Despite delays due to weather, plantings rise by 3% over last year.

Larger harvest area and favorable weather conditions increased totals for 2018-19.

Higher local corn prices is driving increased plantings.

Country’s wheat plantings in 2019-20 expected to decrease 5% from prior year.

Russian oilseed exports expected to reach an all-time high in 2019-20.

At 47%, pace compared with 61% as five-year average for the date.

Although output projected to rise 23%, it still lags 13% below 10-year average.

USDA sees output sliding in 2019-20 due to pest outbreak and government policies favoring soybean planting.

Government attempts to lower output overshadowed by bullish market, price support.

African swine fever has taken toll on country’s hog inventories.