RTRS:Informa raises Argentine soy forecast

CHICAGO, March 4 - Analytical firm Informa Economics raised its forecast for Argentina's 2008/09 soybean crop to 44.5 million tonnes, from 43.75 million, to reflect increased plantings, trade sources said on Wednesday.

In contrast, Informa cut its Brazilian soy estimate to 57.5 million tonnes, from its previous estimate for 58.5 million, due to lower-than-expected yields in the soy state of Parana.

Informa officials had no comment on the numbers.
USDA is currently estimating the Argentine soy crop at 43.80 million tonnes and Brazilian soy output at 57 million.