2011/12 Cane sugar harvest in Brazil

According to the May 2011 bulletin by Conab, the expectations are for lower yields but higher production, up 2.9% over 2010/11; however other sources are less optimistic and expect some strong revisions. Productivity has been hit in the major producing state, Sao Paulo, and is expected to decline to 79 kg/ha from 83 kg/ha. In spite of a 2% increase in planted area, production in SP is expected to decline by 2%. Optimism for the Center West - where Conab expects production up 15% yoy - may not be matched by the impact of dry weather, and persistently low levels of moisture. Let's wait for November harvest news..