Against the Grain

It was a mild winter, and lately the rain has been steady in key western areas. In addition, more higher-yielding winter wheat was planted than in previous years, and as an incentive for farmers to raise production, the government increased the prices it pays for their grain. Nonetheless, Soviet authorities say they are preparing for another disappointing grain harvest. Trade officials in Moscow told a delegation from Western Europe earlier this summer that this year's estimated yield could fall roughly 10 million metric tons below last year's total of 190 million.

That figure is 60 million tons short of the government's target.

In Washington, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that Moscow will probably have to purchase 38 million tons of foreign grain to cover the shortfall, compared with 33 million tons last year. The Soviets have already signed agreements with seven countries to buy 22 million tons worldwide. At least 9 million will come from the U.S. under the terms of a five-year agreement that went into effect last October.