The production intentions of hog producers will be of particular interest. The report will reveal whether producers' modest expansion plans have changed as a result of an extended period of relatively low feed prices.

Those intentions are widespread geographically, with the exception of Minnesota and North Dakota, where intentions are unchanged and up 240,000 acres, respectively.

The USDA generates crop production forecasts based on estimates of planted and harvested acreage and two types of yield indications--a farmer-reported survey and objective measurements.

The USDA generates crop production forecasts based on estimates of planted and harvested acreage and two types of yield indications -- a farmer-reported survey and objective measurements.

However, if bird flu results in a permanent reduction in world poultry production, an increase in red meat production might eventually be required, resulting in increased feed consumption in the long term. Domestic demand prospects also remain strong due to increasing livestock production and expanding ethanol production. These developments should support increased corn consumption well beyond the 2005-06 marketing year.

Fundamentally, the increase in exports and export sales has been a supportive factor. Ideas that ethanol-driven demand for corn will continue to increase at a brisk pace and that U.S. corn acreage may decline modestly in 2006 also provide fundamental support. Dry weather has driven wheat prices higher and has raised concerns about the 2006 growing season for corn and other crops. Speculative demand for corn and other crops has also escalated, as evidenced by the daily tally of the net position of the fund traders.