weather conditions remain favorable, according to conclusions reached following industry crop tours coordinated by the U.S. Grains Council's (USGC) office in Beijing.

The anticipated increase in North China, along with a 2 to 4 million tonne (79-157 million bushel) increase in Northeast China and a 1 to 2 million tonne (39-79 million bushel) increase in other growing regions, adds up to an anticipated 6 to 10 million tonne (236-394 million bushel) increase overall in China this year compared to last, said Bryan Lohmar, USGC director in China.

"While China's corn crop looks good, there may be greater demand for corn since the country's winter wheat crop was adversely affected by disease and poor weather" Lohmar said. "This may result in less wheat being used in place of corn in animal feed, which may create additional demand for corn."

The crop tours were conducted July 9-13 and visited Henan, Shandong and Hebei provinces, where roughly 30% of China's corn is produced.